Four reasons to make (and stick to) a holiday spending plan

While new tools like online shopping and digital payments have helped make shopping for the holidays more manageable, there’s one thing that hasn’t changed: It’s still easy to overspend. While you can’t put a price on memories, your holiday
Topics:
Budgeting & Saving

Three financial reasons to make an estate plan

Wealth—you can’t take it with you. But that doesn’t mean you don’t care what happens to it when you’re gone. You spent your lifetime building and protecting your assets and you want to make sure they’re not swallowed by court fees or passed down to
Topics:
Retirement Planning

Tips for buying a home in Bend, Oregon

If you’re thinking about buying a home in Bend, fall is a good time. The weather is mild, the summer crowds have thinned and there’s still time to snag a gem before the snow hits. Maybe it’s the crisp air or the prospect of skiing, but fall is also a
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Owning a Home

Set your teen ahead of the curve financially

As your teen prepares to launch into the world, you want to give them the best start you can. Teaching a teenager to manage money responsibly is one of the most important things a parent can do. Lessons in money management can last a lifetime. But
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Basic Finances

IRA vs. 401(k) – What’s the difference?

The world is changing and so are retirement plans. How do you figure out which option is right for you? Here’s what you need to know about 401(k)s and individual retirement accounts (IRAs) to find out what’s the best selection for you and your money
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Retirement Planning

How many accounts do you really need?

Sophia Bera used to have a savings account for each of her financial goals. Like a squirrel, she stashed a little bit of money into lots of different accounts. It was a lot to keep track of. When the finance columnist started consolidating her
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Basic Finances

Six habits for keeping your data safe on campus

Surviving college is all about developing the right habits. Good study habits help you get good grades. Good spending habits help you stretch your financial aid checks. Good hygiene habits help you get along with your roommate.
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Privacy & Security

Four things you need before heading off to college

There are certain must-haves when you’re heading off to college. Most checklists for college students include things like dorm room necessities, study aids, books and similar supplies. But what about your finances? Going to college opens up a whole
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Basic Finances

Your No. 1 tool to avoid holiday overspending

Set a clear budget. Budgeting becomes easier when you know exactly how much you have to spend. With a holiday savings fund, you can easily track your spending and see at a glance how much room you have left
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Budgeting & Saving

What’s the difference between a traditional IRA and a Roth IRA?

A traditional individual retirement account (IRA) and a Roth IRA are two defined-contribution plans with significant — but quite different — tax advantages that can help you save for retirement. Depending on factors like where you are in your career
Topics:
Retirement Planning