TheAdvice.com | Personal Finance

How Much Term Life Insurance Do You Need?

So you’ve probably seen some commercials lately about how term life insurance premiums are at historically low levels and you should take advantage of those lower prices now. But first, here is a quick tutorial and advice on why you should have life insurance before discussing how much an individual should own. So what is term life insurance? A term life insurance policy is one that has a set time frame on the coverage period – anywhere from one to thirty years – and when it reaches the end of that term, you can decide whether you’d like to...

Using A CD Ladder for Your Emergency Money

In today’s very low interest rate environment no one should be satisfied with receiving .25% (or less) on their savings. For emergency funds and other forms of savings a CD Ladder may be the best way to both get a higher interest rate, as well as maintain the flexibility to use this money if needed. CD Laddering simply means buying a number of CDs with different maturity dates. By purchasing shorter and longer term CDs, you spread out the interest rate risk. You don’t earn as much as you would by locking in for the long-term, but you are able...

How Much Term Life Insurance Do You Need?

Common Investing Mistakes

No one is planning on working forever. Some sort of investment, whether it is a retirement fund, real estate or other vehicle, needs to be looked at to finance your life after you retire from the world of work. But, be careful. When investing, many novices fall into traps and lose their money. Here is some advice on how to avoid making investment mistakes. Investing is not the hardest thing in the world, but it does take time and research. Unless you understand what you are investing in, you may want to hold off until you are better informed.

The...

Over Your Head in Credit Card Debt?

If you have gotten over your head in credit card debt you are not alone. According to the FTC, there are four basic methods you can use to assist you with this: Credit Counseling, Debt Management Programs, Debt Consolidation, or Bankruptcy. While bankruptcy should only be considered only as a last choice, let’s review the first three programs that may be of significant help to you if you are in debt. 1) Credit Counseling: By selecting a reputable credit counseling service and talking with certified counselors, you may have the opportunity to learn how to budget properly and...

Retirement Strategies

The current financial environment has many people nearing retirement age wondering if they’ll even be able to retire. They wonder if it might be best to continue working to make and save as much as they can until the economy improves. The following are strategies and advice for retiring in bad times you may want to consider. Be aware that the first five years of retirement are the most important. The first five years may very well determine how much money a retiree has available to them, especially when economic times are questionable.

Get help. If you don’t already have...

Long-term Care Insurance Considerations

Baby Boomers are reaching retirement age in record numbers but many are not aware that the government provides little, if any support to their long-term care needs. Many boomers have experienced seeing their parents or other relatives live out their final years in a nursing home or home care situation.

According to the AARP the average annual costs for long-term care in the U.S. are:
• $66,792 for a semi-private room in a nursing home
• $75,192 for a private room in a nursing home
• $35,516 for care in an assisted living unit
These expenses can quickly deplete...

Important Money Decisions

After historic volatility in 2008 the current investment environment will continue to be strewn with potential challenges. Here are some important things to consider going forward: 1) Review your risk tolerance: Hopefully you have an investment plan, but that doesn’t mean you should let it sit for years without revisiting it. You should review your risk tolerance you’re your financial advisor and be sure your portfolio is allocated properly. Many portfolios have gone out of balance due to the large drop in equity values over the last 18 months. 2) Don’t abandon the investment ship: Market downturns are always filled with...

Dealing with Financial Stress

Stress can take a toll on our lives and health. During these tumultuous economic times financial stress is particularly bothersome. While cutting corners never hurt anyone, juggling bills and doing without necessities harms both our physical and mental health. Stress contributes to health problems, including insomnia, depression and anxiety. If that isn't enough, financial problems may prevent sufferers from getting proper treatment. They may beat themselves up mentally for allowing things to spiral out of control. But that frame of mind can only make things worse. Instead, a more productive use of your energy is to develop a way to...

Paying Off Your Debt

Credit can be a wonderful thing. But when it gets out of hand, it can wreak havoc on your finances. This is especially true when it comes to credit cards. Charging up a large balance is bad enough, and by the time you add in fees and high interest rates, the debt can be overwhelming. In a perfect world, everyone would use credit wisely and pay off balances within a month or two. But in reality, cardholders often build up a mountain of debt and fail to realize it until it’s unmanageable. That’s when it’s time to put the plastic...