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Plan It™ retire ready toolkit
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Front Page | I want to manage spending and credit

Manage Spending And Credit

Articles

  • E-Pickpocketing a Potential DangerIf your credit card includes a radio frequency chip, an electronic pickpocket could capture your card information and uses it to make purchases. Use these tips to protect your card from this type of credit card fraud.
  • Best Cars for Budget-Minded RetireesIf you want a senior-friendly car that rates high marks for driving position, front- and rear-seat access, ride quality, and interior noise control, read the latest Consumer Reports car recommendations.
  • Retire at 70? Maybe NotAre you expecting to work an extra five years, say to age 70 instead of 65, so you can afford to retire? This could be a dicey strategy
  • Reassess Your RetirementThe new retirement landscape involves reassessing what retirement means to you. Use this checklist to establish a plan that gets you where you want to go.
  • Be Smart With Your SmartphoneTake simple steps to protect your smartphone from thieves and hackers.
  • Financial Plan: Don't Stop in RetirementMake a plan to handle the highs and the lows of your financial retirement life.
  • Financial Files: To Hoard or Toss?Although some people feel more comfortable saving records forever, here are some guidelines for those of you who are more inclined to throw away clutter.
  • Avoid Debit Card DramaIf a thief uses your credit card, you can see the unauthorized charges on your bill and decline them. But a fraudulent debit card transaction pulls funds straight from your checking account. The time needed to clear it up could leave you in a financial bind.
  • Revisit, Revamp Your American DreamGet a better handle on your retirement expense projections.
  • Find the Right Fitness EquipmentShop for quality fitness equipment and move your workout into your home.
  • Take Two: Ready to Retire?You postponed retiring last year. What should you look for to decide if this year is a better time to retire?
  • Read PreRetiree Lane Episode 3
  • Read PreRetiree Lane Episode 2
  • Read PreRetiree Lane Episode 1
  • Health Club Memberships: Get Fit, Be SmartExercise is good for your health, but joining the first fitness club you visit can wreak havoc with your finances. Do some sleuthing before you sign on the dotted line.

    • Audio

  • Audio: Six Ways to Negotiate Doctor BillsIt’s possible to get health care discounts, if you ask.
  • Audio: Mvelopes and American DebtJoin Paul Berry, host of Home & Family Finance Radio, as he and Steven B. Smith, chairman and president/CEO at Finicity, Draper, Utah, discuss Smith’s free online budgeting system and ways to save in 2013.
  • Audio: Financing CollegeFor the first time ever, Americans owe more on their student loans than on their credit cards. Join Paul Berry, host of Home & Family Finance Radio, as he discusses college financing with Ken Kamen, president, Mercadien Asset Management, Hamilton, N.J., and author of "Reclaim Your Nest Egg: Take Control of Your Financial Future."
  • Audio: Save for Life's Rainy DaysAre you financially prepared for surprise expenses? Kenneth Watts, president and CEO, West Virginia Credit Union League, Parkersburg, W. Va., offers advice to help you save for costs that pop up when you least expect them.
  • Audio: Eat Locally, Save MoneyLearn the benefits of buying local and find out how to save money at the market.
  • Audio: PreRetiree Lane, Episode 2

    • Calculators

  • Calculator: Budget Blueprint

    • Qtip

  • Seven Signs You Should Delay RetirementThese seven signs say “wait to retire.”
  • Stay on Top of Student Loan PaymentsMore baby boomers are falling behind on federal student loan payments from their own educations or their children’s, and the government is docking their Social Security disability as well as retirement benefits.
  • Receive Federal Benefits by Direct DepositDo you receive federal benefits by paper check through the mail? You have until March 1, 2013 to switch to one of two electronic payment methods.
  • Deter Mobile FraudAbout 7% of smartphone users are victims of identity fraud. You can protect yourself from mobile fraud by following these tips.
  • Manage Debt in RetirementIt’s not an ideal situation, but through financial hardship or mistakes, you might enter retirement with debt. Fortunately, there are ways to manage it.
  • Web Phishing: Don’t Take the BaitWith website phishing attacks on the rise, it’s more important than ever to stay off the hook. Websites infected with phishing malware increased 89% in the third quarter of 2011.
  • Explore Free Online ServicesYou can find a wealth of useful services online for free.
  • Find New Ways to Save MoneyIf you’re looking for moneysaving ideas, try cutting back in these areas.
  • Savings Bonds Go OnlineBeginning in January 2012, the Treasury Department will eliminate paper savings bonds.
  • Scope Out Small-Biz Credit CardsThat small-business credit card application you received in the mail looks tempting, even if you don’t own a small business. But don’t sign up just yet.
  • Buy the Best Cellphone for YouChoosing the right cellphone and finding the best deal on a plan require some forethought. Find out how to choose the best phone for your needs and budget.
  • Dodge These Common Money MishapsSteer clear of these financial pitfalls to keep your finances in good health.
  • Protect Your Finances OnlineUse these tips to keep your financial information safe when you go online.
  • Guard Against ATM SkimmingLearn to avoid these sneaky ATM scams by staying alert at the cash machine.
  • Make Your Charitable Dollars Go Far
  • Calculate Social Security Benefits
  • Do Your Own Energy Audit
  • Use 'Step-Down Principle' to Save Money

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