Life Planning

Do I Need a Living Trust, a Will or Both?

Many people do not really enjoy thinking about their impending passing from this earth, which means that questions about wills, trusts, and estate distribution can be disconcerting.  Still, it’s smart to consider what will happen to your estate and your sentimental belongings at your passing.  Keep in mind that the more you prepare for that [...]

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7 Reasons Why You Should Not Marry For Money

Ever since the popular book “Smart Girls Marry Money,” came out in 2009, the subject of women marrying for money has become a hot and controversial topic. We all know the tired and clichéd scenario that is portrayed so often in Hollywood flicks:  the gold-digger woman who goes looking for a rich man to marry, [...]

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Words Are Like Wind

“Words are like the wind” Adam said with a sigh. It had been a hard couple of weeks at work and we were both growing frustrated with the lack of action being taken by upper management. Always quick to make promises, the bosses seemed to have a lot of trouble following through. It’s the kind [...]

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Considering Jonah

Have you ever thought about how Jonah relates to your finances? If not, you should. For those who didn’t go to Sunday school as a kid, Jonah was one of God’s prophets. He came from a rich family and was a big deal prophet of God.

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3 Ways To Recover From Christmas Over-Spending

Even with all the advice here at Personal Finance By The Book, you still managed to overspend this holiday season. It’s not that surprising; one-in-three Americans put their holiday on credit cards. Many more used loans, credit lines, and same-as-cash deals to pay for the big day. And with presents, eating out, travel, and increased [...]

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How Has The Economy Changed You?

A recent article in Money Magazine provided some interesting statistics.  A group of people was asked how they felt the economy would impact their lives.  From questions about children to retirement and family life, the results were interesting to read. 53% of Americans aren’t sure their kids will be better off than they are. How [...]

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Retirement Redefined: 5 Simple Tips You Hadn’t Considered

The traditional view of retirement — working for the same company your entire career and then retiring to draw a lifetime pension — is a thing of the past. Yes, some government workers continue to retire with paid pension plans, but as states and municipalities continue to fight for survival, these pension plans will also [...]

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A Long Term, High Yield Investment. Guaranteed!

Tell me if you have heard this one, “Hey buddy. Have I got a deal for you! This is a zero risk high yield investment which will pay huge dividends. Guaranteed!” Sleazy and cheesy, huh? But don’t walk away just yet. There really IS such an investment …one that will pay dividends forever! In fact, [...]

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How to Have a Good Retirement When Things Are Looking Bad

For many Americans, the prospect of a dream retirement is fading.  However, those very factors which produce so much gloom can actually make retirement better.  Hold that thought as we first examine the bad news about retirement.

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