Are you staying on track?
It’s been almost two years since turmoil began in the financial markets. And during that time, your own financial picture, along with that of virtually every other investor, has probably changed. S...
View ArticleGrandparents are parents again
Across the U.S., more than 2.4 million grandparents are raising their grandchildren, as the parents struggle with a variety of serious problems such as drug or alcohol addiction, financial hardship...
View ArticleStart saving for our future
I was having breakfast at a fast-food restaurant recently when I overheard two men at the next table complaining about the federal government's new gas mileage guidelines, which will take effect ov...
View ArticleRegulation comes under scrutiny
As a university professor, I come in contact with many foreign graduate students. Periodically I enjoy chatting with them about their impressions of our country and how those impressions might chan...
View ArticleKeeping government honest
Last week the U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments in several cases concerning honest-services fraud. The honest-services law makes it illegal for public officials to act in a way that is not in the ...
View ArticleFinancial Focus: Start your estate tax planning
It’s always challenging to create financial strategies that are somewhat dependent on tax laws, because these laws are always changing. In 2009, your estate could have passed up to $3.5 million to ...
View ArticleFinancial Focus: Consider establishing a business retirement plan
If you’re self-employed or you own a business, you’ve got a lot to think about: attracting new customers, maintaining cash flow, upgrading equipment and facilities — the list goes on and on. Yet, a...
View ArticleMusic City Bowl, what’s in a name?
The Music City Bowl? Okay, it is not the biggest bowl game. But the UNC-Chapel Hill football team and its fans can be proud of making it through a tough season and landing a game against the Unive...
View ArticleSavvy Senior: Medicare’s preventive services are about to get better
Dear Savvy Senior, I’ve heard that Medicare will soon be offering seniors free health screenings. What can you tell me about this? Searching Senior Dear Searching, It’s true! Starting Jan. ...
View ArticleFrugal Family: Do not let your feelings mix with shopping
re you an emotional shopper? Do you find shopping provides you with a sense of euphoria when you are bored, angry or upset? Letting your feelings dictate your shopping can be a devastating hobby i...
View ArticleMake Bluebirds, family time priorities this spring
A few weeks ago, I was doing dishes in the sink and looked out the kitchen window to see a Bluebird fly across the yard. It’s been three years since our family has lived in this home and I’ve neve...
View ArticleGen Zers—your Social Security may depend on them
Gen Z, I thought to myself, what in the world is that? Because it was the theme of the annual Emerging Issues Forum in Raleigh last week, I knew I was behind the times. Just so you will not be...
View ArticleSell investments for the right reasons
It’s important to understand which investments to own, and when to buy them. But you should also know when it’s time to sell an investment — and why. Unfortunately, many people...
View ArticleOur election system needs a tune up
There are plenty of things we would rather spend money on than car maintenance. Regular oil changes, tire rotations and the like don’t bring us any joy. Nevertheless at least four times a year we ...
View ArticleFrugal Family: Take your savings one step further
My husband is a man who likes to keep our finances well organized. He inputs all our spending into a program so that we know how much we are spending every month and on what. I love this idea, and...
View ArticleFrugal Family: Hanging your clothes and doing your laundry can save money
If you want to cut down the cost of how much you spend on clothing, I can offer you two simple tips. If you keep up on your laundry and hang your clothes versus placing them in a drawer, it helps ...
View ArticleThe Etch A Sketch problem is not with Romney’s campaign
“What you need to do as soon as you can is to move as far to the right as you can in good conscience.” A very liberal and savvy North Carolina political advisor gave that advice to the winner of...
View ArticleDo not assume prices are the same everywhere
Recently, I went home to visit my parents in Fayetteville, North Carolina. I had been asked to speak to a Mothers of Preschoolers organization while I was home about saving money. One of the first...
View ArticlePraying for bad things to happen
Why are so many people these days praying for bad things to happen to good people? And what does the answer to that question have to do with the Supreme Court’s forthcoming decision on the const...
View ArticleFinancial Focus: The 529 plan offers benefits
Now that another school year is drawing to a close, your young children are a step closer to the day when they’ll be heading off to college. Of course, as you’re probably aware, higher education d...
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