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• I've gotten myself into a financial mess.
  Have a few late bills? Do you chronically miss credit card payments? Have you defaulted on a loan? Having a poor credit history can wreak havoc when trying to plan for your future. For example, you may end up being turned down for loans or you may be approved for a loan, but at a higher interest rat
• Credit Issues
  More than likely both of you have used credit prior to this point in your relationship – that, for example you have: used a major credit card (VISA, MasterCard) used a department store credit card, taken out a car loan, or applied, and been approved for, a home loan (mortgage) a car loan or student
• Ready to Buy a Home
  Scenario: Malcolm and Gayle are a young couple living in Iowa. Both have full-time jobs earning a combined annual salary of 80,000.. Scenario: Malcolm and Gayle are a young couple living in Iowa. Both have full-time jobs earning a combined annual salary of 80,000. Their main monthl
• Digging Out of Debt
  THE SECRET to paying off credit-card debt is really very simple: All you need to do is earn more than you spend, and apply the savings toward paying down your debt. So then what makes tackling credit-card debt so hard ? Sadly, many seem to be losing the battle of the credit-card balance. Consider th
• Comparing Credit Card Offers
  IT'S NO SUPRISE that so many people still carry credit cards with annual percentage rates (APRs) of 13% or higher. After all, there's a whole industry of card issuers out there devoted to using hidden fees and interest rate gymnastics to gouge you as best they can..
• Which IRA Is Best?
  IRAs offer you a way to create tax-advantaged retirement savings. But with three flavors to choose from - Roth, deductible or nondeductible - figuring out which IRA is the most appropriate for your retirement savings and investment plan can be confusing.. IRAs offer you a way to c
• Repair or Establish your Credit Record
  Divorce can be financially devastating. It often means having to meet regular expenses on half, or less than half, the income prior to the divorce, on top of new, extraordinary expenses related to the divorce such as lawyer’s fees and court costs.. Divorce can be financially devastating. It often m
• How to decide if you really want to own a home
  It seems obvious but the first place to start is to decide whether or not you really want to own a home. No doubt, there are definite benefits to homeownership, including: Tax benefits.. It seems obvious but the first place to start is t
• Spending
  In order to keep moving forward financially we need to spend less than we earn. That doesn’t mean going without.. In order to keep moving forward financially we need to spend less than we earn. That doesn’t mean going without. It means making spending choices based on a well-defin
• Paying for Child Care
  As you think through what type of child care you would like to secure, plan according to your finances. If you don’t already have one, start by . As you think through what type of child care you would like to secure, plan
• Paying for Child Care
  As you think through what type of child care you would like to secure, plan according to your family’s finances. If you don’t already have one, start by . As you think through what type of child care you w
• Is That Balance Transfer Worth It?
  LIKE MANY PEOPLE THESE days, 69-year-old Ira Stoller uses cash-rebate credit-cards for all of his purchases, lowering his bills by as much as 5% But these savings are nothing compared with the profit the traveling salesman from Butler, N.. LIKE MANY PEOPLE THESE da
• First-Time Homebuyers Can Use Tax Credit for Down Payment, Closing Costs for FHA Mortgage
  If you, like many potential home buyers, are leaning toward buying a home in part due to the 8,000 federal tax credit you may be in for a very nice surprise. Instead of having to purchase a home, file a federal income tax return and only then get the tax credit, buyers who choose to apply for a.
• Past Debt
  More than likely both spouses in a blended family situation come into the new marriage with existing debt. It is CRUCIAL to both your new family’s financial and emotional health that you sit down and talk honestly and openly about your financial situations prior to marriage or as early on in the mar
• The Emotional Transition to Homeownership
  The process of looking for, negotiating and finally buying a new home can be both exciting and nerve-wracking. Being so invested in something can really change your views on some things – like how you think about making financial decisions or how you choose to spend time to care for your home..
• Mortgage Center: Resources
  Mortgage Counseling . Mortgage Counseling HopeNow U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)Approved Housing Counseling Agencies Homeownership Preservation Foundation Acorn Housing Corporation Credit Counseling Association of Consumer
• Places to Avoid Turning to for Financial Help If Possible
  It is not uncommon for single moms to feel panicked about how they will be able to meet normal living expenses, especially if they do not have adequate savings, insurance or access to credit. If you are considering the following sources of funds, instead think through the previous suggestions as the
• Mortgage Foreclosure Alternatives
  Once you contact your lender and let them know that you want to stay in your home, there are several alternatives that your lender may consider. These alternatives are also called a “mortgage workout.. Once you contact your lender and let them know that you want to stay in your home, there are several
• The Single Woman
  Scenario: Rosa is a 40-year old single woman living in Rhode Island. She is a manager of media development for a large Fortune 500 company.. Scenario: Rosa is a 40-year old single woman living in Rhode Island. She is a manager of media development for a large Fortune 500 company. She earns
• Help for Subprime Mortgage Holders
  If you obtained a subprime mortgage between January 1, 2005 and January 31, 2007 and you are either having difficulty paying the mortgage now, or think you will have difficulty paying it when the interest rate "resets" you may be able to qualify for help. The federal government has worked with mortg
• Financial Issues and Concerns
  One of the top reasons that most families give for merging households is economic pressure and an inability to afford more than one household. This situation is compounded if families are suddenly faced with an additional setback such as a divorce or a family member getting ill, losing a job or beco
• Eleven Steps Single Moms Need to Take
  Single moms have mastered the art of multi-tasking. Working, making phone calls, vacuuming, paying bills, feeding kids and taking them places, responding to emails …. Single moms have mastered the art of multi-tasking. Working, making phone calls, vacuuming, paying bills, feeding kids and ta
• What's New This Month
  July '09 : IOUs Issued by the State of California Strapped for cash, the state of California has started issuing more than 3 billion in IOUs to businesses, individual tax payers and county governments to whom it owes money. California state government officials have indicated that the IOUs – which
• What the Housing Recovery Bill Could Mean for You
  The housing recovery bill that went into effect on October 1, 2008 has the potential to help millions of American homeowners and homebuyers. There are several ways that you or a loved one may be able to qualify for financial assistance through the bill.. The housing recovery bill
• Your Home Mortgage - A Financial Tool
  As you pay off your mortgage you are building up equity, or savings, in your home. As your savings accumulate and your needs change, or outside economic factors change, you may want to make changes to your mortgage.. As you pay off your mortgage you are building up equity, or savings, in you
• In a Tough Economy, the Federal PLUS Loan May Give Parents Extra Cash Needed for a Child's College Tuition
  If you have a son or daughter in college, the recession may have impacted your savings and investments at a time when you were depending on those resources to pay for college. With lenders tightening up requirements to qualify for personal or home equity loans you may be looking for other financial
• Investing
  Many of us do not think of ourselves as investors. We may have created a budget and watch our spending; we may have savings accounts—or even a checking account that earns interest – but we may not have begun investing our savings because we haven’t mentally crossed the line from being a saver to bei
• I'm too busy paying off debt.
  Congratulations! You've already begun taking charge of your financial future…maybe without even realizing it! Paying off debt, particularly debt that carries a high interest rate such as credit card debt, is for many the best first step to begin saving and investing for your future. That said, you s
• Teenagers
  Your teenage children will need to take increasing responsibility for spending and saving and learn from the natural consequences of personal financial choices. Talk with your teen about the values you and your spouse hold regarding money, how those values have shaped your financial choices as a fam
• Tax Issues
  While none of us particularly enjoys having to file and pay taxes it is an important part of our financial planning. Our Tomorrowsmoney.. While none of us particularly enjoys having to file and pay taxes it is an important part of our financial planning. Our Tomorrowsmoney.org website pr
• A Divorcee
  Scenario: Jill is a 30 year old public relations assistant living in Massachusetts. She is in the process of getting a divorce from her husband of 4 years.. Scenario: Jill is a 30 year old public relations assistant living in Massachusetts. She is in the process of getting a divorc
• Goal Setting
  Think of the last time you felt really proud of yourself. What was it that you achieved that you took pride in?  Was it an award that you won at work?  Losing a certain amount of weight?  Finishing coursework toward a degree?  Chances are that whatever it was, you thought about it, planned for it and wo
• Making Home Improvements
  Whether you have purchased a real “fixer-upper” or you are considering modest “cosmetic” changes, making home improvements can be a way to make your home better fit your family, lifestyle and/or financial goals when re-selling. Deciding on Improvements and Setting Your Budget Making home improvement
• Have a Plan to Manage Debt
  Whether you choose to pool incomes and pay down/payoff your individual and combined debts, or if you choose to keep your income and debts separate, it’s important that you both clearly understand, and have a plan for paying off: the individual debt obligations you incurred before your remarriage tha
• Borrowing against Your Home’s Value
  If you own your own home you may want to consider taking out a loan against the equity, or savings, you have built up in your home by taking out a home equity loan. If you have good credit – meaning that you have made your monthly mortgage payments in full and on time – you may be eligible to take o
• Good Financial Behaviors You Can Model
  In addition to finding ways to teach your children about money there are things you can do on a regular basis to model good financial habits such as: Setting financial goals based on your family’s values, priorities and needs Paying your bills on time Researching options before making large purchase
• Staying in Financial Control While You’re in College
  Going to college can be exciting, fun…and expensive. And we’re not just talking about tuition, room and board.. Going to college can be exciting, fun…and expensive. And we’re not just talking about tuition, room and board. There can be a lot of unexpected, small expenses that can add up
• Immigration Issues for Multigenerational Families
  Immigration is the top reason for the formation of multigenerational families. Immigrants come to the U.. Immigration is the top reason for the formation of multigenerational families. Immigrants come to the U.S. – either legally or illegally – and send for or encourage their imme
• Employer Tuition Assistance Programs
  Depending on your, and your student’s, financial resources you may want to encourage your child to look into working for an employer that has a work/school or tuition assistance program. However, there may be restrictions on the type of undergraduate programs an employer may pay for..
• Mortgage Counseling If You're Having Trouble Paying Your Mortgage
  If you are having difficulty making your monthly mortgage payment or even facing foreclosure you cannot afford to wait and hope that you can resolve the issue later. If you are behind on your mortgage you can be faced with foreclosure, and sooner than you may realize.. If you are having difficu
• Refinancing Your Mortgage as an Option to Hold onto Your Home
  For many homeowners who obtained an adjustable rate mortgage over the past few years to buy a home, both time and the economy have not been on their side. Millions of homeowners holding adjustable-rate mortgages are trying to determine if they can refinance their current home loan to be able to affo
• Managing Maternity/Paternity Leave
  You may need, or want to, take leave before the baby is born – due to medical or other reasons, and you will certainly want to take at least some time off after delivering your child. You’ll want to check with your employer to learn about their maternity/paternity leave program.. take leave before the ba
• Moving In
  Congratulations! After doing all the work of finding a place, negotiating and signing a lease and possibly finding a roommate or two, you’re ready to move in. Since it’s your first place you may not have a whole lot of furniture to move in, but before you run out to fully furnish your new place it’s
• Getting Out of a Lease
  There are a number of reasons that you may find yourself needing to break a lease. Perhaps the landlord didn’t make repairs you discussed, your neighbors are unruly, you have found it’s an unsafe neighborhood or you’re getting relocated for your job.. There are a number of rea
• Transferring Military Homeowners to Get Expanded Assistance
  Military service members, their families, and federal Department of Defense (DoD) civilian employees who stand to lose a lot of money on the sale of their home as a result of a transfer order may be able to get some much- needed financial assistance. The U..
• The FHA Secure Mortgage Loan Refinancing Program: What Is It and Could It Help You?
  An estimated 60,000 qualified homeowners with strong credit histories who have fallen behind on their mortgage payments because of rising interest rates initially offered on their adjustable-rate mortgages (called “teaser rates” will now be able to refinance into a government-insured “FHASecure” mor
• Borrowing Against Your Current Assets
  If you have explored all the other options in putting together a “package” of ways that your family will pay for your child’s education—and you get to the point where you are looking for additional sources of income or assistance to help fund your children’s college tuition, you may want to, or need
• Grandparent with Grandchild
  Scenario: Olivia is 72 year old retired widow living in Nevada on her Social Security benefit and her husband’s pension. She has always lived modestly and was sure she would be okay in retirement.. Scenario: Olivia is 72 year old retired widow living in Nevada on her Social Security benefit and he
• Create a New Budget
  A budget provides a commonly-agreed upon set of priorities from which you and your new spouse can make decisions. Be patient – it may take a while to learn how you each view and use money.. A budget provides a commonly-agreed upon set of priorities from which you and your new spouse can ma
• The Financial Side of Homeownership
  Buying a home is the single largest financial commitment that most people ever make. By taking some time to think about and plan how you will maintain your investment and stay current on your mortgage, you can create some good financial habits at the outset of homeownership that will pay off for yea
• Credit and Debt
  Credit has been the proverbial “third rail” of personal finances – virtually necessary for everyday life but potentially dangerous when not handled well. What role does credit play in your life? Do you view it as essential to supplementing your regular income?  Is it something you feel confident mana
• Create or Update Your Wills
  While no one particularly likes to think about their eventual death, it is incredibly important that both you and your spouse have wills drawn up to specify what you want to happen when you pass away. It is estimated that nearly 70% of all adults die without a will.. While no one particularly
• Ending Financial Relationships with Ex-Spouses
  While your marriage with your ex-spouse may be over, having children means that you will most likely have to maintain a relationship with him or her, even if it’s mediated through lawyers. It’s important that you both strive to work together – fairly, openly and honestly - on issues that affect your
• How to Make a Child Care Decision
  Following are some steps to work through in order to make the best possible child care decision for your child and your family: 1) Think through your priorities for child care - do you need your child care to: be close to your home, your workplace, or your child’s school? be within a certain financi
• How to Make a Child Care Decision
  Following are some steps to work through in order to make the best possible child care decision for your child and your family: 1) Think through your priorities for child care - do you need your child care to: be close to your home, your workplace or your spouse’s workplace?  be within a certain fina
• Dealing with Deployment
  Deployment is a stressful time for every member of the family. By taking time to talk together as a family, and separately as a couple, you can better manage both the emotional and logistical aspects of being apart from your servicemember.. Deployment is a stressful time for every member of
• Rising Interest Rates and the Mortgage Crunch and What It May Mean to You
  The initial housing boom began in early 2002 - 2003. Interest rates were falling to all-time lows.. The initial housing boom began in early 2002 - 2003. Interest rates were falling to all-time lows. A surge of homebuyers eager to take advantage of the low interest rates on mortgages began pushing ho
• Short Sales: What They Are and Why a Homeowner Might Pursue One
  Homeowners who are pressed to make their mortgage payments – or are already behind – may consider trying a short sale as an option to letting the bank foreclose. A short sale is when a mortgage lender agrees to accept less money than the amount the homeowner owes on the loan.. d to make their mortgage
• Help If You are Concerned about Being Able to Pay Your Mortgage
  If you own your own home but still have a monthly mortgage payment that is probably one of your highest financial priorities. If you find yourself in a situation where your finances are so tight or that you have such quickly mounting debt that you are having difficulty making your mortgage payment i
• Saving
  Saving money is not something that we, as Americans, are very good at. In fact the U.. hing that we, as Americans, are very good at. In fact the U.S. Department of Commerce reported that America’s personal savings rate is the lowest in the industrialized world. .Saving money is a critical habit to develop a
• Signing a Lease
  Depending on your timeframe and the market for rental properties in your area you may need to sign a lease quickly, in which case you need to understand what the lease outlines and what you’ll need to provide. If you’re renting from a large property management company (like those that own large apar
• Mortgage Center: Frequently Asked Questions
  What is an ARM? An ARM is an acronym for "adjustable rate mortgage. That refers to a home loan where the interest rate charged on the amount of money you're borrowing to purchase the home adjusts, or changes, over time as the government raises or lowers the rate of interest that banks charge each ot
• I don't know where to turn for help.
  Once you're comfortable knowing your own financial situation, and have begun making some small, but very important steps, toward saving and investing you may want to get additional help. There's a wealth of good, easy-to-understand, free help available by going online or doing some simple research a
• I don't really need to worry about saving and investing enough now for my retirement. If it isn't enough, I'll just have to keep working no matter how old I am.
  Regardless of whether you have saved enough money to retire, it is very likely that at some point in your life you simply either will not be able to work or there will be no work opportunities. Yes, people are working at jobs later into life, delaying retirement or gradually working their way into f
• Before Selecting a Plan
  As with any potential investment you first start by examining your own financial objectives. For a 529 plan you should consider the following two factors: Your child’s age. . As with any potential investment you first start b
• Choosing The Best Health Plan
  AS EMPLOYERS CONTINUE TO shift more of the financial burden to their employees, the cost of health care is projected to rise at a double-digit pace (10.1% for the average worker from 2007 to 2008, according to benefits-consultant Hewitt Associates.. AS EMPLOYERS CONTINUE TO shift more of the financi
• Finding a Roommate
  If you’re going to want or need a roommate the question is who?  You may already have a friend from childhood, school or work in mind. But what if you don’t?  What if you’re new to an area?  There are a few places you could try to find a compatible roommate including: asking friends talking with cowork
• Distressed Homeowners May Get Foreclosure Postponement Help from Project Lifeline
  Homeowners at risk for losing their homes may be eligible to receive help through a “Project Lifeline” program. Through the program six major lenders – . Homeowners at risk for losing their homes may be eligible to receive help through a “Project Lifelin
• Knowing Your Child and Investigating Traditional Child-Care Options
  As you anticipate your child care needs, first consider what your child needs. Do you have: An infant? Infants require close attention and hands-on care by an experienced adult.. As you anticipate your child care needs, first consider what your child nee
• Common Financial Myths Single Women May Believe
  Most women heard or sensed certain negative messages about money growing up such as: men should or will earn more money than women; men are better in math and therefore in understanding how to work with money than women; a woman’s income will most likely as be a “second income” within a family’s fin
• Educational Benefits
  The military offers a variety of educational benefits for active duty servicemembers, members of the National Guard and Reserves, college students preparing for military service, veterans and military spouses and dependents. Let’s first look at educational benefits specifically for servicemembers: M
• Knowing Your Child & Investigating Traditional Child-Care Options
  As you anticipate your child care needs, first consider what your child needs. Do you have: An infant? Infants require close attention and hands-on care by an experienced adult.. As you anticipate your child care needs, first consider what your child nee
• Tag-Team Parent-Led Child Care
  Millions of families with two working parents face regularly the same stresses and choices in arranging and paying for child care that Andy and Christine face. They have to make tradeoffs between their work schedules and child care availability, and they are worried about the mounting cost of qualit
• What to Do When It Becomes Difficult to Pay Your Mortgage
  Change happens. When you bought your home you may have budgeted carefully and never anticipated having difficulty making your mortgage payment.. Change happens. When you bought your home you may have budgeted carefully and never anticipated having difficulty making your mortgage payment. But ma
• What to Do When the Deployment is Extended
  Imagine learning that your spouse has 24 hours to report for duty and be deployed for combat. Now imagine that the day before the scheduled homecoming, you are notified that he/she won't be coming home for another 12-15 months.. Imagine learning that your spouse has 24 hours to report for duty and be de
• I have a pretty good budget, but....
  Ultimately, you'll need to decide for yourself what financial goals are most critical for you to reach. Everyone's financial planning methods are different…personal.. o decide for yourself what financial goals are most critical for you to reach. Everyone's financial planning methods are different…personal. Following
• I don't know where to begin.
  The most important part about beginning to save and invest is just that…beginning. In fact, changing your attitude toward saving and investing may be the biggest hurdle you have to overcome.. bout beginning to save and invest is just that…beginning. In fact, changing your attitude toward saving and investing may be
• I've already declared bankruptcy, my credit is ruined, and I know I'll never really be able to get ahead--so what's the point?
  Failure is not final, so the saying goes. The same is true for bankruptcy.. the saying goes. The same is true for bankruptcy. Every year hundreds of thousands of Americans file for bankruptcy and have to begin the road back to repairing their financial life. Regardless of how disappointing or even de
• Seasonal Stories
  Fall Home Buying 101 Want to become a homeowner? Wonder what it will take to get there? Click here to check out our new series on "Home Buying 101" - a step-by-step monthly guide to turning the dream of homeownership into a reality . Open Enrollment It's fall - the "open enrollment" season for thous
• Topics to Discuss
  As the old saying goes, the best way to eat an elephant is one bite at a time. You’re not going to discuss every financial topic and reach an agreement on all of your priorities in one discussion.. As the old saying goes, the best way to eat an elephant is one bite at a time. You’re not going to d
• Condos and Co-ops
  Housing stock, meaning the type of housing available, varies across the country. In some markets, including large cities such as New York, Boston and San Francisco, cooperatives, or co-ops, are popular housing options.. Housing stock, meaning the type of housing available, varies across the cou
• Our family is drowning in debt and bills due to a medical situation. Any type of future financial planning is pointless.
  It’s understandable that dealing with the financial fallout from an emergency and/or significant medical condition can be stressful and make “financial planning” seem beyond your reach. However, financial planning simply means to be intentionally aware of how you are making actively choices about yo
• If a Servicemember Becomes Disabled
  It is a difficult reality, but servicemembers can become disabled during their military service. It can be a physically and emotionally difficult time for the servicemember and his or her family.. It is a difficult reality, but servicemembers can become disabled during their military service. It
• Budgeting on a Military Salary
  Budgeting can seem very difficult on a military paycheck, especially if your servicemember is not earning a lot and if you, as a spouse, are unable to bring in steady additional income to supplement the military pay. Often it can be difficult for a military spouse to earn additional regular income b
• Preventing Identity Theft
  According to the Federal Trade Commission, more than half a million Americans become victims of identity theft every year. As a single woman it is critically important that you take all necessary precautions to protect your identity.. According to the Federal
• Preserving the Value of Your Home and Community When the Housing Market Changes
  With the increased rate of home foreclosures nationwide, many homeowners, and home sellers, are facing tough questions about how to maintain as much of their home's value as possible, how to sell a home in a slowing real estate market, and how to ensure that their community remains a desirable place
• Who Will Be Helped Under the Making Home More Affordable Program
  The Obama Administration’s 75 billion “Making Home Affordable” housing plan is designed to help approximately 9 million people who are at-risk for either defaulting on their mortgage loans or going into foreclosure. The plan is part of the 400 billion “bailout” package approved by Congress in Fall
• Places to Turn When Money is Tight
  No matter how much you work and plan and take wise financial first steps, like those outlined in the “11 Things Single Moms Must Do, there are times when financial issues can become overwhelming and money seems impossibly tight. Take heart.. No matter how much you work and plan and take wise
• Elementary-age school children
  At this age children can begin to take a more active role and grasp bigger concepts regarding money. Reinforce the concept of coins and paper money and introduce the concepts of checks and credit cards.. At this age children can begin to take a more acti
• A New Family Budget and New Financial Decisions
  In many ways, your newborn’s arrival is just the beginning. In addition to all of your child-rearing duties there are important financial decisions to make and action steps to take as well.. n’s arrival is just the beginning. In addition to all of your child-rearing duties there are important financial decisions to
• Overcoming Obstacle Number Two: Finding Money
  Unlike students who have not entered the workforce, adult students are often unsure about how – or if – they can afford to leave full-time work with its wage/salary, benefits (including insurance, paid vacation, etc. and career advancement possibilities.. Unlike students who have
• Making it a Home
  You have finished the hunt for a new home, signed the papers and moved in. Now what?  How can you begin to really make this new place a welcome home for you and your family?  Home Safety Owning your own home means that you are now financially and legally responsible for what happens to people while th
• To Buy or to Lease?
  SHOULD YOU lease or buy? Conventional wisdom says if you lease you'll have nothing to show for your money when the term is up. But that ignores the opportunity cost inherent in buying: after all, the money you pay up front for the car could be invested instead..
• The Basics of 529 Plans to Save and Invest for College
  If you have children and you would like for them to attend college you need to start saving – and investing that savings so that it can grow in value - now. While most Americans cite “paying for a child’s education” as a top family financial priority, according to a December 2009 FINRA Foundation su
• Financial Planning for Unmarried Couples
  Emily and Roberto had both weathered difficult first marriages but after dating for a year they were confident enough about the relationship to move in together. They’re both quick to fend off questions from well meaning friends about when they. Emily and Roberto had bot
• Blended Families
  Blended families—they used to be a “new” form of family. Now they are increasingly the norm.. According to the Stepfamily Foundation, nearly 1,300 new step, blended or second families are created every day in the U.S. in fact 64% of all American families are some form of blended family. Blendi
• It's too overwhelming to figure out.
  Let's take it one step at a time. What are you saving for? Chances are you already know the answer to that question, you may have just never put it down on paper.. a time. What are you saving for? Chances are you already know the answer to that question, you may have just never put it down on paper. Here's an ea
• About Our Partners
  Our Donors SIFMA Foundation Supporters can be found here: . Our Donors SIFMA Foundation Supporters can be found here: http:www.sifma.org/ education/ pdf/ SIFMA-Fdn-Supporters-SF.pdf Our Pr
• Investing
  One of the most common questions single women have as they begin taking control of their finances is “how do I become an investor? Too often women are under the wrong impression that there is some sort of “one size fits all” way to invest. There isn’t.. estions single women have as they begin taking con
• Asset Allocator for Retirees
  Just because you're retired doesn't mean you can relax when it comes to your investments. It’s important that in addition to making sure your investment decisions line up with your personal goals, risk tolerance and investment time horizon you have a healthy mix of types of investments..
• How Much Aid Can You Expect?
  So Junior's about to head off to college. And while his head is full of frat parties and co-eds, yours is full of panic as to how you're going to foot the bill.. So Junior's about to head off to college. And while his head is full of frat parties and co-eds, yours is full of panic as to
• Reading a Rental Listing
  Once you’ve thought through your budget, your roommate needs, and your timeframe for renting you’re now in a better position to start looking. If you look online or in the classified section of your local paper you may be confused by all the abbreviations and acronyms used to describe a rental place
• About Our Partners
  Our Donors SIFMA Foundation Supporters can be found here: . Our Donors SIFMA Foundation Supporters can be found here: http:www.sifma.org/ education/ pdf/ SIFMA-Fdn
• A Special Note for Military Families
  In addition to all of the steps most families need to take (see above) if you or your spouse is in the military you may have special issues and unique concerns before starting a family. You will need to discuss issues such as: what your military health insurance (Tricare) will provide before and dur
• Making a Home for Your New Baby
  While it can be fun to flip through magazines with adorable (and expensive) nursery set-ups, the truth is that children outgrow infancy quickly. And unless you have an unlimited budget you should give some thought to what you really need before you begin.. While it can be fun to fl
• Financial Topics in Difficult Times
  When Debt Is Overwhelming You: Difficult Financial Decisions for Difficult Times Today a rapidly increasing number of people find themselves having to stretch their incomes and take on larger amounts of debt to afford everyday expenses and fixed expenses like affordable housing and health insurance.
• Your Family’s Military Pay
  If you have worked both as a civilian and as a member of the military you know that there are some very significant differences between military and civilian income, including paychecks. Let’s look at some of the unique factors of a military income.. If you have worked both a
• Mortgage Foreclosure Scams to Be on the Lookout For
  Unfortunately there are people who look to prey on people in financially vulnerable situations like those facing foreclosure. There are two main types of scams to be on the lookout for: Equity skimming.. Unfortunately there are p
• Parents Dealing with their Single Adult Child’s Deployment
  Most often deployment information and support is directed to the servicemember’s spouse. But what about the single servicemember?  What happens when he/she is deployed?  After being out of the family home and living on his or her own, suddenly he or she needs family members to help with the paperwork
• My future spouse or partner will help me with my finances.
  One thing in life is certain— you can’t predict the future. While you may hope or even fully expect to find a spouse or partner that you can build a long-term relationship with, it’s not guaranteed.. One thing in life is certain— you can’t predict the future. While you may hope or even fully expect
• Planning for Retirement While You’re in the Military
  Whether or not you, or your spouse, are considering a full career in the military, it is important to think about, prepare and plan for your retirement years. While it can seem like it is very far off and your everyday needs and wants are more important, starting to save for retirement now – even in
• If a Servicemember Dies
  It’s a difficult reality to face but it is important to discuss and plan for what would happen if your, or your spouse, die during military service. The military provides assistance and benefits for survivors.. It’s a difficult reality to face but it is important to discuss and plan fo
• Relocating
  Moving frequently simply comes with the territory when you enlist in the military or are a member of a military family. The process begins when the servicemembers’ detailer discloses the choice of billets – positions at U.. Moving frequently simply comes with the territory when you enlist in the mi
• Estate Planning
  Many single women mistakenly think that since they may not have a spouse, partner or biological dependents that it’s not actually that important to have a will. But wouldn’t you like to know that the money you work so hard to earn will continue to benefit the people you love and the causes you belie
• Earning
  You may have one sole source of income or you may have many different “streams” of income – such as part-time jobs, seasonal work, alimony, settlement income, etc. In large part your financial security will depend on your ability to obtain jobs that will provide you with adequate income and benefits
• Ways to Save for College
  Once you choose to make saving for a child’s college education a financial priority for your family the next step is creating a plan to make it actually happen. Here are a few tips to find and begin carving out savings: Examine your budget.. Once you choose to make s
• Caring for Dad
  Scenario: Bill is 54, married with 2 kids and living in Michigan. His father, John, a widower, suffered a stroke 6 months ago and had to be moved to a nursing home.. Scenario: Bill is 54, married with 2 kids and living in Michigan. His father, John, a widower, suffered a stroke 6 months ago
• The Financial Effects of Divorce
  In most cases blended families arise from at least one, and usually both, spouses being previously divorced and remarrying after living as single parents. Divorce creates financial hardship for both spouses, but most glaringly for the wife/now-single mother.. In most cases blended fam
• Drawing Financial Boundaries with Ex-Spouses
  Whether you had a good relationship with your ex-spouse before your new marriage or not, remarrying will certainly create a new relationship dynamic with him or her. Remarrying can certainly change some financial dynamics with an ex-spouse, for example it will most likely end alimony payments and it
• Communicating about Money with Children
  Children coming into a new blended family have a lot of new realities to deal with. It can be incredibly difficult for them to give up the hope that their parents are not going to reconcile, deal with the divided loyalties they feel between their parents, begin to relate comfortably to and bond with
• The 5 Stages of Blended Families
  When people with children remarry, they usually face a long, typically confusing and tension-filled process of becoming a new family unit. By their very nature, blended families are born of loss.. When people with children remarry, they usually face a long, typically confusing and tension-filled
• Managing Child Care as a Single Parent
  If you are a single working parent, you have a lot on your shoulders. If you have young or school-age children, you, like millions of other women, probably also have to constantly manage your family’s need for high-quality childcare given your financial resources.. If you are a single worki
• Community, Junior or Vocational Colleges
  Community, junior and vocational colleges typically offer Certificate programs and two-year Associates degrees and perhaps four-year Bachelor’s degrees as well. Some students choose to begin working toward a two-year Associates degree with the goal of transferring credits to a four-year Bachelors’ d
• Borrowing Against Your Retirement Savings
  While experts don’t recommend tapping into your retirement savings for any reason- because you are putting savings and potential interest and growth opportunities at risk- you may be considering this as one of your only options. Before you do anything, let’s look at what’s involved in borrowing agai
• Gifts or Loans from Family Members
  While you may not be comfortable with the idea of getting funding from family members for graduate school, it can be a less expensive way of financing your education than getting a loan from a lender. Family members may be able to deduct a portion of the money they give you for school from their tax
• Housing Issues and Concerns
  For both young families and senior adults the cost of maintaining a home – including mortgage or rent, property tax, insurance, home maintenance, renovations, utilities and more – can become too expensive given existing resources. Before you move in together, be aware that there may be local zoning
• Your Family’s Financial Health
  With the pace of day-to-day life, trying to find time to focus on and manage your money could seem too difficult. But taking time now – even just carving out 10-15 minutes a day or every other day – to learn about how to set financial goals, manage your money, save money and invest that savings for
• Check Your Children’s College Scholarships
  If you have a child received a college scholarship prior to your remarriage and it was given on the basis of financial need, you will want to check the fine print. Chances are that your child may well lose the funding after your remarriage because while stepparents have no legal responsibility or ri
• Saving and Spending
  When two families come together spending money – and intentionally saving, or not spending, money - is often an issue. Two previously single parents usually have had no one else involved in their decision-making about spending and/or saving money.. When two families come together spending money – a
• The Difficult Financial Reality Facing Single Mothers
  The reality can be difficult to acknowledge: single mothers have often more than double the workload and yet financially typically have far less than half the income and assets than their married or single father counterparts. Most single working mothers are faced with the sobering reality that they
• Managing Child Care
  Christine and Andy are two working parents. Andy is a sales representative for a custom furniture business and Christine works as a secretary for a large downtown law firm.. Christine and Andy are two working parents. Andy is a sales representative for a custom furniture business and Christine work
• My family never had money when I was growing up, but my parents did okay.
  All of us have a “financial past” and for most of us our present-day views on money were, to a smaller or greater extent, built upon that past. But times change.. All of us have a “financial past” and for most of us our present-day views on money were, to a smaller or greater extent, bui
• Scholarship Information and Sources
  Many returning adult students may not think that scholarships are available for them. The good news is that as the number of adult students returning to earn, or complete a degree, is increasing so is the number of scholarship opportunities.. Many returning adult students may not think that s
• How Much Interest Will You Pay?
  DOES YOUR credit card balance keep inching upward? Then before you charge one more thing, you should assess the cost of that debt. A balance of just 5,000 at 15% will cost you 421 in interest if you manage to pay it off within a year..
• Welcome to Tomorrow's Money for Young Adults
  What do you want out of life?  Almost any goals you have—start a job, rent an apartment or buy a home, buy a car, get married, have a family, be more financially independent and secure…The common denominator of nearly all life goals is that they require money. Every day you interact with money. You s
• Should You Borrow from Your 401(k) or 403(b)?
  These days more than 85% of workers with 401(k)s can borrow money from their retirement plans. And a growing portion of 403(b) plan participants can too.. These days more than 85% of workers with 401(k)s can borrow money from their retirement plans. And a growing portion of 403(b
• Work and Child Care
  Perhaps the biggest question facing soon-to-be parents is what they will do regarding their current employment and caring for their newborn. If both you and your spouse are working to earn an income, you’ll need to figure out how you will care for your child until s/he is school-age..
• I am not sure how to help someone who is in financial trouble and is looking to me for assistance.
  Every day people find themselves facing sudden, unexpected or unwanted life changes that affect their ability to earn money, pay bills, and make choices to keep life working for themselves and their families. Young people, college graduates, seniors, single parents, middle-aged workers – none of us
• Steps to Take in Your 30s and 40s
  At this stage of your life you have probably settled into a career and have a few thoughts about where you would like to be personally, professionally and financially in your future. This is also a stage where you may begin making some significant choices and investments such as returning to school
• Starting Out in Your 20s
  When you’re just entering the workforce it’s a great time to develop some financial disciplines that will become financially-rewarding habits for your future such as: Establishing some short- medium- and long-term financial and life goals Creating, and sticking to, a realistic budget Keeping a tight
• What to do when Downsizing?
  Most people cite "being able to stay in my home" as one of their top financial priorities. If your finances are tight, you might want to do a little math to figure out how your current monthly mortgage compares to your current income.. Most people cite "being able to stay in my home" a
• I dread making a budget....
  Welcome to the club. It's unlikely that many people like the idea of budgeting.. Welcome to the club. It's unlikely that many people like the idea of budgeting. What's important is realizing that a budget is just a means to an end. It doesn't have to be elaborate or time-consuming
• I don't have enough time to figure this all out.
  Do you have 30 minutes? Then you can start implementing a personal saving and investing plan. One of the biggest barriers to saving and investing, for many people, is the lack of time.. Do you have 30 minutes? Then you can start implementing a personal saving and investing plan. One of
• Single Women Managing Money
  For the first time in American history more women are single than married. Single women are earning more money than ever before, are making more financially-related decisions than ever before and yet most single women still do not feel adequate or empowered to successfully navigate their own financi
• Spending and Saving Decisions
  As you work through your financial goals and priorities it will become easier to reach agreement about how you will spend and save money. It seems obvious but the only way to save money is to find ways to not spend all the money you’re bringing in.. As you work through your financial goals and prior
• Preteens or ”Tweens”
  As children reach their preteen or “tween” years they need to begin taking greater responsibility for their spending and saving choices. Show your children your family’s budget and then help your child create his/her own personal budget Consider having your child sit down with you on a monthly basis
• Paperwork to Get Together
  As you begin talking and making decisions about your finances you should begin to get some of your financial paperwork together including: copies of your most recent income taxes your checkbook bank account statements most recent credit card statements insurance policies copy of your will (if you ha
• Insurance Benefits
  It can be easy to think that it’s not financially possible for your family to afford insurance. But with some work and help from the staff in your family support center you may be able to find affordable forms of insurance to provide for and protect your family’s future.. hat it’s not financially
• 13 Things Your Family Can Do Today
  All parents want their children to grow up knowing how to responsibly handle money – how to earn money, how to most wisely spend it, and how to invest it well for future needs. But how does that happen?  Here are 13 things that every family can do together to take control of your finances to reach im
• Benefits of 529 Plans
  There are numerous benefits to investing in either a 529 prepaid tuition or savings plan: Federal tax advantages. Although you can’t deduct your 529 plan contributions from your federal income taxes (the way you can deduct the interest you pay on your mortgage, for example) the money you invest in e
• Counteroffers and Closing
  Don’t get discouraged or worried if you decide to make a counteroffer. Typically buyers and sellers reach agreement by the second or third go-around.. Don’t get discouraged or worried if you decide to make a counteroffer. Typically buyers and sellers reach agreement by the se
• Decisions to Consider Making
  As you become more comfortable talking about financial issues, sharing thoughts, opinions, plans and paperwork you should start working through some important decisions. Areas to talk about include: Goal-Setting.. As you become more comfortable talking about finan
• Welcome to Tomorrow's Money
  Wouldn't it be nice to look forward to the future confident about your finances? The truth is that most women aren’t. In fact, three-quarters of all American women are worried about their financial future but not sure about what to do about it.. ok forward to the future confident about your fina
• I'm fearful of looking for outside help...
  You're wise to be wary. When looking for outside help in planning your finances, you'll want to do your homework.. hen looking for outside help in planning your finances, you'll want to do your homework. Many resources are free – online services, the staff at your local bank or credit union, and nonprofit counseli
• When Things Change
  They say that the one thing that is constant in life is that it changes. The same is true for owning a home.. ng that is constant in life is that it changes. The same is true for owning a home. Things can change over time. Utility costs can increase. The interest rate on your mortgage can change. You need a n
• Banking and Saving
  Banking and savings are two basic building blocks of personal financial planning. Saving money is fundamental to creating the resources necessary to invest for your financial future.. Banking and savings are two basic building blocks of personal financial planning. Saving money is fu
• Do You Have Too Much Debt?
  NEARLY EVERY red-blooded American is walking around with at least some debt. After all, most of us have mortgages.. NEARLY EVERY red-blooded American is walking around with at least some debt. After all, most of us have mortgages. Many of us have auto loans. Parents
• Home-Buying 101
  Owning a home. It's the American dream.. Owning a home. It's the American dream. But maybe you feel like that's all it will ever be - a dream. The good news is that with some time, and a little work, you may very well be able to turn that dream into reality. Buying a home is not a one-time
• Types of 529 Plans
  529 plans got their names from the section of the IRS tax code (section 529) which helped create this way of investing savings for college costs. There are two types of 529 plans: Prepaid Tuition Plans and Savings Plans.. 529 plans got their names from the section of the IRS tax code (section 529
• Figuring Out the “What Ifs”
  Although this is a very exciting, hopeful time for you as a couple it’s important to talk about, and make contingency plans for, things that none of us particularly want to consider but need to be discussed. These include… Thinking about a prenuptial agreement. While it can seem extremely unromantic
• How to Approach Talking About Money
  Talking “money” is a big thing. Instead of trying to tackle the entire discussion at once, view it as a long-term, ongoing process.. Talking “money” is a big thing. Instead of trying to tackle the entire discussion at once, view it as a long-term, ongoing process. Begin the
• Housing Benefits
  One of the most popular military benefits is the ability to apply for a VA Guaranteed Home Loan. VA Guaranteed Home Loans are home loans – mortgages - made by private lenders (banks, credit unions, etc.. One of the most popular military benefits is the ability to apply for a VA
• Four Year Colleges and Universities
  Four-year colleges and universities offer Bachelor degree programs and typically offer some graduate programs as well. Four-year colleges are considered more prestigious than community, junior and vocational colleges; offer a wider variety of classes and degree programs and generally attract more te
• Government Loans
  The U.S.. The U.S. federal government’s Federal Student Aid (FSA) program is the largest source of student financial aid in the country. FSA programs provide more than 60 billion a year to students. The Department makes two types of student loans: Federal Perkins Loan. This is a fixe
• Ways to Invest and Grow Your Savings for College Tuition
  It’s not enough to want to help your child afford college you need to have a plan to make it actually happen. However, putting money into a savings account at your bank or credit union won't earn enough interest to foot the bill.. It’s not enough to want to help your child afford
• Ways to Think about Financing Your Children’s College Education
  It can be intimidating to look at the total cost of four years of college. But the mental “thinking trap” that you might be getting into is looking at the number and thinking of it as a one-time lump sum payment.. It can be intimidating to look at the total cost of four years of college. 
• Starting Your Marriage Off on the Right Financial Foot
  Planning to get married is an exciting time. But it also involves making a lot of decisions – where to get married and when, who to choose for the wedding parties, which cake and invitations…the list of choices and things to discuss with your significant other can seem endless..
• Private Loans
  Your bank or credit union very likely offers loans that you could take out to help pay for your children’s education. Check to see what interest rate would be compared to your child applying for a federal student loan (such as a Federal Perkins or Stafford loan). Your bank or credit union
• Moving Day
  The big day is almost here. Moving day.. The big day is almost here. Moving day. Before you get to enjoy the excitement of moving into your new home, you’ve got to make it through the tedium and trial of actually boxing up and moving all your possessions. Having your tools and materials rea
• It's too late for me to start.
  Nonsense. You know the tired bumper sticker “It's never too late to have a happy childhood” Well, it's true that it's never too late to start saving and investing.. red bumper sticker “It's never too late to have a happy childhood” Well, it's true that it's never too late to start saving and investing. Sure, your
• I'm afraid I'll lose my money if I invest it.
  Most of us don't have a lot of extra cash lying around that we can afford to be carefree with. And it's wise to recognize that investing your money – instead of stashing it in a shoebox – does come with some risks.. ot of extra cash lying around that we can afford to be carefree with. And it's wise to recognize tha
• I live in a large, multigenerational family. We pool pretty much all of our money to take care of one another so I don't really need to worry about managing money.
  The number of multigenerational families - households with three or more generations living together - is on the rise. Many multigenerational families choose to regularly pool their resources to help care for one another and shoulder the financial burdens of everyday living.. tional families - househo
• Comparing Mortgage Costs
  There are several costs associated with borrowing money to buy a home including the interest rate you’ll be charged to borrow the principal (loan amount) points, mortgage insurance closing costs and the down payment. Interest Rate One of the most important pieces of information you need from a lende
• How Long Will My Money Last?
  IT SEEMS these days that everybody wants to retire by the age of 45. Is it just wishful thinking? Our calculator will help you figure how long your investments will last.. IT SEEMS these days that everybody wants to retire by the age of 45. Is it just wishful thinking? Ou
• To Rent or to Buy?
  THINGS BEING EQUAL it's almost always better to own your home rather than to rent. After all, you build equity and get to write off your mortgage interest.. THINGS BEING EQUAL it's almost always better to own your home rather than to rent. After all, you bu
• How Much Should You Save?
  FIRST, THE BAD NEWS: If you have dreams of sending your newborn child to Harvard, you'll have to raise a small fortune to foot the bill. Now, the good news: Thanks to the emergence of 529 plans, saving for college is easier than ever.. FIRST, THE BAD NEWS: If y
• Things to Consider Before Renting
  Renting means that you have signed a legally-binding contract to pay a property-owner (also sometimes referred to as a “landlord” for the ability to live in the property (condominium unit, townhome, single-family home or apartment) for a specified period of time. Before heading out to find a place y
• College Education Cost Planning
  Being able to pay for – or help pay for – a child’s education is one of most parents’ significant, and costly, financial goals. In fact “Money” magazine found that: 41% of parents plan to pay their child’s full college bill 54% plan to pay some costs 95% plan to pay at least something toward their c
• If a Beneficiary Does Not Attend College
  Even the best-intentioned plans can change.  If the beneficiary of your 529 prepaid tuition or savings plan chooses not to attend college you have several options for your funds.. Even the best-intentioned plans can change. If the beneficiary of your 529 prepaid tuition or saving
• Financial Aid Implications
  Just because you have saved and invested for a child’s college education through a 529 plan you may find that you don’t have all the funds needed when s/he arrives on campus. Most parents look for supplemental college financing by applying for financial aid.. Just because you have sav
• Enrolling In and Contributing to a 529 Plan
  There are two ways you can enroll in a 529 plan: The “Direct Sold” method: all states and the District of Columbia offer 529 plans that permit you to enroll directly. By enrolling directly through the state you will typically pay fewer fees and no sales commissions, unlike 529 plans sold through a p
• Important Steps at Each Stage of Your Life
  Each stage of life presents different opportunities and challenges. For example, single adults just starting out in the workforce have the gift of time to begin planning for their future, but need to begin developing wise financial habits at the start to reach them.. Each stage of life presen
• Resources for Blended Families
  There are numerous online resources for blended families including: National Stepfamily Resource Center (. There are numerous online resources for blended families including: National Stepfamily Resource Center ( www.stepfamilies.in
• Next Steps: Recovering from a Service Member’s Death
  As you work through the initial grief of losing your loved one it is important to know what resources the military provides: Legal Assistance Your casualty affairs officer will accompany you to a meeting with a Department of Defense legal assistance officer where you will learn about the benefits an
• Refinancing
  When you buy a home you obtain a mortgage, also called a purchase loan by mortgage professionals. It’s simply a loan to purchase a home.. When you buy a home you obtain a mortgage, also called a purchase loan by mortgage professionals. It’s simply a loan to purchase a home. The bank or f
• A Widow
  Scenario: Marilyn is a 51-year old widow, living in Delaware, supporting two teenagers. When her husband died unexpectedly, she had to return to the work force full-time.. Scenario: Marilyn is a 51-year old widow, living in Delaware, supporting two teenagers. When her husband died unexpectedly, s
• Insurance
  Insurance is an important part of your overall financial planning. It will ensure that you can maintain your income, your assets and keep you on track with your financial plan.. Insurance is an important part of your overall financial planning. It will ensure that you can maint
• What Happens to Homeowners Holding Interest-Only Mortgages When Interest Rates Rise
  Starting in early  2001 millions of Americans took advantage of record low interest rates and bought a home. But the down side of that good news is that while interest rates were at record lows, housing prices soared to record highs.. Starting in early 2001 millions of Americans took
• Selling Your Home Part II
  Once you have decided to sell your home, and prepared it to put it on the market you have several choices to make.. Once you have decided to
• Working with a Realtor or Going it Alone
  One of the first impulses most people have when thinking about buying a home is finding a Realtor® But who exactly is a Realtor? And is a Realtor (capital R) the same as an agent? And what about a broker? Who exactly can help me? Real estate professionals can be very helpful in the home buying proce
• Decide Why You Want to Go
  The first smart move Frances made was to figure out why she wanted to return to school. If you haven’t already thought about it, begin by taking stock of where you are personally, where you are in your career, where you are financially and more clearly defining your reasons for wanting to return to
• The Retirees
  Scenario: Roy and Helen are both 67, retired, and live in West Virginia in the same house they raised their kids. Their kids and 4 grandchildren just live down the road from them.. Scenario: Roy and Helen are both 67, retired, and live in West Virginia in the same house they raise
• Finances
  The personal finance statistics for military families are sobering. A 2006 national survey found that: 22% of all servicemembers reported occasionally or usually having trouble paying bills 26% of all servicemembers have not invested for their future financial needs and goals within the past two yea
• Insurance and Protection
  Insurance is an important component of every personal financial plan. Insurance provides you with financial protection for your assets and your loved ones.. Insurance is an important component of every personal financial plan. Insurance provides you with financial protection for yo
• Handling Money Issues with Grandparents, Step-Grandparents and ex-Grandparents
  Just when you didn’t think it could get any more confusing, enter the multiple sets of grandparents. Even though you and your ex-spouse have ended your marriage, it’s more than likely that your ex-spouse’s parent would like to continue their relationship with their grandchild(ren).
• Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF)
  The Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) program provides cash payments, work opportunities and other services to eligible families with children. The eligibility rules vary by state, but the most common rules to receive assistance are: Most adults are required to go to work after receiving
• Financial “Red Flags”
  As you talk about financial matters you may begin to realize that you and your partner aren’t exactly on the same page. Perhaps you’re feeling increasingly uncomfortable about some of your conversations and you can’t quite put a finger on what it is that’s bothering you.. As you talk about financi
• How much home can I afford?
  Buying a home is typically the largest financial commitment most people make. It can also seem like one of the most confusing and overwhelming processes you've ever navigated.. Buying a home is typically the largest financial commitment most people make. It can also seem like one of the most confusing
• Single Moms and their Money
  It’s often been said that being a single parent is one of the hardest jobs on the planet. Without another adult to share responsibilities for parenting, running a household and financially caring for a family, the burden can be weighty.. It’s often been said that being a single parent is
• Help for Homeowners Mortgage Center
  Millions of American homeowners are facing tough financial choices created by a tightening economy and rising interest rates which are sending monthly payment rates up for many adjustable-rate mortgage holders. If your or a friend or loved one is struggling to hold on to your home this section can h
• Borrowing Against Your Life Insurance
  If you have a cash value life insurance policy you may be able to either take money out of the policy or taking a loan out against the policy to help pay for your child’s college tuition. Typically you can withdraw or borrow a percentage of the cash value you have built up in the policy – limits var
• Your Child’s School
  While at college your child may be able to obtain financial aid and income assistance through tuition waivers where a portion or all of a student’s tuition is dismissed or “waived” if he/she can demonstrate financial need. These are more commonly found at private universities that charge higher tuit
• Relational Issues and Conflict Resolution
  In order to successfully work together as a multigenerational family it is important to communicate clearly and consistently about roles, responsibilities and expectations. Constantly communicating about these things will help ease tension and proactively solve problems before they become something
• Legal Issues
  Sometimes multigenerational families form because a parent is unable to provide appropriate care for a child or children, because a family member is incarcerated or because a family member is involved in ongoing legal disputes and needs safe shelter and a stable lifestyle. Consider whether or not yo
• Effectively Discussing your Finances as a Couple
  Studies show that the most common reason for arguments between a husband and wife center around money. In fact, financial issues are the number one cause for divorce among American married couples.. Studies show that the most common reason for arguments between a husband and wife center around mone
• Decide About Your Tax Filing Status
  Until your remarriage you have probably been filing as a “single payer” for your federal, state and local income taxes. Once you are remarried you will need to decide if you and your spouse are going to file jointly or separately.. Until your remarriage you have probably been filin
• Attitudes Toward Money
  Whether we’re keenly aware of it or not we all hold typically pretty well-ingrained attitudes toward money. We may have inherited our attitudes toward money from our family of origin, or from financial experiences in previous marriages or relationships, or from our own personal life experiences..
• Financial Priorities
  Your attitude toward money, previous experiences and personal goals all influence your decisions about financial priorities. Just as with attitudes toward money, your and your new spouse’s financial priorities may differ.. Your attitude toward money, previous experiences and personal goals all inf
• Talk About Your Financial Goals
  Just as you and your new spouse probably have goals for how you as husband and wife, and your children, will merge into a new family structure, it’s important talk about what type of financial goals you want to set for your blended family. Some common financial goals for couples are: Raise a family
• Discuss a Prenuptial or Postnuptial Agreement
  Prenuptial agreements are becoming more common, especially in second marriages (which fail at an even faster rate than first marriages) and not just for the very rich. While it may not seem very romantic, bringing up the subject of a prenuptial or postnuptial agreement can be viewed as a wise way of
• Managing Child Care as a Single Mom
  If you have young or school-age children you, like millions of other single moms, have to constantly juggle the logistics, emotions and financial cost of childcare. On average a single mother spends nearly one-third of her income on child care.. If you have young or school-age children you, like
• A Baby on the Way
  Scenario: Eddie and Ellen are both in their early 30s, have been married for 3 years and are living in Connecticut. They bought Ellen’s grandmother’s house when she decided to downsize.. Scenario: Eddie and Ellen are both in their early 30s, have been married for 3 years and are living
• Selecting a Lender
  Congratulations. You invested some real time last month to educate yourself about the not-so-simple-to-understand mortgage.. Congratulations. You invested some real time last month to educate yourself about the not-so-simple-to-understand mortgage. Now that you know the basics about what a mortgage
• Planning to Manage Wedding Day Costs
  According to a Conde Nast Bridal Group survey, the average cost of a wedding is approximately 27,800. Nearly one-third of all American couples pay for their own wedding and laying out that much money (or accumulating that much credit card debt) early on in the marriage can have a significant im
• Buying a Newly Built Home
  At some point most of us have thought about our “dream home. Wouldn’t it be fun to choose your floor plan, appliances, carpet and paint? It’s also nice to think that you could be the home’s first owner.. At some point most of us have thought about our “dream home. Wouldn’t it be fun to choose your floor
• What Every Homebuyer Needs to Know Before Agreeing to a Mortgage
  Are you or a loved one considering becoming a homeowner? Taking on a mortgage loan to purchase a home can be an intimidating and confusing process. A Federal Reserve study for the Federal Trade Commission found that a significant percentage of homebuyers did not understand key features and costs of
• Offers & Counteroffers
  When you've found the home you want the next step is decide whether or not you want to make an offer, meaning that you want to tell the seller that you want to purchase the home. Making an offer is where you put pen to paper and outline exactly how much money you're willing to pay for the home and u
• Closing on a Loan
  Closing, sometimes called “going to settlement, on a home is like the part of the wedding ceremony where the bride and groom exchange vows. It’s where you and the seller seal the deal! Closing on a home loan is when you sign all the papers transferring ownership of the property from the seller to th
• Comparing Plans
  Once you have made the decision to begin saving for a college education, you understand that 529 plans offer a way for your savings to go farther, and you have thought about both your risk tolerance and your child’s age relative to their college entrance date, the next step is to compare possible pl
• Start Out Smart! 7 Money Moves to Make Now
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