I was not long ago that the only way to deposit or withdraw money from your bank account required a time consuming visit to your local branch office. Then came the ATM machine, which laid the groundwork for quick and easy electronic banking. Today, we

Going to Paris for the holidays? Gearing up for next summer’s big trip to Thailand? While booking a flight, setting up housing, planning your itinerary and packing your suitcases are tasks many soon-to-be travelers are eager to jump on, setting up your finances prior to

Great, you’ve purchased your first home or maybe you’ve just refinanced your mortgage, but what are all those fees and charges in your closing costs? One cost you may find buried in your paperwork or purchased on the recommendation of your real estate broker is

The global market recovery is limping along, however, near-zero interest rates have plagued bond returns and potential growth in retirement income. Current retirees and baby boomers looking to make a final push for extra savings don’t have much time for retirement funds to recover from

Many people take on projects in the first few months of the year thanks to their income tax return providing a boost of cash. By now, most people have completed their landscaping projects and are focused on other outdoor projects while the weather is still

Most Americans are finding their current savings is not going to last for a lengthy retirement. Though it’s never too late to start, the sooner you begin saving, the more time your money has to grow. To address these shortcomings, it is necessary to understand

Tips for First-Time Home Buyers Purchasing a home is one of the most important rites of passage towards the American Dream. Besides the intangible benefits, homeownership lets you build equity, and is the single biggest tax break available to most consumers. If you are considering

Comparing Adjustable-Rate and Fixed-Rate Mortgages Whenever you finance a mortgage to purchase a property, you have several choices when it comes to loan types and term lengths. Typically, homeowners will apply a fixed-rate mortgage with the same interest rate and payment set for the life

If you want to save money toward a goal, you need a savings account. A checking account is not enough for most people because it’s too easy to spend. Your checking account should hold enough funds to pay your bills and cover your monthly expenses

You have many options when it comes to personal savings products. Most people open checking and savings accounts, and you need them, but these accounts typically offer very low interest rates. In the event you find yourself with a surplus of cash you do not

How do investors plan? While nobody can predict the future, investors should know what to expect in terms of uncertainty and seasonal effects affecting the global market over the next six months. Smart investors should perform a semi-annual examination of their holdings to ensure their

As your child becomes more aware of money and other financial concepts, it is vital that you arm them with some important investment knowledge. Investing is the cornerstone of a secure financial safety net — it is never too early to begin teaching children and

It’s January, again, and that means most of us are making our resolutions for the coming year. Some people will be aiming to generally improve their lives while others may set very specific goals to put them on track for something big, like buying or

While most real estate investors concentrate on purchasing single family homes, others have made a fortune in commercial, multi-unit homes and apartments. Although buying a single family home or a duplex is probably the most common way for investors to begin a real estate investment

The US Department of Defense is making a concerted effort to bring defense spending under control after the massive increases that occurred over the past decade. Since the cost to pay personnel, provide them health care and support after retirement now consumes one-third of the

The way you handle your personal finances is important to the financial stability of every individual and family. Military service members and their families face unique challenges when planning for the future, especially during periods of deployment. For this reason it is especially important for