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Personal Finance Articles

  1. Shield Your Portfolio From Inflation For Real Returns

    Inflation-protected securities are part of the equation, but they're not a perfect solution.
  2. Credit Cards: Should You Ever Pay An Annual Fee?

    Most of the time, it doesn’t make sense to pay an annual fee for a credit card. Here are some circumstances when it does.
  3. Careers That End At 30

    If you have one of these jobs, you might want to plan for an early retirement or second career.
  4. 5 Places With Good Jobs And Cheap Housing

    Having a great job without affordable housing (or vice versa) can be a real headache. These cities offer both.
  5. 7 Ways Using Your Credit Card Can Save On Summer Travel

    No matter how you plan to get to your destination, the secret to cutting your costs lies in using your credit cards.
  6. The Truth About Credit Card Swipe Fees

    Swipe fee legislation will only have a small effect on profit margins for merchants and little to no effect on prices.
  7. Amazing Yard Sale Finds

    Most people go yard saling in the hopes of saving money, but some have ended up making thousands of dollars in the process.
  8. How To Create An Effective Retirement Income Strategy

    We will design a portfolio that should balance the requirements of liberal income with sufficient liquidity to withstand down markets.
  9. Government Subsidies For Business

    Many industries rely on government assistance in both good times and bad. What are the benefits of these programs, and how do they impact the consumer?
  10. 6 Reasons To Fan And Follow Your Favorite Brands

    There are benefits to following a company's online presence.
  11. 5 Groceries Going Up In Price This Summer

    Keep an eye on the cost of these food staples as you may be paying more in the near future.
  12. 8 Considerations For Using Your Credit Card Abroad

    How to choose the right credit card to take on your next international trip and what to expect when you use it.
  13. 5 Ways To Make Budgeting Fun

    These easy tips can help make financial planning a breeze.
  14. The No-Experience Resume For College Grads

    Graduates face unique challenges when entering the job market for the first time. Find out how to overcome them.
  15. 5 Inflation-Beating Bond Picks

    Look beyond traditional bonds when planning long-term. The alternatives can be extremely rewarding.
  16. Introduction To The Series 65 Exam

    The Series 65 is required in many states in order to be a fee-based advisor. Find out what it is and whether you need it.
  17. 5 Factors Threatening Your Dream Retirement

    You've worked hard all your life; are you ready to call it quits?
  18. 6 Ways To Learn To Love Your Job

    If you can't quit, these tips will help you make the most of your work situation.
  19. An Introduction To Corporate Bond ETFs

    Learn about the pros and cons of these specialized ETFs, and get in on the opportunities they can provide.
  20. It's Never Too Early To Start Saving

    The earlier you begin investing, the more stable your future will be in the short and long term.
  21. Profit From Unwanted Life Policies With Life Settlement

    With a life settlement you could cash in on your policy money now.
  22. Advisors: Tips For Providing For Older Clients

    Make sure the needs of baby boomers and their parents are met - if not exceeded.
  23. 6 Late-Stage Retirement Catch-Up Tactics

    It's not too late, but if you want to retire comfortably you'll have to be aggressive.
  24. 6 Sneaky Ways Online Purchases Are Hurting Your Budget

    Watch out for these money-traps when shopping online.
  25. Why Investors Can't Get Enough Of Social Media IPOs

    From earnings potential to fear, we look at five reasons why investors are so enthusiastic about investing in social media.
  26. The Easy Way To Stay On Budget On Vacation

    Planning for and staying on track with your budget during your vacation will help make the enjoyment last - even after your receive your credit card statement.
  27. When You Should Change Your Withholding Tax

    When there are major changes in your life, you should adjust your withholding to ensure you aren't paying too much in taxes.
  28. Why Extreme Couponing Won't Work For You

    Though you can possibly save some money, extreme couponing is often not worth it.
  29. 7 Fees That You Should Always Negotiate

    These expenses should always have some wiggle room.
  30. The College Degrees You Should Have Gotten

    The top degrees based on earning potential might not be what you expect.
  31. A Primer On Private Equity

    Private equity investing is becoming more accessible for individual investors; find out how you can get involved.
  32. How Being Lazy Can Save You Money

    Your laid-back lifestyle may be just the trick to keeping more cash in your wallet.
  33. Taking Another Look At Auto Stocks

    The automotive manufacturers in the U.S. may be on their way to recovery.
  34. Never Pay Retail For These 7 Expenses

    If you do pay retail, you are missing out on some great savings.
  35. Cash In On Credit Card Sign-Up Bonuses

    It's easy to make money from credit card sign-up bonuses, but you have to know what you're getting into.
  36. 9 Different Ways To Find A New Job

    Make sure you're covering all your bases and you'll have a new career in no time.
  37. The Rise Of Labor Unions In Pro Sports

    Most of today's pro athletes enjoy the perks that come with union membership - but this wasn't always the case.
  38. Should You Buy Property On Leased Land?

    Find out what to consider before investing in a leased-land property.
  39. 5 Economies That Have Been Downgraded This Year

    Several countries have seen the rating agencies downgrade their debt this year.
  40. The Magic Numbers Of Retirement

    Don't forget these numbers when planning for your golden years.
  41. Alternatives To Business School

    Universities don't have a monopoly on information - advance in your career without going back to school.
  42. 4 Things That Keep You From Getting Life Insurance

    We look at four common reasons people give for not applying for life insurance, and see if they're legitimate.
  43. Get Active In Your Bond Portfolio

    Find out why being a couch potato with your bonds actually could be mashing your results.
  44. Pros And Cons Of Offshore Investing

    Tax loopholes are shrinking, but there are still plenty of viable prospects. Get the big picture.
  45. Valuing A Company Using The Residual Income Method

    Learn the underlying basics behind the residual income model and how it can be used to place an absolute value on a firm.
  46. Job Hunting On The Sly

    These tips will help you look for a new job while keeping your existing one.
  47. Declare Your Own Financial Independence Day

    Financial independence is not easy, but it is there for the taking with hard work and careful planning.
  48. 8 Secrets For Selling On The New eBay

    If you're a new seller on E-Bay or an experienced veteran, here are a handful of useful, not widely-known tips for effective selling.
  49. How To Find A Credit Counselor

    Paycheck to paycheck is no way to live. Learn how to find the help you need.
  50. 7 Reasons To Review Or Revise Your Will

    Drafting a will and locking it away for good could negatively affect your beneficiaries.
  51. 7 Smart Steps Every New Homeowner Should Take

    Don't let the excitement of owning your own home lead you to make bad financial decisions.
  52. Celebrate July 4th On A Budget

    Don't let overspending ruin your Fourth of July party this year.
  53. 6 Ways To Calculate How Fast You'll Run Out Of Retirement Funds

    One of the key aspects of retirement planning is determining the amount of time that it will take for you to exhaust your retirement savings.
  54. Celebrity Chef Empires

    These chefs may not be the greatest culinary talents, but they have the business sense to make millions.
  55. Introduction To International REITs

    Avoid being left behind as REITs expand beyond U.S. borders.
  56. Top 6 Fourth Of July Buys

    Mid-summer is an ideal time to find super sales on a these great items.
  57. CNBC Special Report: Virginia Is Victorious Again

    The Old Dominion State returns as America's Top State for Business in 2011, and we're starting to detect a pattern here.
  58. Moving Retirement Plan Assets: How To Avoid Mistakes

    Sometimes things go wrong in a simple transfer of funds. Make sure you know how to avoid penalties.
  59. The Easiest Investments Ever Made

    It's not always easy to pick the right investment - here are just a few that generated huge returns for investors with the right timing and luck.
  60. Summer's Hottest Upcoming IPOs

    Investors will be keeping a close eye on these new prospects, especially the social media companies.
  61. 5 Signs You Need Life Insurance

    If you can only afford to invest or buy life insurance, experts say you should buy the insurance.
  62. Does Spiderman Need Life Insurance?

    Many people are convinced that life insurance is for everyone, but for some it's a waste of money.
  63. Newlyweds: 5 Money Matters For A Recession-Era Marriage

    Follow these five tips to have a financially - and emotionally - healthy marriage.
  64. Is Groupon Good For Business?

    The popular discount coupon site may not be benefitting the companies that use it.
  65. Rethinking The Budget: 6 Counterintuitive Tips

    Think you know how to budget? Think again; these six tips may not be intuitive, but they'll help you handle your money and reach your budgeting goals.
  66. An Introduction To Buying A Condominium

    This real estate investment provides unique advantages - and challenges.
  67. The All-Cash Budget Plan: Does It Work?

    Cutting up your credit cards might be the best decision for your budget, but that doesn't mean it will work for everyone.
  68. 6 Tips For Saving Money At The Airport

    Don't blow your vacation budget before you even take off.
  69. Why Movies Cost So Much To Make

    Why does it cost so much to make a movie? And is it worth it?
  70. Why Small Retirement Savings Count

    Don't be put off by the $1 million retirement savings figure; even small savings are worth having.
  71. 6 Quirky Tech Naming Conventions

    The codenames for your favorite tech projects while they were in development are unique to each company.
  72. 13 Things You Pay For That Your Library Has For Free

    If it's been a few years since you ventured into a library, you'll be amazed at what they offer - for free!
  73. Car Insurance Add-Ons That May Be Worth The Money

    Many auto insurance add-ons are unnecessary in most situations and will simply drain money out of your pocket. There are several that are worth adding on to make sure that you are adequately protected in the event of a car accident.
  74. Choosing Between The Suburbs And The City

    The location in which you decide to live can deeply influence your well-being, so choose wisely!
  75. 7 Ways To Expand Your Home-Based Business

    These tips can help you take your small business to the next level.
  76. The Dark Side Of Bulk Buying

    Find out why getting more for less isn't always a great deal.
  77. 4 Ways To Value A Real Estate Rental Property

    Learning these concepts is the first step in getting into the real estate investment game.
  78. 6 Female Entrepreneurs Who Built Their Fortunes From Scratch

    Oprah and JK Rowling are just a couple of female billionaires that started with nothing.
  79. 6 Steps To Successfully Switching Financial Careers

    Save time and money by following these tips to a smooth career transition.
  80. 8 Tips For Getting The Most Out Of A Garage Sale

    Whether you're selling or buying, these tips can help you get more out of this summer's garage sales.
  81. 5 Reasons Why You Can't Stick To Your Budget

    You want to stay on track with your finances, but these fatal budgeting flaws may be holding you back.
  82. The Top 6 Benefits Of Starting A Home-Based Business

    Although working at home requires self-discipline, the benefits can be substantial.
  83. 6 Signs It's Time To Buy A House

    Are you ready to buy a home? Find out if it's the right time for you to enter the real estate market.
  84. 4 Unexpected Warehouse Club Bargains

    Warehouse clubs offer surprisingly good deals on items you'd never guess that they sell.
  85. New Technology: Pay Without Your Wallet

    Google Wallet and smartphone app Card Case are making your purse or pocket that much lighter.
  86. The Advantages Of Vacation Insurance

    With a few simple policy additions you can protect your holiday plans from being ruined.
  87. 6 Summer Chores That Can Help You Save Money

    Keep your seasonal costs down with these easy tips.
  88. 4 Tips For Cutting Your College Costs

    Find out how to get the life you want on the paycheck you have now.
  89. How Mortgage Refinancing Affects Your Net Worth

    Find out how to determine whether refinancing will put you ahead or even more behind.
  90. How To Afford A Second Home

    Saving enough to buy a vacation home involves some unique considerations including a big down payment and more lending hurdles.
  91. Quick And Easy Home Decorating On A Budget

    Hiring a decorator can cost a fortune, but there is an easier way to give your home a new look.
  92. Budgeting For The Zombie Apocalypse

    Following the CDC's lead, these "zombie survival tips" will help you survive a financial disaster.
  93. 7 Ways To Get Through Grad School Debt-Free

    As if figuring out what to take in school isn't hard enough, you also have to find a way to pay for it.
  94. 8 Careers Built On Relationships

    If you are a people person, these jobs are a great way to get the most out of that skill.
  95. Keeping Your Student Loans In Check

    For this year's grads, now is the time to think about the future, but it's also time to think about repaying those student loans.
  96. How To Get Affordable Insurance

    Many insurers are raising rates. What can you do to keep yourself insured at a rate you can afford?
  97. 5 Easy Ways To Fight The Urge To Splurge

    Keep your spending under control, and sticking to your budget won't seem so difficult.
  98. Why You Can't Afford Not To Have A Car

    Owning a car can help you earn and save more money.
  99. How An IPO Is Valued

    The initial valuation of an IPO can determine the success or failure of a specific stock - but how is that price determined?
  100. Why You Should Not Invest In Gold In 2011

    Though gold has seen impressive growth in the last five years, this may not be the best time to jump in.
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