For Mark Roberts' Use: When you're standing in the checkout lane, the option to pay with a credit or debit card may seem like a completely random decision. In other cases, your budget may dictate which card you choose. But even though these cards look identical next to one another in your wallet, they each [...]
For Mark Roberts' Use: Are you completely free of debt, with all of your money stashed in a single bank account? If you're like the vast majority of people, the answer is, No, of course not. It almost sounds ridiculous to suggest such an idea. Most of us have more than one bank account, investment [...]
For Mark Roberts' Use: It's a scenario made for dark comedy films and financial nightmares: That envelope arrives in the mail from the IRS, and you discover the news that your tax return is being audited. If this is a worry that plagues you, try to remain calm as you file your taxes this April. [...]
For Mark Roberts' Use: Now that tax season is in full swing, you're probably reading a lot of advice on how to put your tax refund to work for your future. The other side of the coin, of course, is that there are plenty of ways to waste your windfall. Before you let that money [...]
For Mark Roberts' Use: Think of your money as water, and your budget as the bucket that contains it. Wouldn't it be distressing to discover your bucket has several small leaks, and your “water” has been slowly dripping out undetected? Unfortunately, that could be exactly what's happening to your budget. Check for these five common, [...]
For Mark Roberts' Use: It's a common misconception that contributing to an IRA (Individual Retirement Account) is a simple task that should only take a matter of minutes. Yes, investing with an IRA is an excellent choice for many reasons, but if you rush your decisions you could make some costly errors. Watch out for [...]
For Mark Roberts' Use: Tax time is here, and that means we're all pulling out our checkbooks with a feeling of dread. You may already have some idea of whether you'll owe the IRS or draw a refund. You definitely know that you need to file your taxes or ask for an extension by April 15. [...]
For Mark Roberts' Use: You already know that participating in your company's 401(k) savings program is a great way to save for retirement while reducing your income tax liability. But to make the most of your 401(k) savings plan, remember these five rules: Know your default savings rate. When you first started working for your [...]
For Mark Roberts' Use: We're all aware that marriage and divorce are not just matters of the heart; they're matters of the checkbook as well. If you're retired or soon to be retired, you might be wondering how your marriage or divorce impacts Social Security benefits. In complicated situations, it's best to speak directly with [...]
For Mark Roberts' Use: As you know, your retirement fund needs to provide a sufficient income for two or three decades. Budgeting for retirement is no small feat in itself, but there are also many pitfalls you should avoid if you don't want to lose a significant chunk of your nest egg. The four most [...]