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Financial Planning: Most Popular Articles

These articles are the most popular over the last month.
Basic Budget Worksheet for Setting Up Your Personal Budget
Budget worksheet form for setting up your personal budget
How To Create a Budget
Creating a budget may not sound like the most exciting thing in the world to do but it is vital in keeping your financial house in order. Before you begin to create your budget it is important to realize that in order to be successful you have to provide as much detailed information as possible. Ultimately the end result will be able to show where your money is coming from, how much is there and where it is all going.
All About Personal Budgets
A One-stop Guide to Budgeting Advice and Budget Worksheets
How to Establish Credit
When you don’t have a credit history, it can be difficult and frustrating when trying to obtain a credit card or other type of loan. Establishing your initial credit history can be a Catch-22. If you don’t have credit, not many places are willing to give you credit, yet how can you ever establish credit if nobody is willing to give you any?
Bargain Shopping Strategies
Bargain Shopping Strategies - Save Money By Buying Products At the Right Time of Year
Buying Diamond Engagement Ring
What You Need to Know When Buying a Diamond Engagement Ring
Your FICO Credit Score
Your FICO credit score determines your ability to borrow money and affects you in other ways that may surprise you
Plan an Affordable Wedding
Plan an affordable, memorable wedding without going into debt or breaking the bank
Top Personal Finance Software
Top picks for personal finance software programs
Budgeting
Budgeting - The First Step to Financial Success
You Can Get Out of Debt
You Can Get Out of Debt, But Not by Paying the Minimum Balance on Your Credit Cards
U.S. Savings Bonds
If you’re tired of the pitiful interest rate on your savings account at the bank, you may want to look into U.S. savings bonds for an equally safe place to keep some of your savings. With most bank accounts, the safety of your money comes from being insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, or FDIC. This provides insurance on up to $100,000 per depositor. Unfortunately, while your money may be safe, there is a good chance the interest rate on the account is quite low.
Wedding Budget Worksheet
Click here for a printer-friendly version WEDDING BUDGET WORKSHEET Item Budgeted Cost Actual Cost PRINTING:
Your Debt To Income Ratio
Do you have too much debt? Calculate your debt to income ratio to find out.
Eliminate Credit Card Debt
The Fastest Way To Eliminate Credit Card Debt - How to eliminate credit card debt before it threatens your financial health
Budget Worksheet for College Students
BUDGET WORKSHEET FOR COLLEGE STUDENTS Click here for a printer-friendly version of the College Budget
Ways to Improve Credit Score
Your credit score is a very important number that lenders use in order to determine whether or not to extend credit to you, and what the interest rate and terms of the credit or loan are.
Personal Finance 101
Personal finance covers a wide variety of money topics including budgeting, expenses, debt, saving, retirement and insurance among others. Understanding how each of these topics work together and affect each other is important for laying the groundwork for a solid financial foundation for you and your family.
Secret to Budgeting
The secret to budgeting successfully
Ways for Teens to Make Money
Jobs for Teens and Other Ways to Make Money
Bi-weekly Mortgage Payments
Bi-weekly Mortgage Payments: Save Tens of Thousands of Dollars on Your Mortgage But Avoid the Scams
How To Balance Your Checkbook
Balancing Your Checkbook: Step-by-Step Instructions
Guilt-free Budgeting
How to Achieve Guilt-free Budgeting and Take Control of Your Finances
Top Ten Financial Tips
Top Ten Financial Tips: Keys to Financial Success
Net Worth Statements
Calculate your net worth to get a snapshot of your financial health
Debt Snowball
The Debt Snowball is the fastest method of paying of credit debt. Here's how to do it.
Setting Financial Goals
Setting Financial Goals - The Second Step in Personal Financial Planning
Where to Keep Your Savings
So, you’ve set up an automatic savings program and you’re finally building up that emergency fund, but where should you keep your savings so that it earns the most interest for you? Luckily, there are many different savings vehicles available, but not all of them are appropriate for every situation.
Make Saving Automatic
Do you have a savings account yet find it difficult to find money to deposit into it? This isn’t an uncommon problem and most people find it hard to save.
Balancing Your Checkbook
Balancing Your Checkbook: Four Reasons You Should Do It and Step-by-Step Instructions
Emergency Funds
Emergency Funds: Why you need one, how much you need, where to keep it, and the secret to saving money
Top Picks: Personal Finance Books
Top picks for personal finance books
Introduction to Saving Money
The ability to save money is the cornerstone of building wealth. In order to save money, you need to spend less than you earn. This is often easier said than done, but there are plenty of ways to help you begin saving money on even the tightest budget.
Cut Air Conditioning Costs
Save Money on Air Conditioning Costs
Money and the College Student
Money Advice for College Students. Leave College Without Credit Card Debt.
Grocery Tips
Have you been shocked by your grocery shopping bills recently? You’re not alone. Inflation always has, and always will be around, but it is affecting food prices more than others. Most families find that when creating a budget, more effort is being made trying to save money on gas and groceries. Here are some tips that can help you keep your grocery budget under control.
Debt Warning Signs
Do you have debt that is bogging you down and keeping you from reaching your financial goals? Using credit and debt can be a powerful tool that allows you to buy a home, a vehicle, send children to college, and even provide leverage for other purchases, but when you accumulate too much debt, it can pose a serious problem.
Seeking Credit Counseling
Consumer Credit Counseling Services: Should You Use Them?
Checkbook Balancing Form
Click here for a printable version of this checkbook balancing form. Checkbook Balancing Form 1.  Outstanding
The Roots of Overspending
To build wealth and reach financial independence, you simply need to spend less than you earn. It is an easy concept to understand, but why is it so difficult? To answer this question, you need to examine the roots of overspending. When you know what factors drive your spending, you can fight back and save money so that you can spend less than you earn.
Tweak Your Tax Withholding
Tweak Your Income Tax Withholding and Avoid Paying More or Less Than You Owe
Choosing a Planner
With a little knowledge and willingness to create and follow a financial plan, most people can adequately manage their own finances. Even so, there are many instances where you just don’t have the time or have a complicated situation that may need the assistance of a finance professional.
Identity Theft Insurance
Should You Buy Identity Theft Insurance or Credit Monitoring Services?
Insuring Your Life
Understanding and Choosing Life Insurance - What Type of Insurance Is Best For You?
Save Money on Heating Costs
Save money by reducing heating costs
Cut Spending Leaks
Sometimes it is the little things that add up. Stopping the little spending leaks in your life may amount to significant savings over time.
Save $ on Home Expenses
Tips on how to save money on your home expenses, including your mortgage and utilities.
How To Become a Millionaire
How To Become a Millionaire - Becoming a millionaire is not out of reach for many Americans
How Much to Budget by Category
What Percentage of Our Income Should We Budget for Each Expense Category?
A Budget Can Improve Your Life
Twelve Reasons Budgeting Can Improve Your Life
The Child Tax Credit
The Child Tax Credit - what you need to know to claim it properly.
What Makes a Good Budget?
What Makes a Good Budget? Top Ten Features of a Successful Budget
Choosing a Financial Planner
Advice on what to look for in a financial planner, how to know if you need one, and how to choose one
Maximize Your Benefits
Maximize Your Employment Benefits: Flexible Spending Accounts
Laddering CDs
Laddering Certificates of Deposit (CDs)to Maximize Your Earnings and Balance Risk and Reward
Best Places to Stash Your Cash
The Best Places to Stash Your Cash. What you should do with your short-term savings
Financial Aid Basics
While college may be expensive, thankfully there are numerous sources of financial aid available to ease the pain. Financial aid comes in two forms: money that is gifted, such as grants and scholarships, and money that is borrowed.
Leasing a Car vs Buying
Should you lease your next car or buy it? Ten things you must know before buying orleasing your new car.
Co-signing a Loan
Co-signing a Loan: What You Need To Know
The Urge to Splurge
The Real Culprit Behind Your Urge to Splurge
Stay Away From Payday Loans
Quick and easy cash? There's nothing easy about payday loans.
Get Out of Debt Guide
Get Out of Debt guide - What You Need To Know Before You Can Get Out of Debt
Budgeting Traits
Creating a budget is incredibly difficult, but where most people fail is trying to maintain the budget. It usually starts with good intentions, but just like dieting, it doesn’t take much to derail your entire plan. Here are three traits you must posses if you want to create and maintain a successful budget.
Net Worth Worksheet
Net worth worksheet for calculating how much you're worth financially
529 Plans
Section 529 plans are a relatively new college savings vehicle that can make saving for college even easier.
How to Contact the IRS
How to contact the IRS by telephone, mail, the internet, or fax
Financial Planning - QuickTips
An index of QuickTips for the Financial Planning guide site.
Get Started in Investing
How to Get Started in Investing With Small Amounts of Money
Can You Afford to Have Kids?
Can You Afford to Have Kids? Financial Planning for a New Baby
Why You Need an Emergency Fund
In life you should expect the unexpected, and this is why you need an emergency fund. The best you can do is to prepare for emergencies that require access to additional money and having an emergency fund is the ideal solution. Financial emergencies can come in the form of a job loss, significant medical expenses, home or auto repairs or something you’ve never dreamed of.
15-year Mortgages
Best Financial Moves - 15-Year Mortgages. Save large sums of money by having a 15-year instead of a 30-year mortgage
Financial Advice for Your 20s
Financial Advice for Your Twenties or if You're Just Starting a Financial Plan, Regardless of Your Age
How To Calculate Net Worth
Your net worth can be a useful tool to measure your financial progress from year to year. Your net worth is essentially a grand total of all your assets minus your liabilities.
Five Worst Car Mistakes
Five Worst Money Mistakes to Avoid When Buying a Car
401(k) Plans
Don’t let the cryptic name of the plan confuse you, these plans are actually fairly easy to understand. A 401(k) is a retirement plan offered by some employers in the United States. The plan received the name from the section of Internal Revenue Code it was named after.
Couples and Money
Couples and Money: How to Talk the Talk
Joint or Separate Accounts?
Should You and Your Spouse Have Joint or Separate Checking Accounts? Tips on How to Decide and How to Make It Work
Biggest Money Mistakes
Seven Biggest Money Mistakes in Accumulating Wealth
Saving for a Down Payment
In order to receive the best possible interest rates and to avoid private mortgage insurance it is still a wise decision to have a significant down payment, but how can you save tens of thousands of dollars for this purchase?
Money and Unmarried Couples
Single couples living together face unique money issues. Learn the three most critical personal finance issues facing unmarried couples.
5 Mistakes When Buying a Car
For most people, a car is a necessity. We often depend on our vehicles to get us to and from work every day, transport children to events, and even for pleasure. Because they are such an important aspect of your life, you want a vehicle that is reliable, comfortable, and maybe even a bit stylish. The vehicle choices are almost endless, so finding the right combination of wants and needs with an affordable price tag can be challenging.
Cut Homeowner's Insurance
Ten Ways To Cut Your Homeowner's Insurance Premiums
Individual Insurance Policies
If you are self-employed, or otherwise find yourself in a situation where you need to obtain your own health insurance coverage, the choices available to you can be confusing. You'll be sifting through terms like HMO, PPO, premiums, co-pay and deductibles, which can be intimidating if you don't know what you're looking at.
Save Money on Your Next Car
Use the Internet to Get the Best Deal on Your Next Car
Collecting Child Support
Collecting Child Support. Unpaid Child Support plunges millions into poverty. Don't be one of them.
Beware Payday Loans
Beware of Payday Loans: Dangerous Consumer Rip-Off
Credit Score Criteria
Your credit score is a number that is calculated with a formula that lenders use to predict how much risk you are as a borrower. This score is one of the most important factors used when determining whether or not to lend you money and at what interest rate.
Top Money Management Software
Using software to assist in keeping your finances in order is a great way to stay on track. Most financial software will allow you to keep track of income, expenses, and even your investments. Some even have the option to automatically download or connect to your financial institutions via the Internet, which can simply the process even further.
Summer Saving Tips
You can save money throughout the year, but the warm temperatures of summer provide a few additional tips that can help you save even more money. Here are some things to try during those warm months.
The Secret To Saving Money
One small and suprisingly simple secret can show you to save money.
Itemize Deductions
Reduce Your Income Taxes by Itemizing Deductions
Invest Small Amounts of Money
Start Investing With Very Small Amounts of Money Using Direct Purchase Plans
Monthly Budget Worksheet for College Students
MONTHLY BUDGET WORKSHEET FOR COLLEGE STUDENTS (Printer friendly version of this worksheet) CATEGORY MONTHLY
6 Retirement Mistakes to Avoid
We all make mistakes, but learning from our mistakes and identifying what mistakes to avoid can make a big difference. Here are six common mistakes people make with retirement planning that you should avoid.
Get Your Free Credit Report
Get Your Free Credit Report - Now Available by Law
Marriage - Mingling Your Money
Marriage - Tying the Financial Knot. The Way You Mingle Your Money Can Mean the Difference Between Wedded Bliss and Divorce Court
Are Budgets for Sissies?
Do budgets really work? Find out how an average family with kids and debt amassed a fortune
Check Your Tax Refund Status
Have you filed your tax return and are now awaiting a refund? The good news is that you don’t have to be left in the dark in regards to the status of your refund. The IRS has a great tool on their website that allows you to instantly check on your refund status.
Financial Planning - HowTos
An index of HowTos for the Financial Planning guide site.
Find Money to Pay Off Debt
Are you struggling to come up with enough money to pay more than the minimum on your credit card debt? It can certainly seem as if there is never enough money to go around, but you might be surprised where you can find a few extra dollars to apply towards that debt and accelerate the payoff.
Budget Isn't a Bad Word
When you hear the word “budget”, what does it mean do you? If you’re like most people, you probably think of it as an unpleasant activity that means you have to financially deprive yourself. This couldn’t be further from the truth, yet this is the typical reason that most budgets fail.
Save Money On Gas
13 Ways To Significantly Reduce Your Gas Costs and Save Money
Dave Ramsey
Dave Ramsey, One of America's Best Personal Finance Experts
Tying the Knot Financially
Tying the Knot: A Financial To Do List for Newlyweds
EE Savings Bond Changes
The federal government has changed Series EE savings bonds, and it's not for the better. Find out about the changes and alternatives to Series EE bonds.
Difference Between APR and APY
Both APR (annual percentage rate) and APY (annual percentage yield) are commonly used to reflect the interest rate paid on something, but what is the difference between the two? Understanding the difference will help you understand exactly how hard your money is working for you.
Bear Market Strategies
Bear markets present a challenge to even the savviest investors. It doesn’t matter if you have $1,000 in the market or $1 million, losing money hurts. It is during these declining markets your patience will be tested. If fear sets in, you might consider bailing out on your investment plan completely, which can do more damage than anything else.
Top Personal Finance Magazines
Top Personal Finance Magazines for the average person
All About Financial Planning
One-stop resource for financial planning information
The High Cost of Credit Cards
The High Cost of Using Credit Cards. If you buy with a credit card, how much is that purchase really costing you? Find out what the credit card companies don't want you to know
1st Step in Asking for a Raise
Important advice on how to get a pay raise
How Much Home Can You Afford?
When the time is right to purchase a home, the first question you need to be able to answer is how of a home you can afford.
Review W-4 Exemptions
If you work for an employer that automatically withholds taxes from each paycheck, then you have the ability to adjust how much is withheld by adjusting the exemptions on IRS Form W-4. This is important to review because many different changes in your life could impact the amount of money you should have withheld.
Be Prepared for Closing Costs When You Buy a Home
Here's what to expect for closing costs when you buy a home, and how to be prepared to identify inflated fees
You Can Afford to Stay Home
You Can Afford to Stay Home With Your Kids. How to Calculate What That Second Income is Really Costing You and What It's Really Worth.
Financial Issues of Divorce
Financial Issues of Divorce: Dividing Property and Debt, Child Support, Alimony, Taxes, Retirement Funds, and More. Protect yourself financially.
Suze Orman - Money Expert
What Makes Suze Orman One of America's Best Personal Finance Experts?
Retirement Savings Late Start
Ten Tips for Late Starters To Boost Their Retirement Savings
Insurance You Do Need
You can find an insurance policy to cover almost anything imaginable but only a handful of policies are actually ones that you need to have. You work hard throughout your life to build wealth and live a happy and comfortable life, so some types of insurance can protect your possessions, income and even provide for a loved one when you are gone.
Dumb Ways to Pay Debt
Debt Payment Methods You Should Avoid
Planning for the Future
When it comes to planning for the future, most people think of retirement. Retirement planning is important because it allows you to do the things that you were unable to do while working—travel, start a business, go back to school, be closer to family, or simply relax. Because retirement is such an important phase in your life, careful planning is a must.
What Do You Know About Money?
What do you know about money? Find out why adults and students flunked an important economics and personal finance test, and what you can do about it
Credit Card Minimums Double
Your Monthly Credit Card Minimum Payments May Double
Dealing With Divorce
Dealing with the financial impact of divorce. Know your obligations and how to protect yourself financially
Top Online $ Calculators
Top Ten Online Money Calculators - Manage Your Finances More Easily
5 Ways to Save on Gas
Make no bones about it, gasoline is expensive and it isn’t getting any cheaper. You don’t need to switch to public transportation to cut costs at the pump. There are a few basic things you can do that could considerably save money on gas.
How Bankruptcy Works
Bankruptcy - How It Works and How to Prevent It
Private Mortgage Insurance
Save Thousands by Cancelling Private Mortgage Insurance
The Minimum Payment Habit
One of the most costly mistakes you can make with credit cards is getting into the habit of only paying the minimum amount due each month. While the minimum amount may be affordable; it will also cost you more money in the long run.
Smart Moves for College Grads
Five Smart Money Moves for New College Graduates
Everything Personal Finance in Your 20s and 30s
Erase your debt, personalize your budget, and plan now to secure your future with Everything Personal Finance in Your 20s and 30s
Try Using Cash
If you are struggling to stay within your budget or always seem to spend more money than you should it might be a good idea to go back to using cash for daily purchases.
Choosing the Best Mortgage
Choosing the Best Mortgage for You. Why It's Important and How To Do It
Rules of Thumb
Everyone has a unique situation, and there are no concrete financial numbers that define success, but there are some rules of thumb that can help you gauge your progress.
Should Teens Have Credit Cards
Should Teens Have Credit Cards?
Jailhouse Jingles
Fraud Center: Jailhouse Jingles Scam Alert
College Money Mistakes
Top Five Money Mistakes Made By College Students
401(k) Loan
Many retirement plans such as 401(k)s and 403(b)s allow participants to borrow money from their retirement savings, but there are many things you should consider before tapping into that retirement plan with a loan.
Financial Advice for 50s & 60s
Financial Advice for Your Fifties and Sixties. Financial Planning Throughout Your Life
New Bankruptcy Law
Important provisions of the new bankruptcy law, which makes it harder for some people to erase their debts
Paying Credit Card Charge-offs
Payment of Charge-off recorded on credit report as a settlement instead of paid as agreed.
Choosing Health Insurance
Choosing Health Insurance - Striking a Balance Between Quality of Care and Your Wallet
Retirement Funds and Divorce
Protect your share of your spouse's retirement plan if you're getting a separation or divorce
1000 Best Money Secrets
1000 Best Smart Money Secrets for Students book
Build a Financial Safety Net
Building a Financial Safety Net
A Car or a House?
Your car payment may prevent you from qualifying for a mortgage. Choosing between owning a new car or your own home.
Debtors Anonymous Can Help
Even with all of the advice and information available to help people break their overspending habits, for some, this desire to spend and rack up insurmountable debt becomes a serious problem that overtakes other aspects of their lives. As with any addiction, this can negatively affect your performance at work, quality of life, and relationships with family and friends.
How Much Life Insurance?
If you don’t have enough life insurance, you could put your family in a difficult situation upon your death, but having too much could mean you are throwing money out the window. So, how much life insurance do you need?
Dollars and Sense for Kids
Teaching your kids about money to help them grow up to be financially savvy adults
What Are Mutual Funds?
What Are Mutual Funds - A Simple Explanation of How Mutual Funds Work

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