One of the most popular pieces of financial advice is the importance of establishing an emergency fund, money that can be accessed to assist with life unexpected problems, like medical emergencies or the loss of a job. Financial advisers like Suze Orman suggest that most people have ready three to six months’ worth of expenses ... Continue reading this article…

A few weeks ago, I previewed the SmartyPig savings account, an interesting way to collaboratively save money for goals while earning interest on that money. I like the ease of sharing goals with friends and family and allowing them to contribute, but the redemption options were limited. By design, SmartyPig prefers that once you reach ... Continue reading this article…

Haven’t you heard? This week is America Saves Week. From February 24 through March 2, a coalition of non-profit, corporate, and government groups are pushing a media campaign to encourage savings in various forms, from increasing money deposited into bank accounts to finding bargains and saving money on purchases. It’s a noble goal. Building wealth ... Continue reading this article…

Right now, I’m listening to the album, Raising Sand, by Robert Plant and Alison Krauss, released last year. Robert Plant will be 60 years old in August. I imagine he’s not thinking about retirement and we’ll continue to hear new music from him until he finally keels over. Unless you are one of the few ... Continue reading this article…

Ah, hindsight. Although I’m glad I got a 5.65 percent CD when I did, of course I wish I’d invested more and for a longer term than 6 months. But it’s not too late to still lock in a CD at an okay rate. Or so I’d hoped. Recently, it seems the pickings are slim. Emigrant ... Continue reading this article…

Kiplinger’s Personal Finance Magazine’s February issue has suggestions for saving a million dollars, whether you’re 25, 35, 45 or 55 years old. The authors assume that you’ve already been saving money every year, but provide a strategy to add $1 million to your net worth over time. At Age 25 * Contribute enough to your ... Continue reading this article…

Over the last week or so, I’ve written a little about small changes you can make to your savings habits to speed up your interest earnings. This is a task that is getting more difficult with the economy possible heading for a recession and with the Fed lowering interest rates. With lower yields even in ... Continue reading this article…

Over the past week, I’ve been sharing some ideas for taking your savings to the next level. Try to take advantage of high-yield savings accounts while you sill can. With the economy in bad condition, it’s likely the Federal Reserve is going to lower the target interest rate, which will mean lower interest rates for ... Continue reading this article…

If you’ve ever run from one point to another, you’re probably aware that there is a limit to your speed. With “analog” equipment like the bones, muscles, joints and tendons in your legs and feet, there are physical limitations that prevent you from going too fast. Don’t worry. Thanks to recent inventions, it’s quite easy ... Continue reading this article…