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11/1/09: Looking for the Perfect Holiday Gift? Start With a Spending Plan That Keeps You Out of Trouble

For many, 2009 will be remembered as the year when they drastically reset their spending priorities due to job trouble, investment woes or the fear of more economic troubles ahead. That’s not a particularly bad starting point for a spending season that gets so many people in trouble. That said, it’s still wise to approach the holiday shopping season with a plan that can keep debt at bay and your finances safe all year long. Here are a few ideas MORE »

11/1/09: Medical Tourism: Do’s and Don’ts of Seeking Cheaper Treatments and Procedures Offshore

There was a time when the rich and famous were the primary consumers of medical tourism – all the better to hide the occasional facelift or tummy tuck from prying eyes back home. But today, the rising number of underinsured or budget-conscious patients has made going abroad for medical care much more prevalent and for more complex procedures. It’s also getting the support of domestic insurers. MORE »

11/1/09: Last-Minute Tax Tips for 2009

Before the holidays heat up, now’s a good time to make some moves that will save you money on taxes next April. Take some time to consider the following. MORE »

10/7/09: As the Employment Market Recovers, it’s Smart to Plan Now for the Next Job Opportunity

In August, a study by consulting firm Deloitte Consulting LLP reported that companies “will face a tsunami of defections” from workers who have taken on multiple tasks through the belt-tightening caused by the recession. The Deloitte report predicts that companies’ most valuable workers will be in the vanguard of departures for better hours and more pay once the economy recovers. MORE »

10/7/09: Ways to Negotiate Medical Debt - What You Can Do Alone and With Help

Whether you’re facing a planned medical procedure or have to undergo treatment in an emergency, it pays to devise a battle plan to keep costs under control, and keep the person you’ve designated as your health power of attorney in the loop. A financial planning professional, health insurance agent or your employer’s human resource department might be good places to start a discussion about avoiding unnecessary costs during physician’s office visit or hospital procedures. MORE »

10/7/09: Prepare for College Funding Emergencies Before One Happens

In a tough economy, it’s not hard to imagine students young or old facing shortfalls in money for tuition and living expenses. It’s good to have a battle plan in place in case cash gets tight during the school year. MORE »

9/30/09: Wi$eUp Teleconference: Tips for Starting and Staying on the Road to Retirement

Do you know what the main sources of retirement income are, and whether you are on track in saving for your retirement? What types of savings vehicles are available to individuals, including those who do not have employer-provided plans? Are you tracking your Social Security earnings? How might life events, such as starting a new job, getting married, having a baby, getting divorced, becoming widowed or disabled, and losing your job, affect your retirement savings? What should you know about accessing money from your retirement account before you retire? Do you know how taxes will affect your retirement income? How does the current retirement system impact women differently than men? MORE »

9/25/09: Should You Dump Your Car? Considering Transportation Alternatives as a Way to Save Money

While downsizing or selling an automobile might be an important money-saving move, it needs to be compared with other lifestyle issues where changes could bring other benefits. A visit to a financial planning professional can help you review all of your expenses as well as your transportation needs to make the right decision. MORE »

9/25/09: Open Enrollment Is Around the Corner - Examine Your Investment and Health Picture Now

Open enrollment happens during a specified time period – usually in the fall – where companies let their employees sign up for various health and retirement savings benefits as well as smaller benefit options that may be unique to a company. You’re going to be stuck with these choices for a whole year – why not take a little extra time to understand them? MORE »