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Individual Savings

You Gotta Have a Plan

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January 25, 2011 at 3:46 am

How that is some people can retire at 50? Or not lose their shirt when theres a stock market crash?

Why are some people able to earn high incomes or even have multiple streams of income?

How come some people retire to a life of luxury and world travel, while others barely have enough to feed and house themselves?

Of course, one part of it the answer is that some people are more intelligent and industrious than others. No matter what anyone says, we are not all the same. We may have been created equal, but no one has ever guaranteed us equality of results. That depends on our own efforts.

Another part of the answer is that some people consider the risks they will face and do something before they occur to mitigate the damages. One obvious way of doing this is by buying the proper kinds and amount of insurance to protect your home, health and life if you have an income stream to protect.

Less obvious, but still a very helpful plan is to become an expert at whatever you choose to do to make yourself indispensable to your employer.

If you work for yourself, you want to be the best at whatever it is youre doing, from practicing medicine to baking bread. You also have to have the will to persevere and work long hours at making yourself a success.

Yet another part of the answer is having a plan. Some people get up in the morning and let events carry them along through their day. Others plan what they will do with their life and stick to it.

They will learn about investments and how to diversify, so that when one asset goes down another holds its own or goes up. Or they will hire financial profesionals to do the work for them.

They save as much money as possible, using every tax sheltered vehicle allowed, including 401-Ks, IRAs, Health Savings Plans and 529 educational savings plans. And then they will invest even more in taxable accounts.

They live well within their means. Some like Warren Buffet, one of the worlds richest men, lives well under theirs. They will use credit judiciously or not at all.

Successful people will invest in businesses, rental real estate or work part time, while maintaining their full time job just so they have many streams of income. If one is lost, their world does not come to an end.

Many people play the lottery and hope they will strike it rich. The sad fact is that many think this is the only way get rich. But anybody with the will can find the way.

Our public libraries are filled with books on how to invest, how to insure yourself, how to set up a financial plan or how to open and run a business.

Many employers have tuition reimbursement plans they will pay your way if you want to better yourself. Or community colleges offer free adult education courses to help you learn new skills or improve on the old.

The internet now makes it easy to set up an online business while you continue with your day job.

The bottom line is you have to rely on yourself to earn and save as much as possible. If you do you can be one of the lucky ones who retire young with lots of money to spend.

If you dont youll be living hand to mouth on your Social Security check.

The choice is yours.

Best Savings Accounts

Starting Your Own Check Cashing Business

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January 19, 2011 at 5:49 am

If you are currently thinking about starting your own check cashing business, there are things that you first need to consider. The path leading from conceptualization to realization can be a scary and uncertain route, and it is difficult for most people to know the proper steps to take. In this article, we will give you the information that you need to know before starting your own check cashing business.

The first and often most difficult hurdle in starting your own check cashing business is the initial investment. On average, the start-up costs for a check cashing business can range anywhere from $50,000 to $150,000, and unless you have a substantial savings, you will need to have solid credit in order to secure financing. In addition to paying for a location and having funds available to actually cash checks, there are many other expenses that you may not think of initially. For example, you need to figure in the cost of computers, furniture, monthly expenses (electricity, heat, etc.), employees, insurance, rent, advertising, licenses, and fees just to name a few. In addition, by the very nature of dealing with money, a check cashing business needs to have certain security measures in place to keep both your assets and employees safe. This may require hiring the services of a check-scanning company (such as TeleCheck), security cameras, alarms, and special glass to protect your workers. As you can see, your start up investment will play a large role in determining future success.

The second thing that you must do before starting your own check cashing business is to acquire all of the proper licenses and permits. It is advisable that you check with your local and state authorities to make certain that you possess all the necessary documentation needed to operate a business. It is also worth mentioning that you will have to comply with the federal and state governments usury laws, which are in place to prevent financial outlets from charging exorbitant interest rates.

Lets say that you have cleared these first two obstacles; what step should you take next? You should now turn your attention towards hiring responsible, and more importantly, honest employees. It is crucial in a check cashing business to hire only the most trustworthy of people, so you should take any safeguard necessary to ensure this. This step should include an extensive interview as well as background and credit checks. Do not rush this part of the process just so you can open up your doors to the public. This is one instance where your patience and sound judgment will definitely pay off, and it could end up saving you a lot of money that could otherwise be lost to employee theft.

Starting your own check cashing business is a difficult and involved process. By covering all of your bases and following through on the information provided above, you should find yourself well on the way towards operating a successful and profitable check cashing business.

Online Savings

The Good & Bad Points Of A Prepaid Debit Card

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January 15, 2011 at 6:32 am

The Good & Bad Points Of A Prepaid Debit Card

In todays world it is almost impossible to not be able to get by without some type of credit card. From checking into a hotel, to being able to make a purchase online to filling up your car with gasoline, a credit card is helpful in all those situations. So what exactly are you supposed to do when your credit it not at its best and there just really isnt the possibility of getting a secured credit card at this time? A prepaid debit could be just the thing that you need. Now just what are the good and bad points of getting a prepaid debit card?

A advantage of prepaid debit cards is that you can use them without worrying about going into debt. Since the prepaid debit cards are paid for in advance, theres no big bill at the end of the month. In this aspect, prepaid debit cards are more like cash than like a credit card.

The benefit of prepaid debit cards that appeals to people with bad credit probably the most is that you do not have to worry about going into debit. Since you need to deposit money onto the card in order to use it you do not have to worry about a huge bill arriving at the end of the month.

One huge benefit of a prepaid debit card is that you do not need to have good credit to get a card. Just pay the activation fee and deposit some money and you are ready to shop.

Something that could be looked upon as both a good and bad point of having a prepaid debit card is that you are given no credit privileges. What this means is that you are only able to spend what is deposited on your card and nothing more than that.

Some bad points of having a prepaid debit card is you need to report it right away when it is stolen as there are much stricter timeliness with this type of card as opposed to a normal credit card. You cold be out a lot of money if you dont report things in time. Also there are monthly maintenance fees that you need to keep a look out for on many prepaid debit cards. You do not want to end up paying a lot of unnecessary fees.

Individual Savings

Women Fear They’ll Have Little Gold in Their Golden Years

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January 14, 2011 at 3:42 pm

Women Fear They’ll Have Little Gold in Their Golden Years

Nearly 40 percent of women aged 30 to 55 are worried about spending their retirement years at or near the poverty level because they cannot adequately save for retirement, according to a recent survey.

The National Women’s 2005 Retirement Survey found that women of color are most concerned about their ability to save for retirement. While 53 percent of women of color report that they expect to live at or near the poverty level in their retirement years, just 33 percent of all men expect to face the same dilemma.

The survey was commissioned by the Heinz Family Philanthropies under the direction of Teresa Heinz, founder of the Women’s Institute for a Secure Retirement and chairman of the Heinz Family Philanthropies.

Here are some of the survey’s other key findings.

* Fifty-two percent of women expect to continue to work once they reach retirement age, including 57 percent of Hispanic women.

* Fifty-four percent of women have little to no money left to save for retirement once they pay their bills, rising to 62 percent among Hispanic and African-American women.

* When asked, “At the present time, do you feel that you are saving enough money for your retirement?” 62 percent of the women surveyed answered “no.” Among women of color, 74 percent of African-American and Hispanic women said they are not saving enough.

* When asked about barriers to saving for retirement, African-American women are more than twice as likely as white women to cite “financial responsibility for adult children or grandchildren” as a reason for not saving for retirement. Of the African-American women supporting their adult children or grandchildren, 63 percent report spending between $100 and $1,000 on them each month.

The Heinz Family Philanthropies commissioned this survey with the Christie Foundation, the Barbara Lee Foundation and others to identify the critical retirement savings issues facing women and to use the data to develop ways to help women secure their financial futures.

The survey polled 1,700 adults and has a margin of error of plus or minus 2.4 percentage points.

Individual Savings

Why it is Important to Teach Your Kids About Money

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January 10, 2011 at 8:03 am

Why it is Important to Teach Your Kids About Money

Do your kids understand how money works? Do they earn an allowance for doing chores around the house? Do they baby-sit or mow lawns to earn a few extra bucks? Do you take them to your office during school breaks so they see what its like to work a real job?

Do they know the fundamentals about saving? Do they understand how to figure out which is the best deal? Do you set a good example for them about handling money?

When I was HR Manager of a consulting company, we hired a college student to intern during the summer. He came to ask me about the FICA and Medicare deductions in his first paycheck. He politely told me he didnt want this deducted anymore, and I had to keep from laughing. I started to explain to him that payroll taxes are not an option, but realized this was his first job and he had never been taught how much of his paycheck he would actually get to keep. He truly believed it all was his- no one had ever told him about Uncle Sam getting his cut first.

The statistics on college students who graduate with thousands of dollars of credit card debt are shocking. Turns out, as they signed up for classes in their freshman year, they also signed up for a credit card without understanding what it would really cost them in the long run. So before they even start earning a living or saving in a 401(k) plan, they have to pay off years of debt. Its sad that theyre still paying for the pizza they ate two years ago.

Its so important for kids, especially teenagers, to understand the concept of money and how it flows in and out of your hands throughout your lifetime. How to save it and how to spend it. Why is it important to give some back to others through charitable donations. If you dont develop an understanding of money early in life, how can you possibly be able to manage it later on?

Parents have a responsibility to make sure their kids understand how money works before they go into the world to earn that first paycheck. Having this knowledge gives them the confidence to make smart money decisions as they navigate their way in life.

Best Savings Accounts

Stark Rise In Car Insurance Premiums

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January 7, 2011 at 4:21 pm

The stark rise in car insurance and business car insurance premiums, which was predicted by Norwich Union at the end of 2006 has not materialised.

One of the UKs biggest car insurers, Norwich Union had stated that in 2007 premiums would have to rise by 16% in order to cover the cost of increased claims. However, the latest AA British Insurance premium index indicates a rise of only 5.9% in comprehensive car insurance cover throughout the year.

The reason given for the halt in premium rates was the much fiercer competition engendered between the UKs top online insurance companies.

Typically, the report stated, UK drivers paid an average of 594 for fall comprehensive car cover in the previous year. The Index also reveals that those who shopped around in search of cheaper car insurance when it came time to renew the policy, paid on average 194 less, an indicated saving of upwards of 33 percent.

The data also revealed that car insurance for third party, fire and theft could also be cheaper when switching companies on renewal, achieving savings of as much as 225 a year below the average industry quote.

However there are other factors, which may have affected the accuracy of these statistics.

According to a recent article in The Guardian Money Column, the exact circumstances of each driver must be compared in order to reach a true comparison of what is actually the cheaper insurance option. For instance, some insurers will not offer cover for business or commercial use, and other insurers will not offer any kind of policy for younger drivers.

It has also been noted that often the cheapest of the insurers can subsidise their premiums by applying other costs and charges. An example of this can be found in the APR charged when the premiums are paid in monthly instalments. Extra costs have soared by as much as 39% when this has been applied. Also regular drivers abroad are offered free European cover by some insurers, whilst others may charge as much as an additional 20 for a two-week visit to France.

Interestingly, the consumer body icon Which? Discovered that insurance premiums could reduce by as much as 25% by buying directly from the designated companys website online.

The organisation also suggests that even if only third party, fire and theft is being considered, it would be beneficial to also get quotes for comprehensive car insurance cover, as often
this type of cover may not cost much more, and it may be well worth paying the difference in order to secure additional security and peace of mind.

Online Savings

Study Shows Americans Need to Get Financially Fit

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January 4, 2011 at 5:38 pm

Most Americans lack basic understanding when it comes to their credit score and personal finance, according to the results of a survey by consumer advocacy group Consumer Action and financial services provider Capital One.

The survey polled 1,002 American adults. It gauged respondents’ knowledge of the basics of personal finance like budgeting, saving habits and credit principles.

More than one-third reported they do not use a budget to manage their family’s expenses; over 30 percent of those surveyed either did not know or responded incorrectly when asked to define a good credit score; and nearly one-fourth have never reviewed their credit report.

“Given the growing importance and influence of credit scores on purchasing decisions, it’s startling that the majority of Americans do not understand what constitutes a good credit score,” said Ken McEldowney, executive director of Consumer Action.

Various factors are used to determine a credit score, including a consumer’s payment history, the amount of debt currently owed and the length of credit history.

An amendment to the federal Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act passed in 2004 now allows consumers to receive one free credit report every year from each of the three major credit reporting agencies. Consumers can request their reports online at www.annualcreditreport.com.

As easy as it is to check your credit score and credit report, “many still neglect to take this simple step to protect their credit and their finances,” said Diana Don Colby, director of financial education at Capital One.

Besides reviewing your credit report, experts agree education is the key to a healthy financial future. To help consumers understand the basics, Capital One and Consumer Action created the MoneyWi$e financial education program.

The MoneyWi$e program includes free, multilingual brochures on personal finance topics, such as improving and rebuilding credit, budgeting, saving and investing.

Individual Savings

What You Should Know Before Buying Annuities

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December 31, 2010 at 5:41 pm

Americans hear a lot about the shaky outlook for Social Security. In the future, the federal program likely will play a smaller overall role in Americans’ retirement plans.

One way to fill in the gaps of a savings portfolio is to put money in annuities. With an annuity, you pay a premium in exchange for guaranteed income payments at regular intervals. It is most often used for retirement purposes.

The basic types of annuities are equity indexed, fixed rate and variable. The major advantage of annuities is that they all guarantee benefits such as tax-free growth, the ability to pass money directly to heirs or charities and an income stream for life.

Over the past few years, equity-indexed annuities have gained a great deal of popularity. They offer interest or benefits that are linked to an external equity reference – a stock index like the S&P 500, for example. But you get a guaranteed minimum return in exchange for a limited maximum return; that is, you get less upside, but also less downside, to your stock-market investing. Your principal is never at risk.

Fixed-rate annuities, on the other hand, guarantee an interest rate and a declared minimum. They have traditionally been the most popular annuities.

Variable annuities provide more options. They enable you to invest in stock, bonds, mutual funds and money-market instruments.

Reputable financial companies, like TrueYield Financial, want to make sure investors are comfortable when purchasing annuities. Here are some tips for the potential investor.

* Be sure the firm you work with is not limited to offering just one company’s annuities. There are many options available, so work with an agent that can get the one that best fits your needs.

* Understand what you are buying. Talk to your financial adviser or agent about which annuity may be right for your retirement portfolio. Fully understand the annuity contract you are considering.

* Define your goals. Annuities can be used to accomplish a number of financial goals. For example, they can supplement your monthly income or provide emergency funds. Decide which purpose your annuity will serve.

* Ask your agent if you have a “free look” period to review your annuity contract and make sure you have made the right decision.

* Investigate whether or not a bonus annuity is right for you. Bonus annuities credit premium bonuses to allow a retirement saver to make up for stock market loss or to provide an immediate boost to the account value.

Best Savings Accounts

Some Retirement Strategies For All Ages: A “To-Do” List

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December 31, 2010 at 5:35 am

A successful retirement depends largely on the steps you take during different stages of your life. Here are some moves to consider. Note: Investment portfolios shown are illustrations only. You must decide what percentages and investments are right for you.

Your 20s and 30s (Early Career)

Contribute as much as you can to IRAs, 401(K), Keoghs and other retirement savings while meeting other goals, such as buying a home or starting a family.

Keep your debt from credit cards and other sources manageable.

If you don’t already own a home, consider if this is a good option for you. While a home purchase can be expensive, it also can be an excellent investment and source of tax breaks.

Given your years until retirement, you probably can afford to be fairly aggressive with your investments. Possible portfolio: 60 to 80 percent in stocks or stock mutual funds and most of the rest in certificates of deposit (CDs), bonds, bond funds or money market accounts.

Your 40s and 50s (Mid-Career)

Continue putting as much as you can into IRAs, 401(K), Keoghs and other retirement savings accounts. Once you reach age 50, you can make “catch-up” (extra) contributions to IRAs, 401(K), and other retirement savings accounts.

If you haven’t bought a house already, consider doing so as a source of equity and a place to live in retirement. If you have a mortgage, periodically compare your interest rate to current market rates. If current rates are better, consider refinancing.

As you get closer to retirement, consider reducing stock investments and adding more conservative, income-producing investments. Possible portfolio: 50 to 70 percent in stocks or stock mutual funds and most of the rest in CDs, bonds, bond funds or money market accounts.

Your Early 60s (Late Career)

Ask the Social Security Administration, your accountant or your employer’s personnel office to help you determine how much Social Security and pension income you’d get if you “retire early” and how much you’d lose compared to holding off on retirement.

Discuss with a financial advisor when to withdraw money from your tax-deferred retirement accounts, such as employer-sponsored retirement plans and traditional IRAs. After age 59 , you can withdraw your money without penalty but subject to income taxes. Under IRS rules, you must withdraw a minimum amount from 401(K), traditional IRAs and certain other retirement savings plans by April 1 of the year after you reach age 70 and each year after that. There is an exception to the rules for someone still working for the employer who sponsors the plan.

Consult with your legal or financial advisors about estate planning organizing your financial affairs so that your money, property and other assets can go to your heirs with a minimum of costs, taxes and hassles.

You may need or want to buy health insurance or long-term care (including nursing home) insurance. Consider the need for disability (wage replacement) or life insurance coverage.

Reduce your consumer debt as much as possible and consider the pros and cons of paying off your mortgage early. But if you think you’ll need to borrow money during retirement, determine whether you want to refinance your mortgage, take out a home-equity loan, apply for a credit card or otherwise take out a loan before you retire. You might have more options for getting a loan when you still have employment income. No matter what loans you have or how old you are, it’s important to keep your debts manageable.

Consider reducing your stock ownership and increasing your conservative investments. Possible portfolio: 30 to 60 percent in stocks or stock mutual funds and most of the rest in CDs, bonds, bond funds or money market accounts.

Your Retirement

The rules governing retirement can be complicated. So, about a year before you plan to retire, discuss your situation with a Social Security Administration claims representative. After you decide on a retirement date, apply for your Social Security benefits and other pensions about three months in advance. If you plan to work part-time, find out how this will affect your Social Security income or taxes.

Arrange to have your periodic payments, such as Social Security benefits, directly deposited into your checking account. Ask your personnel department or financial advisor about whether to receive your 401(K) money in a lump sum or periodic payments.

Reduce your debts as much as possible. Be careful before taking on new debt, such as a home-equity loan or a reverse mortgage.

Lean toward conservative, income-producing investments, but don’t rule out stocks or stock funds. Possible portfolio: 20 to 40 percent in stock or stock mutual funds and most of the rest in CDs, bonds, bond funds or money market accounts.

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