If you’ve ever fantasized about quitting your job and starting a business, you’re certainly not alone. However, it’s definitely not something to do on a whim – you’ll need time and good advice. A business startup requires parallel planning in advance for your business and... 

Market extremes tend to make uninformed people invest at extremes.  As the market has suffered over the past nine months, families putting their college savings into 529 college savings plans have watched their stock-based holdings shrink with the market and many have run for cover. This has fueled... 

As the economy continues its climb out of recession, many families might be thinking twice about what they spend on the annual summer vacation. But there are ways to preserve the tradition by being smart about spending. Some ideas: Get on the mailing list: For any possible destination you can think of,... 

Why enlist the services of a financial planner when your holdings are down and you’re facing a host of financial problems? Because as dark as times may seem, you’re actually giving yourself a fresh start in building a stronger financial future. Indeed, many people don’t make that choice.... 

The biggest benefit from the $787.2 billion federal stimulus package will hopefully be a noticeable improvement in the nation’s economy. But on an individual level, it’s wise to check if you might be eligible for benefits in health care, education, various tax credits and housing. A visit... 

Whether you buy your healthcare coverage through your employer or independently, you need to look at your coverage the same way cost-cutting entrepreneurs do.  Buying coverage in the future won’t stop at finding the best price – what you pay increasingly will involve how well you personally... 

Whether you’ve already cleaned out your desk or are expecting your department to be next at work for cuts, in this economy, it definitely makes sense to plan a job search before you actually have to do one.  Call it a response plan. Here are some basic steps in getting that process started: Start... 

It’s always a good idea to be vigilant about your credit score, but even if borrowing loosens up a bit in 2009, you still need to do everything necessary to keep your credit score high. Fair Isaac, the company that created the FICO score, has been working on a new version of its landmark credit... 

The Obama Administration has indicated its plans to block the estate tax from disappearing in 2010, though to offer a bit of relief, it might freeze it at the rate and exemption levels that took place this year. That would mean that estates worth up to $3.5 million for individuals and up to $7 million... 

If you’ve never met with a financial planner before or if it’s been years since you’ve visited one, you need to find a planner then prepare for your visit. Generally, you should research individual financial advisers or firms, and you should look to trusted friends and family for advice. ...