It often seems that saving money is almost impossible. Unexpected expenses or the temptation of some item or event can make even the best plans unsuccessful. Yet having a financial cushion is one of the most important things you can do to feel financially secure. Here are some ideas that may help: Contribute to your retirement plan at work. Many companies offer employees the opportunity to defer income into a 401(k) plan and will also help with...

There are several ways to build a savings account. A popular one is the 52-week challenge. The way it works is you save $1 the first week, $2 the second week, $3 the third week, and so on for 52 weeks. We like this because it starts small to get you started. But, here’s a variation of that method.

The 2016 Holiday season is near. That time when marketers assault your financial discipline with the emotional equivalent of an Armored Military Division. Prepare now to protect both yourself and those you love with these helpful holiday spending tips for surviving the threat to your financial well-being. Knowing the risk is the first step The holidays are set apart from the norm with the music, decorations, smells and “holiday...

These days, with interest rates at historic lows, the good news is that loans are more affordable than when rates were higher. The bad news is that saving money to create wealth takes more thought and effort. Because of the Rule of 72, simply putting some money in a savings account used to be an effective strategy. Back when deposit interest rates were 4%, interest alone would double your initial deposit in just 18 years. Now, with rates near...

Young people need all the help they can get to survive economically. One of the most important lessons of all is how to make money work. Good money management skills, when taught clearly and by good example, can set a person on a solid road to the future. Here are some helpful tips to support that worthwhile endeavor. Talk about money management often. Discuss with your child not only what you’re doing with money at home, but why you do it that...

  For decades, families all over the world have done two things to help save money for vacation: set aside a little each month in a special account, and collect all their pocket change in a jar during the year. You would be surprised how much you can save in just a few months or a year. Another age-old technique is to round up a coupon book. The Visitors’ Center in most destinations offer a trove of discounts for hotels, restaurants and...