Photo by: Sanja Gjenero (Stock Exchange)

In a previous post, we introduced 401(k) retirement savings plans. If started early and kept growing with a good rate of contribution from both employee and employer, the 401(k) can be one of the best ways to keep the bills paid after leaving the workforce.

But there’s the catch: the vitality of the 401(k) and its ability to stand up to big post-retirement challenges is built largely on employer contribution matching, where “the boss” chips in a quarter or more for every dollar an employee draws into his or her plan.

What happens when, after years of plugging along on your investment, an employer suddenly withdraws their support for contribution matching? Today, we’ll talk about what to do. (more…)

Your budget’s best friend ... or worst nightmare?
Photo by: Michal Ufniak (Stock Exchange)

Just get a fancy new smartphone? Hidden fees and costs from your phone plan can drive up your credit card balances and bloat your telecom bills beyond your worst nightmares.

But there are ways you can fight back to “trim the fat” and still benefit from the great features of modern phone technology. If you take a few steps to be savvy, you can enjoy your phone and keep your credit card payments low.

Here are a few tips.

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Money you don’t see can “fly away” before you know it
Photo by: Shaun W. (Stock Exchange)

Many experts contend that, for day to day expenses, cash is preferable to credit if you want to maintain a budget.

The reasons go beyond the obvious: if you regularly use cash instead of credit, you don’t have to worry about interest, fees, debt, or credit card payments, of course.

But there’s a bit more to it than that: handling cash gives us a tangible reminder of our budget and allows us to “see” money going to use.

With the rising number of people using PayPal for small business, bills, and more, it can be easy to lose money if you’re not careful about where it’s going! (more…)

Is Washington’s reform push “the end” for big banks’ casino capitalism?
Photo by: Richard Styles (Stock Exchange)

America’s love for its financial elites is at an all-time low. Everywhere you look, ordinary folks are in revolt against abusive debt collectors, becoming savvy about debt refinancing, and “moving their money” – not only to cards with lower interest rates, but to different (and smaller) banks. But there’s arguably no greater sign of a change in the air than the amazing speed with which Wall Street reform has taken shape over the last few weeks. At UWSA, we want to make sure you understand what “Wall Street reform” means for you on Main Street, so here’s an overview of the situation. (more…)