Tag

saving

Sep 01
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Saving vs. Investing

By Investments, Money Management, Saving No Comments

Saving and investing — they’re both critical to achieving your financial goals. They both require you to put money aside, but for very different purposes.

Saving is ideal for short term goals (vacations or a rainy day fund). Investing is for long-term goals (down payment on a house or retirement).

But if you’re confused by the difference, you’re not alone. Most people in the U.S. don’t save enough, according to think tank Economic Policy Institute. And only half invest, according to a recent report from polling organization Gallup.

Take a look at this video. It will help you understand the difference between saving and investing.

 

Originally appeared on Learn.Stash.com and written by Jeremy Quittner, the Stash financial writer.

Sep 03
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10 Everyday Things That Cost More Than Term Life Insurance

By Insurance, Saving No Comments
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Adults and parents worry. We worry about our family’s health, safety, financial security and future. But more families need to put their money where their heart is by buyingterm life insurance. (This is the most affordable type when initially purchased and provides protection for a specific period of time or the “term”.) However, the issue isn’t a matter of hypocrisy, but a lack of research and financial literacy. According to a Life Happens and LIMRA study from this year, 65% of households have not purchased life insurance because they think it’s too costly.

To show that this is a common misconception, the study asked Americans to estimate the cost of a 20-year, $250,000 level term life insurance policy for a healthy 30-year-old male. Eight in 10 people overestimated the cost, saying it would be $400 a year, which is more than double its actual cost of about $160 a year or about $13 a month. Astonishingly, one in four thought it would cost more than $1,000 a year.

And just know that unless you have serious health issues, pre-existing conditions or high-risk hobbies that would likely necessitate high-risk insurance, getting affordable coverage is really straightforward.

How Much Is Life Insurance?
To put the true cost of term life insurance in perspective, here are 10 products or services that people regularly spend money on that cost more than a term life insurance premium would for a healthy 30-year-old at $13 a month.

  1. Food – According to the National Resource Defense Council, Americans waste about $529 per year, or $44 per month, on unwanted snacks and meals.
  2. Alcohol – According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average American consumer spends 1% of their discretionary income on alcohol.
  3. Tobacco – For households with smokers, 14% of Americans’ incomes are spent on cigarettes.
  4. Gym Membership – The $30 per month you spend on a 24 Hour Fitness membership that goes unused could be better spent funding your life policy.
  5. Electronics – That new 55” LED TV that costs … (continue reading 10 Everyday Things that Cost More Than Term Life Insurance)
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Sep 02
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7 Smart Financial Moves for New (and Experienced) Parents

By Debt Management, Estate Planning, Insurance, Money Management, Saving No Comments
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It is important to plan for many of the important events in our lives, like marriage, children, as well as retirement and leaving a legacy for our family. As you plan for your significant life events, Matt Hoesley of LifeHappens.org shares some financial steps to help secure your financial future of your family.

Create a will and contingent trust. This is one of the most important first steps. Choosing a guardian for your children helps make sure they are raised by someone who you think will share the same values. A contingent trust helps ensure that the money your child receives from all of your hard work and planning is distributed according to your wishes instead of giving them complete control over everything the minute they turn 18.

Update beneficiary forms. Make sure you double check all of your retirement plans and insurance policies so something doesn’t fall through the cracks. Many accounts with beneficiary designations never pass through your will, so it is important that these are also updated.

Begin saving for college. There are various options available. You should consult a tax advisor and financial advisor to help determine what is best suited for your family’s financial situation. I opened a 529 plan for our daughter. The money in this plan can be used at almost any accredited higher education institute in the world.

Purchase life insurance. My wife and I both increased the amount of life insurance we have. We did a combination of term and permanent insurance to make sure we have the total amount we need at a price we can afford.

Buy disability insurance. When you are young, your future earning potential is your biggest asset. Get as much … (continue reading … 7 Smart Financial Moves for New (and Experienced) Parents)

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