What happens when people die -- or are dying -- is a subject of intense debate. For you it might be a matter of faith or science. What's less debatable: if you prepare properly, the people you leave behind will have an easier transition.
Several ...
Continue reading An Introductory Guide to Wills, Trusts and Estate Planning
What’s the Best Way to Give a Financial Gift?
When it comes to gifts, we all know it's the thought that counts -- which is why there are certain self-described gift-giving mentors who don't encourage financial gifts. Of course, those same folks have probably been on the receiving end of monetary ...
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Is It Better to Borrow From Your 401k or Take an Early Withdrawal?
In the case of a financial emergency, you might have to dip into your 401k plan to find the money you need. This is never an ideal scenario, as taking money out of such accounts can severely set back progress you've made in saving for ...
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7 Tips for Finding a Reliable Used Car at the Lowest Price
It used to be if you wanted a new car for cheap, the best option was to buy a used one - but that's no longer a slam dunk today.
Even so, used cars are still subject to lower taxes, registration fees and dealer fees. You also can't slap a fancy ...
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How to Stop FOMO from Creating a Gaping Hole in Your Monthly Budget
FOMO -- the fear of missing out -- is a powerful feeling. It's defined as an anxiety that something exciting is happening somewhere that you're not. It may sound like a benign and harmless feeling, but FOMO controls us more than we like to ...
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6 Ways to Create a Stylish Home Office on a Budget
Flexible scheduling and the beauty of technology in the workplace has allowed for more opportunities than ever to work from home -- either part or full-time -- rather than hanging out in the office seven days a week.
That being said, just any ...
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5 Affordable Ways to Upgrade an Outdated Bathroom
A wise man once said, "You go to take a shower with the bathroom you have -- not the bathroom you might want or wish to have at a later time." Perhaps we're paraphrasing, but how happy are you with your current master bathroom? This should be your ...
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10 Frugal Ways to Unwind, Relax and Have a Little Fun
Ever reach the end of the work week, and you literally just can't handle any more? The days spent at the office can leave us feeling tense and wound so tight that you can almost feel your bones grinding together.
So how do you unwind without ...
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7 Questions You Should Always Ask Yourself When Buying Clothes
Investing in new clothes is a process that takes several steps. While splurging on yourself can be fun, you should always keep in mind how practical your new purchase will really be. Keep your inner shopaholic in check by asking yourself a few ...
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How Much Should Parents Spend on Education Technology?
Back to school shopping isn't what it used to be. Not too long ago, the most technologically advanced product that a parent would buy their kid was one of those bulky graphic calculators. Now, that almost seems quaint compared to the devices ...
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6 Ways to Avoid Becoming Small-Minded About Money
Right now, at this moment, how much money do you have? Before you answer: does the mere question begin to stress you out?
If so, you're not alone. According to the number crunchers at the American Psychological Association, the top three causes of ...
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How to Find a Low-Cost Pest Control Company That Won’t Rip You Off
Eventually, pests happen. Whether it's a rat or rodent infestation, a serious bug problem or something more serious like termites, you will need to hire a professional pest control company. In most cases, you can rely on them to rid your home of a ...
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The 5 Major Money Personalities: Which One Do You Have?
Although researchers disagree on just how much of our personalities are dictated by our genetics and how much comes from the way we were raised, one thing is clear: Your personality has a huge effect on how you relate to money.
In terms of ...
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3 Easy Ways to Minimize Your Monthly Smartphone Bill
Smartphones are ubiquitous these days, but they aren't always cheap to use. A typical plan-based contract could set you back $100 a month or even more. Plus, since many of those agreements span across years, you're stuck if it turns out you don't get ...
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4 Alternatives to Traditional Banking Many People Overlook
You might be one of many people who is getting tired of increasing and tricky bank fees. Perhaps you're at the point where you're even looking at switching to a "new" way of banking that's different from the typical big-name bank you've used for ...
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6 Ways to Cut the Costs of Raising Children
Even if you do your best to be frugal and find deals, the cost of raising children isn't cheap. Infants need special equipment, such as car seats, strollers and carriers. Older children come with education costs. The US government's most recent study ...
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5 Clever Ways to Save Money on Pet Care
If you're like most pet owners, you consider your animal companions part of the family. But pet-care costs can strain a household budget -- so it's important to evaluate how we care for the animals we love without dropping our hard-earned money into ...
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Worried About Hospital Bills? Consider Medical Tourism!
You need to undergo a medical procedure, pronto. So you look around for the best, and most affordable, hospitals in your area. You even check out the ones across the country. Unfortunately, none of them fit your requirements -- especially your ...
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5 Ways to See Disneyland or Disney World on a Budget
For most people who don't live in California or Florida, a trip to Disney is a rare treat. Even if you only do it once a year, or once every few years, a full Disney vacation can be expensive; sometimes prohibitively so.
Thankfully, it is possible ...
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10 Tips for Making Your First Budget
Landing your first real job and bringing in a steady paycheck each month is an exciting time. However, if you're like most people, that's shortly followed by a myriad of expenses. It's difficult to keep track of all your bills and expenses -- and if ...
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