Could a Gap Year After High School Make Financial Sense?
Considering taking a gap year before going to college? They’re increasingly popular in the U.S., and may offer long-term benefits to students.
Considering taking a gap year before going to college? They’re increasingly popular in the U.S., and may offer long-term benefits to students.
As parents, we hope we're doing a good job raising our children – teaching them right from wrong, instilling the desire to learn and demonstrating how to manage money responsibly. But what if they see us preaching one behavior while practicing...
With summer vacation right around the corner, you're probably busy planning itineraries, shopping for new bathing suits and finishing up work projects. But before you completely check out, take a few minutes to review a few financial safeguards that could save...
High school and college students hoping to find temporary jobs may be in for a tough time this summer – once again – as they compete with older, more experienced workers in a still-struggling economy. But if your kid is fortunate...
I'm usually a pretty savvy traveler, but a recent car rental mishap reminded me that even when you take every precaution, things still can go awry. While planning a family vacation to Panama, I searched online for rental cars. One lower-cost...
On Mother's Day, children of all ages thank their moms for the many sacrifices made during their childhoods – and well beyond, considering how many adult children still hit up their moms for a loan or free babysitting. Unfortunately, for many...
For many people, having roommates is a natural transition between leaving their parent's house and buying their own home. It can be a great way to trim expenses and save for the future. But if you're not careful, cohabitating can also...
Disastrous wedding mishaps have long been a comedy staple, probably because so many of us can relate. What bride- or groom-to-be hasn't had nightmares about hurricane-force winds blowing over the reception tent or a drunken cousin falling into the wedding cake?Besides...
Now that tax day has passed, chances are you're either waiting patiently for your 2011 tax refund to arrive, it's already been spent, or you just wrote the U.S. Treasury a check and are in budget-cutting mode. It's difficult to calculate...
If the memory of hours spent hunting for and organizing paperwork to file your taxes is still fresh, think about doing some financial spring cleaning so next year's tax preparation won't be such an ordeal. Many people hold onto mounds of...
For decades, millions of kids have faithfully followed the adventures of their favorite comic book superheroes like Spider-Man and the X-Men – sometimes well into adulthood. Although often considered pure escapism, comic books also can serve an educational role – whether...
If you're among the millions of Americans expecting an income tax refund this year, you've probably already filed your 2011 return and are eagerly awaiting the money. But if you haven't already mentally spent your refund on a guilty pleasure, here...
It's hard to think of any act more generous than adopting a child. Many adoptive parents I know tell me it's the most personally rewarding thing they've ever done. But adoption isn't cheap. Related expenses can quickly mount to tens of...
Losing your spouse is one of life's most stressful events. Ironically, it's during that time of grief, when you're probably not thinking clearly or focusing on such matters, that you're expected to make many important financial decisions that will impact the...
If you're worried you won't be able to pay your income taxes by this year's April 17 filing date, don't panic; but don't ignore the deadline and certainly don't wait for the IRS to reach out to you first. Acting quickly...
If you're worried you won't be able to pay your income taxes by this year's April 17 filing date, don't panic; but don't ignore the deadline and certainly don't wait for the IRS to reach out to you first. Acting quickly...
There are many reasons why someone might leave their home unoccupied for months at a time: Maybe you moved to another state and your old house is languishing on the market; or you can no longer afford your mortgage so you're...
I'm a firm believer that the more knowledge you acquire, the richer your life will But as college tuition and fees continue to skyrocket, students and parents increasingly are asking, "Is a degree really worth the cost?" For many people it...
Sometimes it's hard enough just keeping track of your own finances. But, as many of us have learned, life gets even more complicated when your parents come to you for assistance with their money matters – or worse, when they don't...
After four years of coping with a stagnant economy, probably the last thing you want to hear is how important it is to sock away money for a rainy day – you already know that. But hear me out, just in...
As you and your spouse celebrate Valentine's Day over a candle-lit dinner, you may want to avoid romance-killing topics like, "Honey, let's talk about our financial future." But you really should have that conversation sooner rather than later to keep your...
