There are few more wrenching events in life than losing your spouse. But to make matters worse, the death of a life partner also unleashes a torrent of financial tasks. And more often than not, it is a woman — … Continue reading
ARCHIVE FOR February 2012
Feb
29
29
4 Money Pitfalls Every Widow Should Avoid
by Lauren M. SigmanFeb
29
29
NO Benefit to a Bi Weekly Mortgage Plan
by Lauren M. SigmanWith interest rates so low, you may be assaulted by some unusual offers from your lender. These offers ask that you PAY them a small fee to participate in a bi-weekly withdrawal of your monthly mortgage payment. DON”T DO IT! … Continue reading
Feb
21
21
10 Things Prepaid Card Issuers Won’t Tell You
by Lauren M. SigmanSuze Orman and A-Rod are pitching these popular products, but experts say beware of the pitfalls. I wish Suze Orman would stop endorsing financial products that really aren’t very wise purchases for her faithful readers!
Feb
15
15
5 Big Myths About Retirement Planning You Need To Know
by Lauren M. SigmanThis is an excellent article about retirement planning that busts the biggest myth of all: that retirees should mostly be invested in bonds, and avoid stocks. I also agree with the authors’ conclusions regarding spending in retirement, and having a … Continue reading
Feb
15
15
Married, Filing Separately: Is This An Option For You?
by Lauren M. SigmanThe Federal income tax system is set up to favor one working and one non-working spouse. If both of you work at relatively high paying jobs, and you don’t live in a community property state ( CO is NOT a … Continue reading
Feb
13
13
Financial Mistakes to Avoid in Your Divorce Settlement
by Lauren M. SigmanFinancial Mistakes to Avoid in a Divorce Settlement It’s common for both parties to focus on immediate financial concerns during a divorce settlement. Yet, it is the long-term financial consequences of divorce that frequently are more devastating. Here are some … Continue reading
Feb
12
12
Is Your Home A Castle Or A Retirement Nightmare?
by Lauren M. SigmanI published this article in 2005, when the real estate market was going strong and no one really wanted to hear that real estate is not something you bet your retirement on. At our “Finance On The Rocks” event last … Continue reading
Feb
12
12
Retirement in America: Not as Rosy As You Think
by Lauren M. SigmanAccording to a new poll by NPR, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the Harvard School of Public Health, life in retirement is better or the same as it was before, but it is worse for a substantial minority in … Continue reading