While the name may be amusing the reality of zombie debt is anything but funny. Zombie debt is old debt that has been written off years ago, only to be sold to debt collectors for pennies on the dollar. In many cases, the debt is years old, and may not even be valid. Zombie debt collectors use a variety of scare tactics to intimidate consumers, trying to convince them to make even a small payment...
Giving money to philanthropic causes is important to many of us. Year end giving in particular is popular with both donors and charitable organizations. The most common way to give money for most people is to simply write a check or put a donation on a credit card. The charity then typically sends us a receipt for our donation, and everyone is happy. Not so fast. What about if we give a donation over $250.00...
With the popularity of robo-advisors, are financial professionals still necessary?
Unhappy with your current financial situation? Your daily habits may be to blame.
It seems like we’ve been conditioned to shop since birth. While an occasional splurge is nothing to get worked up about, we’ve become incredibly wasteful in the process. Landfills from coast to coast are full of our discarded belongings such as furniture, equipment, appliances, and electronic items like computers and cellphones. We no longer repair an item, we simply replace it. Some of our spending habits can certainly be tied to the incessant marketing and...
Here are the answers to some of the most common investment questions you’ve always wanted to ask. 1. When should I start investing? When you have the means to do so. One of best places to start investing is with your employer’s 401K or 403B plan, particularly if they offer a match on contributions. If your employer doesn’t offer this option, consider investing in an individual IRA. Investing in stock should be a consideration when...
Setting a finance-related resolution in 2022? Here are some ideas to help you stay on track.
It may be easier to stick to your financial goals if you have a strong investment philosophy in place.
Here are the answers to some of the most frequently asked financial questions. I’ve just started my first job. Do I really have to start saving for retirement now? Yes. While it’s important to wait to invest until student loans and any credit card debit has been paid off, if your current employer offers a 401K or 403B Plan, you should take advantage of it; particularly if they offer a matching contribution. You can certainly...
*This content is developed from sources believed to be providing accurate information. The information provided is not written or intended as tax or legal advice and may not be relied on for purposes of avoiding any Federal tax penalties. Individuals are encouraged to seek advice from their own tax or legal counsel. Individuals involved in the estate planning process should work with an estate planning team, including their own personal legal or tax counsel. Neither...
Remember Beanie Babies? In the late 1990’s, Beanie Baby mania swept the country, with amateur collectors searching frantically at every card shop and kids store to find the latest beanie. Many turned to online stores and eBay, looking for the Beanie Baby that would make them enough money to retire or send their kids to college. Ty, Inc., makers of Beanie Babies helped to fuel this craze by ‘retiring’ certain Beanie Babies, making them unavailable...
In a recent survey by JumpStart Coalition for Financial Literacy, only 26 percent of those between the ages of 13-21 said that they had been taught how to manage money. Yet, when they turn 18, kids are signing contracts for student loans, opening credit card accounts, and in many instances, living away from home with little financial guidance available. We have a list of classes that kids need to pass in order to graduate from...
