Seasonal

Articles and information on Seasonal

'Cool' Ideas for Reducing Energy Bills

Along with this season's extra hours of sunshine, blooming flowers and green lawns, comes the heat. Whether bright and blazing or hot and humid, escaping the heat means turning on the air conditioner.

Americans Rely on Guesswork for Retirement

Thought about your retirement lately? If you haven't, you're not alone. According to a recent survey of 1,000 American adults, nearly two out of three (62 percent) non-retired adults have never estimated how much money they would need for their retirement years.

An Investment in Fun -- Collectible Cars Continue to Gain in Popularity

With all the ups and downs there've been on the stock market lately, investing isn't as fun as it used to be. Stocks are worth just a fraction of the value they held in the late 1990s, money market accounts are earning less than two percent annually, savings accounts about half-that.

At the Doorstep of Change

Women's financial health. It's certainly not a new topic. In fact, the concept gains more and more interest each year as millions of baby boom women get closer and closer to retirement.

Attention Car Buyers: Some Tips for Buying a Car on the Internet

Are you Cautious Clay? Or are you more of a Risky Ricardo?These characters can help describe one of the key factors that determine the most appropriate ways for you to save and invest: your Investment Personality.

Avoid a New Year's Debt Hangover

(ARA) - Sometimes it seems like your credit cards and checkbook have a mind of their own -- you go into the holiday season with the best intentions of limiting your holiday spending, only to face the New Year with a mountain of debt.

Because Saving for a Rainy Day No Longer Works

With the vast majority of "401(k) generation" Americans destined to outlive their savings, is there a strategy that can turn the average worker's golden years platinum? Equity strategist Phil Dow has a new book that offers a common sense answer with an unusual name: "bulldog investing."

Defined Benefit Plans: Breathing New Life into a Coveted Benefit

Mention Defined Benefit Plan to most employees and their reaction is "wouldn't that be nice." Defined benefit plans -- where employers set aside money in a retirement plan that guarantees benefits after a certain number of years of service -- have been in rapid decline for more than a decade.

Examining Your Finances As Interest Rates Climb

Worried about rising interest rates? As consumers wrestle with what the numbers mean, personal finance experts point out that rising rates may have very different effects on your day-to-day budget, depending on what your expenses are, and whether your debt is in credit cards, mortgages or other consumer loans.

Financial Tools for College

Do you have a son or daughter leaving home for college this fall? Along with the requisite cell phone, CD/DVD player and wardrobe, are they prepared for the money needs they will now be challenged with? Do they have the financial tools in their backpacks as they head off to one of more than 4,100 colleges and universities in the United States?

Fitting That New (Used) Car Into Your Budget

It's been said that buying a car is the second biggest investment anyone will make in his or her lifetime. But those who try stretching their budget to afford that car can turn the investment into one big headache.

For Most Americans, Giving Means Volunteering

If you think giving money is the best way to support a nonprofit you care about, think again. According to a national Thrivent Financial for Lutherans survey of 1,000 American adults, nearly twice as many people say it is more important to volunteer one's time than to give money to nonprofit groups.

Home Buyer Beware: Manage Your Credit Before it Manages You

Making an offer on the home you and your spouse have dreamed about should be exciting but, in reality, it can be one of the most stressful decisions for a couple. Discussions about household finances and preparation for major purchases can be particularly stressful.

How to Get the Best Price on Your New Car

Buying a new vehicle is a major financial investment. But there are also many additional factors that come into play when buying a car. By being prepared with some research before you set foot in a car dealership, you can save yourself thousands of dollars on your next new car.

Is Your House the Money Pit?

Someone once said, "Have nothing in your home that you do not know to be useful or beautiful." The old adage rings true today as value-conscious Americans scrutinize where they're spending their money and question whether they are getting the best return on investment -- the largest of which is typically a home.

Job Hunting: It's Like a Job, Only Harder

For recent college graduates or professionals beginning a new job search, a job hunt can be an exhausting process. One of the reasons is that, according to the experts, to be successful in your job search, you have to "market" yourself, and many people just don't know how.

Life Insurance: Which Policy Is Right for You?

No one likes to think about needing life insurance, but the security and peace of mind it can provide makes it well worth the planning. It can be a daunting task to begin, but it's an important step in taking care of your family's future.

Need a New Phone for Your Car? Here's What to Do with Your Old One

Did you know that the average cell phone user has at least one old cell phone in their possession? In fact, more than 26 percent of consumers have a total of 3 or more cell phones.

Program Your Home for Energy Savings This Winter

During the frigid winter months, heating bills in many homes go through the roof. This winter will be no exception as the U.S. Department of Energy predicts increases in energy prices. Luckily, there are ways homeowners can rein in heating costs.

School Fundraising Can Be Simple

Parents hoping their college-bound children will scratch up a few extra dollars for their higher education probably aren't encouraged to see them riding skateboards, designing prom fashions with duct tape, or studying Klingon. But these activities could, in fact, pay off.

Stop Putting Off Financial Decisions and Start Making Progress

Most of the time there's no harm in procrastination. It's no big deal if you put off household chores or leave that project at work until the last minute. But procrastination of the financial kind could either make you or break you, depending on how you handle it.

The Debit Card Revolution

In 1951, the first bank credit card was issued and America quickly fell in love with plastic. Sure, there were some fees and interest charges, but living on "pay later" credit became a financial lifestyle for millions.

Three Ways You Can Change the World

In this age of junk mail, do-not-call lists and spam, it's often difficult to find valid, worthwhile messages. As a result, people might be hesitant to donate to a good cause, fearing a flood of direct mail, phone calls and e-mails will follow.

Tips for Cutting Energy Costs This Winter

Household energy efficiency is an important topic when you take into consideration that 44 percent of your typical home energy bill goes toward heating and cooling. Air leaks are a constant drain of energy that can be equivalent to leaving a window wide open.

Tying the Knot: What's the Smartest Way to Pay?

Finding part-time work in today's economy -- whether out of necessity or to supplement your income -- can be a daunting task. The challenge for many people is finding an opportunity that fits their busy lifestyles, but also offers good pay, a flexible schedule and a pleasant work environment.

United States Mint Helps Teachers Prepare For School