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8/25/09: Understanding Actively Managed Exchange Traded Funds

With so many investors and their advisors questioning traditional market thinking about index-based investing, exchange traded funds (ETFs) are starting to move beyond their traditional passive index territory into more active management.

To some, it’s a fad. To others, it’s a serious threat to the territory traditionally held by mutual funds. Yet, one thing so far is clear. Many of the biggest names in the mutual fund world are now seeking permission from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission to offer actively managed ETFs. For advice on this new generation of securities, investors should speak with a qualified financial advisor such as a financial planning professional. MORE »

8/25/09: How to Screen a Prospective Financial Planner

According to the 2008 Financial Planning Association (FPA) and Ameriprise Value of Financial Planning study, individuals who manage their money according to a financial plan not only feel they have a clear financial direction, but they are statistically most likely to save more than 10 percent of their gross income, giving them the best chances for overall financial security.

But, if you’ve never met with a financial planner or if it’s been years since you visited one, there are some important questions you should ask during screening and selection: MORE »

8/13/09: Depression in Tough Economic Times

Texas AgriLife Extension Service Health Hints, August 2009 - This issue of Health Hints focuses focuses on ways to help you identify warning signs and symptons of mental and physical stress brought on by the tough economic times we are currently facing. MORE »

7/23/09: What Happens to Your Benefits if Your Employer Goes Bankrupt?

As the economy works its way back from the brink, many companies are still going to be facing the possibility of bankruptcy. What if one of them is your employer, or the company you retired from? MORE »

7/23/09: New Credit Card Rules

Washington has now approved sweeping changes to the credit card industry that will allow credit card users a bit of breathing room. But even though those changes won’t become effective until next February, it’s a good idea to keep working on your debt issues because we’re likely to be entering a less-liberal era of credit. MORE »

7/23/09: Setting New Spending, Savings and Borrowing Habits for the Post-Recession Age

No one can say for sure when the economic upturn will start to relieve the pressure on the nation’s households, but one thing is certain – the landscape for consumer borrowing and spending will be different for years to come.
It’s wise to look at this as an opportunity. Any recent efforts you’ve made to scrimp, save and pay off debt should become a permanent part of your financial philosophy. If you still haven’t taken those steps, it might be wise implement the following. MORE »

6/25/09: WI$E Up Women -- Money Management (Women Veterans Forum)

When: 25 June 2009 @ 7 p.m.
Where: North Regional Library, 855 McArthur Road, Fayetteville, North Carolina
Who: Women veterans and all women of destiny
Why: Because wise financial decisions open doors to new possibilities
Don't miss this one!!!
Phone today: (910) 977.2303 or 488.1399
Bring a friend and a pair of sunglasses for a woman of destiny.

6/19/09: Bringing Healthcare Issues into Financial Planning

During his March healthcare summit, President Obama said that the cost of health care now causes a bankruptcy in America every 30 seconds and by the end of 2009, could cause 1.5 million Americans to lose their homes.

With such dire predictions, it’s essential that financial planning take a worst-case scenario view of not only what can happen to your finances if you’re sick, but also ways to deal with the financial exposure if you lose your job and your health insurance. MORE »

6/19/09: Ways to Save on Vacation when Times are Tough

If you’ve been wavering on spending money for a vacation, remember that vacations can be particularly valuable stress relievers during a tough economy. By shopping smart and making small adjustments in your spending on the trip, you can decompress without worrying about money too much. MORE »