Financial Focus - The New Citizens Press

Your Other 8 Hours: What’s holding you back and what to do about it

Rina Risper12 years ago06 mins

By Robert Pagliarini,

Tribune Media Services

There’s one thing that’s holding you back more than any other. It’s not your education, who you know, or even how much time you have. It’s fear of pain. It’s that simple. The bad news is that the challenge you face is yourself. Of course, this is also the good news. It’s not the economy, your mistakes from the past, a bad childhood, or anything else. The problem is within you, and so is the solution. Your ability to deal with the fear of pain effectively is your golden ticket to your best life, job promotions, health, and better relationships.

Retire Smart: Drowning in documents: What to shred, what to keep

Rina Risper12 years ago08 mins

By Jill Schlesinger

Tribune Media Services

You probably just received some bank, investment or retirement quarterly statements in the mail, which makes it a perfect time to fire up the shredder and organize that stack of documents piling up on the table.

Here are some thoughts on financial paperwork that you can toss:

Aboutthatcar.com: 2014 Chevrolet Impala

Rina Risper12 years ago07 mins

By Frank S. Washington

DETROIT, MI — Chevrolet has a hit on its hands. That fact did not need to be certified but during a week-long test drive of the 2014 Impala, Chevrolet’s new flagship sedan got as much attention as some exotic sports cars that cost three times more.

Retire Smart: What do proposed Social Security changes mean to me?

Rina Risper12 years ago08 mins

By Jill Schlesinger

Tribune Media Services

There’s nothing like proposed changes to Social Security limits to get readers of this column going. After President Obama released his fiscal 2014 budget, a number of you wrote in asking, “What will this mean to me?”

Retire Smart:The Dow’s record barely noticed

Rina Risper12 years ago07 mins

By Jill Schlesinger

Tribune Media Services

Has the magic worn off? Despite all of the fanfare and fancy graphics from financial outlets, the public reaction to the Dow Jones Industrial Average reaching a new all-time nominal high seemed downright muted. Or as a recent radio caller said, “The record didn’t feel as good this time around!”

Retire Smart: How to talk to your parents about money

Rina Risper12 years ago08 mins

By Jill Schlesinger

Tribune Media Services

“How can I talk to my parents about money? Every time I try to bring up the topic, my mother gets paranoid and the conversation deteriorates quickly.” It is hard to balance being a responsible adult child, while not seeming like you are prying. Even if your loved ones appear to be financially self-sufficient, neurologists say that cognitive ability starts sliding as early as 60.

Retire Smart: 70 is not the new 65

Rina Risper12 years ago07 mins

By Jill Schlesinger

Tribune Media Services

To attain your retirement goals, there are three basic strategies: (1) save money during your working years, (2) plan to spend less during retirement or (3) work longer. It turns out that option number three helps but may not be the panacea you’re looking for, according to the Employee Benefit Research Institute (EBRI).

Foreclosed Homeowners Re-Occupy Their Homes

Rina Risper14 years ago08 mins

By Zaineb Mohammed
New America Media

SAN FRANCISCO, CA – Carolyn Gage was evicted from her foreclosed home in January. Earlier this month, she moved back in.

Your Other 8 Hours: 10 Easy Tips to Save Money This Christmas

Rina Risper14 years ago07 mins

By Robert Pagliarini, Tribune Media Services

Want to learn how to save money on gifts this Christmas and not feel like a Scrooge? According to this year’s National Retail Federation holiday survey, the average American will spend close to $700 this season on gifts, cards, decorations and the like.

Retire Smart: Attention Medicare Plan Shoppers: Enrollment Season is Earlier This Year

Rina Risper14 years ago07 mins

By Mark Miller

Tribune Media Services

Every year around this time, I remind seniors that it’s important to re-shop Medicare prescription drug and managed care programs during the enrollment season, when seniors can change their Medicare coverage. Enrollment will be open from Oct. 15 to Dec. 7-a sensible move intended to get this time-consuming chore away from the busy holiday season.