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Personal Finance

Plan now, party later
Retirement has a much different face today than in years past. Retirees tend to look at leaving the work force as an opportunity to fulfill dreams and have new experiences. Experts say the time to start thinking about what your retirement scenario will look like is well before you actually retire. 

Market Beat: Stocks still draw more money than bonds 08-27-10
For a nation that supposedly has forsaken stocks, we're still shoveling a lot of cash in that direction.
Sub-1 percent interest rates reduce savings' appeal 08-27-10
CHICAGO — Bad news for savers: The national average rate on checking, savings and other deposit accounts has dipped below the 1 percent mark for the first time in at least 10 years — and doesn't appear headed higher anytime soon, according to an analysis by Market Rates Insight.
If the dog ate your paycheck, Uncle Sam can help 08-13-10
BALTIMORE — Christine Dorr of Brooklyn Park, Md. , unhappily discovered a corner piece of a $100 bill on the floor near her border collie's bed earlier this year. A bank envelope containing three bills — two $100 notes and one $50 — had fallen on the floor, and 12-year-old Sayde's guilt-ridden looks told the story.
Families can limit money strife by selecting 'CFO' 08-13-10
It takes a lot to manage a family's finances, but too often no one is leading the way. The result is husbands and wives fighting over money, and heading toward divorce. Money is one of the top reasons for divorce. Instead, families need to evaluate how they handle money to head off disputes. One way to do this is to make one person in charge.
Fund managers worry bond investors may get burned 08-13-10
The Dow Jones industrial average rose about 104 points Tuesday. But it was hardly enough to excite investors who have turned away from a stock market they deeply distrust, with many seeking security in bonds.
Market Beat: Fed faces a puzzler in sluggish economy 08-13-10
If the economy were careening into another recession, Federal Reserve policymakers would know exactly what to do: Rent out the Air Force, print money and rain it all over America.
School shopping can teach kids spending skills 08-13-10
MINNEAPOLIS — Ina Poecher heard about a back-to-school sale at J.C. Penney on the radio. So with a mental list of wardrobe needs for fifth grade, the Vadnais Heights, Minn. , 10-year-old spent a recent Saturday morning with her head in the clearance racks.
Consumer scams adapt to changing times 08-06-10
Billing disputes. Shoddy repairs. Outfits that promise to fix credit woes or stop houses veering toward foreclosure, but then take your money and disappear. Last week, the Consumer Federation of America put out its annual list of the top consumer complaints collected by state agencies and consumer groups.
Market Beat: Bonds perilously close to bubble territory 08-06-10
At the end of the dot-com stock boom in late 1999 and early 2000, it was harder and harder to find someone to say that buying into that mania was a mistake.
Market fears flip from inflation to deflation 08-06-10
In this erratic market, preoccupation with possible rising interest rates and inflation has flip-flopped to worries over an opposing force: deflation.
Financial reform may kill the free checking account 07-30-10
HACKENSACK, N.J. — Free checking, if it ever was, soon won't be.
On The Money: Where to take your consumer complaint 07-30-10
Resolving a product complaint with a manufacturer or retail outlet can prove frustrating for a consumer. A few options exist, however, than can help consumers deal with a product or service complaint.
Market uncertainty frustrates investors' hopes for recovery 07-30-10
When even Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke describes the economy as "unusually uncertain," regular investors are bound to feel frustrated as they search for clarity amid divergent signals in the economy and stock market.
Education would help to prevent financial troubles 07-23-10
Try talking to anyone around you about their personal finances, and it's like pulling teeth. Ask them anonymously and they are more likely to share their feelings. That's what the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards did recently. The results shed insight into how Americans are feeling about money and possibilities for creating more discussions.
Bill would protect credit scores during mortgage modification 07-23-10
If you are lucky enough to get your lender to modify your mortgage, you shouldn't end up dogged by a miserable credit score.
Commodities a surprising choice to avoid volatility 07-16-10
With markets roiling from uncertainty, investors looking to dodge some of the volatility might benefit from putting their money into one of the most volatile asset classes around — commodities.
As consumers slash debt, credit cards boost incentives 07-16-10
CHICAGO - Only 18 months ago, Wade Thomas had credit card debt of $16,480 on his 20 credit, retail and gas cards.
Savings may run dry for 47% of boomers, study warns 07-16-10
CHICAGO - Following the job and investing horrors of the last three years, many Americans fear they will end up in retirement like Old Mother Hubbard.
Personal bankruptcy a controversial means to stay afloat 07-09-10
CHICAGO — Cash-strapped, jobless and denied a loan modification, Del Phillips faced the same straits as millions of homeowners who risk losing their homes to mortgage lenders.
Graduates' first task: Setting plan to manage debt load 07-09-10
Like carrying unwanted pounds, many college graduates pack on a hefty load of student loan debt during their four years.
Earnings season to dictate market's path 07-09-10
Investors seeking relief from the nearly 16 percent downturn drop in the Standard & Poor's 500 index since April 23 are pinning their hopes on corporate profits.
Mortgages can help, rather than hinder, finances 07-02-10
While most financial-savvy consumers do their best to avoid debt, one debt that is unavoidable to many families is a mortgage. Because many of us feel more in control of our home and expenses without a mortgage, a common question is whether to pay it off as quickly as possible.
Tips on how graduates should spend all that cash 07-02-10
Hats off to the class of 2010. As the last of this year's high school and college graduates tossed their mortarboards skyward in celebration this month, the congratulations poured in.
Overdraft rules set to go into effect for new customers 07-02-10
PHILADELPHIA — The end is approaching for the surprise $37 cup of coffee or $40 hoagie — the ones for which $2 went to Starbucks or $5 to Subway and $35 went to your bank for busting through your balance.
Fund industry trying to woo stock investors back 06-23-10
Mutual fund pros have a tough job as they gather for one of the industry's biggest events: Win back the investors who have soured on stocks.
4 tips for a midyear portfolio checkup 06-23-10
DES MOINES, Iowa - A lot has happened in the stock market. In recent weeks there have been some dramatic swings as investors reacted to the European debt crisis and other news of the day. Yet, so far this year, the market is basically flat. The Standard & Poor's stock index is down less than 1 percent.

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