by Quinten PlummerStaff WriterSpending 10 more minutes at work probably won’t have a significant impact on your finances, but using that break-sized amount of time elsewhere just might.Sure, some of the tasks listed here are one-offs, while others may need to be repeated to realize real value. The thing these tasks all have in common is that they can have a lasting impact on your finances, if you capitalize on
by Timothy MooreContributorYou have insurance for your health, your car, your house — but what about your pets? Do they have pet insurance coverage?If you don’t currently have pet insurance, you’re not alone. While more than 70% of U.S. households have pets, just 26% of those American pet parents have actually purchased insurance for their pets, according to a 2021 study from Liberty Mutual.But given the price of vet care,
by Rachel Christian, CEPF®Senior WriterContrary to popular belief, Medicare isn’t free.Monthly premiums, copays and yearly deductibles add up quickly — not to mention out-of-pocket costs on prescription drugs.Navigating Medicare’s complex system by yourself can be overwhelming. It feels easier to just stick with your current plan and hope for the best.But staying put can mean losing out on huge savings — potentially thousands of dollars a year.If you want to
Real Answers for Life’s Money Challengesby Robin Hartill, CFP®Senior EditorI receive full disability from Social Security. I am 64 and went out on disability at 48 years old. (I was born in 1957.) Since there is now a shortage of labor, I thought I might like to try going back to work. Social Security has a Ticket to Work program, which gives you a limited time to try working without losing
by Sarah Kuta, Catherine Hiles We’re always looking for ways to save money, and one surefire way to do that is to buy products that last. You can also buy products from companies that will repair or replace them if they break. You may spend a bit more up front, but quality items — and ones with awesome lifetime warranties — can end up saving you money in the long
If you’re on the lookout for a new job that pays well, your timing could not be better. According to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) figures, the job market is bouncing back — there were 11 million job openings across the country in late 2021 — and all indications point to a rise in opportunities for people with varying levels of experience, skills, and educational credentials in 2022. Don’t have
by Robert BruceSenior Writer The hot real estate market of 2021 shows no signs of slowing down in 2022, according to a recent study released by Zillow. That’s especially true in the South. Nine of the top 10 forecasted hot markets are in the southern U.S., with Tampa leading the way. Jacksonville, Raleigh, San Antonio and Charlotte rounded out the top 5. Zillow’s Top 10 Markets Rank City Typical Home
Letters of recommendation can be valuable assets for aspiring undergraduate and graduate students, new job seekers, and even employees looking to move up in their organization. However, you’ll not only need to determine who to ask — spoiler alert: Your BFF’s mother is not a good reference unless she was also your college professor or you interned at her company — but you also need to establish how and when to
by Nicole DowSenior WriterRaising any child is expensive, but when you’re raising a child who has special needs, there are additional financial responsibilities to consider.The cost of doctor’s visits, therapy appointments, medication and special equipment add up. The amount of time needed to provide care may restrict you or your partner from working outside the home — or even at all.Depending on your child’s condition, you may need to provide
by Timothy MooreContributorQuick NavigationPet emergencies, like human emergencies, are unexpected, scary and expensive.In fact, veterinary care in the U.S. is a $31.4 billion industry, based on data from 2020. With costs expected to continue to rise in 2022, how can you ensure that your pet receives the best care in the event of an emergency? First, you need to plan ahead for something you hope will never happen. Here are
