http://www.miamiherald.com/business/personal-finance/index.html http://media.miamiherald.com/images/logos/rss_sitelogo.gif http://www.miamiherald.com/business/personal-finance/index.html 140 25 News, sports and entertainment from MiamiHerald.com en-us Copyright 2008 MiamiHerald.com Personal Finance 60 Mon, 01 Dec 2008 13:24:18 EST http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss McClatchy Interactive's PubSys miamifeedback@miamiherald.com http://www.miamiherald.com/business/personal-finance/story/793204.html http://www.miamiherald.com/business/personal-finance/story/793204.html Sun, 30 Nov 2008 08:13 EST Online bill paying has certainly made a nagging monthly chore easier. But there's still usually multiple websites to juggle -- and passwords to remember. http://www.miamiherald.com/business/personal-finance/story/793210.html http://www.miamiherald.com/business/personal-finance/story/793210.html Sun, 30 Nov 2008 08:13 EST The fallout from the current economic downturn is hitting retailers hard. Linens `n Things, a home goods merchandiser, is going out of business. Last month, it began closeout sales at its remaining 371 stores in 48 states. More than $1 billion of the retailer's home furnishings will be sold by liquidators. http://www.miamiherald.com/1337/story/678549.html http://www.miamiherald.com/1337/story/678549.html Tue, 09 Sep 2008 17:43 EDT Get your frugal fix with blogger Natalie McNeal http://www.miamiherald.com/1337/story/364523.html http://www.miamiherald.com/1337/story/364523.html Tue, 09 Sep 2008 17:44 EDT Find out who is selling the cheapest gas http://www.miamiherald.com/1337/story/556252.html http://www.miamiherald.com/1337/story/556252.html Tue, 09 Sep 2008 17:43 EDT Compare your salary in South Florida http://www.miamiherald.com/1337/story/745374.html http://www.miamiherald.com/1337/story/745374.html Tue, 28 Oct 2008 18:22 EDT McClatchy reporters answer your questions about the economy http://www.miamiherald.com/1337/story/745375.html http://www.miamiherald.com/1337/story/745375.html Tue, 28 Oct 2008 18:23 EDT Financial expert answers questions about your money http://www.miamiherald.com/business/personal-finance/story/782916.html http://www.miamiherald.com/business/personal-finance/story/782916.html Sat, 22 Nov 2008 03:01 EST South Florida's unemployment rate is rising but remains below the state average, which hit a 15-year high in government figures released Friday. http://www.miamiherald.com/business/personal-finance/story/780178.html http://www.miamiherald.com/business/personal-finance/story/780178.html Thu, 20 Nov 2008 17:13 EST Gas has finally dropped to less than $2 a gallon at some South Florida stations. At least three gas stations -- ExxonMobil, Valero and Marathon -- off Northwest 119th Street and 17th Avenue are at $1.99.9. ExxonMobil's prices are only for those paying cash. http://www.miamiherald.com/business/personal-finance/story/776081.html http://www.miamiherald.com/business/personal-finance/story/776081.html Tue, 18 Nov 2008 08:15 EST Florida's public employee pension plan has lost more than a quarter of its peak value, but Gov. Charlie Crist and other officials Monday said the fund is built for the long haul and there's no need to panic. http://www.miamiherald.com/business/personal-finance/story/773512.html http://www.miamiherald.com/business/personal-finance/story/773512.html Mon, 17 Nov 2008 12:28 EST Low-interest or no-interest credit cards are like getting a free dose of crack cocaine: seductive and dangerously addictive. Waiting until age 35 to put $5,000 into a retirement account means getting as much as $200,000 less at retirement than investing the same amount at 30. http://www.miamiherald.com/business/personal-finance/story/773549.html http://www.miamiherald.com/business/personal-finance/story/773549.html Mon, 17 Nov 2008 06:31 EST During the real-estate boom, couples who divorced would fight over who got the house, betting that the winner could get rich from rapidly escalating prices. Spouses plunked down thousands to buy out their partner. Disposing of the ''marital asset'' was easy, since homes were selling in a day or two for inflated prices. http://www.miamiherald.com/business/personal-finance/story/772348.html http://www.miamiherald.com/business/personal-finance/story/772348.html Sun, 16 Nov 2008 03:01 EST Here are some tips to help you navigate Florida's employment offices and to find information on collecting unemployment benefits. Q. How do I apply for unemployment benefits? http://www.miamiherald.com/business/personal-finance/story/772349.html http://www.miamiherald.com/business/personal-finance/story/772349.html Sun, 16 Nov 2008 03:01 EST The classic tax strategy of giving away stock to family members packs more punch right now. Donors can give twice as much for their money in some cases because prices are so low. And people who get a gift have a chance to build wealth by holding it until the market recovers. http://www.miamiherald.com/business/personal-finance/story/772350.html http://www.miamiherald.com/business/personal-finance/story/772350.html Sun, 16 Nov 2008 03:01 EST Q: I lost my job of 15 years in April. My employer decided to leave Florida, and I was not willing to move. I had a 401(k) retirement account with that employer with a balance of $167,000. http://www.miamiherald.com/business/personal-finance/story/772316.html http://www.miamiherald.com/business/personal-finance/story/772316.html Sun, 16 Nov 2008 03:01 EST Department of Housing and Urban Development Secretary Steve Preston recently announced what he said was a ``mammoth leap forward for the consumer.'' http://www.miamiherald.com/business/personal-finance/story/772358.html http://www.miamiherald.com/business/personal-finance/story/772358.html Sun, 16 Nov 2008 03:01 EST If you find yourself out of work, a new career is an option. Perhaps you want to follow your dream of becoming an inventor. Steve Greenberg, author of Steve Greenberg: Gadget Nation: A Journey Through the Eccentric World of Invention, interviewed 100 inventors for his book. He discovered the key quality of a successful inventor: ''Those who make it will tell you nothing is going to stop them.'' Greenberg will speak at the Miami Book Fair International on the downtown campus of Miami Dade College... http://www.miamiherald.com/business/personal-finance/story/762193.html http://www.miamiherald.com/business/personal-finance/story/762193.html Sun, 09 Nov 2008 03:01 EST The election is over and the message is clear: The economy is priority one. The big question now is how some of President-elect Barack Obama's campaign proposals will affect retirees and workers with 401(k) and other retirement accounts. http://www.miamiherald.com/business/columnists/meg-green//story/793200.html http://www.miamiherald.com/business/columnists/meg-green//story/793200.html Sun, 30 Nov 2008 08:13 EST So many people are asking what to do about their investments these days. Although individuals need to make their own personal decisions, here are some thoughts that may help. http://www.miamiherald.com/business/columnists/meg-green//story/782948.html http://www.miamiherald.com/business/columnists/meg-green//story/782948.html Sun, 23 Nov 2008 03:01 EST Q: My wife and I are both a year away from retirement from government jobs where we will have pensions, some deferred comp money and, in a few years, Social Security. Where do we go to locate a qualified financial planner to develop a good financial plan and to explain what we need to do? http://www.miamiherald.com/business/columnists/meg-green//story/772350.html http://www.miamiherald.com/business/columnists/meg-green//story/772350.html Sun, 16 Nov 2008 03:01 EST Q: I lost my job of 15 years in April. My employer decided to leave Florida, and I was not willing to move. I had a 401(k) retirement account with that employer with a balance of $167,000. http://www.miamiherald.com/business/columnists/meg-green//story/752411.html http://www.miamiherald.com/business/columnists/meg-green//story/752411.html Sun, 02 Nov 2008 03:01 EST Q: My wife and I bought our house at the top of the market in 2004. With the plan to stay in Florida for three years, a 5/1 adjustable-rate mortgage, (80/20) with a home equity line of credit was the perfect choice, since we weren't planning on staying long, and didn't have the down payment. http://www.miamiherald.com/business/columnists/meg-green//story/741453.html http://www.miamiherald.com/business/columnists/meg-green//story/741453.html Sun, 26 Oct 2008 03:01 EDT Q: My second marriage is to a man who hasn't prepared himself for retirement. We married at 57, 15 years ago. He is an insurance salesperson who took his Social Security at 62 and has been working part-time ever since. I am a teacher who intends to continue working until 75. Our finances are limited. To overcome this, he wants to take out a reverse mortgage of $1,200 per month on our house now worth $60,000. http://www.miamiherald.com/business/columnists/meg-green//story/732024.html http://www.miamiherald.com/business/columnists/meg-green//story/732024.html Sun, 19 Oct 2008 03:01 EDT Q: With the housing market dropping as it is, I am looking to find a great deal on a town house in Miami Beach. Here is my dilemma: I have a very stable job, with a good financial package and steady income. I wasn't always a very good saver but in the past few years I have done a great job saving money and investing but I don't want to spend all of that money on a down payment. I know the type of property I want and with current lending practices, I am looking to find out what type of flexible loans... http://www.miamiherald.com/business/columnists/meg-green//story/722734.html http://www.miamiherald.com/business/columnists/meg-green//story/722734.html Sun, 12 Oct 2008 03:01 EDT Q: In a recent column, you suggested looking into global growth and income funds. I would appreciate if you can provide some examples of the funds in this category. http://www.miamiherald.com/business/columnists/meg-green//story/713574.html http://www.miamiherald.com/business/columnists/meg-green//story/713574.html Sun, 05 Oct 2008 03:01 EDT Instead of answering a question today, allow me to pontificate on a subject that threatens the fabric of many a household. While you ponder your personal finances, as one must do at times like this, be sure to examine your values, your ego, your influences and the choices you've made. http://www.miamiherald.com/business/columnists/meg-green//story/695066.html http://www.miamiherald.com/business/columnists/meg-green//story/695066.html Sun, 21 Sep 2008 03:01 EDT Q: I recently became the trustee of my father's estate. He is 86 and dealing with dementia. His estate is now valued at $20 million, and in a couple of months there'll be a possible increase of another $14 million. http://www.miamiherald.com/business/columnists/meg-green//story/685594.html http://www.miamiherald.com/business/columnists/meg-green//story/685594.html Sun, 14 Sep 2008 03:01 EDT Q: I just closed a $50,000 CD and will need income in three years. I don't like variable annuities and I need to protect my principal for my daughters. I am 66 and I have an IRA (only $10,000). http://www.miamiherald.com/living/travel/dollar-wise/story/754154.html http://www.miamiherald.com/living/travel/dollar-wise/story/754154.html Wed, 05 Nov 2008 03:01 EST There's a long list of nations whose currencies recently plunged in value against the U.S. dollar (and thus became attractive destinations for the American tourist). http://www.miamiherald.com/living/travel/dollar-wise/story/747068.html http://www.miamiherald.com/living/travel/dollar-wise/story/747068.html Thu, 30 Oct 2008 03:01 EDT The stock market is swooning. The economy is wobbling. An election is pending. The future is foggy. Sounds like a great time to take a vacation. What better way to relieve stress? http://www.miamiherald.com/living/travel/dollar-wise/story/747069.html http://www.miamiherald.com/living/travel/dollar-wise/story/747069.html Wed, 29 Oct 2008 17:27 EDT When the world went to financial hell in a handbasket in the Great Depression, people went to the movies. Today they go to Montana or maybe even Mongolia. http://www.miamiherald.com/living/travel/dollar-wise/story/721073.html http://www.miamiherald.com/living/travel/dollar-wise/story/721073.html Sun, 12 Oct 2008 03:01 EDT Q. Since oil prices have fallen off recently, why haven't airfares fallen too? A. Fuel makes up about 40 percent of the total budgets of most major airlines. And in the past year, as the price of oil -- and in tandem, the price of jet fuel -- has skyrocketed and surpassed labor as their biggest expense. http://www.miamiherald.com/living/travel/dollar-wise/story/701828.html http://www.miamiherald.com/living/travel/dollar-wise/story/701828.html Tue, 30 Sep 2008 03:01 EDT Home to Microsoft and Starbucks, grunge rock and a constant rainy drizzle, Seattle is defined by the collision of urban soul and natural beauty. It's also a great destination for the budget-conscious traveler. An abundance of outdoor activities and a pulsing arts community make it the perfect place to visit while holding onto spare change. http://www.miamiherald.com/living/travel/dollar-wise/story/646906.html http://www.miamiherald.com/living/travel/dollar-wise/story/646906.html Wed, 27 Aug 2008 03:01 EDT Americans are currently traveling in large numbers to destinations like Bali and Argentina where the cost of living is unusually low. Why? Travelers can offset high airfares with cheap hotel and food costs. http://www.miamiherald.com/living/travel/dollar-wise/story/650135.html http://www.miamiherald.com/living/travel/dollar-wise/story/650135.html Sun, 24 Aug 2008 03:01 EDT Just when it seems you can't afford a vacation, you've probably never needed one more. Take heart. There are ways to get out of town without breaking the bank. We asked travel experts and dug through savvy sources to uncover ways to save on that much-needed, well-deserved getaway, whether it's a grand tour of Europe or a road trip to Grandma's house. http://www.miamiherald.com/living/travel/dollar-wise/story/612090.html http://www.miamiherald.com/living/travel/dollar-wise/story/612090.html Tue, 29 Jul 2008 03:01 EDT It's late July, the very peak of the peak season, when every bed, seat and berth is supposed to be full. But travel falls off sharply toward the end of August, when the new school year has begun. Even on some earlier dates in August, softness is found in travel bookings, and bargains begin to emerge. http://www.miamiherald.com/living/travel/dollar-wise/story/592496.html http://www.miamiherald.com/living/travel/dollar-wise/story/592496.html Wed, 09 Jul 2008 03:01 EDT Heading for Virginia for a summer break? Here are tips for having fun in five Virginia locations without busting your budget. CHARLOTTESVILLE http://www.miamiherald.com/living/travel/dollar-wise/story/588654.html http://www.miamiherald.com/living/travel/dollar-wise/story/588654.html Sun, 06 Jul 2008 03:01 EDT Ryanair and EasyJet. Germanwings and Air Berlin. Wizzair and BmiBaby. Among savvy travelers, those names are famous. They're the celebrated cost-cutting carriers of Europe that fly you from, say, London to the French Riviera for the frequent equivalent of $59. Or from Paris to Warsaw for $49. http://www.miamiherald.com/living/travel/dollar-wise/story/582390.html http://www.miamiherald.com/living/travel/dollar-wise/story/582390.html Sun, 29 Jun 2008 03:01 EDT Is there a more exciting city in Europe than London right now? The catch: Americans heading to London need to prepare their wallet for a pounding. The city is probably the most expensive in Europe, and Europe is currently more expensive for Americans than it has been in at least a decade. http://www.miamiherald.com/business/personal-finance/story/793200.html http://www.miamiherald.com/business/personal-finance/story/793200.html Sun, 30 Nov 2008 08:13 EST So many people are asking what to do about their investments these days. Although individuals need to make their own personal decisions, here are some thoughts that may help. http://www.miamiherald.com/business/personal-finance/story/793196.html http://www.miamiherald.com/business/personal-finance/story/793196.html Sun, 30 Nov 2008 08:13 EST Good furniture is never cheap, especially if you want a well-designed, well-built piece that will last a lifetime. And while high-end retailers like Design Within Reach are slashing prices to stoke sales, $1,000 still feels steep, even for the coolest dining table ever. http://www.miamiherald.com/business/personal-finance/story/782948.html http://www.miamiherald.com/business/personal-finance/story/782948.html Sun, 23 Nov 2008 03:01 EST Q: My wife and I are both a year away from retirement from government jobs where we will have pensions, some deferred comp money and, in a few years, Social Security. Where do we go to locate a qualified financial planner to develop a good financial plan and to explain what we need to do? http://www.miamiherald.com/business/personal-finance/story/782942.html http://www.miamiherald.com/business/personal-finance/story/782942.html Sun, 23 Nov 2008 03:01 EST I usually don't enjoy watching congressional hearings. They are often packed with blustering, long-winded, self-serving speeches that are nap-inducing.