Personal finance advice, ideas - Money Magazine

Make money in 2010

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 09:52:07 EST

The outlook: You may not feel as if we're out of the woods yet. But the consensus among the 50 leading economists regularly surveyed by the Blue Chip Economic Indicators is that the recession is indeed over, and from a technical standpoint at least, probably ended in the summer.

Lending to a flakey friend

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 11:31:58 EST

If you give a loan to someone who you know is irresponsible, ask for come collateral, say Money's ethicists.

Be a smarter charitable giver

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 04:48:17 EST

When it comes to charitable giving, some well-intentioned moves can backfire.

3 ways to save money on health insurance

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 04:04:56 EST

1. Choose the right plan

Money's new More Money blog

Tue, 06 Oct 2009 16:48:50 EDT

The future of car safety is here

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 09:04:34 EST

New, groundbreaking features can alert you to danger before you even know it's there. But added safety comes at added cost.

Make money in 2010: Your job

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 10:43:14 EST

The outlook: Despite all the talk about economic recovery, you're probably still anxious about next year's job market -- worried not necessarily about your position but maybe your spouse's or your adult kids' or your best pal's.

Make money in 2010: Your savings and credit

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 09:50:20 EST

The Outlook: Like most Americans, you're probably pledging to save more next year -- already savers are socking away cash at a better pace than they have in years (3.7% of income recently, up from just 0.2% in early 2008). Pat yourself on the back -- because your thriftiness won't be rewarded with much more than that anytime soon.

Make money in 2010: Your home

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 10:40:44 EST

The outlook: After three years of slumping house prices, the end of the real estate bust may finally be in sight. Home sales are rising, inventories are shrinking, and most economists believe values nationwide will hit bottom in the second half of the year -- but not before falling another 5% to 10% first.

Make money in 2010: Your investments

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 09:50:56 EST

The outlook: With the market up more than 60% since March, you're probably feeling a lot better about your portfolio lately than you did a year ago. The worry for 2010: Will the runup run out of steam?

Best digital cameras

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 11:55:23 EST

Capture holiday memories with these snazzy shooters - and still have money left for the turkey.

Marrying finances

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 11:56:02 EST

When Kimerby and Tony Simmons were married last month at a vineyard in the foothills outside Atlanta, they participated in the African-American tradition of jumping over a broom - an act symbolizing their entrance into a new phase of life together.

Least stressful jobs

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 16:52:42 EST

Feeling overworked and overwhelmed? Maybe it's time for a career change.

How to spend $10k

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 16:54:45 EST

It's a challenging time to find the best places for your extra cash.

A $6,900 home

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 16:53:56 EST

For a foreclosure, the house at 15461 Kentfield St. in Detroit needed surprisingly little work. The new owner, an investor from the Chicago area named Kevin Holmes, slapped on a coat of paint, pulled up the dirty carpets, and replaced the stolen water heater. The car stashed out back, he learned soon enough, belonged to a neighbor, not a thief using the three-bedroom as a makeshift chop shop.

Baby-proof the family finances

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 11:28:53 EDT

After seven years of marriage, Stephanie and Chad Grant are about ready to start a family. Before they do, the 31-year-olds want to baby-proof their finances.

Help your child manage credit

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 17:06:25 EST

In recent years college students could get credit cards almost as easily as they could score beer. Some 84% of undergrads have at least one card, a Sallie Mae study found, and half carry four or more.

What to do with $1,000 now

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 11:24:48 EDT

Here are some of the best places for your extra cash.

Beat property taxes

Mon, 19 Oct 2009 17:43:36 EDT

You know that your home's value has tanked. So why doesn't the blasted tax man? Home prices fell 27% from the 2006 peak to the end of 2008, according to the S&P/Case-Shiller Index, while the amount municipalities collected in property taxes rose 12% from 2006 to 2008.

3 ways to stretch your retirement dollar

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 12:30:34 EST

Question: I worked for the same company for more than 27 years and then was laid off eight months ago. Although at age 57 I have lots of experience, my employment prospects look bleak. My 401(k) has gone down the drain the past two years and is currently worth about $320,000. As I approach retirement, I wonder: Will this be enough to live on? --David, Los Angeles, Calif.