People today are more responsible for their own retirement income security. Over the past 15 to 20 years there has been a shift in responsibility for long-term well-being away from institutions (employers, the government) to individuals. For example, in 1980, 70% of pension plans were defined contribution (DC, as opposed to defined benefit plans; DC plans shift more of the responsibility for the growth of retirement funds to the consumer); by 1997, 92% of plans were defined contribution (Conte 1998). In 1988, one-fourth (25%) of workers were covered primarily by DC plans; in 1998, over three-fifths (63%) were covered by such plans (Copeland 2002). (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…)

Taxes are an everyday expense of life that allow your local, state, and federal governments to provide important services. Taxes pay the bills for those services such as Medicare, Medicaid, the military, the national debt, police and fire protection, public schools, road maintenance, parks, libraries, and safety inspection of foods, drugs, and other products. (more…)

Save money? Are you crazy? How can I have a savings program with the bills I have? Yes, you can with a little organization and some tips on how to begin.

There are four basic steps to implement a good savings program:

Record the withholding amounts taken out of your paycheck. (more…)