Coverdell vs 529: Choosing a College Savings Account | Quicken
A Coverdell Savings Account and a state-sponsored 529 Savings Plan are both great ways to save for college. In both accounts, your earnings and withdrawals are tax-free when used to pay for eligible expenses. But they’re not identical. Here’s a rundown of the differences between them.
When to Hold and When to Fold an Investment
“Buy and hold” is a good rule. But that doesn’t mean you should never sell an existing investment or buy a new one. Here are four good reasons—and three bad ones—to make changes in your investment portfolio.
3 Smart Moves to Make if You Feel Your Job is at Risk
It’s always a good idea to be prepared for emergencies—and the loss of a job is at the top of the financial emergency list. Here’s a three-step strategy that can help your family get into shape to weather hard times.
Budgeting Tips for Generation Y
Photo credit: Dominic’s Pics Too many twenty-somethings are beginning their adult lives unprepared to make sensible financial decisions. But that doesn’t have to be your story. Although you’ve got a built-in disadvantage if you weren’t taught the basics of personal finance or how to budget…
3 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Switching Careers
Maybe you’ve gone as far as possible in your current career, and simply changing jobs won’t improve your life. The handwriting on the wall says to go. Now what? There’s plenty to consider before changing careers, but start by asking yourself three key questions.
5 Things to Know About Your Workplace Health Plan Coverage
Employer-sponsored group plans offer the best deals around on health insurance. In 2009, the average single worker paid only 16 cents toward every dollar of medical insurance and average families paid only about a fourth of medical insurance coverage. If your company offers health insurance,…
What is Your Risk Appetite?
Only one thing always happens in the financial markets: Values fluctuate. Before investing in any market, at any price, in any climate, prudent investors think about how much fluctuation they can handle. In other words, how much can your portfolio go down before you start to lose sleep?
The Skinny on Extended Warranties
From high-end refrigerators to low-end digital cameras, finding the product with the right features at the right price can wear you out. But once you solve that puzzle, another one pops up: Should you buy an extended warranty? Most experts don’t think so. Writer Erica…
6 Costs That Await New Homeowners
nthusiastic first-time homebuyers frequently gloss over costs that gobble budgets and overwhelm paychecks. Don’t set yourself up to watch TV on your laptop on the floor after you move in. To enjoy your new home from day one, be sure to count all the costs that go along with it. Here are six important ones.
Rich Rewards: The Best Deals for Your Credit Card Points
As an extra payoff for judicious use of credit cards, disciplined consumers may enjoy a bonus: Depending on the card program, paid bills accumulate points redeemable in rewards that range from electronics to stays at plush resort hotels. Banks, credit card companies, credit unions and…