Credit inquiries affect your credit score
Note: Last month’s story, “Banks are giving out free credit scores,” discussed the importance of knowing this vital information. This month, we describe how credit inquiries by you and others can affect your score.Have you noticed inquiries on your credit report? Not sure what they mean?So-called “soft” and “hard” inquiries are the result of... READ MORE
Some interesting encore gigs for retirees
Maybe you’ve always fantasized about racing down the sidelines as a soccer ref, or expounding to tourists on the charms of your city. Once you retire from your career job, you’ll have time to make that fantasy happen, but you’ll have to get up to speed on the skills involved.Here’s a rundown of the basic requirements for six dream retirement gigs.English-language... READ MORE
Banks are giving out free credit scores
It might be the most important piece of financial information about you — and it’s finally easier for you to actually get a look at it.Big banks and credit card companies are increasingly offering customers free access to their FICO score. This score — named after Fair Isaac Corp., the software and analytics company that developed it — is used by lenders to determine ... READ MORE
How to buy low: some recommendations
Shoppers love bargains, except when it comes to stocks. When a stock’s price falls sharply, few investors react with giddiness at the prospect of getting something for less. More likely — especially if they already own the stock — they respond with anxiety or cold fear. Rather than buy the stock, they’re more apt to sell it.Certainly there are valid reasons for... READ MORE
Yes, you can negotiate at grocery stores
The idea of negotiating a lower price at the grocery store is often something shoppers shy away from. Whether it’s the fear of rejection or embarrassment, negotiating is rarely used as a way to save money.Well, I’m here to tell you that if you know what grocery items to look for, and have the proper negotiating strategy in place, it can be successfully done.Here are some items... READ MORE
To deduct contributions, follow the rules
Did you donate a car to a charitable organization in 2015, or some clothing to the church thrift shop? Maybe you made a cash contribution to your alma mater or in memory of a loved one.If you want to take a deduction for the donation, you have to itemize deductions on your tax return. But there’s more to it than that. First, you have to make sure the organization to which you’re ... READ MORE
Try to beat the market in 2016 with these
Even after the sharp sell-off so far this year, the stock market isn’t bargain-priced. But many stocks are cheaper than they were at the first of the year — making this a good time to beef up your investments in solid companies like the ones I recommend below. These five picks, in my view, ought to beat the market — whether the sell-off accelerates or ends today.I have a... READ MORE
Expert advice for these uncertain times
Readers have been asking about market volatility, capital preservation, and planning for a long-term secure retirement. I approached several experts I respect in various financial disciplines to ask their advice.Stan Haithcock, annuity expert: “Stay rational and grounded when looking for safe money solutions. In a low-interest world, annuity salespeople will tell you what you want to... READ MORE
Quinn on how to preserve your nest egg
Making your money last through retirement is harder than it used to be. We are living much longer, the rate of return for conservative investments is very low, and there is a great deal of volatility in the stock and bond markets.An excellent guide to help you reach your objectives is Jane Bryant Quinn’s new book, How to Make Your Money Last (Simon and Schuster). Like her other books, ... READ MORE
Ways to reduce the risk of a dividend cut
When investors think of dividends, they often think “safety.” Checks that arrive like clockwork come to mind.But a recent round of dividend cuts has given some income-seekers a rude awakening. Among the rudest: Kinder Morgan (symbol KMI), the energy pipeline giant, slashed its dividend 75 percent in December, cutting the quarterly payout from 51 cents a share to 12.5 cents. A... READ MORE
