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Please join us on January 31st for...
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Welcome to Wi$eUp!
Wi$eUp is a financial education program for Generation X & Y women. It promotes financial security through online education. The online course has 8 components and is free upon registration. Read more about Wi$eUp.
With Americans living longer in retirement, the 2010 EBRI Retirement Readiness Rating™ shows dramatically high percentages of Americans—even in the upperincome categories—are likely to run short of money after 10 or 20 years of retirement. MORE »
Your teen’s first experience working for an employer marks a milestone in their lives. While they might have earned allowances when they were younger for chores and for neighborhood babysitting, that first real job with a paycheck is a chance for a child to learn how to make smart choices with the money they earn.
Hopefully you’ve had a chance to teach them about putting money aside in a piggy bank or saving for particular toys, treats or activities long before now. When it comes to the job search or counseling on money issues, here are some things that parents can do.
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As the busy High School and college graduation time approaches, it’s worth a reminder that June 30 is the online filing deadline for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for school year 2009-10.
FAFSA is the form the federal government requires before you can qualify for any federal education aid. Most state governments have already had deadlines pass for their forms, but that doesn’t mean that students and their parents shouldn’t file anyway – some states continue to award money until their funds for financial aid are depleted. If you have a student already in college, this deadline means it’s time to focus. If your child is a few years away from college, the date provides a good chance to learn and plan.
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For many families, finding money for a family vacation has been tougher since the economic downturn. More than ever, trips are an investment worth protecting – volcanic ash from an Icelandic volcano proved that for hundreds of thousands of travelers in mid-April.
Protecting your vacation isn’t simply about protecting what you spend on airfare, transportation and hotels, though that’s a big part of it. But it’s also about protecting your own health and safety and your home while you’re away.
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Even for couples that have been living together for awhile, the decision to marry marks a new financial beginning, the first real moment that two people will share a lifetime financial future. The irony, however, is that for so many couples, the first big discussion about money doesn’t involve affording a house, car or kids, but how to pay for a big party that lasts only a few hours.
All marriages should start with a celebration. But if more couples thought about the benefits of financial planning first and celebration second, their marriages could be on a firmer footing with potentially fewer money worries in the future. In fact, the latest Condé Nast American Wedding Survey reports that the price of the average wedding is now a little over $28,000 (not counting the engagement ring or the honeymoon). MORE »
In a tough economy, it’s understandable to wonder if you might have a better chance of holding down a job in a startup where you’d at least have a stake in growing something new. Indeed, the Kauffman Foundation reported in 2009 that based on U.S. Census Data, startup companies are a major contributor to job creation even in the worst recessions.
But even in the most desperate employment situations, the risks – and potential rewards -- of joining a startup should be carefully considered no matter what your age. Whether you’re presently employed or unemployed, it’s a good idea to check in with an experienced financial planner or tax expert to get their feedback on where you stand financially. It’s not a bad idea to grill them about questions they’d ask if they were in your shoes.
Anytime you look for a job, it’s your responsibility to kick the tires of the organization before you join. With a new company, that’s particularly important because they don’t have a track record, and remember that the U.S. Small Business Administration estimates that half of all new businesses fail in the first five years. So be prepared to ask the following: MORE »
According to a study released in December by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, an average of one in 110 children have autism spectrum disorder -- a range of conditions that could lead to problems with socialization, communication and behavior. For parents affected by these conditions or other physical, emotional or developmental disabilities in their children, financial planning should be part of the response. MORE »
Four Financial Fridays, Texas A&M University MORE »
Four Financial Fridays, Texas A&M University MORE »
The U.S. economy may be recovering, but spenders at all levels are hanging onto their wallets. And travel experts say the vacation deals available last year are still going to be around for stingy travelers this year. MORE »
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The Wi$eUp web site is maintained by the Texas AgriLife Extension Service.
Educational programs of the Texas AgriLife Extension Service are open to all people without regard to race, color, sex, disability, religion, age, or national origin.
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The Wi$eUp website was last updated on July 29, 2010.
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