Jill on Money: Obama’s economic legacy is mixed
By Jill SchlesingerTribune Content Agency
With President Obama's departure from office, it's time to reflect on how the economy fared during his tenure.
Financial Focus
By Jill SchlesingerJill on Money: The virtues of putting your investment decisions on autopilot
By Jill SchlesingerTribune Content Agency
A year ago, I received a slew of mail from readers wondering what they could have done better in 2015 to improve their investment results. In 2015, in case you don't recall, the S&P 500 index was down by less than 1 percent, although when one includes reinvested dividends, the broad index managed to eke out a gain.
Baby Boomers on the Move: What to Consider If You Are Planning to Relocate
Presented by Sara Frank-HepferYou’ve worked hard and are nearing retirement age. Like many other baby boomers, with your kids out of the house and a surplus of empty space and time, you may be thinking about moving. To help you make up your mind—or make your transition go as smoothly as possible—we’ve compiled this list of tips.
Jill on Money: More year-end financial planning tips
By Jill Schlesinger
Tribune Content Agency
Last week, I outlined some financial planning tips that varied somewhat from year-end advice in past years, due to changes that likely in the tax code going forward. They included things like accelerating and bunching itemized deductions, using highly appreciated securities for charitable contributions, paying state and local taxes as soon as possible but holding off prepaying mortgages, and selling winners in taxable accounts.
Buyer Beware: Tips for Safe Online Shopping
Presented by Sara Frank-Hepfer, CFP®, AAMS®Looking for power tools? A vintage Chanel purse? A living-room sofa? Millions of shoppers are bypassing brick-and-mortar stores, as well as their respective websites, in favor of purchasing such items from individual online sellers. For many people, sites like Craigslist and eBay offer a chance to save on everyday items and luxury products, both new and used—all from the comfort of their own homes.
Reading is Fundamental: How Reading can help you avoid Financial Pitfalls
By Porsche Miles-Grant
A recent study by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) shows one in six adults across the nation have low literacy skills. A person who is challenged with low literacy skills may be able to read some words, but not enough to understand simple forms or instructions.
Market Volatility and Your Retirement Investing Strategy
Presented by Sara Frank-Hepfer, CFP®, AAMS®Fluctuations in your 401(k) or workplace retirement savings account can stir up negative emotions, making you want to hit the panic button. But in turbulent times, it’s more important than ever to remain calm and stay on course toward your long-term retirement savings goals.
Jill on Money: Mobile apps will power strong holiday shopping season
By Jill Schlesinger
Tribune Content Agency
With the election settled and wage growth strengthening, there could be an upside surprise to retail results this holiday season. Americans are expected to increase spending by 3 to 3.5 percent from a year ago. Regardless of whether sales increase by more or less than expected, the focus will return to the growth of digital as the main driver of consumer behavior.
Choosing the RIGHT Financial Institution
By Porsche Miles-Grant
At this point, as a responsible adult and a productive citizen of America, you should belong to some type of financial institution. Whether it is a bank or credit union, your finances should be located in a safe and secured place.
Jill on Money: Forget the election; focus on investment long haul
By Jill Schlesinger
Tribune Content Agency
Defying the polls and odds, Donald J. Trump won the presidential election. As the results became clear on the evening of November 8, financial markets around the world reacted swiftly: Stocks plunged (at one point during the overnight session, U.S. futures were down 5 percent, indicating a more than 800 point wipe out for the Dow Jones Industrial Average), the Mexican peso cratered by 13 percent, the U.S. dollar tumbled and safe havens like gold, U.S. Treasury bonds and the Japanese yen jumped.