Bright ideas for more frugal holidays

November 30, 2008

The Big Three automakers need a bailout because we don't buy enough gas-guzzlers. The Wall Street Journal reports the government has less gas tax revenue to pay for bridges and roads because we've been driving less. Now we hear that retailers will go out of business if we don't shop till we drop this holiday season.

Recent columns

• Be wary of rising mutual-fund fees

  November 25, 2008

  Brace yourself: Your mutual fund fees will likely rise next year.

• Year-end tax planning becomes an even trickier proposition

  November 23, 2008

  A new administration takes office in January promising to raise taxes on the wealthy. Then again, the weak economy and declining stock market could delay any tax changes until 2010.

• Mutual funds now flinging open the doors

  November 16, 2008

  For more than 25 years, the highly regarded Sequoia Fund was closed to new investors. But this past spring, the mutual fund once again flung open its doors to bring in more assets.

• Regret-free holiday spending

  November 11, 2008

  It's early November, but it's not too soon to make sure your holiday spending won't get out of control.

• Waiting for President Obama

  November 9, 2008

  The U.S. economy has changed drastically since Sen. Barack Obama hit the campaign trail nearly two years ago.

• Try to delay taking required IRA/401(k) distributions

  November 4, 2008

  If you have been putting off taking required distributions this year from an IRA or 401(k) because of the plunging stock market, you might want to wait a little longer.

• A healthy workplace

  November 2, 2008

  Your bosses aren't serving you chicken soup just yet, but during this open enrollment season you'll find they're taking other creative steps to make sure you don't get sick.

• Explore the options for college loan repayment

  October 28, 2008

  The grace period on federal student loans is almost over if you graduated from college in the spring. Soon you will have to start making payments.

• Crises help create a teachable moment

  October 26, 2008

  Unemployment is rising. The stock market is setting all sorts of records - mostly bad. And the economy might be headed into a prolonged recession.

• Parents need to learn more about PLUS loans

  October 21, 2008

  It's harder these days to get private loans for college, but some families are also having trouble getting a federal parent loan.

• Plunge alters college funds, college plans

  October 19, 2008

  Forget about your 401(k) for the moment. Have you checked your college savings plan?

• A little something for ordinary taxpayers

  October 12, 2008

  The mega-bailout package for Wall Street also contains about $150 billion in tax breaks for the rest of us.

• Current crunch puts squeeze on plastic

  October 5, 2008

  Consumers are not just having a tougher time getting auto loans and mortgages. The credit crunch and weak economy also are taking a toll on credit cards.

• Plan ahead for special-needs child

  September 14, 2008

  Illinois financial planner Mary Anne Ehlert says she started getting more calls after Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin was chosen as a vice-presidential candidate.

• Closer look at debt-settlement industry

  September 13, 2008

  The debt-settlement industry is about to get a much-needed spotlight on it.

• Uncle Sam makes a few exceptions on IRA penalties

  September 9, 2008

  This is a tough job market and a rough economy. No one knows that better than Kim and Millicent Elsmo.

• Municipal bonds have become an exciting investment

  September 7, 2008

  Municipal bonds are exciting this year - just what their investors hate.

• Your college student is a target for ID thieves

  September 2, 2008

  Parents have plenty of advice for children headed off to college. Here's one more piece: Protect yourself against identity theft.

• Consider merging college loans

  April 22, 2008

  Next month, we'll know the new variable interest rates for federal education loans, and those rates could be among the lowest we've seen in several years.

• Simplifying more complex tax forms

  March 13, 2006

  At some point, most of us graduate from the 1040EZ.

• Where's my pension?

  December 4, 2005

  Paul Horowitz has been on a five-year quest, searching for a union pension he was promised decades ago when he worked in New York delicatessens.

• Create your living will, then be sure to discuss it

  March 27, 2005

  MOST OF US might never have heard of Terri Schiavo if she had put her medical wishes in writing.