It’s a common occurrence once the holiday season winds down — you reluctantly look at your credit card statement and wince at all the purchases you made over the holidays. Fortunately, there’s no need to panic. Consider using one of the following strategies to help pay it off. Make a lump-sum payment. The best way

Since 2001, investment in balanced mutual funds, which hold a mix of stocks and bonds, has grown every year except in 2008, the heart of the recession, and in 2015 when a stagnant market led some investors to look for more aggressive growth opportunities. During the same period, investment in equity and bond funds has

Your employer-sponsored 401(k) plan may allow pre-tax, Roth, and non-Roth after-tax contributions.  How do you know which one might be appropriate for your needs? Start by understanding the features of each. Pre-tax: For those who want lower taxes now With pre-tax contributions, the money is deducted from your paycheck before taxes, which helps reduce your

Go out into your yard and dig a big hole. Every month, throw $50 into it, but don’t take any money out until you’re ready to buy a house, send your child to college, or retire.  It sounds a little crazy, doesn’t it? But that’s what investing without setting clear-cut goals is like. If you’re