Finance

• Pay Me First

  When there’s some extra money at the end of the month, which debt should be paid off first. When you start to factor in home prices and possible moves, it can be confusing.

• Correcting Your Credit Report

  Independent studies indicate that about 70% of all credit reports contain errors. And about one in four reports have an error big enough to cause credit to be denied. In fact, the Federal Trade Commission advises checking your credit report before making any major purchase. That will allow you to correct any errors before a potential lender asks for your report.

• 401k Plans Explained

  Like most good things, the 401k retirement plan has some strings attached. The company can, in fact, control the choices for investing the money within the 401k plan. But, in this case, it’s a price that’s usually worth paying.

• Ten Last-Chance Tax Tips

  With only a few days left for taxpayers to remain focused and carefully complete returns, the California Society of Certified Public Accountants (CalCPA) offers ten last-minute tips to help ensure error-free filing, minimum delays and timely refunds.

• Laid Off! Now What?

  Look for ways to reduce expenses. It’s time to go into ‘survival’ mode. Anything that’s not essential must be eliminated. No one likes to give up their cable TV, cell phones or bowling leagues…....If you have children, don’t hide the fact that you need to spend less. You won’t ruin their childhood. Don’t scare them with talk of living under an overpass. But don’t pretend that nothing has changed in your life.

• Credit Card Debt and the “New Economy”

  Over 68% of Americans have a credit card and much of the “New Economy’s” heralded low-inflation growth has been fueled by debt, much of it credit-card debt. Ever wonder how the economy has been able to grow prodigiously as income inequality has skyrocketed and wages have stagnated? There are two answers. The first is that with a booming economy, people feel optimistic about their finances even if they don’t have much reason to be. The second, and more disturbing, answer is consumer spending based on debt, often credit card debt.

• Establishing Credit

  What’s the best way to establish credit? It’s important to get off to a good start. The record you build now will follow you throughout your life, and it will effect how much you pay when you borrow money in the future.

• Retirement Nest Egg

  Too many of us watch the years go by and hope that Social Security will take care of it. But, that’s dangerous thinking. In Congressional testimony, the chairman of the Federal Reserve Board, Allen Greenspan had this to say. “The dramatic increase in the ratio of retirees to workers that seems inevitable, as the baby boom generation moves to retirement and enjoys ever greater longevity, makes our current pay-as-you-go social security system unsustainable.” That means that we need to prepare for our own retirement.