This article is part seven in the article series Financial Planning 101. You need a financial plan. Life is uncertain. No one is completely secure financially and, let’s face it, most people are completely unprepared for retirement. Financial planning is simply a necessary part of life. So how do you write one? Below is a […]
Individuals who have bad credit often face limited options when it comes to obtaining loans. In this difficult economy, many banks and lenders have tightened their approval restrictions even further. People who have only mildly poor credit may now not qualify for a loan they would have previously. Individuals who have trouble receiving loan approvals […]
Reports of increasing inflation are published in the media on a regular basis. We cannot be certain whether we are headed into a period of high inflation where our money will buy fewer goods and services than it now does. However, it is still helpful for us to be prepared in the event the devaluation […]
Getting into debt is something some people do unconsciously, but once it happens, it can weigh on their minds every minute. It is a very uncomfortable situation for many individuals, so they take steps to eliminate the debt as soon as possible. One of the initial things a person can do is obtain free debt […]
Saving for retirement requires planning and diligence. Individuals should begin saving money early in their careers and they should be consistent about contributing to a retirement account. However, emergencies may occur that require cash and the account holder may be tempted to borrow money from the retirement account. This is not recommended because it has […]
Falling into debt is a very slippery slope that can lead directly to bankruptcy if not addressed. Many find it too difficult to climb out and stay out of debt. Many of these individuals could have avoided the situation entirely had they been more proactive in addressing their financial management techniques. There are several simple […]
There are many reasons to save money but not enough of us actually do it. When you contribute to your savings plan, the money may be used to make a down payment on a large purchase such as a home or car, pay for educational expenses, save for retirement, or cover emergency expenses. In the […]
The 401k employer sponsored retirement plan is a hidden gem on the list of employer-provided benefits. Employees designate a certain percentage of their pay to contribute to a tax-deferred account and they choose the allocation of stocks, bonds, and mutual funds into which this money will be invested. Employers frequently match a percentage of the […]
I’m pleased to announce a new website to the personal finance and financial planning niche! My friend Ray Stinett has launched Financial Advice Help, a website and blog geared toward providing information for each and every financial issue that comes up for individuals and families. The website already has information about budgeting, saving money, getting […]
As LFP has been continuing to grow both in content and traffic, I’m going to start routinely updating you on new additions and plans to the site. If you ever have any ideas, comments or critiques, just comment on any post, and your thoughts will be read and responded to! A New Addition As you […]