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• Investment Fraud
  The North American Securities Administrators Association (NASAA) offers tips to help your loved one avoid being a victim of investment fraud: Beware of people who make sensational claims such as a “spectacular profit return” or the opportunity to “get in on the ground floor. Be wary of people making
• Do I need professional help
  How do I know if I need professional help and what kind of help I need? Once you have a grasp on your basic financial picture, you may decide to look for some outside help in managing your finances or making decisions involving your finances. To find the right financial professional, it's important
• IRAs (Individual Retirement Accounts)
  There are actually 3 types of IRAs - a traditional deductible IRA, a traditional nondeductible IRA, and a Roth IRA. Traditional Deductible IRA - Anyone age 49 or younger who earns up to 32,000 and does not have a company 401(k) plan can invest up to 5,000 annually as a tax-deferred investment (mea
• Am I getting the best service?
  How do I know if I'm getting the best service from a broker or an advisor I'm already working with? If you've already begun working with a broker or financial advisor, it's a good idea to periodically evaluate what type of advice and service you're getting and if it's helping you achieve your financ
• Losing Your Spouse: Investing Payouts
  Once you've begun receiving benefit payouts, you'll want to invest the money wisely. Some of the benefits will be paid to you as a one-time lump sum.. ng benefit payouts, you'll want to invest the money wisely. Some of the benefits will be paid to you as a one-time lump sum. For example, if you're th
• How do I become an investor?
  Congratulations. It takes personal discipline and planning to save money.. personal discipline and planning to save money. The fact that you've already saved some money indicates that you're taking responsibility for your financial future. Before you jump into "investing" it's important to know wha
• Bill-Paying Help
  You or the loved one you are helping care for have a lot on your mind while recovering from an unexpected disability. Consider setting up processes that can take some of the burden out of bill-paying and help you continue saving and investing money for your future.. You or the loved one you
• Will I have enough for college and retirement?
  I'm worried about having enough for college and retirement - who can help me? The good news is that there are several online calculators you can use to figure out approximately how much money you'll need to put your kids through school or fund your retirement. Once you've gotten an approximate idea
• Budgeting, Banking and Bill-Paying
  To help your loved one with her finances start by reviewing her budget together. If she doesn’t have a budget, . To help your loved one with her finances start by reviewing her budget together. If she doesn’t have
• Identifying Income
  Most couples immediately think of their combined salaries (if both spouses work) as their total income. But there are numerous other possible sources of income that you bring in, including: Salary, hourly wages, tips Part-time or seasonal work Earnings from businesses Interest on investments (checki
• Bill-Paying Help
  You, or the loved one you are helping care for, may want to look into processes that can take some of the burden out of bill-paying and help you continue saving and investing money for your future. Online bill-paying.. You, or the loved one you are helping care for, ma
• What do CPA, PFA, and other accreditations mean?
  Help! I don't know what CPA, PFA, CFP and all those professional accreditations stand for. It can be a little daunting to see so many professional accreditations.. Help! I don't know what CPA, PFA, CFP and all those professional accreditat
• What help can my bank provide
  Banks provide many services. They provide accounts, such as checking, savings, and money market accounts.. Banks provide many services. They provide accounts, such as checking, savings, and money market accounts. Most banks also have investment representatives who can explain diffe
• Retirement Planning
  Life has thrown you some unexpected curves. You know, better than most people, that the future is uncertain at best.. unexpected curves. You know, better than most people, that the future is uncertain at best. Whether you are still able to work or if you are facing retirement sooner than you had expected, it's import
• 5 Great Choices for Windfall Funds
  No matter what your current financial situation is, there are five great categories of choices that you can make with your windfall funds. Pay off debt.. No matter what your current financial situation is, there are five great categories of choices that
• Saving for College
  You and your husband may have already thought ahead about how to pay for your child's college education. If so, set some time aside to review that plan and determine if it's still realistic now that you're supporting your family on one income.. have already thought ahead about how to pay for your child's college educat
• Who are brokers and do I need one
  Brokers - who are they and how do I know if I need one? A broker is someone who is licensed to buy and sell investments for individuals. Brokers are required to pass an exam and register with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in order to practice..
• Tax-deferred
  Tax-deferred Not having to pay taxes immediately or upfront on an investment or on savings. Instead you’ll have to pay taxes on the investment when you cash it out.. Tax-deferred : Not having to pay taxes immediately or upfront on an investment or on savings. Instea
• Managing Financial Assistance and Insurance Payouts While Waiting to Rebuild
  If you receive emergency government assistance, assistance from charitable sources and/or insurance claim payouts it’s important to manage the money wisely during the process of repairing and rebuilding. Sometimes the assistance and benefits can add up to thousands of dollars and it may be tempting
• Protecting Your Loved One from Fraud and Scams
  Because seniors are more frequently at home, may be lonely or feel less engaged in the world, are more apt to answer the phone and are less likely to cut off a conversation with a sales person or other “friendly” or “helpful” stranger they are more vulnerable to becoming the victim of fraud. Frequen
• Becoming a Caregiver
  While nurses, doctors, social workers, home health aides and other paid professionals provide caregiving services, according to the National Alliance for Caregiving and AARP, more than 44 million Americans also fit into this category as informal caregivers. They are not paid professionals; rather th
• Working with a Professional Geriatric Care Manager (PGCM)
  As a long-distance caregiver it’s a good idea to work with a professional geriatric care manager (PGCM) who lives in your loved one’s community. PGCMs are professionals (nurses, social workers or gerontologists) who specialize in arranging for seniors’ unique needs and assisting caregivers..
• Professional Emotional Resources
  During a divorce, your feelings can swing from guilt to anger, sadness to elation, and remorse to giddiness. You may find that you need, or would like, some professional help to sort things out.. During a divorce, your feelings can swing from guilt to anger, sadness to elation, and remorse to gi
• Home Care
  Home care" refers to a wide range of health and social services delivered at home to recovering, disabled, chronically or terminally ill persons in need of medical, nursing, social, or therapeutic treatment and/or assistance with the essential activities of daily living. Home care is appropriate whe
• 401(k) Plans
  Under a 401(k) plan you tell your employer to take a certain amount of money out of your paycheck before it's taxed and direct it to an investment plan of your choice. By taking your 401(k) contribution out of your paycheck before taxes, it reduces your overall income.. ell your employer to take
• Your relationship with, and perspective on, money
  Coming into a large amount of money can change you how you think about money. This may be the first time you have the luxury of time, afforded by your new wealth, to even think about how you view money.. Coming into a large amount of money can change you how you think about mone
• Managing a Lump-Sum Settlement
  If you chose to take your divorce settlement as a lump sum payment (meaning you received all the money your ex-husband owed you at once) you may well now have a significant amount of money that you need to manage. It is imperative that you take the time to think through your immediate, short-term an
• Treasury bill
  Treasury bill : When you buy a Treasury bill (also known as a “T-bill” you are lending money to the federal government which is then used to pay off debt and raise cash needed to run the government. T-bills are fully insured by the government, meaning that you’re guaranteed to be paid back for your
• Mutual Fund
  Mutual Fund : A fund that pools a large amount of investors’ money and invests it in a wide variety of assets such as individual company stocks, bonds, and other funds that pool stocks and bonds. Mutual funds are overseen and run by professional investment firms and provide investors the benefit of
• IRA
  IRA Individual retirement account. IRAs are a tax-deferred investment that allows investors to save and invest up to 3,000 per year to be used upon retirement.. IRA : Individual retirement account. IRAs are a tax-deferred investment that allows investors to sav
• Interest rate
  Interest rate : A percentage amount based on how much money you deposit or invest, that indicates how much money you’ll either earn (on an investment) or owe (on a loan). age amount based on how much money you deposit or invest, that indicates how much money you’ll either earn (on an investment) or owe (on a loan)
• CD
  CD : Certificate of Deposit, an interest-bearing investment offered by banks that typically offers a low, but certain, rate of return in exchange for low risk.. it, an interest-bearing investment offered by banks that typically offers a low, but certain, rate of return in exchange for low risk. CD : Certificate of De
• Benefit payouts
  Benefit payouts : A payment made to someone who is eligible for money under a policy, investment, or program. For example, you can be paid out Social Security benefits when you retire and apply for the proceeds, or you can receive money under your employer’s pension plan or from your spouse’s life i
• Annuity
  Annuity An investment offered by insurance companies that provides owners with regular income, typically after retirement. Fixed-rate annuities guarantee a specific payment.. Annuity : An investment offered by insurance companies that provides owners with regular income, typ
• 401(k) Plan
  401(k) Plan A defined contribution retirement savings plan offered by companies to their employees. Participants commit to having a set amount of money withdrawn from their paycheck and invested in the fund(s) of their choice.. 401(k) Plan : A defined c
• Financial Issues
  Divorce involves numerous financial issues. They can range from big financial decisions (selling a home and splitting property) to small tasks (removing an ex-spouse from a gym membership). Divorce involves numerous financial issues. They can range from big financial decisions (selling a h
• Telemarketing Fraud
  Unscrupulous telemarketers will often make promises of unprecedented deals, sweepstakes or lottery prizes, a pre-qualified loan, a percentage of money for transferring funds sent online, or profitable investment tips. You can help your loved one avoid becoming a victim by encouraging her to: never g
• Identity Theft
  By stealing personal information, thieves can assume your loved one’s identity, gain access to their personal records (health, military, financial, credit score, etc. and fraudulently apply for credit cards and loans, withdraw money from their bank accounts or liquidate investment accounts, etc..
• Taking Care of Your Financial Health
  While you are caring for your loved one you need to stay engaged with your own personal financial situation. It can be too easy to spend more time working on and worrying about your loved one’s health and finances than your own.. While you are caring for your loved one you need t
• Where to Keep the Money while you’re Deciding What to Do
  As we’ve mentioned, when you learn that you’re going to come into some unexpected funds it’s a good idea to take some time before deciding what to do with it. However it is a good idea to go ahead and deposit the money into a bank account (all funds up to 250,000 are insured by the FDIC if deposite
• Manage your financial assistance and insurance payouts wisely while waiting to rebuild.
  If you receive emergency government assistance, assistance from charitable sources and/or insurance claim payouts it's important to manage the money wisely during the process of repairing and rebuilding. Sometimes the assistance and benefits can add up to thousands of dollars and it may be tempting
• Changing Your Name
  While you can easily ask friends and family members to call you by your maiden name, you may want to legally change your name. If you included a provision to change your name in your divorce agreement, now that your divorce is settled you can use that document and your divorce decree as official doc
• Insurance
  Although obtaining insurance coverage can cost you money in premium payments now, having the coverage can save you from the risk of big, unexpected losses and expenses in the future. Let’s look at some of the most important types of insurance to consider protecting your and your family’s financial f
• Working with a Financial Advisor
  You will face many important financial decisions before, during and after your divorce. If you are not used to handling your own financial affairs, it may make you nervous to think about managing your finances on your own.. You will face many important financial decisions before, during and after y
• Selecting and Working with Financial Professionals
  Deciding whether or not you want to use the services of a financial professional can depend on a variety of factors including: how much money you are looking at receiving the tax implications of your windfall – if you understand them and feel confident managing them on your own if you want to invest
• Considering Chapter 7 Bankruptcy
  Chapter 7 bankruptcy is the most common form of personal bankruptcy for people to file. It’s the most “popular” form because it’s fairly straightforward, inexpensive to file, requires little time, is finalized quickly and at the end, your consumer debt is erased.. Chapter 7 bankruptcy is t
• Day By Day
• Day By Day
  You’ve taken a huge step. You’ve examined your perspective on budgeting.. You’ve taken a huge step. You’ve examined your perspective on budgeting. You’ve collected paperwork and reviewed your financial situation. You’ve put it all down on paper. You’ve established some personal financial goals and
• Insure Your Future
  As a new widow it’s hard to think much beyond surviving the immediate pain of losing your spouse. But as you grieve your spouse and begin to take steps to rebuild your family’s life without him, you’ll want to make sure you’re taking every step necessary to protect your estate and your children’s fu
• What Happens if a Creditor Takes You to Court?
  Until a collection agency sues you and wins they can’t legally take anything you own to pay off your debts. However, once the agency sues you and wins, they obtain a “judgment” against you they can take your “nonexempt” property to collect against your debt.. Until a collection agency
• Make Temporary Emergency Repairs and Recover Materials
  Once you know it’s safe to return to your home, do what you can to make immediate repairs to make your property safer and to reduce against further loss (i.e.. Once you know it’s safe to return to your home, do what you can to make immediate repairs to make your property safer and to
• Closing Accounts and Separating Assets
  Once your divorce is final, make sure that all your accounts are separated and that ownership of property is clearly established. If the court awards you ownership of any joint accounts or property, make sure that your ex-spouse’s name is removed from those official documents such as: Deed to the ho
• Alimony
  Alimony, also known as spousal support or maintenance, was traditionally provided for a stay-at-home spouse, usually the wife, who may not have had marketable job skills. Alimony is less commonly awarded today when both spouses typically work and most alimony awards that are made are temporary..
• Protecting Assets
  As a general rule of thumb, you are entitled to half of any assets in joint checking accounts, savings accounts, or brokerage accounts, though this rule can vary by circumstances and state laws. If you have joint accounts where either of you can withdraw money without the other’s approval, you may w
• Assisting with Your Loved One’s Finances
  Caregivers often have to take on a wide variety of financially-related tasks for loved ones such as budgeting, bill-paying, making saving and investment decisions, and tax preparation, etc. Unless you have been appointed with legal guardianship responsibilities for your loved one’s finances, you wil
• Get Access to Your Cash
  It’s a good idea to build up at least a 3-6 month emergency fund, meaning that you have enough cash in reserve to cover all of your expenses for a 3-6 month period in case of emergency. For at least the first year following your spouse’s death you’ll want to focus on two things – (1) investing any b
• Life Insurance
  Life insurance often provides widows with their single biggest financial benefit. It can make a huge difference in your immediate and long-term well-being.. Life insurance often provides widows with their single biggest financial benefit. It can make a huge difference in your immed
• Coping with Unwanted Change...
  Sudden, unwanted change can bring normal life to an unexpected stop. It can be disorienting and create real emotional, physical and financial distress for you and your loved ones.. Sudden, unwanted change can bring normal life to an unexpected stop. It can be disorienting and crea
• Estate Planning
  Having recently lost your spouse, no one is in a better position than you to talk with your parents about estate planning. Ask them if they have a will.. Having recently lost your spouse, no one is in a better position than you to talk with your parents about estate planning. As
• If You are Pursuing Legal Action
  If your short-term disability was caused by another person or situation you may be considering pursuing legal action. The first step is determining if you want to file a case.. If your short-term disability was caused by another person or situation you may be considering pursu
• If You are Pursuing Legal Action
  If your disability was caused by another person or situation you may be considering legal action. The first step is determining if you want to file a case.. If your disability was caused by another person or situation you may be considering legal action. The first step is determini
• Adult Day or Family Member Care
  Adult day care centers (ADC) can help provide caregivers for people with disabilities a well-deserved respite and provide disabled or older adults who can no longer manage independently and desire interaction with other adults. ADC offers planned activities to promote individuals’ well-being in a sa
• Medical Rehabilitation and Assistance
  Medical rehabilitation is designed to help diagnose and treat people’s individual physical, social, emotional and vocational needs. Professionals involved in medical rehabilitation include doctors, nurses, therapists, social workers, psychologists, teachers, vocational counselors and a wide range of
• Getting Medical Care
  Obviously one of the biggest, most pressing issues when you suspect or experience a disability is receiving adequate medical care. This section looks at what to do if you have health insurance or if you are like the 41 million Americans who do not have health insurance.. Obviously one of the bigg
• Medical Rehabilitation and Assistance
  Medical rehabilitation is designed to help diagnose and treat people’s individual physical, social, emotional and vocational needs. Professionals involved in medical rehabilitation include doctors, nurses, therapists, social workers, psychologists, teachers, vocational counselors and a wide range of
• Medical Rehabilitation and Assistance
  Medical rehabilitation is designed to help diagnose and treat people’s individual physical, social, emotional and vocational needs. Professionals involved in medical rehabilitation include doctors, nurses, therapists, social workers, psychologists, teachers, vocational counselors and a wide range of
• Playing the Role of Patient Advocate
  At the hospital you will likely play the role of patient advocate. If you have legal authority (i.. At the hospital you will likely play the role of patient advocate. If you have legal authority (i.e.durable or health care power of attorney) then the hospital staff and doctors are legally required t
• Working with other Health Professionals and Medical Staff
  In addition to a primary care physician and specialists you may need to work with other health professionals such as: Dental Care – a general D.D.. In addition to a primary care physician and specialists you may need to wor
• Finding a Supportive Community
  Life changes that involve sudden or significant loss can create a natural reaction called grief. As you grapple with the limitations or changes that your, or your loved one’s condition has created, it can be very healing to seek out helpful people and professionals.. Life changes that involve
• Living in the In-Between: Not Knowing What Your Symptoms or Diagnosis May Mean for the Future & What You Can Do Now
  George was struck from behind in a multi-car collision driving home from work one rainy evening. Upon impact, he immediately knew that he had hurt his neck and back.. hind in a multi-car collision driving home from work one rainy evening. Upon impact, he immediately knew that he had hurt his
• When Finances Are Tight: Creating and Managing New Income
  Divorce creates a new financial reality for both spouses. Unfortunately, divorce typically lowers a woman’s standard of living by reducing income and increasing expenses, particularly if she is now a single parent.. Divorce creates a new financial reality for both spouses. Unfortunately
• What to Do If Relief Assistance and Insurance Payouts Aren’t Enough
  Depending on the scope of the disaster and loss suffered you may find that assistance and insurance payouts don’t cover the entire cost of repairing and/or rebuilding your home. There are a few things you can do to begin figuring out how to manage the shortfall.. Depending on the scope of
• What do I ask a professional the first time?
  If I decide to use a professional financial advisor, what questions should I ask when I meet with him/her for the first time? Good for you. You want to be well-prepared for meeting with a potential financial advisor.. If I decide to use a prof
• Recovering From Bankruptcy and Re-Establishing Your Credit
  If you have filed for bankruptcy you have been through a very stressful, and probably humiliating, time in your life. It can be traumatizing to realize that you have hit rock bottom financially and you may feel panicked or shaky about what this means for your future.. If you have filed for ban
• Finding the Money to Pay Down Your Debt
  After you have listed all your debts – credit cards, medical bills, department store bills, mortgages, car loans, etc. - you may be tempted to panic and say “But I just don’t have any money to even begin paying my debt off! Realize that you may have options you’re not aware of..