Should You Buy Savings Bonds for the Grandchildren?

• Saving & Investing
Advertising Disclosure

This website receives compensation for products or services you obtain through the links on this site.

One of the best parts of being a grandparent is doing thoughtful things for your grandchildren. In addition to spoiling them with the latest gadgets, fun vacations, or simple trips out for ice cream, you also want to give them gifts for their future.

This is why savings bonds have been a popular choice with grandparents for decades. However, a lot has changed in the world of savings bonds in the last five years.

For one, the government has given them a digital makeover. This can make the process of giving them as a gift a bit more complicated. In addition, some people have dismissed bonds because of their less-than-stellar rates.

So are bonds a dependable, low-risk investment option or a relic from a bygone financial era?

Take some time to look at bonds with fresh eyes to see if they still matter in the modern financial landscape. Of course, the first step to giving a savings bond may be explaining to your grandchildren what this iconic staple of the American economy actually is.

A Look at Savings Bonds

Grandparents have been giving their grandchildren bonds for holidays, birthdays, and milestones for decades. However, a savings bond today isn’t the easy gift it once was.

Getting your hands on a bond used to be as easy as showing up at your local bank and requesting one. A change made in 2012 saw the end of bonds being given out at banks. You can now only purchase bonds digitally.

Here’s a look at all of the information you’ll need to have to set up your account online:

  • Email address
  • Social Security number
  • Bank account information
  • Bank routing number
  • Driver’s license number

What do you need to do once you have all of the proper information in your hands? Here are the steps you will need to take to gift a bond to a grandchild in 2017.

    1. Create a TreasuryDirect account. You’ll need to create your own account first.
    2. BuyDirect. Through your account, you can click BuyDirect to choose the types of savings bonds you want to buy.
    3. Register to your grandchild. If your grandchild isn’t already registered at TreasuryDirect, you’ll need to do this. You’ll need your grandchild’s Social Security Number. And you’ll have to designate them as either the sole owner or primary owner.
    4. Decide on your amount. You can enter a purchase amount from $25 to $10,000.
    5. Pay for the bond. You can fund your bond through your checking account or other means in your TreasuryDirect account.
    6. Submit the order. After you check all the details, you can submit the order to give the savings bond to your grandchild.
    7. Go to the “Gift Box.” This page in your account will let you select the confirmation number of the bond you want to gift, and will then allow you to digitally deliver it to your grandchild’s account.

These are the steps that you must take. But your grandchild’s parent or guardian must also take some steps to allow the child to receive the gift bond. Otherwise, you’ll be unable to send the bond to your grandchild.

You can find the complete step-by-step instructions from TreasuryDirect here.

Do Savings Bonds Still Have Value?

Clearly, the way people open savings bonds has changed. But has the value of these bonds shifted, as well?

One important thing to know is that the Treasury announces bond rates on May 1 and November 1 every year. So you’ll want to take a look at the most recent rates when making your decision.

Whether or not a bond is a good option for a gift will depend on the age of your grandchildren right now and when you anticipate they will want to cash out their bonds.

Related: 7 financial lessons recent college grads still need

A Series EE savings bond is a decent choice if you anticipate your grandchild will hold the gift for a full 20 years. A Series EE savings bond is required by law to double in value over a period of 20 years.

However, this is not the case if the owner cashes out the bond before 20 years. In this case, the bond will deliver the rate posted when the bond was purchased.

You could also go with Series I savings bonds if you think your grandchildren may want to cash out their bonds before 20 years go by. This type of bond pays both a fixed rate and a variable rate. The fixed rate remains the same for 30 years. The variable rate is tied to inflation.

The big perk of giving savings bonds is that you can take a very hands-off approach once you’ve given your gift. They don’t require any additional management to ensure they’ll continue to earn interest.

The Limits of Savings Bonds

A savings bond remains a decent choice if you’re giving a modest amount of money. This is especially true since the limit for savings bonds is $10,000 per year. You can, however, purchase an additional $5,000 in Series I bonds using money from your tax refund.

What if you want to give more money than this? You’ll want to work with a financial advisor to set up a trust fund or alternative arrangement. You’ll exceed the legal cap for bonds. Plus, you might find other options with better earning potential for such a large gift.

Resource: The Four Types of Savings Accounts That Everyone Should Have

Giving Savings Bonds to Your Grandchildren Still Makes Sense

Bonds remain a safe and solid option if you’re looking for a way to give your grandchildren small financial gifts that have the potential for a little bit of growth. They’re also great if you want to help your grandchildren save. Kids are likely to spend cash right away. With a savings bond, there’s a better chance they will hold onto it.

While rates for bonds are pretty low, they’re still a better option than many gifts. Giving bonds when grandchildren are still celebrating single-digit birthdays is really the best option because your gifts will have time to grow in value. Then, they’ll be available when they can really be appreciated.

Balancing Career Satisfaction With Financial Security

• Working
Advertising Disclosure

This website receives compensation for products or services you obtain through the links on this site.

Earlier this week, I attended a career development seminar that talked about how to find a satisfying career. In general, this was a pretty low-level presentation, and it was largely based on a diagram similar to the following:

This got me thinking: is this simple graph really the key to “having it all?” What’s the actual balance between being happy in your job and also feeling secure in your finances?

Breaking it down

Simply stated, we each have a unique set of passions/interests as well as a certain skill set. At the same time, life presents us with a more-or-less limited range of opportunities.

Resource: Top 5 Financial Moves to Make This Year

While our passions sometimes overlap with our skills, that’s not always the case. Likewise, we’re sometimes presented with an opportunity to work in a field that we’re passionate about, or for which our skill set is particularly well-suited, but…

It’s relatively uncommon for all three to overlap. When they do, the thinking goes: you’ve hit the jackpot. You’ve been presented with an opportunity to work in a field that you’re not only passionate about, but also particularly well-suited for when it comes to the necessary skills. How perfect!

That’s all well and good, but it leaves out a major variable: Compensation.

What about financial security?

One of the big problems with feel-good career advice such as this is that it often ignores financial realities. Sure, it would be wonderful if we could all work jobs that we love, and in which we excel, but the truth is that we also have to support ourselves financially.

Sometimes, the careers that pay the bills and buy the lifestyle we need/want aren’t the same ones that make us jump out of bed, ready to clock in for the day.

Numerous personal development gurus have argued that if you follow your passion, the money will follow. This sounds great in principle, but how true is it in practice?

I’d argue that this worldview is wildly overblown. There are tons of fulfilling jobs out there that won’t pay the bills, no matter how strong your passion may be.

Resource: 10 Steps on the Career Ladder

This isn’t to say that you should chase money over happiness, but you do need to make sure that you can make ends meet. In my opinion, blindly following a passion in hopes that things will magically work out is a recipe for disaster.

Questions to ask

Unless you’re one of those wildly blessed folks who manages to find the seven-figure job that they’re [perfectly suited for and love, you’ll need to find a balance. And balance almost always involves some sacrifice.

Figure out what is the most important to you, and make adjustments accordingly. Are you willing to do whatever it takes to support an expensive lifestyle, or retire early? Maybe you would rather be happy and have a fulfilling family life, even if it means that you don’t drive a brand new car.

Here are a few questions to ask yourself honestly, when trying to find your own perfect balance:

  • What is the bare minimum you need to make in order to meet your true needs (not wants)?
  • How much would you like to make, in order to support a wants-based lifestyle?
  • Are you more concerned with building a family and your life outside of work, or building your career?
  • What is the likelihood of turning your skills or passions into an actual career?
  • If you can’t turn your passion(s) into a career, can you create a side hustle from them?
  • How will your happiness be affected if your dream job doesn’t turn out to be your career?
  • How would your happiness be affected if you made $X a year? More? Less?

Related: How to Prepare to Shift Into a New Career

Asking yourself these questions may help you determine where your own, unique level of happiness lies, especially as it relates to your career.

No, we won’t all be the lucky ones that turn a fun passion into our dream job and rake in six or seven figures in the process. However, that doesn’t mean that we are all forced to settle for miserable careers or even low-paying jobs.

Finding a balance of career satisfaction and financial security may be tricky. By asking yourself a few key questions, though — and doing a little soul-searching — you might just discover your own “dream job.”

Don’t Sign a Lease Without Asking Your Landlord These 8 Questions

• House & Home
Advertising Disclosure

This website receives compensation for products or services you obtain through the links on this site.

Getting a new place can be an exciting process. It can also require some savvy thinking and careful planning.

It’s important for renters to take steps to protect their own interests and financial reputations. This is especially true when dealing with landlords and leases. The truth is that what’s written in the fine print really can turn your living situation into a nightmare if you don’t know what you’re getting into.

Nobody wants to pay good money for an apartment that doesn’t allow them to enjoy their environment, feel safe, or host friends. So, how can you make sure your new apartment or rental home is a good fit and also protect your rights as a renter?

Here are eight key questions to ask the landlord before ever touching your pen to a lease.

1. What Methods of Payment Do You Accept?

There was a time when paying by check was really the only way to take care of your rent. However, many apartment complexes now offer electronic payment options.

Electronic payment options are a secure and convenient method for paying your landlord. You may even be able to set up automated payments to avoid missing a month, especially if you’re routinely out of town or have a lot on your plate.

You should definitely avoid a landlord that only accepts cash payments. That’s a sign that something isn’t quite right.

Also, never under any circumstances provide a payment before you’ve viewed your apartment and signed a lease. There are actually a ton of online scams on popular websites, intended to lure in and take advantage of renters. They often hinge on collecting payment up front. So if any landlord asks for payment before you’ve signed the lease, beware.

2. What Is the Guest Policy in This Complex?

The complex you want to live in may have a great pool area, tennis courts, and a state-of-the-art gym. However, there is the chance that you may not be able to bring friends to enjoy these activities if a complex has a strict guest policy.

Sometimes, amenities are only open to leaseholders. This might disappoint you if you’re not a big fan of the idea of paying extra for fancy perks that you can’t share with guests occasionally.

In addition, you may be restricted from even letting friends crash on your couch for more than a few nights if your lease has a policy against long-term guests.

3. What Could Cause Me to Lose My Security Deposit?

Some renters receive an unpleasant surprise when they turn in their keys at the end of a lease term because they didn’t fully understand the conditions attached to their security deposit when they moved in.

You probably already know that damages that go beyond general wear and tear could cause you to lose some or all of your security deposit. However, every landlord has different expectations. Some require a professional cleaning and/or carpet treatment (with receipts) upon move-out, so you can’t even do that yourself. You might get your security deposit back, but you’ll have spent much of that money cleaning your apartment!

Resource: Why I’ll Never Be a Landlord

Be sure to ask about the specific types of damage that could result in your potential landlord withholding your money. This is also a good time to ask if you’re allowed to personalize your apartment without forfeiting your security deposit.

4. What Is the Parking Situation?

The parking situation at your apartment can have a big impact on your life. A simple trip to the grocery store can turn into a complicated juggling act if you’re constantly forced to park far from your front door.

Be sure to ask if the parking lot has reserved spaces. You’ll also want to inquire about guest parking. An apartment complex that doesn’t offer a decent amount of guest parking could prevent you from ever being able to host gatherings at your new place, even if it’s technically allowed.

5. Am I Allowed to Sublet My Apartment?

Being able to sublet your apartment is a big deal if you have the type of career or lifestyle that could require you to relocate temporarily or on short notice. You’ll need to know if subletting qualifies as a breach of contract before you sign a lease.

6. How Does Lease Renewal Work?

It’s important to start thinking about the end of your lease the moment it starts.

Be sure to ask your landlord if month-to-month leasing options are available once a lease is finished. Living in an apartment complex that offers a month-to-month option following the end of a lease is beneficial because you’ll have some extra time if your next lease doesn’t start exactly when your current one ends.

Learn More About Renter’s Insurance

7. How Do You Handle Repairs?

Waiting around for your landlord to take care of repairs is one of the most frustrating aspects of being a renter.

You could lose time and money if you sit around waiting for a maintenance visit that never happens. Be sure to ask about the protocols for both routine and emergency repairs. You should also ask what the typical turnaround time is for a repair like a clogged toilet or broken heater.

8. What Is Your Policy for Entering a Tenant’s Apartment?

The way a potential landlord answers this question will be a big indicator of what to expect if you do commit to a lease. You should always feel safe and comfortable inside your apartment.

Landlords need to give tenants proper notice before they are legally able to enter their apartments for things like inspections or repairs. The state you live in has its own minimum notification requirement. Make sure your potential landlord gives you a clear answer regarding the policy of entering your apartment.

Related: The Hidden Savings In a Rent Payment

No matter how great that new place may seem, be sure to ask as many questions as possible before signing on the dotted line. These eight will hopefully save you from potential heartache (and lost money!) that could come from a bad lease agreement.

Everything You Need to Know About Second-Chance Checking Accounts

• Banking
Advertising Disclosure

This website receives compensation for products or services you obtain through the links on this site.

Is there really such a thing as a second chance in the world of personal finance?

Some banks seem to think so. In fact, certain institutions are willing to help people with troubled credit histories start to build up their financial futures by offering second-chance checking accounts.

Of course, these accounts don’t come with all the features of traditional checking accounts. You may have to jump through some hoops to get back into the good graces of the banking world.

However, a second-chance checking account could help you to build a brighter future and erase some unfortunate or irresponsible behaviors that have left marks on your banking history. Let’s take a look at everything you need to know about second-chance checking accounts.

Why Second-Chance Checking Accounts Are Necessary

The traditional banking world could shut you out for a number of reasons.

Banks often deny applications for new accounts from people with checkered banking histories. It’s impossible to hide a poor banking record when applying for a new account. In fact, every negative thing in your account history has been reported using something called the ChexSystems Network.

A person with a closed bank account in their history instantly sets off a red flag during the application process. The reality is that if you have an account closed due to unpaid overdraft fees, you may not be able to obtain a traditional banking account from a reputable institution.

Related: How Automation Has Helped Me Reduce Debt and Save

Why They Are Worth the Effort

Some people might say that jumping through hoops just to open a bank account simply isn’t worth the effort. Those people might just decide to use prepaid debit cards or pay a cash checking service to cash their paychecks.

However, those options can both become quite pricey over time when you consider all of the fees that are attached. What’s more, people who rely on those service can’t enjoy the convenience of online banking or around-the-clock ATMs. Plus, more and more employers are moving to deposit-only paycheck methods. If you don’t have a checking account, you might have trouble getting paid. Beyond that, your bank account situation can impact your ability to apply for a loan or mortgage in the future.

With all these considerations in mind, it’s worth your while to tackle some extra paperwork in order to obtain a legitimate bank account.

How Long Will You Have to Stick With a Second-Chance Account?

The promising thing about second-chance accounts is that they are only meant to be transitional. Most people can actually look forward to upgrading to a traditional account after just six months of showing exemplary performance. This means you will have to avoid creating a negative balance or accruing fees for at least six months if you want to take the fast track to a traditional bank account.

Things to Keep in Mind

Second-chance checking accounts should never come with predatory fees or practices. When in doubt, compare the second-chance account’s fees and restrictions to those of a traditional bank account. If they’re significantly higher or more restrictive, you may want to look elsewhere.

However, you may have to deal with some restrictions as you go through the process of applying for and opening an account.

Banks are all over the place when it comes to what they are willing to offer to customers. The reality is that you really are at the mercy of a bank when you ask for a second-chance account.

Some institutions will charge you a monthly fee for the privilege of having a second-chance account. Many institutions don’t give out free debit cards or checks to holders of these accounts. You may also have to deal with daily or monthly maximums on your transactions.

But it is possible to find banks that don’t require any fees. Some banks even offer access to debit cards, online payment options, and checks right off the bat.

The bottom line is that banks want to make sure you can demonstrate the ability to be responsible with your account. They will do this by imposing restrictions on you. They’ll safeguard their own interest by attaching fees to deter you from making poor choices with your account. In fact, you may even be required to participate in a personal finance class in order to open the account!

Where Can You Obtain One?

Only a handful of major banks and financial institutions offer second-chance accounts.

The good news is that most community banks and credit unions do. The best place to start is your local bank or credit union. You may get the best service if you’re able to connect with a credit union that is associated with your employment field.

Resource: Bank on the Advantages of Credit Unions

The Big Thing to Remember

While it can be unpleasant to have to jump through some hoops to please a bank, obtaining a second-chance account is definitely worth the effort. This type of account can help you to restore your financial integrity and set you on the path towards building up your credit.

If you’ve gotten into some bad banking habits, chances are you’ve also gotten into bad credit habits. Creating a better banking record will allow you to access products like secured credit cards that can help you rebuild your credit.

Financial institutions don’t often offer anything as forgiving as a second-chance account. So if you need this option and it’s available to you, you should definitely take advantage. Just be sure you check out the institution’s reputation, and look for predatory account practices before you sign up for this account.

Are Extended Car Warranties Really Worth the Expense?

• Consumer
Advertising Disclosure

This website receives compensation for products or services you obtain through the links on this site.

Car repairs always seem to come at the wrong time. What’s more, one single problem with a vehicle could cost you thousands of dollars straight from your pocket.

When you first purchase a car, it can seem like the clock is ticking down to that manufacturer’s warranty expiration date with lightning speed. That timer starts as soon as you drive away from the lot. And, really, that warranty doesn’t cover your car for very long. So maybe you’re wondering if an extended car warranty really pays off in the long run.

An extended warranty certainly does look like an attractive option. This is especially true for people who don’t want to be surprised by high repair costs when a major component of their vehicle breaks down.

So, should you also grab a warranty when you grab the keys to your new car? Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of signing up for extra protection when you buy your next vehicle.

What Is an Extended Car Warranty?

Many people are confused about how an extended car warranty differs from actual auto insurance.

An extended auto warranty is essentially a service contract designed to offset the cost of repairs unrelated to a car accident (that’s what your auto insurance is for!). You can obtain an extended warranty for either a new or a used vehicle.

An extended car warranty shouldn’t be confused with a manufacturer’s warranty. The extended plan is designed to kick in and provide coverage only after a manufacturer’s bumper-to-bumper warranty has expired.

Typically, dealerships offer extended warranties when you purchase your vehicle. But most of the time, third-party companies are the ones actually administering the warranties. This means they may or may not actually be backed by the automaker behind the particular car you’ve purchased.

The Positives

What’s good about an extended warranty? For one thing, it can be a lifesaver if your car experiences an issue with a main component like the engine, transmission, or air conditioner. These are big repairs that come with hefty bills. Unless you’re saving up separately for unexpected auto expenses, a blown transmission could destroy your emergency fund in a single afternoon.

Learn More: Rebuilding Your Savings After An Emergency Expense

Plus, an extended warranty is typically easy to pay for. It’s usually added to the cost of a vehicle when you make the purchase. This means you will pay a simple lump sum instead of dealing with monthly or annual payments.

It is a good option if you don’t mind paying a little bit more at the front end to potentially avoid a big expense when you’re not expecting it a few years down the road.

What It Covers

Here are some of the repairs an extended warranty could potentially cover:

  • Major engine components
  • Fuel components
  • Electrical components
  • Braking components
  • Steering components
  • Suspension components
  • Heating and cooling components
  • Air conditioning
  • Front and rear drive axles
  • Transmission

Some comprehensive plans even offer benefits like 24-hour roadside assistance and payouts to cover the costs of rental vehicles or public transportation. Of course, what you actually get with your warranty will depend on how much you’re willing to pay for it.

Be sure to really read over your coverage information before purchasing the policy; they can carry a lot of fine print.

The Negatives

Will an extended warranty really pay off when you inevitably do need a repair done on your vehicle? The answer depends on the specific details of your warranty and the exact repairs your car needs.

A recent Consumer Reports survey revealed that 55 percent of car owners who purchased an extended warranty never actually used the warranty for repairs during the lifetime of their vehicle.

That same survey showed that the median cost customers paid for coverage was just over $1,200. However, the median out-of-pocket savings on repairs covered by extended warranties for all was just $837. This means that the average person can expect to lose about $375 when purchasing an extended warranty.

Extended warranties can be like a safety net with some pretty big holes. There’s no guarantee that the specific repair you’ll need will be covered. And most warranties have specific requirements for where your car can be serviced. This can make an extended warranty look like an unnecessary expense.

As mentioned, these policies often have a lot of fine print that could impact coverage. For instance, simply having your vehicle serviced at a place that is not approved could cause your warranty to be invalid. You may also need to seek approval from your warranty provider before you are able to make repairs on your vehicle.

Resource: How Much to Budget for Car Maintenance

Some people don’t want to deal with such a lack of autonomy just for the sake of potentially saving a little bit of money on repairs.

Going Bigger Might Be Better

While basic warranties are pretty inexpensive, they also don’t cover much. Paying a little bit more money for your warranty when you purchase your vehicle might be worth it if you really want peace of mind.

Most basic warranties only cover specific types of repairs needed for your engine or transmission. A top-tier warranty will cover more components throughout your car and provide perks like roadside assistance.

The pain of paying more at the time of purchase could turn into a big relief as soon as car problems begin piling up down the road.

Related: How to Save Money on Car Insurance

The Bottom Line on Extended Car Warranties

An extended car warranty is a good option to consider if you’re the type of person who prefers to pay now instead of paying later.

However, it may not be the best choice if you’re only planning to own a vehicle for a few years. You could actually end up paying for a warranty that you never use if you sell your car soon after the manufacturer’s warranty expires.

On the other hand, purchasing an extended warranty could be a really good option if you’re buying a used vehicle with a history of repairs.

The bottom line is that you’re always playing the odds a bit when it comes to purchasing an extended warranty. Is peace of mind worth the gamble to you?

Five Ways to Get Your Credit Report for Free

• Credit Cards•Debt Reduction•House & Home•Identity Theft
Advertising Disclosure

This website receives compensation for products or services you obtain through the links on this site.

I’ve talked at length in the past about how your credit score is determined and why it’s important. Aside from paying your bills on time, one of the biggest things you can do to protect your credit score is to keep a close eye on your credit report.

While you’re entitled to one free credit report per year from each of the three major credit reporting bureaus, sometimes that just doesn’t cut it. Take, for example, our run-in last year with a wayward collections agency.

When we first discovered the problem, we burned through our free credit reports trying to figure out what was going on. We then needed to monitor the situation until it was resolved, so we ended up using free trial of a credit report service to figure things out.

Given the above, I thought I’d put together a list of options for getting your credit report for free:

1. Get it The Old-Fashioned Way

You can go to annualcreditreport.com to get one free credit report once per year from each of the three major reporting bureaus. You don’t have to get all three reports at the same time. So, a good option is to pull one credit report every three or four months, to space them out over the course of the year.

Sure, your TransUnion, Equifax, and Experian reports can include different information (or mistakes!). But most major issues will show up with all three bureaus.

Resource: Reviewing Your Credit Report — 5 Potential Problems

This is especially true if you’re on the lookout for fraudulent accounts opened in your name. If a thief opens an account with a major credit issuer, it should show up on all of your reports.

Of course, this sort of lax monitoring isn’t ideal if you’re at real risk of credit fraud. If you’ve recently noticed something fishy or have been the victim of identity theft, check out option 2.

2. Place a Fraud Alert (or a Freeze) on Your Credit Report

If you do think you’ve been a victim or target of credit fraud, put a fraud alert on your file. To do this, just call one of the three bureaus. They’ll notify the other two.

This alert stays on your report for about three months. During that time, potential lenders will ask for additional identification for someone attempting to open an account in your name.

Plus, when you place a fraud alert, you may be entitled to a free hard copy of your credit report. Check out the quiz on this website to see if this applies to you.

Another option is to place a freeze on your credit. This is something you’ll need to do with each of the three bureaus separately and often involves a fee (around $10-15), but really locks up your credit. In order for a lender to pull your information to open a new account, you will have to lift the freeze.

To learn more about freezing your credit and see whether it’s what you need, check out this guide.

3. Check with Your Credit Card Issuer

More and more credit card companies are offering their customers a free monthly credit report and credit score. Currently, twelve companies offer their customers this perk. If you’re in the market for a brand new credit card, this is one benefit to be on the lookout for.

One thing to keep in mind here is where the credit score comes from. Many credit card issuer programs use your FICO score, which is still the one that lenders are most likely to use. But some use alternatives, like the VantageScore. And each program uses your credit report information from one of the three bureaus.

Resource: Why Credit Scores Differ

If you’re simply trying to monitor your overall credit picture, it doesn’t matter much. But if you want to keep tabs on all three bureau’s credit reports, look into this information.

4. Try a Free Score Estimator Site

Credit score estimators were once known to be largely inaccurate and not that useful. Plus, simply estimating your score doesn’t always tell you exactly what’s on your credit report. (They’re not the same thing!)

With that said, many of these sites, including Credit Karma, Credit Sesame, and Quizzle will give you an accurate estimation of your credit information. These sites will pull your most recent credit report, and they’ll give you a large chunk of that information (for free).

You’ll be able to see your account balances and more as they appear on your credit report. Then, they give you your credit score, too. You can even track your credit score over time, or get advice on how to improve your score.

5. Check with Credit Reporting Bureaus

The FACT act may allow you to get a free copy of your credit report in certain extenuating circumstances. For instance, if you lost your job and are getting ready to job hunt, you might be eligible. Some states also have free credit report programs with varying eligibility requirements.

Learn More: Six Reasons You Should Review Your Credit Report

These free credit report options may or may not provide you with your current credit score. But it’s increasingly easy to get your hands on a copy of your score, too. So, whether you’re keeping an eye out for fraud or just looking to improve your credit, getting your report and score for free has never been easier!

Bankruptcy and Marriage: Should You Marry Someone Who Went Bankrupt?

• Debt Reduction•Planning
Advertising Disclosure

This website receives compensation for products or services you obtain through the links on this site.

Here’s an email about marriage and money that I recently received from a reader:

I have a question about marrying someone who will go through bankruptcy BEFORE marriage. Other than having difficulty with getting a loan, what other effects should I expect in the future?

The bankruptcy had to do with a prior divorce, and ownership of more properties than one should own at any one time, so I’m not worried about his spending habits. What do you think?


This is a great question, and needs to be addressed from two different angles.

Potential Credit Affects

There’s one major myth about a spouse’s bad credit history: that it affects your score.

It doesn’t. Your credit score is completely separate from your potential future spouse’s.

So, why does this myth refuse to die? Probably because spouses who choose to completely share finances often have overlapping credit reports.

Related: How to Combine Finances

If you’re both on the mortgage, the credit cards, and the car loans, those will all show up on both of your credit reports. So, unless one spouse also maintains personal lines of credit, the scores may mirror one another.

But your scores aren’t automatically linked just because you’re married. And you can keep your finances largely separate on an everyday level, as well.

Sharing Credit Could be Problematic

It’s pretty easy to keep your checking and savings accounts, retirement accounts, credit cards, and even car loans completely separate from your spouse’s. In fact, many couples take this route, especially if they come into the marriage with widely different income levels, assets, or money management styles.

Still, even couples who keep their finances mostly separate may want to get a mortgage together. When you apply for a mortgage together, you can often qualify for a bigger loan, since both incomes count.

In this case, however, it may be better to apply for a mortgage on your own. You’ll get a better interest rate than if you add your fiance’s bad credit to the mix.

Interesting Read: In Sickness and in Wealth: Why Today’s Couples Keep Separate Accounts

Other Problems with Sharing Assets

Maybe having to apply for a mortgage on your own isn’t a deal breaker. But here are some other situations where it may be better to keep your assets largely separate:

  • Let’s say he ends up with a tax lien from the bankruptcy. You file a joint return. In this case, the IRS will get its money before you get your tax return.
  • What about paying student loans or government loans affected by the bankruptcy? In this case, your assets could be at risk if you mingle them with your spouse’s. This could be especially dangerous if you’re in a “community property” state like Arizona, California, Idaho, Louisiana, Nevada, New Mexico, Texas, Washington, or Wisconsin.
  • Let’s say you own the home, but you use common funds to pay property expenses. Your husband deposits money into a joint checking account to help pay for these expenses. In this case, your commingled property could be considered partially his. In this case, his creditors could come after your property.

How to Protect Yourself

This isn’t to say that you should break off an otherwise great relationship. But you should take steps to protect yourself.

The best way to probably do this is to wait to tie the knot until his bankruptcy judgment is final. Then, you’ll know exactly what you’re getting into.

Related: Effects of Foreclosure, Short Sale, and Bankruptcy on Your Credit Score

If your soon-to-be-groom goes with a Chapter 13 bankruptcy, his debts won’t be discharged. He’ll still be paying them up after the bankruptcy is final. And even if he qualifies for Chapter 7, not all his debts are likely to be discharged.

Once the judgment is final, you’ll know exactly which debts he’ll still be dealing with. And you’ll know how those debts are likely to affect his take-home pay and ability to contribute to your household.

If you’re already living together, you should go ahead and consult and attorney now to determine if it’s possible to commingle your property while keeping you out of his financial mess. If he still has significant debt post-bankruptcy, having this conversation with a lawyer is definitely worth your while.

The Bigger Conversation to Have

Here’s another thing to think about: financial boundaries moving forward.

While some people file bankruptcy for reasons beyond their control, it doesn’t sound like that’s the case here. It sounds like your fiance has made some serious financial errors in the past.

Learn More: Take a Hard Look at Your Financial Habits — Are They Sustainable?

He likely overextended himself to purchase too many properties. And he failed to plan for the future.

This may not be a deal breaker, either. Especially if you think he’s learned his lesson. But you should be careful about letting him get involved in your finances until he’s proven himself.

Consider keeping your finances almost completely separate for a few years. Once he has rebuilt his credit and made consistently good choices, you can consider going the joint finances route, if that’s your preference. In the meantime, you should hold the reins on most of the major financial decisions for your family.

Also, make sure you’re in the loop on the bankruptcy process. You should know exactly what steps your fiance is taking to complete the bankruptcy process. And you should get to see the paperwork afterwards with the record of his current debts and payment plans.

This will help ensure you know exactly what’s going on with your fiance’s financial life before you decide to tie the knot.

If you were in her shoes, what would you do? Would you consider marrying someone who is going through extreme financial difficulties, up to and including bankruptcy?

If you or someone you know is considering bankruptcy, here are 24 resources that may help you decide (as well as ease the process if you move forward).

How Much are Your Vices Really Costing You?

• Frugality
Advertising Disclosure

This website receives compensation for products or services you obtain through the links on this site.

Do you drink beer? Smoke cigarettes? Do you love your morning latte on the way to work? Maybe you really enjoy lunch out with your coworkers a few times a week?

Of course you do. However, these little habits may be costing you more than you think. More importantly, they could be doing serious damage to your financial future.

I’m not knocking your vices. We all have them. But many of us also make the mistake of not realizing just how much those vices actually cost us. Those packs of cigarettes and cups off coffee can really add up, and fast.

Calculating the true cost of your vices over the course of a year (or more) may help you put your habits into perspective.

Lattes… everyone’s favorite expense to victimize

Ever since David Bach wrote about the Latte Factor in his bestselling book, The Automatic Millionaire, gourmet coffee has been vilified by everyone from financial planners to frugality zealots. The theory is that instead of spending money on a daily latte, you could save a small fortune by brewing your coffee at home.

Granted, you’ll miss out on the ambiance, professional baristas, and other factors that go into your morning latte. But, with all the high quality coffee makers on the market — such as this one, which can even make cappuccinos with the touch of a single button — and the availability of an incredible array of coffees, home brewing has never been closer to the coffee shop experience.

While purchasing a cappuccino at your favorite coffee shop will set you back about $4 on average, brewing it yourself at home can cost you significantly less than $1 per cup.

If you were to brew your own instead of buying a cup of coffee on your way to work, your savings could be about $700 per year. And that doesn’t even factor in the savings associated with not picking up that blueberry muffin on the side or the extra bit of gas your coffee shop detour used.

Learn More About Setting a Budget

Energy drinks are the new lattes

Coffee is no longer the beverage of choice for today’s younger workers. Nowadays, young consumers are latching onto energy drinks, which seem to have enjoyed incredible growth in popularity since their introduction over a decade ago.

Despite having slowed to a modest 4% annual growth rate, according to Beverage Spectrum Magazine, the energy drink industry has continued to grow. In fact, it’s now an industry with $4.8 billion in annual sales. Products in this niche include energy shots and relaxation drinks, as well.

I never realized how much energy drinks cost until I saw the price of a case on the shelf at my local warehouse club. Energy drinks are far from cheap to purchase, with a typical price tag of $2 or more for a can. If you drink several cans throughout the day while at work, you’ll put a serious dent in your wallet — on the order of $1,000-$1,500/year.

Two packs a day can smoke your budget

When you do the math, the costs of smoking can really add up.

A pack of cigarettes can cost $5-$6 (or more!), depending on where you live. So someone who has a two-pack-a-day habit could easily be spending $240 per month, or $2,880 per year.

Even cutting back to one pack per day can significantly increase your cash flow. If you were to quit smoking completely and invest that $2,880 per year (and it grew at 8% annually for 20 years), you could amass over $104,000.

That’s one heck of a nest egg, especially when you also take into account the health, life insurance, and health insurance benefits to quitting, as well.

Related: How to Save Money on Life Insurance

Lounging around can be a double whammy

Are you a television addict? With all of the exciting new shows available today, and the ease with which we can access them (hello, binge-watching), it’s no wonder that Americans are watching more TV than they were 10 years ago. So, what does this mean for the budget?

Well, the more shows you get hooked on, the higher the likelihood that you’re paying for those channels or services. If you’re hooked on a prime time series (or seven), you’re probably forking over as much as $20/month per channel for access. HBO, Showtime, Starz… this can really ramp up the cable bill quickly.  On top of that, many folks also combine their cable with streaming services, such as Netflix and Hulu. (Of course, the really smart ones are finding ways to replace cable with these services.)

If you’re paying $100 a month for cable and streaming show access, you’re shelling out $1,200 a year just to watch TV! Ouch. Of course, this vice is also a double-edged sword.

As mentioned in the survey above, the average American is watching 2 hours and 46 minutes of television a day. That’s just shy of 1,010 hours a year spent plopped in front of the television. Imagine if you just devoted half of that time to working extra hours, establishing a side hustle or passive income source, or simply enriching your life by reading more books.

You could not only boost your budget by spending less on the TV bill, but you could also earn more on the side and lead a happier life!

Putting your vices all together

These vices can have a real impact on your finances when viewed separately.

Just think how much damage you could be doing if you add two or more of them together. For example, if you smoke two packs per day and stop for a drink at your local pub a couple nights each week, you could easily burn through several thousand extra dollars every year. The costs tend to sneak up on you before you realize it.

Do I really think that you’re going to give up on your morning coffee run? No, of course not. But I’m hopeful that you’ll at least be honest with yourself about how you spend your money. I know that I’m personally not saving enough for retirement, and I often justify it in my mind by saying that I simply don’t have enough money.

Resource: Does Your Budget Need a Tune-Up?

When it comes right down to it, though, the truth is that I’m choosing to spend my money on other things instead of saving it. Your vices can really become a budget buster if you’re not careful with your spending. Luckily, they also give you an easy place to start if you need to go bare bones for a while.

So, tell me: what are your vices? Have you done anything to reign in your spending on these things? Or have you decided that they’re worth the cost?

5 Shrewd Ways to Adjust Your Portfolio As You Near Retirement

• Retirement
Advertising Disclosure

This website receives compensation for products or services you obtain through the links on this site.

Life was good at the end of 2007 for Bill and Mary.

Bill, at age 60, had enjoyed a successful career with Walgreen’s, one of the largest retail companies in America. His career, begun 28 years previously, enabled Mary to be a stay-at-home mom and paid for their two kids’ college education. It also enabled the couple to build a $1 million position in a Fidelity New Millenium Fund through consistent investments over the years.

During the previous decade, Bill had been the beneficiary of annual stock options, which he faithfully exercised, maintaining the common stock with the faith that the company would continue to grow in value. By 2007, the stock was worth more than $300,000. The couple was looking forward to Bill’s early retirement in 2010. They hoped to travel to make up for all the trips they’d foregone during the early years of saving for retirement and college.

Then disaster struck.

With the Great Recession, the S&P 500 fell more than 800 points, a 55% decrease. While the New Millennium Fund did better than the general market average — losing only 48% of its value — the value of Bill and Mary’s portfolio dropped to slightly more than $150,000. The Walgreen’s stock also suffered, falling from $48 per share in September to $23 in 2009.

The options Bill had yet to exercise were underwater. Their plans for an early retirement were no longer possible.

What Could They Have Done?

Yes, it would have been difficult to avoid the economic tsunami that hit the world in those waning years of the last decade. However, Bill and Mary could have taken steps to reduce their vulnerability and limit the damage to their retirement portfolios.

Keep yourself out of Bill and Mary’s position. If you anticipate retiring within the next five years, it is time to work with your financial advisor and accountant. Your priority? To adjust your portfolio to avoid a similar circumstance.

Portfolio Adjustments

When you are nearing retirement, you are nearing the finish line of the investment portion of your life.

At retirement, you’re more likely to liquidate (rather than make) investments, reducing risk and shifting into investments that generate income. The pace of your transition depends upon your individual risk tolerance, the time remaining until retirement, and the existing capacity of your investments to provide the income desired when you are no longer working.

Related: Want a Successful Retirement? Reduce Your Expenses Now

By using the following strategies, you can reduce your vulnerability to economic downturns and bear market calamities:

1. Reduce Individual Stock Positions

If you’ve purchased individual market securities, received your company’s stock through a stock purchase plan, or exercised company stock options, consider replacing your individual stocks with a portfolio of investments. This will help to reduce your investment risk.

Betting your future on the performance of a single company is akin to going all-in on a flush in a high-stakes poker game. Five cards in a single suit is a good hand; the odds say you will win 83% of the time. But your opponent could still have a full house, four-of-a-kind, straight flush, or royal flush. Similarly, a business downturn, the entry of a new competitor, or a technological break-through can turn the fortunes of a single business upside-down.

Reduce your risk by selling all or a majority of your single company stock. Then, invest the proceeds into a pool of securities, whether managed as in a mutual fund or unmanaged as an ETF. This strategy can help make you less vulnerable to market downturns.

2. Reduce Equity Risk Exposure Generally

According to a report by Towers Watson, defined-benefit pension plans have consistently out-performed 401k plans. Experts claim the reason is that pension plans are more heavily diversified. They tend to have investments in fixed income, real estate, and emerging markets equity and debt.

Of course, pensions are hard to come by these days, and younger generations likely won’t have this safeguard to fall back on. So, what can they do to have the same performance?

Robert G. Capone, executive vice president of the BNY Mellon Retirement Group, stated that the secret is applying the strategies of pension managers. By doing so, private investors can reduce equity risk and home country bias, all while increasing diversification, return potential, and downside risk management.

3. Ladder Your Fixed-Income Investments

As your risk tolerance declines over the years, a greater portion of your assets should be in fixed income securities (40% to 60%).

For example, you might initially invest a portfolio of $1 million with $400,000 in bonds and $600,000 in stocks. To create a bond ladder, you might invest $40,000 (10%) of the intended portfolio in 10 different bonds. One bond could mature at the end of year one, with another maturing at the end of year two, and continuing as such for the next 10 years. As each bond matures, you would reinvest the proceeds in new bonds each maturing in 10 years.

This example illustrates an “intermediate-term” ladder. A “short-term” (or “limited term”) ladder has average maturity of three to five years, while a “long-term” ladder would have an average maturity greater than 10 years.

Related: How to Build a CD Ladder

The primary goal of a laddered fixed income portfolio is to achieve total return over all interest rates cycles similar to the total return of a single bond, but with less market price and reinvestment risk.

When investing in bonds and determining the length of your ladder, recognize that the longer the duration (the average length to maturity) of your bond portfolio, the more risk and volatility that you assume. This is due to changes in interest rates.

Simply stated, the market price of a bond with a maturity of one year varies less than a bond of 10 years. As bonds approach maturity (the principal being repaid), the closer the market price will be to the face value of the bond. As you are preparing for retirement, you should determine whether you have the stomach to endure the wide price movements associated with holding long-term bonds.

4. Move 10% to 15% of Your Portfolio Into High-Quality, Short-Term Investments

For most retirees, the first two to three years after retiring is a period of great activity and expense. You may be traveling, moving into a new home, taking up or indulging in hobbies. All of this is stimulated by the lack of a regular schedule and the seemingly-unlimited opportunities before you.

Common wisdom has been that retirees (overall) spend about 75% of what they spent while working. However, the reality for many is that the first years can be more expensive. This is usually due to the following:

  • The loss of benefits previously paid by their employers. These include company cars, meals, travel, and computers. Each of these must be replaced to maintain the same lifestyle you had when working.
  • Travel costs that are higher than anticipated. According to some financial planners, retirees underestimate their costs by 10% to 20%.
  • Healthcare costs. Medical costs are increasing every year, and Congress is constantly reviewing strategies to reduce the federal government’s costs of Medicare. Retirees will be responsible for any shortfall.

Keeping a greater proportion of your assets in near-cash equivalents may cost some income, but you will avoid having to liquidate assets at losses due to short-term needs.

5. Limit Withdrawals to a Maximum of 4% of Portfolio Value Per Year

A study by Fidelity Investments — of a $500,000 balanced portfolio with 50% stocks, 40% bonds, and 10% short-term investments — calculated that an investor could make withdrawals at a 5% rate for 24 years, even in an extended bear market, and for 36 years at a 4% rate before funds are exhausted (zero balance remaining).

Their work included a similar analysis for a hypothetical couple retiring in 1972 with a similar portfolio. During the 40-year span, the economy witnessed two of the worst bear markets in Wall Street history, five recessions, two wars, and the great bull market of 1982 to 2000. A 5% withdrawal rate would have depleted the fund by 1997. A 4% rate left almost $1 million remaining in principal at the end of 2011.

Unless your personal conditions — health, family responsibilities, and availability of other retirement income —  dictate otherwise, limit your annual withdrawals to 4% of your portfolio or less.

Rather than distributing a fixed percentage of your portfolio, you could choose another option.

A study by Ibbotson Associates recommends a strategy similar to that required by the IRS for required minimum distributions (RMDs) from a qualified retirement plan. The percentage of the principal withdrawn is based upon mortality tables and one’s expectation for living beyond his or her expected death age.

For example, if at age 65 one had the expectation of living an additional 22 years, the rate of withdrawal would be 4.54% (100/22). The following year, life expectancy would decrease, effectively increasing the rate of withdrawal (100/21, 100/20, and so on). If the beneficiary felt that he or she would live longer than expected, the rate of withdrawal should be decreased. If he guessed less than the mortality tables project, a higher rate of principal could be withdrawn.

Final Thoughts

Bill and Mary’s plan for retirement was, understandably, postponed. Bill continues to work, and he has been actively involved in Walgreen’s effort to adjust to a new competitive environment, driven by changes in healthcare delivery.

Their portfolio has largely recovered from the depths of 2009. Ironically, their financial position is better today than had Bill retired as planned at age 62. Even though Bill is not sure how much longer he will work, he has implemented a number of the above strategies to avoid a repeat of 2009, and to better position both himself and his wife for a secure retirement.

What other tips can you suggest to properly adjust a retirement portfolio?

Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card Review – 1.5% Cash Back on ALL Purchases

• Credit Cards
Advertising Disclosure

This website receives compensation for products or services you obtain through the links on this site.

*EDITOR’S NOTE: The below offer(s) are expired and/or no longer available

One of the most important aspects of personal finance success is spending responsibly.

Some experts preach that avoiding credit cards altogether is a terrific way to make sure you’re never in debt. Others suggest leaning on credit cards as often as possible to improve your credit and earn rewards. I personally espouse the latter advice. That’s why the Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card is one of the credit cards I use.

Learn more about this and other cash back credit cards and apply online.

$200 Sign-Up Bonus

Free money is free money; we all know. Well, new cardholders of the Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card will earn some. In fact, they’ll get a one-time $200 cash bonus after you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening. Two important points to make about this up-front bonus:

  1. Take a second to consider just how many things you can purchase with a credit card. If you’re like me, spending $500 in three months is no daunting task. As a father of two in a family of four, one month of groceries would get me to $500. Electricity, phone bills, cable and internet bills, gas, and a half dozen other routine monthly payments add up quickly. In all reality, that $500 minimum could be $5,000 and I’d probably still get there easily.
  2. A $200 cash bonus is not something to scoff at. This is amplified when considering that the Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card has no annual fee. One of the ways a credit card company lures in new business is by offering a large initial bounty. Then, they sneakily back-load the contract with a high annual fee. While $200 is not the 100,000 points you could have received from applying for the Chase Sapphire Reserve earlier this year, you’re also not saddled with a $550 annual fee.

Perhaps the most important feature on the Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card is the 1.5% cash back rate. This rewards rate is provided for all purchases with no tiers, limits, or expiration dates to worry about. Cash back can be credited to your account, deposited into your bank, or sent in the mail via paper check. Compared with its competition, the Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card comes out somewhere around “upper middle class.”

Card Name Cash Back Rate Up Front Bonus
Citi Double Cash
2.00%
N/A
Barclaycard CashForward
1.50%
$200
Chase Freedom Unlimited
1.50%
$150
Capital One Quicksilver
1.50%
$200
Discover it
1.00%
N/A
Chase Freedom
1.00%
$150
Bank Americard Cash Rewards
1.00%
$100

Capital One Quicksilver Pricing Details

Adding to the initial benefits, the Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card offers a 0% intro APR. This period lasts for 15 months on both purchases and balance transfers. There is a 3% balance transfer fee, so I would not recommend this card for a balance transfers unless you cannot qualify for a top balance transfer credit card. After the introductory rate expires, the standard variable APR applies, based on credit worthiness. Keeping a running balance at these interest rates can add significant debt to your bottom line. Always do your best to pay your credit card balances in full every month!

Related: 5 Reasons You Got Denied for That New Credit Card

There is no foreign transaction fee on the Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card. This makes it a great card to use abroad. The cash advance APR is 29.24% variable, and there is a 3% fee of the amount of the cash advance, but not less than $3. Cash advances are one of the largest money makers for credit card issuers, as they bank money twice. They get your money both with an up-front fee and then a high interest rate. I would urge you to find almost any other alternative method for acquiring cash.

Quicksilver World Elite Mastercard® Benefits

Also included in ownership of the Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card are World Elite Mastercard® Benefits. They include:

  • Travel Protection – Mastercard can reimburse you up to $1,500 when booking your travel and then having to cancel for things such as sickness or injury. Non-refundable airlines tickets and hotel stays come to mind here, especially. Using your Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card can offer some protection against poor circumstances.
  • Price Protection – There are few greater pains in my personal finance life then making a purchase and finding it somewhere cheaper soon after. Price protection allows for reimbursement of the price difference, which is great for me. You just have to find the same item you bought at a lower price within 120 days.
  • Extended Warranty – Some of the purchases you make using your credit card can be covered by an additional Mastercard warranty. It’s important to review the link above for this, though. There are a number of cans and cannots when it comes to utilizing the extended warranty offer.
  • Identity Theft Resolution – If you feel your identity has been stolen, call 1-800-MC-ASSIST, and Mastercard will help in taking care of the problem. You’ll be assigned a Concierge Level Certified Restoration specialist that can provide you credit reports, documents to assist in a prosecution, or general help and assistance in fixing your credit report.
  • Travel Upgrades – When booking your hotel stay, you can always check with the hotel to see if you qualify for travel perks. These include room upgrades, early check-in/late check-out and access to a portfolio of Luxury Hotels and Resorts.
  • Concierge Service – Any hour of the day, cardholders of the Quicksilver World Elite Mastercard Benefits can call a hotline and get help with booking travel, dining reservations or assistance in purchasing hard to find items.

Top to bottom, left to right, and front to back, the Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card is a very strong cashback credit card to own. No, it does not sport the highest cashback percentage in the industry. However, the wide variety of perks and features keeps this card in my wallet at all times.