Could a Gap Year After High School Make Financial Sense?
Considering taking a gap year before going to college? They’re increasingly popular in the U.S., and may offer long-term benefits to students.
Considering taking a gap year before going to college? They’re increasingly popular in the U.S., and may offer long-term benefits to students.
You can hardly watch or read the news without hearing about the latest scam to separate folks from their hard-earned As criminals become increasingly more sophisticated, their schemes are more difficult to At the same time, people trying desperately to overcome...
Statisticians say the odds of winning the lottery are about the same as being struck by lightning. There are many other, smaller financial windfalls you're much more likely to experience – everything from tax refunds to inheritances to a raise or...
If you can remember when the Beatles first sang “When I’m 64,” you’re probably fast approaching retirement or already When Paul McCartney wrote, “We shall scrimp and save,” however, he may have been wishful thinking: Nearly half of workers report having...
It used to be that only the wealthy consulted financial planners for advice on estate planning, investments and tax shelters. But with tax laws becoming increasingly complex, more people investing in the stock market through 401(k) plans and millions of baby...
When it comes to getting a new car, many people wrestle with whether to lease or buy. Both methods have advantages and disadvantages, so it's important to understand your needs and payment habits before signing on the dotted line.With a loan,...
Nothing strikes more fear in an unorganized person's heart than tax season, when you pay dearly for a year's worth of stashing bills, receipts and other papers in a shoebox. I know, because I'm a recovering file-o-phobe. I used to think...
Probably the last thing college students want to do during summer break is absorb any new information. But if you can prevail on your kids, I've got a subject that’ll provide a lifetime of A's for their financial future: Credit scores....
Father's Day is almost upon us. This year, along with the traditional necktie or dozen golf balls, why not give your dad something that will make him feel like he's truly taking care of his family and watching out for their...
During graduation season millions of college (and high school) seniors will march on stage in graduation caps and gowns to the relieved cheers of parents and friends. Many have already lined up a job in their chosen field, while others stand...
Many people recall their wedding day as one of their happiest, filled with cherished memories and promises of a bright future. But at an average cost of more than $27,000, it’s not surprising that some weddings start couples off on the...
It seems like everyone I know works longer hours and has more responsibilities than ever before. Some people say the only thing that keeps them sane is thinking about their vacation.Whether you're one of those people who spend months planning every...
During graduation season millions of college (and high school) seniors will march on stage in graduation caps and gowns to the relieved cheers of parents and friends. Many have already lined up a job in their chosen field, while others stand...
Mother's Day has been around in one form or another since ancient Mothers (and wives and grandmothers) deserve heartfelt thanks for tackling one of the hardest jobs on the But rather than simply taking them out for Sunday brunch, why not...
You may have heard people refer to "good debt" and "bad debt." Ideally, we'd have no debt at all because we'd be rich enough to never need a loan. But few of us belong to that exclusive club, so sometimes we...
Like many people, I often take my health for granted. I plan to work for many more years, but you never know: Studies have shown that Americans of all ages are more likely to become disabled in a given year than...
For many of us, the agony of filing taxes each April is partially offset by knowing that a few weeks later we’ll get a nice refund from Uncle Sam (assuming you don’t have to write him a check). Last year, nearly...
Have you tried helping your children with their homework lately? It’s amazing how much information they’re able to absorb. But some would say we’re doing our kids a disservice by not emphasizing more strongly a critical part of growing up -...
I hate writing checks for automobile insurance. It always seems like money down the drain – that is, until you need it; then, insurance can be a lifesaver. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try to get the best deal possible....
Like most Americans, you're probably reeling from your winter heating bills and hoping spring comes soon. I spoke with some insiders at a major utility company about ways consumers can conserve energy – and cut utility bills. Here are some of...
When it comes to filing taxes, some of us are ants and some are grasshoppers. Ants methodically file receipts all year in color-coded folders and on January 2 they calculate their refund; grasshoppers shove everything into a shoebox and pull it...
