Personal finance advice, ideas - Money Magazine

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

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.

When Grandma offers tuition help

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 11:58:36 EST

Despite losses in their own investments, 65% of grandparents plan to help their grandkids pay for college, reports the College Savings Foundation. That may spell relief for parents squeezed by the economy. But handled incorrectly, such giving could hurt your child's chances for financial aid, says Joe Hurley of savingforcollege.com. Here are the best ways for Grandma to give.

Money's new More Money blog

Tue, 06 Oct 2009 16:48:50 EDT

5 things never to say to your insurers

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 03:56:11 EST

1. "I think ..."

Best digital camera bargains

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 03:56:08 EDT

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

Marrying finances - for the second time

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 04:28:14 EDT

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.

Pay less to stay warm this winter

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 16:16:55 EDT

This year you can score a rare recession-induced break on your energy bill: The combination of a weak economy and a production boom has dropped the cost of heating with natural gas to a six-year low and is keeping a lid on other heat sources as well. But you can still save more. These questions will help you figure out the most cost-effective ways to keep out the cold.

Dad's girlfriend is bleeding him dry

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 10:38:36 EDT

Is a spendthrift woman taking advantage of a widower? Money's ethicists weigh in.

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.

Never too old for stocks

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 04:28:53 EST

Question: I'm nearing retirement, but would like to continue investing in stocks and bonds. My question: Should retirees continue to put money into the markets even after they have retired? --Lee Benge, Charlotte, North Carolina

3 steps to a better retirement

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 08:45:11 EST

Question: My husband and I are in our late '50s and haven't put anything away for retirement, although we do own our home. We figure we'll work another 10 years or so before retiring. Do you have any helpful suggestions for us so we won't have to live solely on Social Security? --Peggy, Rockvale, Colorado

How much do I need to save?

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 04:23:08 EDT

Question: I'm 36 and have saved only about $20,000 for retirement. How much per year should I try to save for the next 30 years to assure I'll have a reasonable retirement? --Beth, Grove City, Ohio