Money & Finance

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(NAPSI)—There’s good news for consumers who want to improve their credit score. There are a few practical steps they can take that will help them avoid future problems and correct mistakes of the past.

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(BPT) - If injury or illness left you unable to work – even for a short time – would your financial health be at risk? Fifty-nine percent of U.S. workers said their financial resources would last 12 weeks or less without a paycheck, and nearly a third (29 percent) would burn through their resources in a month or less if they became sick and unable to work, according to a November 2013 survey from Cigna.

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(StatePoint) At the start of a new year, many American families begin looking for ways to cut spending in order to pay bills accrued during the holidays.

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(NAPSI)—A great gift is one that doesn’t break, become outgrown or go out of style. It grows in value and meaning over the years. For example, you can give someone you care about the gift of a college education offered through a 529 college savings plan.

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(StatePoint) For most moms, the holiday season is all about doling out sweets and treats. It can also be a time for moms to treat themselves. All that rushing around to the mall and supermarket can take its toll on both mom and her wallet.

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(StatePoint) The holiday season is all about giving to others, but sometimes you just need to reward yourself.

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(BPT) - The majority of this year's key tax law changes were the result of two acts - the Affordable Care Act of 2010, also known as Obamacare, and the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012.

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(BPT) - Whether you’re hosting guests, traveling to family or simply purchasing gifts, the holidays can put household finances to the test. This year, Americans aren’t letting short-term stresses like the holidays affect their long-term financial aspirations. According to the latest Merrill Edge Report, many Americans now rank saving for retirement as their top priority and short-term concerns like paying off debt are falling lower on the to-do list. To enjoy the season of giving without sacrificing your financial goals, it’s time to make a plan.

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(NAPSI)—Adding college tuition savings planning to this year’s resolutions can be wise. According to the College Board, the average annual tuition for a private college in 2012 was $40,000.

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(BPT) - As the year winds down, it is time to start thinking about recent tax changes and how they affect you, especially if you run a small business. But keeping tax details straight is tough – even for those who live and breathe the industry. One of the most common questions during this time of year is “who needs a 1099 or a W-2?”

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(BPT) - With the economic ups and downs of the last several years, many Americans are more motivated than ever to get their finances on track. With some financial alternatives expiring before the year’s end, there’s no better time than the present to start.

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(NAPSI)—While paying for college can be a challenge, for many students, thousands of dollars in scholarships are available each year. In fact, according to a national study by Ipsos, more families use grants and scholarships to fund college than any other source of funding.

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(BPT) - Engagement season is officially here, with couples around the country saying “yes” to proposals and starting to plan their weddings. In fact, 39 percent of marriage proposals happen between Thanksgiving and Valentine’s Day, according to WeddingChannel.com. While immediate discussions with your partner might be focused on the ceremony venue or honeymoon location, there’s another important consideration before saying “I do:” having the “finance talk.”

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(BPT) - If one universal lesson emerged from the economic meltdown of the Great Recession, it’s that ignorance is not bliss when it comes to financial matters. Before the recession, many Americans made financial decisions without fully understanding the impact of their choices – despite detailed financial disclosure statements intended to educate consumers on just what they were agreeing to when entering a credit contract with lenders.

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(BPT) - A college education is a lifelong investment. College graduates are more likely to be employed and earn more throughout the course of their lives, according to a recent report by the College Board. While the benefits of a college education may be clear, figuring out the true cost and how to pay for it isn’t always as obvious.

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(NAPSI)—Good news for people concerned about employment in America today: Well-paying jobs in the manufacturing sector—actually, more than 600,000 of them—are waiting for workers who have been properly trained.

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(StatePoint) Hurricane season has arrived and it is time to take steps to financially insure your home against flooding.

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(NewsUSA) - The surge of anti-banking sentiment is clearing the way for a new age of banking where institutions must become transparent.

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(NAPSI)—The annual open enrollment process for benefits gives eligible employees the opportunity to select or make changes to their insurance and benefit plans to best fit their physical and financial health needs.

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We all know that life happens. It can happen in small ways, like locking your keys in your car, or life can happen in bigger ways, like a fender bender on your way to work. While it’s true that you can’t always prepare for the unpredictable turns life can take, in some cases, you actually can. That’s why you buy life insurance; it provides protection for your family in case the worst were to happen to you.

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(ARA) – The allure of a new car and low monthly payment options draw many people to lease a car, even though they could face serious fines and extra charges when they return the vehicle at the end of the lease term. If you’re leasing a car, however, you can take steps to avoid getting dinged by lease return charges.

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(NAPSI)—There’s good news for some victims of foreclosure. They now have until December 31 to request a free review and could receive compensation if errors are found.

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(NewsUSA) - Communication is a necessary foundation for any good relationship, even the one you have with your financial professional. Regular meetings and connecting through conversation, not just email, create the basis for trust that will sustain your relationship and, ultimately, enable a promising financial future.

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(NAPSI)—Parents everywhere want what’s best for their children, and education is a priority. With all the school options out there, how do you find the right one for your child?