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Financial Planning: Most Popular Articles

These articles are the most popular over the last month.
Basic Budget Worksheet for Setting Up Your Personal Budget
Budget worksheet form for setting up your personal budget
How To Create a Budget
Creating a budget may not sound like the most exciting thing in the world to do but it is vital in keeping your financial house in order. Before you begin to create your budget it is important to realize that in order to be successful you have to provide as much detailed information as possible. Ultimately the end result will be able to show where your money is coming from, how much is there and where it is all going.
All About Personal Budgets
A One-stop Guide to Budgeting Advice and Budget Worksheets
How to Establish Credit
When you don’t have a credit history, it can be difficult and frustrating when trying to obtain a credit card or other type of loan. Establishing your initial credit history can be a Catch-22. If you don’t have credit, not many places are willing to give you credit, yet how can you ever establish credit if nobody is willing to give you any?
Your FICO Credit Score
Your FICO credit score determines your ability to borrow money and affects you in other ways that may surprise you
Buying Diamond Engagement Ring
What You Need to Know When Buying a Diamond Engagement Ring
Plan an Affordable Wedding
Plan an affordable, memorable wedding without going into debt or breaking the bank
Budgeting
Budgeting - The First Step to Financial Success
Budget Worksheet for College Students
BUDGET WORKSHEET FOR COLLEGE STUDENTS Click here for a printer-friendly version of the College Budget
Ways to Improve Credit Score
Your credit score is a very important number that lenders use in order to determine whether or not to extend credit to you, and what the interest rate and terms of the credit or loan are.
U.S. Savings Bonds
If you’re tired of the pitiful interest rate on your savings account at the bank, you may want to look into U.S. savings bonds for an equally safe place to keep some of your savings. With most bank accounts, the safety of your money comes from being insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, or FDIC. This provides insurance on up to $100,000 per depositor. Unfortunately, while your money may be safe, there is a good chance the interest rate on the account is quite low.
You Can Get Out of Debt
You Can Get Out of Debt, But Not by Paying the Minimum Balance on Your Credit Cards
Top Personal Finance Software
Top picks for personal finance software programs
Ways for Teens to Make Money
Jobs for Teens and Other Ways to Make Money
Eliminate Credit Card Debt
The Fastest Way To Eliminate Credit Card Debt - How to eliminate credit card debt before it threatens your financial health
Wedding Budget Worksheet
Click here for a printer-friendly version WEDDING BUDGET WORKSHEET Item Budgeted Cost Actual Cost PRINTING:
Your Debt To Income Ratio
Do you have too much debt? Calculate your debt to income ratio to find out.
Secret to Budgeting
The secret to budgeting successfully
Top Ten Financial Tips
Top Ten Financial Tips: Keys to Financial Success
Bear Market Strategies
Bear markets present a challenge to even the savviest investors. It doesn’t matter if you have $1,000 in the market or $1 million, losing money hurts. It is during these declining markets your patience will be tested. If fear sets in, you might consider bailing out on your investment plan completely, which can do more damage than anything else.
Personal Finance 101
Personal finance covers a wide variety of money topics including budgeting, expenses, debt, saving, retirement and insurance among others. Understanding how each of these topics work together and affect each other is important for laying the groundwork for a solid financial foundation for you and your family.
Bi-weekly Mortgage Payments
Bi-weekly Mortgage Payments: Save Tens of Thousands of Dollars on Your Mortgage But Avoid the Scams
Guilt-free Budgeting
How to Achieve Guilt-free Budgeting and Take Control of Your Finances
Debt Snowball
The Debt Snowball is the fastest method of paying of credit debt. Here's how to do it.
Introduction to Saving Money
The ability to save money is the cornerstone of building wealth. In order to save money, you need to spend less than you earn. This is often easier said than done, but there are plenty of ways to help you begin saving money on even the tightest budget.
Balancing Your Checkbook
Balancing Your Checkbook: Four Reasons You Should Do It and Step-by-Step Instructions
Money and the College Student
Money Advice for College Students. Leave College Without Credit Card Debt.
Emergency Funds
Emergency Funds: Why you need one, how much you need, where to keep it, and the secret to saving money
Cut Air Conditioning Costs
Save Money on Air Conditioning Costs
Net Worth Statements
Calculate your net worth to get a snapshot of your financial health
Seeking Credit Counseling
Consumer Credit Counseling Services: Should You Use Them?
Debt Warning Signs
Do you have debt that is bogging you down and keeping you from reaching your financial goals? Using credit and debt can be a powerful tool that allows you to buy a home, a vehicle, send children to college, and even provide leverage for other purchases, but when you accumulate too much debt, it can pose a serious problem.
How To Balance Your Checkbook
Balancing Your Checkbook: Step-by-Step Instructions
Tweak Your Tax Withholding
Tweak Your Income Tax Withholding and Avoid Paying More or Less Than You Owe
Make Saving Automatic
Do you have a savings account yet find it difficult to find money to deposit into it? This isn’t an uncommon problem and most people find it hard to save.
Setting Financial Goals
Setting Financial Goals - The Second Step in Personal Financial Planning
Save $ on Home Expenses
Tips on how to save money on your home expenses, including your mortgage and utilities.
Rules of Thumb
Everyone has a unique situation, and there are no concrete financial numbers that define success, but there are some rules of thumb that can help you gauge your progress.
Best Places to Stash Your Cash
The Best Places to Stash Your Cash. What you should do with your short-term savings
Choosing a Planner
With a little knowledge and willingness to create and follow a financial plan, most people can adequately manage their own finances. Even so, there are many instances where you just don’t have the time or have a complicated situation that may need the assistance of a finance professional.
The Child Tax Credit
The Child Tax Credit - what you need to know to claim it properly.
Identity Theft Insurance
Should You Buy Identity Theft Insurance or Credit Monitoring Services?
Maximize Your Benefits
Maximize Your Employment Benefits: Flexible Spending Accounts
Save Money on Heating Costs
Save money by reducing heating costs
Where to Keep Your Savings
So, you’ve set up an automatic savings program and you’re finally building up that emergency fund, but where should you keep your savings so that it earns the most interest for you? Luckily, there are many different savings vehicles available, but not all of them are appropriate for every situation.
Laddering CDs
Laddering Certificates of Deposit (CDs)to Maximize Your Earnings and Balance Risk and Reward
Co-signing a Loan
Co-signing a Loan: What You Need To Know
Joint or Separate Accounts?
Should You and Your Spouse Have Joint or Separate Checking Accounts? Tips on How to Decide and How to Make It Work
Top Picks: Personal Finance Books
Top picks for personal finance books
Checkbook Balancing Form
Click here for a printable version of this checkbook balancing form. Checkbook Balancing Form 1.  Outstanding
Get Started in Investing
How to Get Started in Investing With Small Amounts of Money
Grocery Tips
Have you been shocked by your grocery shopping bills recently? You’re not alone. Inflation always has, and always will be around, but it is affecting food prices more than others. Most families find that when creating a budget, more effort is being made trying to save money on gas and groceries. Here are some tips that can help you keep your grocery budget under control.
Cut Spending Leaks
Sometimes it is the little things that add up. Stopping the little spending leaks in your life may amount to significant savings over time.
The Roots of Overspending
To build wealth and reach financial independence, you simply need to spend less than you earn. It is an easy concept to understand, but why is it so difficult? To answer this question, you need to examine the roots of overspending. When you know what factors drive your spending, you can fight back and save money so that you can spend less than you earn.
Can You Afford to Have Kids?
Can You Afford to Have Kids? Financial Planning for a New Baby
Budgeting Traits
Creating a budget is incredibly difficult, but where most people fail is trying to maintain the budget. It usually starts with good intentions, but just like dieting, it doesn’t take much to derail your entire plan. Here are three traits you must posses if you want to create and maintain a successful budget.
A Budget Can Improve Your Life
Twelve Reasons Budgeting Can Improve Your Life
Financial Planning - QuickTips
An index of QuickTips for the Financial Planning guide site.
What Makes a Good Budget?
What Makes a Good Budget? Top Ten Features of a Successful Budget
Choosing a Financial Planner
Advice on what to look for in a financial planner, how to know if you need one, and how to choose one
How To Become a Millionaire
How To Become a Millionaire - Becoming a millionaire is not out of reach for many Americans
Get Out of Debt Guide
Get Out of Debt guide - What You Need To Know Before You Can Get Out of Debt
Why You Need an Emergency Fund
In life you should expect the unexpected, and this is why you need an emergency fund. The best you can do is to prepare for emergencies that require access to additional money and having an emergency fund is the ideal solution. Financial emergencies can come in the form of a job loss, significant medical expenses, home or auto repairs or something you’ve never dreamed of.
Financial Advice for Your 20s
Financial Advice for Your Twenties or if You're Just Starting a Financial Plan, Regardless of Your Age
Five Worst Car Mistakes
Five Worst Money Mistakes to Avoid When Buying a Car
Biggest Money Mistakes
Seven Biggest Money Mistakes in Accumulating Wealth
The Secret To Saving Money
One small and suprisingly simple secret can show you to save money.
How Much to Budget by Category
What Percentage of Our Income Should We Budget for Each Expense Category?
401(k) Plans
Don’t let the cryptic name of the plan confuse you, these plans are actually fairly easy to understand. A 401(k) is a retirement plan offered by some employers in the United States. The plan received the name from the section of Internal Revenue Code it was named after.
Leasing a Car vs Buying
Should you lease your next car or buy it? Ten things you must know before buying orleasing your new car.
How to Contact the IRS
How to contact the IRS by telephone, mail, the internet, or fax
Stay Away From Payday Loans
Quick and easy cash? There's nothing easy about payday loans.
The Urge to Splurge
The Real Culprit Behind Your Urge to Splurge
6 Retirement Mistakes to Avoid
We all make mistakes, but learning from our mistakes and identifying what mistakes to avoid can make a big difference. Here are six common mistakes people make with retirement planning that you should avoid.
Collecting Child Support
Collecting Child Support. Unpaid Child Support plunges millions into poverty. Don't be one of them.
Net Worth Worksheet
Net worth worksheet for calculating how much you're worth financially
Save Money On Gas
13 Ways To Significantly Reduce Your Gas Costs and Save Money
Saving for a Down Payment
In order to receive the best possible interest rates and to avoid private mortgage insurance it is still a wise decision to have a significant down payment, but how can you save tens of thousands of dollars for this purchase?
Insuring Your Life
Understanding and Choosing Life Insurance - What Type of Insurance Is Best For You?
Summer Saving Tips
You can save money throughout the year, but the warm temperatures of summer provide a few additional tips that can help you save even more money. Here are some things to try during those warm months.
Top Money Management Software
Using software to assist in keeping your finances in order is a great way to stay on track. Most financial software will allow you to keep track of income, expenses, and even your investments. Some even have the option to automatically download or connect to your financial institutions via the Internet, which can simply the process even further.
Marriage - Mingling Your Money
Marriage - Tying the Financial Knot. The Way You Mingle Your Money Can Mean the Difference Between Wedded Bliss and Divorce Court
5 Mistakes When Buying a Car
For most people, a car is a necessity. We often depend on our vehicles to get us to and from work every day, transport children to events, and even for pleasure. Because they are such an important aspect of your life, you want a vehicle that is reliable, comfortable, and maybe even a bit stylish. The vehicle choices are almost endless, so finding the right combination of wants and needs with an affordable price tag can be challenging.
Credit Score Criteria
Your credit score is a number that is calculated with a formula that lenders use to predict how much risk you are as a borrower. This score is one of the most important factors used when determining whether or not to lend you money and at what interest rate.
Couples and Money
Couples and Money: How to Talk the Talk
15-year Mortgages
Best Financial Moves - 15-Year Mortgages. Save large sums of money by having a 15-year instead of a 30-year mortgage
Tying the Knot Financially
Tying the Knot: A Financial To Do List for Newlyweds
How To Calculate Net Worth
Your net worth can be a useful tool to measure your financial progress from year to year. Your net worth is essentially a grand total of all your assets minus your liabilities.
Invest Small Amounts of Money
Start Investing With Very Small Amounts of Money Using Direct Purchase Plans
Cut Homeowner's Insurance
Ten Ways To Cut Your Homeowner's Insurance Premiums
Money and Unmarried Couples
Single couples living together face unique money issues. Learn the three most critical personal finance issues facing unmarried couples.
Itemize Deductions
Reduce Your Income Taxes by Itemizing Deductions
Top Personal Finance Magazines
Top Personal Finance Magazines for the average person
EE Savings Bond Changes
The federal government has changed Series EE savings bonds, and it's not for the better. Find out about the changes and alternatives to Series EE bonds.
Beware Payday Loans
Beware of Payday Loans: Dangerous Consumer Rip-Off
Dave Ramsey
Dave Ramsey, One of America's Best Personal Finance Experts
Be Prepared for Closing Costs When You Buy a Home
Here's what to expect for closing costs when you buy a home, and how to be prepared to identify inflated fees
Top Online $ Calculators
Top Ten Online Money Calculators - Manage Your Finances More Easily
Are Budgets for Sissies?
Do budgets really work? Find out how an average family with kids and debt amassed a fortune
How Much Home Can You Afford?
When the time is right to purchase a home, the first question you need to be able to answer is how of a home you can afford.
Everything Personal Finance in Your 20s and 30s
Erase your debt, personalize your budget, and plan now to secure your future with Everything Personal Finance in Your 20s and 30s
Identity Theft Tips
You’ve heard about identity theft in the news, and if you’re like most people, you probably think it will never happen to you. While there is a good chance that you’ll never experience this unfortunate situation, it only takes one misplaced document or accidentally clicking on a link on the web to put you at risk. Because it is becoming easier for thieves to obtain the information needed to steal and damage your identity, it is important to take a proactive approach and protect yourself.
Monthly Budget Worksheet for College Students
MONTHLY BUDGET WORKSHEET FOR COLLEGE STUDENTS (Printer friendly version of this worksheet) CATEGORY MONTHLY
Save Money on Credit Cards
Save money on your credit card expenses with these money-saving tips
Financial Issues of Divorce
Financial Issues of Divorce: Dividing Property and Debt, Child Support, Alimony, Taxes, Retirement Funds, and More. Protect yourself financially.
Find Money to Pay Off Debt
Are you struggling to come up with enough money to pay more than the minimum on your credit card debt? It can certainly seem as if there is never enough money to go around, but you might be surprised where you can find a few extra dollars to apply towards that debt and accelerate the payoff.
Budget Isn't a Bad Word
When you hear the word “budget”, what does it mean do you? If you’re like most people, you probably think of it as an unpleasant activity that means you have to financially deprive yourself. This couldn’t be further from the truth, yet this is the typical reason that most budgets fail.
Smart Moves for College Grads
Five Smart Money Moves for New College Graduates
Dealing With Divorce
Dealing with the financial impact of divorce. Know your obligations and how to protect yourself financially
Review W-4 Exemptions
If you work for an employer that automatically withholds taxes from each paycheck, then you have the ability to adjust how much is withheld by adjusting the exemptions on IRS Form W-4. This is important to review because many different changes in your life could impact the amount of money you should have withheld.
5 Ways to Save on Gas
Make no bones about it, gasoline is expensive and it isn’t getting any cheaper. You don’t need to switch to public transportation to cut costs at the pump. There are a few basic things you can do that could considerably save money on gas.
Get Your Free Credit Report
Get Your Free Credit Report - Now Available by Law
Debtors Anonymous Can Help
Even with all of the advice and information available to help people break their overspending habits, for some, this desire to spend and rack up insurmountable debt becomes a serious problem that overtakes other aspects of their lives. As with any addiction, this can negatively affect your performance at work, quality of life, and relationships with family and friends.
Choosing Health Insurance
Choosing Health Insurance - Striking a Balance Between Quality of Care and Your Wallet
Build a Financial Safety Net
Building a Financial Safety Net
The Minimum Payment Habit
One of the most costly mistakes you can make with credit cards is getting into the habit of only paying the minimum amount due each month. While the minimum amount may be affordable; it will also cost you more money in the long run.
You Can Afford to Stay Home
You Can Afford to Stay Home With Your Kids. How to Calculate What That Second Income is Really Costing You and What It's Really Worth.
401(k) Loan
Many retirement plans such as 401(k)s and 403(b)s allow participants to borrow money from their retirement savings, but there are many things you should consider before tapping into that retirement plan with a loan.
All About Financial Planning
One-stop resource for financial planning information
How Bankruptcy Works
Bankruptcy - How It Works and How to Prevent It
Credit Card Minimums Double
Your Monthly Credit Card Minimum Payments May Double
Suze Orman - Money Expert
What Makes Suze Orman One of America's Best Personal Finance Experts?
Personal Financial Plan
Step by step instructions for creating your own personal basic financial plan.
Dumb Ways to Pay Debt
Debt Payment Methods You Should Avoid
Retirement Funds and Divorce
Protect your share of your spouse's retirement plan if you're getting a separation or divorce
Using a Broker
Should you use a Stockbroker or make your own investment decisions? Advice on how to decide, and how to choose and use a broker.
Try Using Cash
If you are struggling to stay within your budget or always seem to spend more money than you should it might be a good idea to go back to using cash for daily purchases.
A Car or a House?
Your car payment may prevent you from qualifying for a mortgage. Choosing between owning a new car or your own home.
1st Step in Asking for a Raise
Important advice on how to get a pay raise
How Much Life Insurance?
If you don’t have enough life insurance, you could put your family in a difficult situation upon your death, but having too much could mean you are throwing money out the window. So, how much life insurance do you need?
Should Teens Have Credit Cards
Should Teens Have Credit Cards?
Retirement Savings Late Start
Ten Tips for Late Starters To Boost Their Retirement Savings
529 Plans
Section 529 plans are a relatively new college savings vehicle that can make saving for college even easier.
Student Loans vs Mortgage
Don't Let Student Loans Prevent You From Qualifying for a Mortgage - Advice for Students and College Graduates
Money for Couples
Money Guide for Married Couples
Choosing the Best Mortgage
Choosing the Best Mortgage for You. Why It's Important and How To Do It
Private Mortgage Insurance
Save Thousands by Cancelling Private Mortgage Insurance
College Money Mistakes
Top Five Money Mistakes Made By College Students
Before Buying a Home
For many people, owning a home brings a sense of pride and freedom that cannot be matched by renting. When you own your own home, you aren’t bound by a landlord’s rules, and your monthly payments are actually building equity. Although buying a home may be the first step you take toward building long-term wealth, it is important to understand the pros and cons of home ownership before taking the plunge.
Organize Your Finances
One of the easiest things you can do to help keep your financial house in order is to get organized. Having your financial information stored and processed in a systematic manner will go a long way in helping maintain your finances.
Insurance You Do Need
You can find an insurance policy to cover almost anything imaginable but only a handful of policies are actually ones that you need to have. You work hard throughout your life to build wealth and live a happy and comfortable life, so some types of insurance can protect your possessions, income and even provide for a loved one when you are gone.
What Are Mutual Funds?
What Are Mutual Funds - A Simple Explanation of How Mutual Funds Work
1000 Best Money Secrets
1000 Best Smart Money Secrets for Students book
Difference Between APR and APY
Both APR (annual percentage rate) and APY (annual percentage yield) are commonly used to reflect the interest rate paid on something, but what is the difference between the two? Understanding the difference will help you understand exactly how hard your money is working for you.
Financial Planning - HowTos
An index of HowTos for the Financial Planning guide site.
Should You Refinance?
How to Take Advantage of Lower Mortgage Interest Rates
Can't Pay Your Income Taxes?
What To Do When You Can't Pay Your Income Taxes Due: The Worst Thing You Can Do Is To Do Nothing
The High Cost of Credit Cards
The High Cost of Using Credit Cards. If you buy with a credit card, how much is that purchase really costing you? Find out what the credit card companies don't want you to know
Semester Budget Worksheet for College Students
SEMESTER BUDGET WORKSHEET FOR COLLEGE STUDENTS (Printer friendly version of this worksheet) CATEGORY
Successful Budgeting 101
How to Budget Successfully

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