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 2009 MiamiHerald.com Personal Finance 60 Thu, 08 Jan 2009 12:36:35 EST http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss McClatchy Interactive's PubSys miamifeedback@miamiherald.com http://www.miamiherald.com/business/personal-finance/story/835694.html http://www.miamiherald.com/business/personal-finance/story/835694.html Sun, 04 Jan 2009 03:01 EST A: Paying for your son's education should have no tax consequences for you. If he's a hard worker with a plan and just needs a little help switching careers, go for it and to heck with the taxes. This is a tough time for all. But if the problem is systemic, with you being the solution, then let's talk. http://www.miamiherald.com/business/personal-finance/story/837488.html http://www.miamiherald.com/business/personal-finance/story/837488.html Tue, 06 Jan 2009 03:16 EST Nicholas Lyon, 29, of Southwest Miami-Dade has serious heart problems, and his doctor tells him he should get flu and pneumonia shots to spare his body the stress of those illnesses. But he thinks he might put it off. 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/business/personal-finance/story/827614.html http://www.miamiherald.com/business/personal-finance/story/827614.html Sun, 28 Dec 2008 03:01 EST WASHINGTON -- The new year is a good time to begin new practices, especially concerning money management. As we enter 2009, it's especially important to begin handling your credit card differently because in a year and a half, the credit card industry must change the way it treats you. And trust me, there will be little room for you to make a mistake in how you use such credit because the industry wasn't happy about the forced changes. http://www.miamiherald.com/business/personal-finance/story/827615.html http://www.miamiherald.com/business/personal-finance/story/827615.html Sun, 28 Dec 2008 03:01 EST Brace yourself: Your mutual fund fees are likely to increase next year. Management fees often are tied to the amount of assets in a fund. The more money in the fund, the lower the fees. But with the plunge in stock prices and investors pulling cash out of funds, assets have been falling. http://www.miamiherald.com/business/personal-finance/story/821651.html http://www.miamiherald.com/business/personal-finance/story/821651.html Sun, 21 Dec 2008 08:27 EST In the week since financier Bernard J. Madoff's stunning confession that his ultra-exclusive, $50 billion investment fund had been nothing more than a Ponzi scheme, the names and stories of South Florida investors have slowly leaked out. http://www.miamiherald.com/business/personal-finance/story/820565.html http://www.miamiherald.com/business/personal-finance/story/820565.html Sun, 21 Dec 2008 03:01 EST Once again, dear readers, the Rules of the Money Game have been decimated. The latest and most egregious Ponzi scheme by Bernard L. Madoff has stolen not only billions of dollars out of households and charities, pensions and banks, but has also ripped confidence out of the hearts of investors worldwide. It's sad, in so many ways. http://www.miamiherald.com/business/personal-finance/story/820570.html http://www.miamiherald.com/business/personal-finance/story/820570.html Sun, 21 Dec 2008 03:01 EST When the chief executives of General Motors and Ford announced that they would take just $1 a year in salary if Congress bailed their companies out, I rolled my eyes. Not for a moment did that gesture make me feel better about the possibility of the automakers receiving welfare. http://www.miamiherald.com/business/personal-finance/story/821325.html http://www.miamiherald.com/business/personal-finance/story/821325.html Sun, 21 Dec 2008 03:01 EST Five years ago when her husband died, Bal Harbour's Bella Goldstein thought she would retire as a real estate agent and auctioneer. But the booming real estate market beckoned, so she kept going. Two years ago, as the housing market soured, Goldstein decided she'd had enough. http://www.miamiherald.com/business/personal-finance/story/818850.html http://www.miamiherald.com/business/personal-finance/story/818850.html Fri, 19 Dec 2008 08:38 EST With mortgage rates sinking to the lowest level since the early 1960s, homeowners around the country are giving themselves an early holiday present: a refinanced mortgage with lower monthly payments. http://www.miamiherald.com/business/personal-finance/story/818851.html http://www.miamiherald.com/business/personal-finance/story/818851.html Fri, 19 Dec 2008 08:38 EST Pawnbroker Levi Touger tells reporters wanting to see the Lamborghini a Berard Madoff victim hocked for quick cash that they needn't bother stopping by. He doesn't have it. http://www.miamiherald.com/business/personal-finance/story/811567.html http://www.miamiherald.com/business/personal-finance/story/811567.html Sun, 14 Dec 2008 03:01 EST Christmas is challenging for many people this year as they watch stock portfolios, housing prices and 401(k)s shrink and job security becomes a thing of the past. Determined to make the holiday season festive despite their economic woes, many people are being crafty, making their gifts rather than buying them. http://www.miamiherald.com/business/personal-finance/story/811560.html http://www.miamiherald.com/business/personal-finance/story/811560.html Sun, 14 Dec 2008 03:01 EST By now you're probably aware that we are officially in a recession. The National Bureau of Economic Research, whose economists determines the beginning and end of a recession, said recently that payroll employment -- the number of filled jobs in the economy, based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics' large survey of employers -- reached a peak in December 2007 and has declined every month since. That means we've been in a recession for the past year. http://www.miamiherald.com/business/personal-finance/story/811565.html http://www.miamiherald.com/business/personal-finance/story/811565.html Sun, 14 Dec 2008 03:01 EST As the financial crisis continues to play out, the ongoing uncertainty has underscored the need for many of us to get our financial houses in order. http://www.miamiherald.com/business/columnists/meg_green/story/835694.html http://www.miamiherald.com/business/columnists/meg_green/story/835694.html Sun, 04 Jan 2009 03:01 EST A: Paying for your son's education should have no tax consequences for you. If he's a hard worker with a plan and just needs a little help switching careers, go for it and to heck with the taxes. This is a tough time for all. But if the problem is systemic, with you being the solution, then let's talk. http://www.miamiherald.com/business/columnists/meg_green/story/820565.html http://www.miamiherald.com/business/columnists/meg_green/story/820565.html Sun, 21 Dec 2008 03:01 EST Once again, dear readers, the Rules of the Money Game have been decimated. The latest and most egregious Ponzi scheme by Bernard L. Madoff has stolen not only billions of dollars out of households and charities, pensions and banks, but has also ripped confidence out of the hearts of investors worldwide. It's sad, in so many ways. 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/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/835696.html http://www.miamiherald.com/business/personal-finance/story/835696.html Sun, 04 Jan 2009 03:01 EST One of my New Year's resolutions is to stop referring to myself as a consumer. The idea for the resolution actually came from reader Tom Krohn, who suggested it's not just the country's spending habits that need to change for the better but the language we use to describe who we are. http://www.miamiherald.com/business/personal-finance/story/834510.html http://www.miamiherald.com/business/personal-finance/story/834510.html Fri, 02 Jan 2009 03:01 EST If you had the good fortune never to have invested in what may end up being the biggest Ponzi scheme in history, count your blessings. An alleged fraud like this could have happened to any of us, as it did to some of the world's most sophisticated investors. There are lessons here, though not necessarily the ones that have been touted by much of the media. http://www.miamiherald.com/business/personal-finance/story/832183.html http://www.miamiherald.com/business/personal-finance/story/832183.html Wed, 31 Dec 2008 03:01 EST Riguad Dieudonne of Lauderdale Lakes insists he is careful about how he invests, but promises from a friend that he could double his money within 90 days were irresistible. http://www.miamiherald.com/business/personal-finance/story/830489.html http://www.miamiherald.com/business/personal-finance/story/830489.html Tue, 30 Dec 2008 03:01 EST Federal and state regulators are investigating a self-styled investment guru who recruited hundreds of Haitian Americans and others to pour their savings into his ventures through a network of South Florida investment clubs.