Renting a home or apartment is an issue of broad interest. That’s because, whether you’re still in school or not long removed, chances are fairly good that you’re renting, are thinking about renting, or, at the very least, are giving some thought to changing a renting arrangement. Obviously, this article can’t go into the particulars of all sorts of rental situations if nothing else, market conditions are drastically different across the country but we can touch on some major points to help with your rent (more…)

You have just completed the necessary step to examine and diagnose your financial planning process. You are now ready for the next step. The concepts and principles of investing discussed in this section may be considered a prescription to aid in the improvement of your financial health. (more…)

Ever since economists and the media began focusing on what they heralded as potentially the single largest generational transfer of wealth in history—bequests to baby boomers from their parents—my clients caught patrimony fever. Even if you could inherit a small fortune (and I don’t think you will), I don’t think it’s something you should plan on or dream of. And it’s certainly not a process you should try to replicate with your own children. (more…)

Money market funds have it all over bank savings accounts and interest-bearing checking accounts when it comes to being a good place to stash your savings. Money market funds are, in fact, a type of mutual fund, the difference being that the price per “share” sticks at $1 and never changes. That, from a purely technical standpoint, makes money markets riskier than checking and savings accounts. (more…)

The dollars we have freed up from the budgeting and review process need to be put in an account to start our cash reserve to cover all expenses for at least ninety days.

OK, we have done budgeting; reviewed car and home owners insurance; analyzed sources of income and payroll deductions; and how money is spent. When do we get to the fun part, saving money? (more…)