So many choices, so much to understand. For the beginning investor, determining how to get started and what to do may seem overwhelming. But relax, take a deep breath, and start at the beginning. Here are five ideas that should help: 1.     Identify your goals: Create a list of what you want to accomplish, such…

For most people, buying a vacation home may be one of the most significant purchases they will ever make. Potential buyers are often overwhelmed with sales pitches, website postings, and brochures that promise fun, happiness, and the good life. However, the most attractive homes in such places as Florida and California, or luxury mountain cabins,…

They can’t be ignored. Millennials—defined as those between ages 15 and 34—are set to become the largest living generation in the United States, representing one-third of the population. Millennials are projected to number 75.3 million this year, surpassing the projected 74.9 million baby boomers (ages 51 to 69) according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Millennials…

Do you sometimes feel that debt is a hammer and you’re the nail?   The median black household had less than half the debt of white households — $35,000 compared to $75,000, according to a 2013 U.S. Census report. Yet, black households carry significantly more debt relative to their household assets than white households. The…

Did you ever have to pay your bank a monthly maintenance fee because you let your checking account balance slip below a certain amount? The fee, which can run anywhere from $12-$15, might not seem so bad if it allows you to access all your money when you need it. What about that early termination…