8 Things You Pay Too Much For
Posted on September 1, 2016 by bob in Features, Financial
1. Checks Most people run low on checks and automatically reorder them from their bank. The problem is, you’re probably paying more than you should be. Banks often charge about $20 (including shipping) for a box of basic checks, but you can get them way cheaper elsewhere, says Karen Hoxmeier, founder of Mybargainbuddy.com. Checkadvantage.com & […]
Reverse Mortgage — Part 2 of 3
Posted on June 1, 2016 by bob in Financial, MoneyWise, NewsUCanUse
While Home Equity Conversion Mortgages (HECMs), or FHA-insured reverse mortgages, may be a helpful tool, their unwise use has caused serious difficulty for more than one family. HECMs have been around for years, and the rules associated with them have changed frequently, making it difficult even to find out what the current rules are. Anyone […]
Social Security Tax Liability
Posted on March 1, 2016 by bob in Financial, MoneyWise, Social Security
Despite tax software ads on TV, understanding income taxes for planning purposes can be difficult. Sometimes the income tax results can be peculiar if not downright perverse. To illustrate the point and alert the unwary, consider the federal income tax treatment of Social Security benefits. (Fortunately, Social Security benefits are not subject to Alabama income […]
Your Credit after 62
Posted on April 30, 2015 by bob in Financial
Credit is an important money management tool for both young and older consumers. Yet the elderly, particularly older women, may find it difficult to get credit If you’re an older consumer who has paid with cash all your life, you may find it difficult to open a credit account. That’s because you have “no credit […]
Downsizing When You Move (& make a little $)
Posted on April 30, 2015 by bob in Financial
As seniors prepare to move into smaller homes or retirement communities, many realize the number of belongings they have accumulated outweighs their need for them. Various “spring cleanings” may have lessened the load over the years, but a move often necessitates a thorough downsizing. There are some difficult decisions involved based on sentimental value, or […]
Avoid Moving SCAMS!
Posted on February 28, 2015 by bob in Financial
For seniors, selling their home and moving to a new retirement community can be physically and emotionally exhausting. On top of all the tasks associated with deciding what to keep or discard and relocating to a new home, the last thing they want to deal with is a potential moving scam. The National Council on […]
Educating Junior
Posted on January 31, 2015 by bob in Financial
Tips and cautions when assisting with your grandchild’s K12 and post-secondary education expenses.
Before you go…
Posted on June 30, 2014 by bob in Financial, MoneyWise
Life is fragile. Brief. Uncertain. None of us has a guarantee that we will be here tomorrow. While facing our physical mortality may be emotionally unpleasant, it is wise to acknowledge the reality that death will inevitably come to us as it does to all men (and women), and make preparations to assist those who […]
Scholarships for Dependents of Disabled Veterans
Posted on May 1, 2014 by bob in Financial
The Alabama G.I. Dependents’ Scholarship program provides free tuition, textbooks and instructional fees at any state-supported institution of higher learning, college or university to qualified dependents of eligible disabled veterans. A recent rules change eliminates the requirement that a veteran must have served during a wartime period or under extra-hazardous conditions. Beginning in the fall […]
Avoid Financial Traps
Posted on July 31, 2013 by bob in Financial
Many Alabamians are seeking to rebuild nest eggs damaged by the recession or frustrated with low interest rates on savings. Senior citizens are particularly susceptible to speculative investments that can often turn a promise for profit into thin air. Knowledge, attention to detail and a healthy sense of skepticism are all weapons to fight investment […]
