Monthly Archives: March 2012

Planning (or not) for Retirement

With a recent major birthday in our household, we were reminded that retirement is closer than ever. Just like planning for kids’ college and other major financial events in life, they come upon us too fast! The difficult part about … Continue reading

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5 Common Financial Mistakes Young Adults Make

The below is from an extraordinary blogger named Ryan who pens about the trials and tribulations that face young adults at http://www.lifefreshout.com. LifeFreshOut is a site dedicated to discussing life as a young person in the ‘real world’ ranging from … Continue reading

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Fix It or Forget It?

My husband Jim was raised watching his Dad fix anything and everything. No project too big. It would take an act of God to actually pay someone else to come and do the job, if you had the ability to … Continue reading

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No Dollar Days

Post by Ben Lien When I was asked to write a blog for “Real Money”, I thought it would be a great opportunity. I enjoy writing and it is always good to share financial tips with other people. The only thing I … Continue reading

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Who Wants Something for Nothing?

Recently I presented at a mini financial fair for a local organization. While at the fair, I was able to sit in on a presentation by the Community Action Partnership and their Individual Development Account (IDA) program. This program is … Continue reading

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Burning Money in the Gas Tank

In every news story there is talk of rising gas prices. Recently it was reported that prices ranged from $3.36 in Denver to $4.35/gallon in Los Angeles. We may not have much control over the complex world oil situation but … Continue reading

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Making the Family Vacation Less Stressful on the Wallet

Family vacations – just reading those two little words did you cringe or smile? My children are 19 and 24 so it’s been a while since we all went on an extended family outing. I recall being a tad tense … Continue reading

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Why You Need A Home Inventory…Now.

Putting together a home inventory…It is easier before a disaster than afterwards.  Adapted from the Minnesota Department of Commerce and http://mn.gov/commerce/insurance/images/Home-Inventory-Checklist.pdf:   You’ve just finished enjoying the New Year’s Day bowl games on that big high-definition flat-screen TV you got for … Continue reading

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Struggling with your Mortgage Payment Due to Unemployment?

Through MHA’s Home Affordable Unemployment Program (UP), depending on your situation, your mortgage payments may be reduced to 31 percent of your income or suspended altogether for 12 months or more. There have been enhancements made to the government’s Making … Continue reading

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How Important is a Savings Account?

Growing up my parents didn’t discuss finances. They quietly worked and worked. Periodically we got a new (used) car or a piece of quality furniture. (Dad is a sucker for the beauty in wood). They are from the “depression-era,” where … Continue reading

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