Columns

No matter what retailers might tell you, Hanukkah and Christmas are not just around the corner. But retailers might be adapting to our own shopping needs by setting up their holiday displays earlier.

Instead of filling our loved ones with extra sugar this year, take the time and offer a financial treat instead.

The euro-area countries are like temperamental actors who don't like the script in this melodrama.

Dave Says: Parents aren't obligated to pay for their children's college education, but if they do choose to cover all or some of the expenses, when they withdraw the money from savings vehicles is important.   

Dave Says: Is it more important to pay into a 401(k) account for retirement or to pay down student loans? And if an adult is considering going back to school, what is the best way to fund tuition? 

Dave Says: Is it more important to pay into a 401(k) account for retirement or to pay down student loans? And if an adult is considering going back to school, what is the best way to fund tuition? 

Dave Says: Is it better to pay off all your student loans early by dipping into your retirement fund? And when is it time to use your emergency fund?

Dave Says: Is it better to pay off all your student loans early by dipping into your retirement fund? And when is it time to use your emergency fund?

Dave Says: Is it better to pay off all your student loans early by dipping into your retirement fund? And when is it time to use your emergency fund?

Dave Says: Co-signing for a credit card offers no perks for the signer, only potential bad news, and luxury spending should only come when finances are secure.   

The holiday season can be hard for cash-strapped families, but parents should change the way they approach gift giving and how the family approaches budgeting. 

Dave Says: You can safely self-insure if you have the resources available to support your care in a nursing home or other facility for 25 years--but very few of us have that kind of money. And when should couples combine finances?

Recession-era graduates are facing the possibility of becoming unemployed or underemployed as the economy continues its jobless recovery -- and the consequences can last over a lifetime.

Several years ago the IRS clamped down on the requirements to take the deductions for charitable giving, so if you are making donations this year, follow these guidelines.

As the nation waits to see what happens with the Bush-era tax cuts, here are other tax-related changes that might be coming down the pipeline.

The IRS recently released income tax statistics for the 2010 tax year and these statistics offer good insight on the shape of the economy.

With a new year right around the corner, it’s the perfect time to reflect back and compare how taxes are reported today with how they were filed 30 years ago in 1982.

The emotional aspect of leaving the workforce can be jarring and many new retirees have a tough time organizing, prioritizing and feeling productive with the new-found time. Here are some tips to smooth the transition. 

Baby boomers often find themselves combating a long gift list, but it’s important that we plan, prioritize and create and stick to a budget so we don’t end up carrying in debt into the new year. 

The deadline for Medicare’s open enrollment is three weeks earlier this year that 2011, so boomers need to gather all the necessary information regarding changes and updates to care now to make the best decisions for the health and finances.