Money

• How Bad Will the Economy Get?

  IT'S TIME to get our heads out from under the covers and face our worst fears. The financial crisis is worldwide, and the U.S. is actually better off than most countries. Iceland is bankrupt, and others (including Russia) are teetering. What happens when a crisis turns into a complete collapse?

  
  

• 13 Things Your Bank Won't Tell You

  Banks don't always promote their checking accounts with the highest interest rate. Why tell you about those when you're already willing to sign up for an account that pays less? Source: Reader's Digest

  
  

• 9 Ways to Tough Out Tough Times

  It's hard to find any good news about your money these days. The stock market is tumbling. Banks are failing. Home values are cratering. And you're watching your retirement disappear...

  
  

• What's the Best Software for Tracking Your $$$?

  After years of being goaded toward ever greater heights of consumerism, average Americans are finally feeling pressure to buckle down, spend less, save more, and prepare for lean times ahead...

  
  

• 5 Secrets to Growing Your Retirement $$$

  DESPITE THE DECLINE of the stock market over the past year—including its breathtaking fall during the recent credit crisis—investing in a diverse mix of stocks and bonds is still the best way to grow your retirement money, especially when you factor in the tax advantages of IRAs and 401(k) plans. But as always, the devil is in the details…

  
  

• 10 Tough Ways to Boost Your Bottom Line

  Instead of making small changes, make big changes which can have a large impact. The advantage is that you can put a huge dent into any debt you might have or supercharge your saving rate, with large increases over a short period of time. Here are 10 hard ways to get your finances in order.

  
  

• How the Bailout Could Affect You

  The government's bailout of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac should remind investors of the importance of diversification, as these investments, which once seemed so safe, proved not to be. Other effects of the bailout? Mortgage rates might fall a quarter point or so. Home prices are unlikely to change much, given the persistent negative mood of home buyers. It's unclear whether homeowners will find it easier to negotiate better loan rates or whether the terms of new loans will be more favorable to borrowers.

  
  

• Psyching Yourself Up to Save $$$

  Save hundreds on annual electric bills by plugging always-on electronic devices into a power strip and turning it off at night and when you're not home. Limit trips to the supermarket to limit impulse purchases. Buy pet food, supplies, and medicine online, at sites like 1800petmeds.com. Give up your long-distance service; use Skype or a prepaid calling card instead. Use coupons for movies, restaurants, and clothing stores. Try retailmenot.com. Check with your wireless provider once a year to make sure you're on the right plan. Shop in bulk. Walk, bike, or use public transportation--and leave your car at home. If you get a tax refund each year, lower your withholding. Source: Reader's Digest

  
  

• Is It Time to Switch to a Credit Union?

  Compared to banks, credit unions charge lower rates on loans and pay higher interest on deposits. Go to creditunion.coop to find a credit union you're eligible to join. Pick among those whose deposits are insured by the National Credit Union Administration. Compare their offerings (credit/debit cards, CDs, etc.) Need an ATM card on the road? Make sure the union belongs to the Coop Network--otherwise you may be hit with surcharges. Source: Wall Street Journal

  
  

• 30 Ways to Save Big $$$

  You already know all the great stuff you can get for free at the public library. How about free movies at hulu.com? Or free directory assistance at 800-FREE-411? Or free language lessons at bbc.com? Or free sheet music at mutopiaproject.org? It's all free, and (relatively) painless! Source: Yahoo/Kiplinger

  
  

• Time to Ditch that Airline Credit Card?

  Airlines keep changing the terms of their frequent flier programs. Unless you're a very big spender, there's a decent chance that the mileage-awarding credit card you use is no longer worth the annual cost. Answering five simple questions can help you determine whether you'd be better off switching to a cash-back card, a generic points card, or a hotel points card. Source: New York Times

  
  

• How to Prosper in a Bear Market

  Don't let the grim economic forecast get you down. Rethink your investment strategy, and you'll come out on top. Raise cash, invest in companies that produce necessities rather than luxuries. and don't forget to give gold a look. An SMD exclusive.

  
  

• Save Big $$$ on Junior's College Textbooks

  

  Used textbooks are a lot cheaper, obviously. but that's no longer the only way to go. It's possible to download electronic versions of popular books for up to 50% less. And there are some very helpful price-comparison sites. Source: Wall Street Journal

  
  

• 4 Pricing Tips to Make Your Home Sell FAST

  The right price lets you find a buyer in today’s tough real estate market. Expert pricing strategies you can use to price your home to sell. When buyers look at numbers, they make judgments in a fraction of a second. Take care when setting a price and be sure it’s sending the right signal to buyers. Source: The Wall Street Journal

  
  

• 11 Financial Tasks Made Easy

  Some essential financial tasks never seem to get done. Here is the easiest way to accomplish each of them. Simple moves for starting a 529 savings plan, writing a will, preparing for disaster, increasing your odds of winning a college scholarship, and seven more must-dos. Source: Kiplinger

  
  

• Best Online Retirement Calculators

  Most retirement questions boil down to one of 5 biggies, such as: How long will your money last? Should you get a Roth IRA? Use these retirement calculators to learn about nest eggs, annual income and investment strategies. These calculators were chosen for giving the best answers with the least hassle. Source: CNN Money

  
  

• One Thing NOT to Do with Your Tax Refund

  Making it easy for taxpayers to send their tax refund to a retirement account sounds like a smart way to save for the future. But it may bring unexpected headaches. Why Bank of America does not allow customers to direct-deposit IRA contributions. Source: The Wall Street Journal

  
  

• Grocery Cards Often Not Worth the Trouble

  Offers of cash-back rebates make grocery rewards credit cards seem to answer the prayers of cash-strapped consumers. But think twice before signing up—most have high interest rates and paltry rewards. Three cards that may be worth their weight in your wallet. Source: Smart Money

  
  

• 10 Biggest Mistakes Home Sellers Make

  If you're thinking of selling your home in today's highly competitive market, take care to avoid these subtle mistakes. Tips for selling your home from Real Estate guru Barbara Corcoran. Open House? Yes or no. Also: negotiating, pets, and home interior advice. Source: The Today Show

  
  

• 8 Simple Steps to Keep Your Investments On Track

  Sensible money management is simple but not easy. Wall Street Journal Personal Finance writer advises how to minimize investment tax, maximize retirement accounts. How to buy tax efficient funds, limit risk, learn to be a diligent saver. Also: portfolio growth strategies and savvy money management. Source: The Wall Street Journal

  
  

• Top 11 Oddball Tax Deductions

  Your fellow taxpayers have beaten the IRS in court on payments for many crazy (but legal!) things that most of us wouldn't even dream of claiming. Here are the weirdest deductions allowed, ranging from pet food to free beer. Learn ways to increase your refund from an expert. Source: Kiplinger

  
  

• 6 Ways to TRIM YOUR TAX BILL

  Tax evasion is bad, tax avoidance is legal. Answers to six questions that can save you money. How and when to look for losses, pad your retirement, and itemize. Learn about frequently overlooked deductions, avoiding the AMT and what it means. Source: CNN Money

  
  

• What You Need to Know Before Filing Your Taxes

  As millions of taxpayers scramble to meet the April 15 tax-filing deadline, they need to pay attention to several new tax-law twists—and watch out for a few classic blunders. Even if you've mastered all the new rules, it's easy to trip over a few old ones. New provisions and new restrictions. Source: The Wall Street Journal

  
  

• Finding a Building Contractor You'll Love

  Nine signs to watch for when you're interviewing contractors. Does his card include a local address? Does his truck leave an oil slick in your driveway? More indicators for giving the Red Light, Yellow Light or Green Light for work on your home. Source: CNN Money

  
  

• The Smart Way to Shop for COLLEGE LOANS

  The Credit Crunch has squeezed the education market. Learn about financial aid, College Tuition, and Student Loan packages. New data about smaller fees, lower interest rates and federal loans. How to qualify for Stafford Student Loans or PLUS loans for parents. Source: CNN Money

  
  

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