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# W!se

Working in Support of  Education

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## Posts

- [Blog](https://wise-ny.org/news-events/blog/)
- [W!se Announces Third Annual Financial Literacy Video Contest Winners](https://wise-ny.org/blog/wse-announces-third-annual-financial-literacy-video-contest-winners/) - For Immediate Release – July 1st, 2026 New York, NY — Working in Support of Education (W!se) is excited to announce the winners of its third annual Financial Literacy Video Contest, a creative initiative designed to promote financial literacy among New York high school students. The contest is generously sponsored by Bread Financial®, a tech-forward financial
- [NYC Students Honored for Designing Cutting-Edge Solutions to Improve Community Hardships at 31st Annual Quality of Life Innovations (QLI) Awards Ceremony](https://wise-ny.org/blog/nyc-students-honored-for-designing-cutting-edge-solutions-to-improve-community-hardships-at-31st-annual-quality-of-life-innovations-qli-awards-ceremony/) - NEW YORK, June 16, 2026 – Working in Support of Education (W!se), a nonprofit dedicated to improving economic mobility through financial literacy education, and college and career readiness, hosted its 31st Annual Quality of Life Innovations (QLI) Awards Ceremony in the Frederick P. Rose Auditorium at Cooper Union in New York City. The event honored the brilliance
- [Working in Support of Education (W!se) Announces Winners of 3rd Annual 5K Fun Run](https://wise-ny.org/blog/working-in-support-of-education-wse-announces-winners-of-3rd-annual-5k-fun-run/) - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – June 12, 2026 New York, NY – On June 4, 2026, Working in Support of Education (W!se) held its third annual 5K Fun Run at a new location – Astoria Park. The evening buzzed with energy as runners, walkers, volunteers, and supporters united in support of W!se’s mission to improve economic mobility through
- [Working in Support of Education receives generous grant from Santander Bank](https://wise-ny.org/blog/working-in-support-of-education-wse-receives-generous-grant-from-santander-bank/) - For Immediate Release New York, NY – Working in Support of Education (W!se) is pleased to announce it has received an increased grant from Santander Bank. The enhanced funding will allow W!se to broaden the reach of our Financial Literacy Certification Program in New York City high schools, equipping more students with essential personal finance
- [W!se Announces 2026 “100 Best W!se High Schools Teaching Personal Finance”](https://wise-ny.org/blog/wse-announces-2026-100-best-wse-high-schools-teaching-personal-finance/) - For Immediate Release: April 13, 2026 New York, NY - Today, Working in Support of Education (W!se) announced the 2026 “100 Best W!se High Schools Teaching Personal Finance,” recognizing schools that are leading the way in preparing students for real-world financial success. This year’s top honor goes to Academies of West Memphis from West Memphis,
- [W!se-Backed Study Reveals Best Timing for Personal Finance Courses in High School](https://wise-ny.org/blog/wse-backed-study-reveals-best-timing-for-personal-finance-courses-in-high-school/) - For Immediate Release March 30, 2026 New York, NY - Working in Support of Education is pleased to announce the publication of a new groundbreaking study “Which Grade Should Students Take Personal Finance?” W!se collaborated with the authors from Montana State and Alabama Universities, on the study which examines the best grades for delivering personal
- [2026 EGE Sustainability and the Next Generation Conference](https://wise-ny.org/blog/2026-ege-sustainability-and-the-next-generation-conference/) - Sustainability and Finance March 6, 2026 United Federation of Teachers, New York City 5 CTLE Credits Register Here! You are invited to a discussion on: Sustainable investing-- what are the different forms? How does sustainable investing impact the future workforce? How do we incorporate sustainable investing in the classroom? Disclaimer: The views expressed at
- [W!se Expands Partnership with Jump$tart to Elevate Financial Education for Educators](https://wise-ny.org/blog/wse-expands-partnership-with-jumptart-to-elevate-financial-education-for-educators/) - For Immediate Release February 3, 2026 New York, NY – Working in Support of Education (W!se), a longtime national partner of the Jump$tart Coalition for Personal Financial Literacy, is pleased to announce an exciting new collaboration with Jump$tart to offer Jump$tart Financial Foundations for Educators (J$FFE) Online, a professional development curriculum to W!se’s national network
- [W!se Announces 2023-2024 Blue Star and Platinum Star Schools](https://wise-ny.org/blog/wse-announces-2023-2024-blue-star-and-platinum-star-schools/) - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE November 1, 2024 NEW YORK, N.Y. – Working in Support of Education (W!se) is pleased to announce that over 100 high schools in its national network have earned the prestigious titles of Blue Star School or Platinum Star School for the 2023-2024 academic year. These distinctions recognize schools for their students' exceptional
- [2025 W!se Financial Literacy Video Contest](https://wise-ny.org/blog/wse-financial-literacy-video-contest/) - Calling all New York State High Schools! Students create a video about ONE of the following Financial Literacy topics: Make 3 financial promises to your future self and show how you will keep those promises. Pretend you’re a personal finance high school teacher. Create a convincing lesson about ONE of the following: a) maintaining a
- [W!se Announces 2024-2025 Blue Star and Platinum Star Schools ](https://wise-ny.org/blog/wse-announces-2024-2025-blue-star-and-platinum-star-schools/) - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – November 4, 2025 NEW YORK, N.Y. – Working in Support of Education (W!se) proudly celebrates the achievements of more than 100 high schools nationwide that have earned distinction as Blue Star Schools or Platinum Star Schools in the 2024–2025 academic year. The Blue Star School award is given to schools where a significant portion of students demonstrate proficiency in personal finance by
- [Working in Support of Education Receives Generous Grant from Synchrony Bank](https://wise-ny.org/blog/working-in-support-of-education-receives-generous-grant-from-synchrony-bank/) - For Immediate Release October 29, 2025 NEW YORK, NY- Working in Support of Education (W!se) is pleased to announce a new generous grant from Synchrony Bank to support our MoneyW!SE program in Bridgeport, Connecticut and White Plains, New York. Since 2009, MoneyW!SE has provided survivors of domestic violence with the knowledge and skills to become
- [W!se Partners with Moomoo to Launch the “Student Stock Showdown”](https://wise-ny.org/blog/wse-partners-with-moomoo-to-launch-the-student-stock-showdown/) - For Immediate Release October 9, 2025 NEW YORK, NY - Working in Support of Education (W!se) is pleased to partner with Moomoo, a leading investment and trading platform, to launch the Student Stock Showdown, an exciting new opportunity for high school students to participate in a real-world investing experience. The “Student Stock Showdown”, will engage New
- [W!se Announces Collaboration with Khan Academy to Expand Financial Literacy Resources](https://wise-ny.org/blog/wse-announces-collaboration-with-khan-academy-to-expand-financial-literacy-resources/) - For Immediate Release October 2, 2025 New York, NY – Working in Support of Education (W!se) is pleased to announce a new collaboration with nonprofit Khan Academy to expand access to high quality resources for educators and students that participate in W!se’s Financial Literacy Certification program. Khan Academy’s content rich curriculum and resources will enhance
- [Working in Support of Education Receives Generous Grant from Bread Financial](https://wise-ny.org/blog/working-in-support-of-education-receives-generous-grant-from-bread-financial/) - For Immediate Release August 26, 2025 New York, NY – Working in Support of Education (W!se) is pleased to announce it has received a generous new grant from Bread Financial. The grant will fund the 2026 Financial Literacy Video Contest and help expand the reach of W!se’s award-winning Financial Literacy Certification program to more schools
- [Working in Support of Education Receives Generous Grant from the Ally Charitable Foundation](https://wise-ny.org/blog/working-in-support-of-education-receives-grant-from-the-ally-charitable-foundation/) - For Immediate Release August 19, 2025 New York, NY – Working in Support of Education (W!se) is delighted to announce it has received a generous grant from the Ally Charitable Foundation to expand its Financial Literacy Certification and MoneyW!SE programs in the coming year. Part of the grant will support the Financial Literacy Certification program
- [2025 Financial Literacy Ambassador Awards Announced](https://wise-ny.org/blog/2025-financial-literacy-ambassador-awards-announced/) - For Immediate Release August 21, 2025 New York, NY — Working in Support of Education (W!se), a national nonprofit is pleased to announce the winners of the 2025 Financial Literacy Ambassador Award. Five high school students from across the country demonstrated exceptional knowledge and passion about personal finance. Each student will receive a $1,000 monetary
- [Working in Support of Education Receives Generous Grant from Deutsche Bank](https://wise-ny.org/blog/working-in-support-receives-generous-grant-from-deutsche-bank/) - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - July 11, 2025 New York, NY – Working in Support of Education (W!se) is pleased to announce that it has received a generous grant from Deutsche Bank to enhance the use of artificial intelligence in our financial literacy programs. W!se’s Financial Literacy Certification program equips students and teachers with essential knowledge
- [New York City Students Honored at 30th Annual Quality of Life INNOVATIONS (QLI) Awards Ceremony](https://wise-ny.org/blog/new-york-city-students-honored-at-30th-annual-quality-of-life-innovations-qli-awards-ceremony/) - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - June 20, 2025 NEW YORK, N.Y. - Working in Support of Education (W!se) hosted its 30th Annual Quality of Life INNOVATIONS (QLI) Awards Ceremony on Thursday, June 12 at the LGBT Center in New York City. At the conclusion of a rigorous competition, the event celebrated the outstanding achievements of high school
- [W!se Second Annual 5K Fun Run Winners Announced](https://wise-ny.org/blog/wse-second-annual-5k-fun-run-winners-announced/) - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - June 11, 2025 New York, NY - On June 5, 2025, Working in Support of Education (W!se) held its second annual 5K Fun Run at Pier 46 in Hudson River Park. The event brought together a vibrant community of runners, walkers, volunteers, and supporters, all united in advancing W!se’s mission to
- [Working in Support of Education to Host Second Annual 5K Fun Run](https://wise-ny.org/blog/working-in-support-of-education-to-host-second-annual-5k-fun-run/) - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - June 4, 2025 New York, NY — Working in Support of Education (W!se) is pleased to announce that its second annual 5K Fun Run, will take place on June 5 at Pier 46 in Hudson River Park, New York City. Following the enthusiastic response to last year’s inaugural event, this year’s
- [W!se Announces Winners of Annual Video Contest Promoting Financial Literacy](https://wise-ny.org/blog/wse-announces-winners-of-annual-video-contest-promoting-financial-literacy/) - For Immediate Release – May 16, 2025 New York, NY — Working in Support of Education (W!se) is excited to announce the winners of its 2025 Financial Literacy Video Contest, a creative initiative designed to promote financial literacy among high school students. Generously sponsored by Bread Financial®, the contest was expanded from New York City
- [2025 “100 Best W!se High Schools Teaching Personal Finance” Announced](https://wise-ny.org/blog/2025-100-best-wse-high-schools-teaching-personal-finance-announced/) - For Immediate Release New York – April 25, 2025 Working in Support of Education (W!se) announced the 2025 “100 Best W!se High Schools Teaching Personal Finance” during a ceremony generously funded by lead sponsor, Voya Financial®. This year’s top honor goes to Open High School in Richmond, Virginia. The other schools ranked in the top
- [2024 Financial Literacy Ambassador Award Winners Announced](https://wise-ny.org/blog/2024ambassadoraward/) - For Immediate Release Wednesday, August 28, 2024 New York, NY -- Working in Support of Education (W!se), a national educational nonprofit, renowned for its efforts to develop the financial literacy of young Americans, is proud to announce the winners of the 2024 Financial Literacy Ambassador Award. This unique award recognizes five high school students who
- [W!se 5K Fun Run Winners Announced](https://wise-ny.org/blog/5kfunrunwinners/) - New York, NY— Working in Support of Education (W!se) held its inaugural 5K Fun Run on May 16, 2024, at Pier 64 in Hudson River Park, New York City. The event drew an enthusiastic crowd of participants and spectators. Highlights: Top Male Winner: Christian Bermel, with an impressive time of 17:46. Top Female Winner: Stacey
- [W!se Announces Winners of NYC High School Financial Literacy Video Contest](https://wise-ny.org/blog/videocontestrelease/) - New York, NY - May 9, 2024 Working in Support of Education (W!se) is thrilled to announce the winners of its inaugural Social Media Video Contest aimed at promoting financial literacy among high school students in New York City, sponsored by Bread Financial™. After weeks of anticipation, the winners have been selected from a pool
- [2024 “100 Best W!se High Schools Teaching Personal Finance” Announced](https://wise-ny.org/blog/2024100bestwsehighschools/) - New York, NY – April 19, 2024 Working in Support of Education (W!se), a national nonprofit, announced the 2024 “100 Best W!se High Schools Teaching Personal Finance” during a ceremony sponsored by Voya Financial®. This year’s first-place school is Council High School in Honaker, Virginia. Richmond Community High School from Virginia, Sampson Early College High
- [Engineered Green Economics (EGE) Sustainability and the Next Generation Workforce Conference](https://wise-ny.org/blog/engineered-green-economics-ege-sustainability-and-the-next-generation-workforce-conference/) - Resources From: Clean Energy Strategy March 8, 2024 United Federation of Teachers, New York City Keynote: “Teaching for the Planet: Activating Classrooms in the Clean Energy Transition” Philip Odonkor, Assistant Professor, School of Systems and Enterprises, Stevens Institute of Technology Panel: Energy Ecosystem - Working Together Moderator: Brian Deutsch, EH&S Manager, Con Edison Melanie Ho,
- [Working in Support of Education Celebrates 25 Years](https://wise-ny.org/blog/working-in-support-of-education-celebrates-25-years/) - Working in Support of Education Celebrates 25 Years New York, NY – Working in Support of Education (W!se), a leading educational nonprofit, proudly announces its 25th anniversary. Since its inception, the organization has been steadfast in its commitment to improving economic mobility through programs that develop financial literacy and readiness for college and careers. Inspired
- [W!se Announces 2022-2023 Blue Star Schools](https://wise-ny.org/blog/wse-announces-2022-2023-blue-star-schools/) - NEW YORK, N.Y. – Working in Support of Education (W!se) is pleased to announce that 150 high schools in its national network have earned the distinction of being named a Blue Star School for their students’ outstanding performance on the 2022-2023 W!se Financial Literacy Certification Test. This national standardized Test is administered to students after
- [Supporting Domestic Violence Survivors Through Financial Education](https://wise-ny.org/blog/supporting-domestic-violence-survivors-through-financial-education/) - By: David Anderson, President and CEO, W!se October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. While physical abuse is the most obvious form of abuse, domestic violence is not just physical. It also involves emotional, social, psychological, and financial coercion. The last of these is especially prevalent. According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, 94-99% of
- [2023 Financial Literacy Ambassador Award Announced](https://wise-ny.org/blog/2023-financial-literacy-ambassador-awards-announced/) - New York, NY – August 29, 2023 Working in Support of Education (W!se), a national educational nonprofit, has announced the five winners of the 2023 Financial Literacy Ambassador Award. W!se created the Award with generous sponsorship from FLO mentors, a group of W!se volunteers who are passionate about helping young people improve their personal finance
- [Working in Support of Education Receives Grant from the T. Rowe Price Foundation ](https://wise-ny.org/blog/working-in-support-of-education-receives-grant-from-the-t-rowe-price-foundation/) - Working in Support of Education Receives Grant from the T. Rowe Price Foundation Media Contact: Samantha Spina | 212-421-2700 | sspina(at)wise-ny.org New York, NY – Working in Support of Education (W!se) is pleased to announce it has received a new generous grant from the T. Rowe Price Foundation to support our W!se Institute and Financial Literacy
- [Working in Support of Education Receives Grant  from the Calvin K. Kazanjian Economics Foundation](https://wise-ny.org/blog/working-in-support-of-education-receives-grant-from-the-calvin-k-kazanjian-economics-foundation/) - Media Contact: Samantha Spina | 212-421-2700 | sspina@wise-ny.org New York, NY – Working in Support of Education (W!se) is pleased to announce it has received a generous grant from the Calvin K. Kazanjian Economics Foundation to support the Quality of Life INNOVATIONS (QLI) Program. QLI invites high school students to become social entrepreneurs by using
- [“100 Best W!se High Schools Teaching Personal Finance Rankings Announced”](https://wise-ny.org/blog/100-best-wse-high-schools-teaching-personal-finance-rankings-announced/) - New York, NY – April 28, 2023 Working in Support of Education (W!se), a national nonprofit, announced the 2023 “100 Best W!se High Schools Teaching Personal Finance” during a ceremony sponsored by Voya Financial®. This year’s first-place school is Academies of West Memphis in West Memphis, Arkansas. Richmond Community High School from Virginia, High School
- [From Overwhelmed to Empowered: How Understanding Your Debt Can Change Your Life](https://wise-ny.org/blog/from-overwhelmed-to-empowered-how-understanding-your-debt-can-change-your-life/) - Debt is a fact of life for many people, and it can have a profound impact on their financial well-being. Understanding your debt and taking steps to manage it can be life-changing. In order to maintain proper financial health, it’s vital to keep track of all the debt that you’re currently holding onto so that
- [5th Annual EGE Sustainability and the Next Generation Workforce Conference](https://wise-ny.org/blog/5th-annual-ege-sustainability-and-the-next-generation-workforce-conference/) - 5th Annual EGE Sustainability and the Next Generation Workforce Conference March 7, 2023 Sponsored by Con Edison, Deutsche Bank, and UFT The W!se Institute's Engineered Green Economics (EGE "edge") conference works to advance sustainability education, address the concerns of young people today and help cultivate the next generation of workers. The 2023 Conference will focus
- [How to Improve Your Financial Literacy in 2022 (Guest Post by Stephen Rozo)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/how-to-improve-your-financial-literacy-in-2022-guest-post-by-stephen-rozo/) - In a world where more than half of Americans don’t have enough savings to cover a $1,000 emergency, it's more important than ever to improve your financial literacy. Financial literacy means having the proper knowledge about your money, credit, and debt management to make financially responsible decisions. Unfortunately, many people do not have a strong
- [Wells Fargo Foundation Supports W!se Financial Literacy and W!se Institute Programs](https://wise-ny.org/blog/wells-fargo-foundation-supports-wse-financial-literacy-and-wse-institute-programs/) - Media Contact: Samantha Spina | 212-421-2700 | sspina@wise-ny.org New York, NY – Working in Support of Education (W!se) is pleased to announce it has received a generous $75,000 grant from Wells Fargo Foundation to support the Financial Literacy Certification program and the W!se Institute in the 2022-23 school year. “Our longstanding partnership with Wells Fargo
- [T. Rowe Price Foundation Supports Working in Support of Education (W!se)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/t-rowe-price-foundation-supports-working-in-support-of-education-wse/) - Media Contact: Samantha Spina | 212-421-2700 | sspina@wise-ny.org New York, NY – Working in Support of Education (W!se) is pleased to announce it has received a generous grant from T. Rowe Price Foundation to support its educational programs. W!se’s mission is to improve economic mobility through financial literacy & college and career readiness. Among the
- [Best Value in Online Colleges (as reported by Mike Jelinek on www.thesimpledollar.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/best-value-in-online-colleges-as-reported-by-mike-jelinek-on-www-thesimpledollar-com/) - There is a lot of news surrounding the state of higher education in United States. Is it too expensive? Is financial aid working? Where can you get the best value? One thing that has remained true through it all has been that those with a college degree continue to out earn those with a high
- [“Diminishing Stigma of LGBTQ+ Student Mental Health” Places First at QLI Awards](https://wise-ny.org/blog/diminishing-stigma-of-lgbtq-student-mental-health-places-first-at-qli-awards/) - NEW YORK, N.Y.– On Tuesday, June 7, Working in Support of Education (W!se) held the 27th Annual Quality of Life INNOVATIONS (QLI) Awards Ceremony at PwC on Madison Ave, New York City. High school students from the five boroughs participated in developing innovative solutions to quality of life issues in their communities with eight teams
- [7 Tips to Prevent Financial Constraints on Paying Your Student Debt (Guest Post by Tim Setterfield)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/7-tips-to-prevent-financial-constraints-on-paying-your-student-debt-guest-post-by-tim-setterfield/) - In recent years, the cost of higher education has been rising at an alarming rate. As a result, more and more students are taking out loans to cover the costs of tuition and fees. While loans can be a valuable tool for financing your education, they can also create financial constraints if not appropriately managed.
- [How Much Does It Cost to File Bankruptcy? 5 Things to Know (Guest Post by Ben Tejes of Ascend Finance)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/how-much-does-it-cost-to-file-bankruptcy-5-things-to-know-guest-post-by-ben-tejes-of-ascend-finance/) - Have you recently experienced financial hardship? Are you trying to understand the cost of filing for bankruptcy? If so, you aren’t alone! Bankruptcy is a heavy decision, and knowing just how much it can cost is something you will want to consider before moving forward. We know how important it is to have all the
- [Five Smart Ways on How to Finance a Car (Guest Post by Tim Setterfield)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/five-smart-ways-on-how-to-finance-a-car-guest-post-by-tim-setterfield/) - Apart from a house, a car can be one of the most expensive things you'll buy. The ideal situation in purchasing a vehicle is paying for it upfront and driving away with it fully paid and without debt. However, this scenario might not be feasible for many people, with statistics showing that 69% percent of
- [TENTH ANNIVERSARY: 100 BEST W!SE HIGH SCHOOLS TEACHING PERSONAL FINANCE](https://wise-ny.org/blog/tenth-anniversary-100-best-wse-high-schools-teaching-personal-finance-2/) - New York, NY - April 26, 2022 Working in Support of Education (W!se), a national nonprofit, celebrated the 10th anniversary of its ranking, the “100 Best W!se High Schools Teaching Personal Finance” during a virtual ceremony sponsored by Voya Financial®. The first place distinction was given to Academies of West Memphis in West Memphis, Arkansas.
- [TENTH ANNIVERSARY: 100 BEST W!SE HIGH SCHOOLS TEACHING PERSONAL FINANCE](https://wise-ny.org/blog/tenth-anniversary-100-best-wse-high-schools-teaching-personal-finance/) - New York, NY - April 26, 2022 Working in Support of Education (W!se), a national nonprofit, celebrated the 10th anniversary of its ranking, the “100 Best W!se High Schools Teaching Personal Finance” during a virtual ceremony sponsored by Voya Financial®. The first place distinction was given to Academies of West Memphis in West Memphis, Arkansas.
- [Chapter 7 Means Test - 3 Helpful Things To Know (Guest Post by Ben Tejes of Ascend Finance)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/chapter-7-means-test-3-helpful-things-to-know-guest-post-by-ben-tejes-of-ascend-finance/) - You may have experienced a stressful event and are now considering bankruptcy. Unfortunately, you may have looked at the government website covering means testing and got even more confused. The Chapter 7 means test is confusing. You can see there are 6 Chapter 7 means test forms, and one of those forms is nine pages
- [W!se Launches Financial Literacy App!](https://wise-ny.org/blog/wse-launches-financial-literacy-app/) - Dear Friends, I am thrilled to announce the launch of the W!se Financially Literacy app to enhance our Financial Literacy Certification program! This newly developed resource is a cloud-based mobile app with an updated database of practice test questions that enables students from schools participating in the Certification program to take practice tests and quizzes
- [Why It’s Important to Understand the Cost of Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 Bankruptcy (Guest Post by Ben Tejes of Ascend Finance)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/why-its-important-to-understand-the-cost-of-chapter-7-and-chapter-13-bankruptcy-guest-post-by-ben-tejes-of-ascend-finance/) - Understanding Chapter 7 vs Chapter 13 bankruptcy can be confusing to individuals looking for debt relief. Another confusing topic is the cost of bankruptcy. The cost of filing bankruptcy is one of the most common reasons why people do not meet with a bankruptcy lawyer. Unfortunately, the concern about cost keeps many people from discovering
- [Debt-Free Living: 5 Things to Start Immediately for a Debt-Free Life (Guest Post by Aatish Khanna of Money Club)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/debt-free-living-5-things-to-start-immediately-for-a-debt-free-life-guest-post-by-aatish-khanna-of-money-club/) - Living debt-free life may seem practically impossible as most adults have debts in some form or the other – either a home loan, car loan or credit card balance. The good news is that living debt-free is possible, and many people have done it or are close to living debt-free. What do these people do
- [What Happens to Your Financial Accounts in Bankruptcy? (Guest Post by Lyle Solomon of Oak View Law Group)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/what-happens-to-your-financial-accounts-in-bankruptcy-guest-post-by-lyle-solomon-of-oak-view-law-group/) - Let’s admit, it is essential to understand bankruptcy basics as it could be one of your legal lifelines. It is true, especially if you have debt payments to receive or are drowning in loans or debts. Though filing a bankruptcy petition or seeking legal assistance is your right, legal proceedings may have more to them,
- [7 TIPS FOR MAINTAINING A HIGH CREDIT SCORE (Guest Post by Gabby Baglino of BrytSoftware.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/7-tips-for-maintaining-a-high-credit-score-guest-post-by-gabby-b-of-brytsoftware-com/) - Do you want to apply for a loan? One of the most important things you need to take care of is your credit score. A good credit score is crucial to a successful financial future. With a positive score, you can expect to get more job opportunities, receive the best rate credit cards, or qualify
- [My Journey in Paying Off 125K of Student Loans in 3 Years (Guest Post by Romario Nicholas)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/my-journey-in-paying-off-125k-of-student-loans-in-3-years-guest-post-by-romario-nicholas/) - Hi, I'm Romario Nicholas. I'm an immigrant from Jamaica. A first generation 2x college graduate (BS, MHRM). And now I am student loan debt free. In this article, I hope to serve as a source of strength and encouragement to those who are from similar backgrounds and who are going through their own student loan
- [The Differences Between Chapter 7 Bankruptcy And Chapter 13 Bankruptcy (Guest Post by Ben Tejes of Ascend Finance)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/the-differences-between-chapter-7-bankruptcy-and-chapter-13-bankruptcy-guest-post-by-ben-tejes-of-ascend-finance/) - The Differences Between Chapter 7 Bankruptcy And Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Many people seek the legal debt relief option of bankruptcy each year. Anyone may need to file bankruptcy including Dave Ramsey, the personal finance guru. One question I get all the time is, “Which is better, Chapter 7 or Chapter 13?”. While I would
- [Financial Literacy Ambassador Awards Announced](https://wise-ny.org/blog/financial-literacy-ambassador-awards-announced/) - Financial Literacy Ambassador Awards Announced New York, NY – August 25, 2021 Working in Support of Education (W!se), a national educational nonprofit, announced the five 2021 Financial Literacy Ambassadors today during a virtual ceremony. High school students who passed the Wise Financial Literacy Certification Test with a score of 95% or better and interested in
- [Income Sharing Agreements: A Different Way to Pay for College (as reported by Robert Farrington on forbes.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/income-sharing-agreements-a-different-way-to-pay-for-college-as-reported-by-robert-farrington-on-forbes-com/) - With college tuition and costs rising, students need a solution to pay – now more than ever. Luckily, a new kind of payment method is growing in popularity. It’s called an “income sharing agreement,” or ISA. Unlike traditional payment plans, an ISA doesn’t require students to take out loans. Instead, the program covers the student’s
- [Bankruptcy debt discharge - Which debts are out of the line (Guest Post by Lyle Solomon of Oak View Law Group)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/bankruptcy-debt-discharge-which-debts-are-out-of-the-line-guest-post-by-lyle-solomon-of-oak-view-law-group/) - Filing for bankruptcy may help you get out of debt and give you a second chance to reset your finances. When discussing consumer bankruptcies, Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy can help you discharge multiple types of debt. But, practically, you can’t shed all debts from your shoulders. Once you’ve discharged your debts, the creditor
- [Lessons from a Year of Lockdown: What to Keep In 2021 (Guest Post by Jessica Larson of SolopreneurJournal.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/lessons-from-a-year-of-lockdown-what-to-keep-in-2021-guest-post-by-jessica-larson-of-solopreneurjournal-com/) - With more vaccinations being given and more states opening up, it might be tempting to act as though the pandemic never happened by reverting to the “old normal.” But that would mean ignoring the many lessons we’ve learned — lessons that can apply to a post-pandemic world as easily as they have during the COVID
- [As American Reopens, Will Overspending Be A Problem? (As Reported By Paulette Perhach of Vox.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/as-american-reopens-will-overspending-be-a-problem-as-reported-by-paulette-perhach-of-vox-com/) - As vaccination numbers rise and new COVID 19 case rates drop, Americans slowly return to "post-pandemic" life. While we might not be over the hump, a finish line appears to roughly be in sight. And with renewed faith in public living, we also see a resurgence in the economy as a whole. It makes sense.
- [Four Ways Technology Is Changing How We Buy Homes (Guest Post By Nate Welling of CableCompare.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/four-ways-technology-is-changing-how-we-buy-homes-guest-post-by-nate-welling-of-cablecompare-com/) - Searching for a new home can be a daunting endeavor- especially for first-time homebuyers. Each step of the way can at times seem complex, confusing, and endless. Luckily, the advent of new technologies is altering the home search process from beginning to end. While the final result of a home search journey is grounded in
- [9th Annual 100 Best W!se High Schools Teaching Personal Finance Rankings Announced](https://wise-ny.org/blog/9th-annual-100-best-wse-high-schools-teaching-personal-finance-rankings-announced/) - New York, NY - April 22, 2021 Working in Support of Education (W!se), a national educational nonprofit, announced the 2021 ranking of its“100 Best W!se High Schools Teaching Personal Finance” today during a virtual ceremony sponsored by Voya Financial®. The High School for Math, Science, and Engineering in New York City earned first place. Hurley
- [5 Tips to Help You Set Up Your Small Business Budget- And Stick With It (Guest Post by Gabriel M of BroadbandSearch.net)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/5-tips-to-help-you-set-up-your-small-business-budget-and-stick-with-it-guest-post-by-gabriel-m-of-broadbandsearch-net/) - For first time small business owners, setting up the ongoing business budget should be the spine of your strategic business plan. But starting from scratch without recourse to funding can seem daunting, if not impossible. So how should you go about determining how much you can-and should spend? And where should you focus the bulk
- [6 Tips for Running a Business While Pursuing a Degree (Guest Post by SMBCompass.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/6-tips-for-running-a-business-while-pursuing-a-degree-guest-post-by-smbcompass-com/) - Operating a business and ensuring that its profitability metrics are improving each quarter is already a big undertaking. If you’re also juggling academics at the same time, it brings the challenge to a whole new level. But challenging certainly does not mean impossible, and many notable founders who have built successful businesses did so
- [Preventing Bad Spending Habits After Graduation (Featuring Romario Nicholas)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/preventing-bad-spending-habits-after-graduation-featuring-romario-nicholas/) - It can be easy to fall into the pitfalls of bad spending habits. This point holds especially true in the case of college graduation. For most of us, this time is filled with tons of excitement and wonder. "Now that I've got my degree, the money will just start pouring in." While there's a chance
- [Ten Expenses Wealthy People Avoid (As Reported by All Time Lists)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/ten-expenses-wealthy-people-avoid-as-reported-by-all-time-lists/) - If you're looking to build wealth, the answer may not always be simple. However, it never hurts to develop a budget. Part of this budgeting plan might be cutting out expensive or frivolous purchases. Perhaps you should ask yourself the following question. "Is this a want or a need?" Examples of things that likely don't
- [How Financial Independence Interacts With Creativity (Guest Post by George Newton)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/how-financial-independence-interacts-with-creativity-guest-post-by-george-newton/) - Few people have the freedom to choose how they spend every minute of their days. We all have commitments and obligations, often relating to household chores or the need to earn a living. Free time is a very limited commodity, and it’s interesting to explore how different people deal with their free time – and
- [How One Student Tackled $51,000 in Student Loan Debt in Less Than 2 Years (Featuring Romario Nicholas)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/tips-for-accelerated-student-loan-repayment-featuring-romario-nicholas/) - Student loans. For about 70% of college-bound individuals, these are dirty words. But for most, they are also a necessity. The prospect of signing up for [potentially] decades worth of debt might not sound too appealing. However, the reality is that student loans are still perhaps the most realistic option for the majority of Americans
- [Drowning in debt? A few financial habits you need to change (Article Contributed by Andy Masaki of PennyLessDad.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/drowning-in-debt-a-few-financial-habits-you-need-to-change-article-contributed-by-andy-masaki-of-pennylessdad-com/) - Most of the people in our country have debt. Debt makes it impossible to save money and invest for the future. Credit is important nowadays, but with the accumulation of debts, it’s hard to get the credit. Anybody can find themselves being trapped in debt. This gives you stress and sleepless nights. If you’re in
- [Sustainability Education – An Investment in the Future](https://wise-ny.org/blog/sustainability-education-an-investment-in-the-future/) - A core focus of Working in Support of Education (W!se), a non-profit organization, is to help high schools prepare students for college and the workplace. Given environmental, economic and social challenges facing many countries, readiness for the future means having a foundational knowledge of sustainability. During these difficult times, we search for clues about what
- [Survey: Are You Refinancing Your Mortgage? (As Reported By Zach Wichter on Bankrate.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/survey-are-you-refinancing-your-mortgage-as-reported-by-zach-wichter-on-bankrate-com/) - Quick question for all the homeowners out there. When's the last time you took a good look at your mortgage rate? Let's take it a step further. How recently was that? According to a survey conducting by Bankrate and YouGov, it seems that a good majority of folks just don't want to refinance these days.
- [An Alternative Asset Allocation: Could Sports Cards Be A Good Investment? (As Reported By Bryan Bottarelli on Benzinga.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/an-alternative-asset-allocation-could-sports-cards-be-a-good-investment-as-reported-by-bottarelli-on-benzinga-com/) - We're sure you're tired of hearing about COVID-19 and the financial uncertainty that has resulted from this pandemic. Now more than ever, it's important for us to take a look at our various investment portfolios. Could we be diversifying our options even further? One possible asset allocation may surprise you - sports cards. Alright, we
- [NYCTutoring.com Gives Back - Offers Pro Bono Translation to NYC Nonprofits During Pandemic](https://wise-ny.org/blog/nyctutoring-com-gives-back-offers-pro-bono-translation-to-nyc-nonprofits-during-pandemic/) - NYCTutoring.com provides personalized tutoring in a range of subjects to help students in New York City and the surrounding area reach their academic potential. During the pandemic, the company decided to give back to the community by offering pro bono translation services to NYC nonprofits. Its team of language tutors have provided translation in Arabic,
- [2020's Premier Podcasts for Personal Finance (As Reported by Liz Knueven on BusinessInsider.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/2020s-premier-podcasts-for-personal-finance-as-reported-by-liz-knueven-on-businessinsider-com/) - Doesn't it seem like we're all becoming increasingly reliant on the internet as a source of both information and entertainment? Perhaps nothing embodies this shift more than the exploding popularity of podcasts. Therefore, it was only a matter of time before certain subject areas were covered. A simple search across the web will yield podcast
- [Expert Recommended Personal Finance Literature (As Reported by David McMillin on MSN.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/expert-recommended-personal-finance-literature/) - There are so many things to stress out about these days. We're in the midst of a global pandemic. The nation is politically divided. Personal finance management has become a primary concern as well. Unfortunately, there's no simple fix available for any of these issues. However, there are ways to manage them, to a degree.
- [Student Loan Consolidation and Student Loan Forgiveness: Know The Facts (As Reported By Eric Lafleche on Empathize.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/student-loan-consolidation-and-student-loan-forgiveness-know-the-facts-as-reported-by-eric-lafleche-on-empathize-com/) - If you're a current college student, or a recent graduate, you're likely all too familiar with the associated costs. It's no secret that attending an institution of higher learning, or even just trying to further one's education, presents certain financial barriers. With the current COVID-19 pandemic upon us, the effects of these costs are further
- [“Celebrating More Than Two Decades of Civic Engagement and Social Justice”](https://wise-ny.org/blog/celebrating-more-than-two-decades-of-civic-engagement-and-social-justice/) - NEW YORK, N.Y. – On Monday, June 8, Working in Support of Education (W!se) celebrated the 25th Anniversary of Quality of Life INNOVATIONS (QLI). Despite widespread school closures and a nation in lockdown, more than 125 guests marked the occasion by attending a virtual ceremony, which culminated with the announcement of the 2020 prize winners.
- [How To Deal With Debt During The COVID-19 Pandemic (Article Contributed by Andy Masaki of WealthTender.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/how-to-deal-with-debt-during-the-covid-19-pandemic-article-contributed-by-andy-masaki-of-wealthtender-com/) - The coronavirus has impacted our lives to a huge extent! To brace ourselves from this deadly virus, the lock-down was imposed. Almost everything stopped to spread the pandemic! Eventually, many people lost their jobs. And the number of applicants for claiming unemployment benefits has been rising! But amidst this pandemic, one thing has remained constant!
- [Two Types of Wallets? How You Store Cryptocurrency Matters (As Reported By Pedro Febrero of Toshi Times)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/two-types-of-wallets-how-you-store-cryptocurrency-matters-as-reported-by-pedro-febrero-of-toshi-times/) - Are you "curious about crypto"? If you're familiar with the world of finance, you may have heard about cryptocurrencies. They offer a completely digital and decentralized alternative to traditional fiat currency (i.e. the U.S. dollar). An added bonus is that, by nature, they are deflationary, meaning there's a finite supply available. Once the blockchain for
- [Temporary Reprieve Offered For These Bills During COVID-19 Pandemic (As Reported by Susannah Snider of U.S. News & World Report)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/temporary-reprieve-offered-for-these-bills-during-covid-19-pandemic-as-reported-by-susannah-snider-of-u-s-news-world-report/) - If you're like many, you're probably feeling the economic effects the COVID-19 pandemic. And that's perfectly understandable. The important thing to remember is that you're not in this alone. Yes, there are still expenses you'll need to manage. Yes, managing one's budget is as now as important as it's ever been. But that doesn't mean
- [Credit Card at 18? Experts Say It's A Good Idea (As Reported by Megan DeMatteo of CNBC)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/credit-card-at-18-experts-say-its-a-good-idea-as-reported-by-megan-dematteo-of-cnbc/) - Good habits tend to start early. So it should come as no surprise that building one's credit is no exception. The benefits of establishing good credit have become somewhat common knowledge. The higher your score, the more likely you are to receive lower interest rates on loans. This is key when people are looking to
- [A Quick Guide to Credit Checks (As Reported by Oscar Gonzalez of CNET)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/a-quick-guide-to-credit-checks-as-reported-by-oscar-gonzalez-of-cnet/) - Whether you're new or acclimated to the world of personal finance, you've probably heard the term "credit score". To put it in simple terms, it's a rating for a person's reliability to pay back loans. The higher the number, the better. And several factors can influence this number. If you're on time with payments, great!
- [How A Global Pandemic Can Produce A Clean Financial Slate (as reported by Maryalene LaPonsie of U.S. News & World Report)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/how-a-global-pandemic-can-produce-a-clean-financial-slate-as-reported-by-maryalene-laponsie-of-u-s-news-world-report/) - Look, no one is going to argue that the overall effects of COVID-19 are positive. It has becoming increasingly clear that as a society, we've been overwhelmingly under-prepared. However, amidst the public panic and increasing political divide, one thing is certain. We have an opportunity to re-evaluate our financial situations, and adjust accordingly. Given the
- [Be Mindful Of Tipping During COVID-19 Pandemic (As Reported by Susannah Snider of U.S. News & World Report)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/be-mindful-of-tipping-during-covid-19-pandemic-as-reported-by-susannah-snider-of-u-s-news-world-report/) - Perhaps no industry has been hit harder by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic than restaurants. Many have closed outright, leaving hundreds of thousands (if not millions) of people out of work. For those fortunate enough to stay open, most have turned to exclusively offering curbside pickup or even delivery. The sales generated from these transactions help
- [What Parents Can Use To Teach Their Kids Personal Finance During The Quarantine (As reported by Tim Ranzetta of MarketWatch)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/what-parents-can-use-to-teach-their-kids-personal-finance-during-the-quarantine-as-reported-by-tim-ranzetta-of-marketwatch/) - We are currently in unprecedented times. In the midst of a global pandemic, the United States has been hit very hard by the spread of COVID-19. Business are closed, as are schools. The effects of this virus are far-reaching; not only with public health in jeopardy, but our collective financial well-being too. Many parents face
- [12 Tips for Unemployed to Manage Their Finances (Guest Post by Leon Collier)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/12-tips-for-unemployed-to-manage-their-finances-guest-post-by-leon-collier/) - Business in the age of COVID-19 is by no means easy. The global epidemic disturbed entire labor markets and left millions of employees without ideas of how to survive the unexpected problem. Reports show that more than 20 million Americans already lost their jobs, but the situation is about to get worse very soon. If
- [8th Annual 100 Best W!se High Schools Teaching Personal Finance Rankings Announced](https://wise-ny.org/blog/8th-annual-100-best-wse-high-schools-teaching-personal-finance-rankings-announced/) - New York, NY - April 27, 2020 Working in Support of Education (W!se), a national educational nonprofit, announced the 2020 ranking of the “100 Best W!se High Schools Teaching Personal Finance” today during a virtual ceremony sponsored by Voya Financial®. Hurley High School in Virginia earned first place. The High School for Math, Science &
- [How to React to Your Finances in COVID 19 (Guest Post by Shiv Nanda of MoneyTap)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/how-to-react-to-your-finances-in-covid-19-guest-post-by-shiv-nanda-of-moneytap/) - Owing to the global lock-down, the stock markets have plummeted, workers have been forced to stay home from work, schools have shut, and many small businesses face financial problems due to the uncertainty the pandemic has brought about. In such times, it is only natural to have significant financial concerns. There are some smart financial
- [Increase your financial confidence with the right money actions! (Guest Post by Andy Masaki)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/increase-your-financial-confidence-with-the-right-money-actions-guest-post-by-andy-masaki/) - Only earning money, can never make you stable financially. We are talking of the financial confidence, and the sense of financial security that you have to build, so as to gain enough control of your finances, and see it grow for the real good. In this post, we are spreading out a few money actions,
- [Private Loans Are Another Option For College Students (Guest Post by LendEDU)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/private-loans-are-another-option-for-college-students-guest-post-by-lendedu/) - Have you exhausted all of your scholarship, grant, and federal student loan options, but still need help paying for college? A private student loan may be right for you. You can compare interest rates, repayment terms, and eligibility requirements of the best private student loan companies below. Having a good credit score or a creditworthy
- [Are We Looking at the End of Cable TV? (Guest Post from Dave Parsons of Cablecompare)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/are-we-looking-at-the-end-of-cable-tv-guest-post-from-dave-parsons-of-cablecompare/) - Long gone are the days of most movie rental storefronts, like the well-known Blockbuster company. Replaced largely by lower priced, self service machines such as Redbox, there has been an evolution in how people rent movies. The same seems to be so for cable TV providers. With so many consumers "cord cutting", it seems that
- [Factors To Consider When Refinancing Your Student Loans (Guest Post from LendEDU)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/factors-to-consider-when-refinancing-your-student-loans-guest-post-from-lendedu/) - If you are eligible for a lower interest rate than what you are currently paying on your student loans, refinancing usually makes sense as long as you aren't dependent on federal benefits such as income-driven repayment plans and student loan forgiveness. LendEDU provides free resources, including a calculator, to help students and young professionals determine
- [Paying Yourself First as a Small Business Owner (Guest Post by Careful Cents)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/paying-yourself-first-as-a-small-business-owner-guest-post-by-careful-cents/) - As technology grows and evolves, the workplace seems to be following suit. While there are still many traditional jobs to be had, the popularity of small businesses, freelancers, digital nomads, and other non-traditional professions is truly on the rise. As with any new job venture, though, there are often questions associated with the process and
- [Surveying America's Millennial Homeowners (Guest Post by LendEDU)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/surveying-americas-millennial-homeowners-guest-post-by-lendedu/) - Part one of LendEDU's two-part millennial & mortgages study examined trends amongst current millennial homeowners, and found that this generation often pays for PMI, in addition to leaving little wiggle room to meet monthly mortgage payments. See the full survey results and observations here: Millennials & Mortgages.
- [W!se Celebrates 20 Years of Impact](https://wise-ny.org/blog/wise-celebrates-20-years-of-impact/) - June 20, 2019 Working in Support of Education Celebrates 20 Years of Impact The leading educational nonprofit will celebrate with a gala at the historic New York Stock Exchange Honorees will include top executives from the NYSE, PwC US, BNY Mellon|Pershing and McGraw-Hill Education Media Contact: Mary Jo Rohrer; mjrohrer@wise-ny.org | 212-421-2700 June 20, 2019,
- [Working in Support of Education (W!se) Partners with Deutsche Bank for Hackathon](https://wise-ny.org/blog/working-in-support-of-education-wse-partners-with-deutsche-bank-for-hackathon/) - Media Contact: Mary Jo Rohrer | 212-421-2700 | mjrohrer@wise-ny.org Working in Support of Education (W!se) Partners with Deutsche Bank for Hackathon New York, NY, Working in Support of Education (W!se) is pleased to partner with Deutsche Bank on the development of a mobile app primarily for students in W!se’s Financial Literacy Certification program. More than
- [Ally Financial Supports W!se Financial Literacy Program](https://wise-ny.org/blog/ally-financial-supports-wse-financial-literacy-program/) - Media Contact: Mary Jo Rohrer | 212-421-2700 | mjrohrer@wise-ny.org Ally Financial Supports W!se Financial Literacy Program New York, NY, - Working in Support of Education (W!se) is pleased to announce it has received a generous grant from Ally Financial for its Financial Literacy Certification Program in North Carolina. The Financial Literacy Certification program is central
- [Capital One Supports W!se Institute & Financial Literacy Program](https://wise-ny.org/blog/capital-one-supports-wse-institute-financial-literacy-program/) - Media Contact: Mary Jo Rohrer | 212-421-2700 | mjrohrer@wise-ny.org Capital One Supports W!se Institute & Financial Literacy Program New York, NY, - Working in Support of Education (W!se) is pleased to announce it has received a generous grant from Capital One bank to support diverse, economically disadvantaged students at the W!se Institute and through the
- [Rent vs Buy Prices in Every State (as reported by Digg.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/rent-vs-buy-prices-in-every-state-as-reported-by-digg-com/) - According to experts, we should not spend more than 30% of our income on housing. However, for many people these days, that is an unrealistic expectation. Housing prices have been rising far faster than wages. And many people have been priced out of the neighborhoods that they have long called home. And it’s not just
- [Financial Security Scorecard (as reported by Mia Taylor on www.thesimpledollar.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/financial-security-scorecard-as-reported-by-mia-taylor-on-www-thesimpledollar-com/) - The financial services provider, Primerica, created what they call a Financial Security Scorecard. The scorecard consists of five behaviors or actions that people can, and should, take in order to better secure their financial futures. The idea behind it is if people do all five things, they are more likely to grow their wealth over
- [Add Your Tax Refund to Your Emergency Savings (as reported by Holly Johnson on www.thesimpledollar.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/add-your-tax-refund-to-your-emergency-savings-as-reported-by-holly-johnson-on-www-thesimpledollar-com/) - You might hear financial advisors talking about emergency savings, sometimes referred to as a “rainy day fund”. This is money that you have safely tucked away in a bank that can be used as soon as you need it, for surprise expenses – health emergency, car repairs, etc. Unfortunately, for too many people in the
- [How to Improve Financial Literacy Programs (as reported by J. D. Roth on www.getrichslowly.org)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/how-to-improve-financial-literacy-programs-as-reported-by-j-d-roth-on-www-getrichslowly-org/) - A lot of smart people have poured countless hours and resources into financial literacy programs over the years. Whether those programs target adults or children, the goal is to increase the financial literacy, and improve the financial habits, of those they teach. However, a 2014 paper found that interventions to improve financial literacy have almost
- [The Moody’s Foundation Supports W!se Programs at High School of Economics & Finance](https://wise-ny.org/blog/moodys-foundation-supports-wse-programs-high-school-economics-finance/) - NEW YORK, N.Y. – Working in Support of Education (W!se) is excited to announce that The Moody’s Foundation has provided a generous grant to support W!se programs at the Title I High School of Economics & Finance (HSEF) in lower Manhattan. The grant will support the W!se Institute, the Moody’s Summer Experience and the Moody’s Research Center
- [What Qualifies as Middle Income? (as reported by Nathan Yau on flowingdata.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/what-qualifies-as-middle-income-as-reported-by-nathan-yau-on-flowingdata-com/) - Terms like middle class, working class, and upper class – or rich and poor – or middle income, get thrown around all the time in news, online and in interpersonal communication. But often times, those terms have no shared meaning, which makes it hard to know what we are talking about. But if you are
- [Closing a Credit Card, Explained (as reported by J.D. Roth on www.getrichslowly.org)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/closing-a-credit-card-explained-as-reported-by-j-d-roth-on-www-getrichslowly-org/) - How many credit cards do you have? How many do you use? Most people, at various times throughout their lives, have more credit cards than they need. Most personal finance experts will advise you not to open too many cards, because there is a temptation to use them all and wind up deep in debt.
- [30% of Workers Taking 401k Withdrawals Early (as reported by Lila MacLellan on qz.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/30-of-workers-taking-401k-withdrawals-early-as-reported-by-lila-maclellan-on-qz-com/) - 30% of workers in the US have withdrawn money from their 401k plan before retirement. That is the finding from a recent survey conducted by MetLife in an effort to learn more about employee benefits. That number should shock us all, considering the steep penalties that exist to keep people from taking money out of
- [High Costs of Pet Ownership (as reported by Lyle Daly on www.usatoday.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/high-costs-of-pet-ownership-as-reported-by-lyle-daly-on-www-usatoday-com/) - If you already own a pet, you may be very aware of how much it can cost. If you are still thinking about getting one, now is a good time to learn the truth about all of the expenses pet ownership entails. According to data from PetFinder, cats can cost as much as $2,000 per
- [Why is it Still So Hard to File Your Taxes? (as reported by Mathew Olson on digg.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/why-is-it-still-so-hard-to-file-your-taxes-as-reported-by-mathew-olson-on-digg-com/) - Taxes are complicated. You would think that if the government wanted to make sure everyone paid their taxes, they would make it easier to file. You would also think that the internet would make it easy to file online with but a few clicks. There is a whole industry – from Turbo Tax to HR
- [The Cost of Free Investing (as reported by Arielle O’Shea on www.forbes.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/the-cost-of-free-investing-as-reported-by-arielle-oshea-on-www-forbes-com/) - The old saying goes: “There’s no such thing as a free lunch.” But in the day of the internet, is that still true? It seems like things that used to cost money are getting cheaper all the time, with some of them now featuring $0 price tags. Investing is one such industry that has been
- [How Much House Can You Afford? (as reported by Jonathan Ping on www.mymoneyblog.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/how-much-house-can-you-afford-as-reported-by-jonathan-ping-on-www-mymoneyblog-com/) - Too many people spend more than they can afford on a home, and it comes back to bite them in the long run because they can’t afford to make the payments and end up underwater. Part of the reason for this is that we often answer the question, “how much house can I afford?” with
- [Married Women Still Defer to Husbands for Financial Planning (as reported by Cassie Werber on qz.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/married-women-still-defer-to-husbands-for-financial-planning-as-reported-by-cassie-werber-on-qz-com/) - One might think that in today’s world, with more parity between the sexes, that more women would be taking the lead when it comes to investing. But that is not what the results of a recent survey by UBS tells us. The survey found that married women were much less likely to have responsibility for
- [Tax Identity Theft (as reported by Aly J. Yale on www.thesimpledollar.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/tax-identity-theft-as-reported-by-aly-j-yale-on-www-thesimpledollar-com/) - Identity theft is a major problem during tax season. Tax identity theft traditionally occurs in one of two ways. The first situation arises when someone files a fake tax return using your social security number in an attempt to steal your refund. The second situation arises when someone has used your social security number to
- [Save Your Tax Forms (as reported by Janna Herron on www.usatoday.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/save-your-tax-forms-as-reported-by-janna-herron-on-www-usatoday-com/) - Too many people make the mistake of trashing their tax paperwork right after they file their taxes. They take the time to organize everything in order to complete their taxes online or with a personal accountant, so that they can file on time and, hopefully, get a refund. But then as soon as they’re done,
- [What To Do With Your Tax Refund (as reported by Jessica Dickler on www.cnbc.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/what-to-do-with-your-tax-refund-as-reported-by-jessica-dickler-on-www-cnbc-com/) - In 2018, the IRS issued some 100,000,000 tax refunds. The average check was for just under $3,000. For many people, a tax refund is an important part of their year, financially. People count on it and often use it to treat themselves in a way they otherwise would not. But there are good ways and
- [Tax Deductions You May Qualify For (as reported by Mia Taylor on www.thesimpledollar.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/tax-deductions-you-may-qualify-for-as-reported-by-mia-taylor-on-www-thesimpledollar-com/) - Taking deductions on your taxes has always been a complicated endeavor. But the recent tax law passed by Congress in 2017 tried to make the process far simpler for most people. To do this, they raised the “standard deduction” to $12,000 for single filers and $24,000 for married couples filing together. This means that there
- [Measure Targets Financial Literacy (as reported by Amelia Harper on www.rockymounttelegram.com](https://wise-ny.org/blog/measure-targets-financial-literacy-as-reported-by-amelia-harper-on-www-rockymounttelegram-com/) - Measure targets financial literacy BY AMELIA HARPER Staff Writer Monday, March 4, 2019 If a new bill co-sponsored by state Sen. Rick Horner, R-Nash, makes it through the General Assembly, high school students may soon be required to pass a financial literacy course to graduate. Senate Bill 134, the Economics & Financial Literacy Act, was filed
- [No Such Thing as a Safe Job (as reported by Trent Hamm on www.thesimpledollar.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/no-such-thing-as-a-safe-job-as-reported-by-trent-hamm-on-www-thesimpledollar-com/) - The recent government shutdown disrupted people’s lives and work all over this country. And it brought with it a useful set of lessons in the world of personal finance. Let’s review them- First, there is no such thing as a “safe” job. While we all seek stability through work, we must admit that events and
- [New IRS Validation Rules (as reported by www.cpapractiveadvisor.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/new-irs-validation-rules-as-reported-by-www-cpapractiveadvisor-com/) - This time of the year, the IRS fields countless calls from taxpayers and CPAs who have questions about tax filing. But all too often, they are flooded with another kind of call as well. These calls come from scammers whose sole aim is to defraud the IRS and potentially steal some valuable identifying information in
- [Winter 2019 Newsletter](https://wise-ny.org/blog/winter-2019-newsletter/) - Winter 2019 Newsletter
- [Should You Do Your Own Taxes? (as reported by David Ning on www.moneyning.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/should-you-do-your-own-taxes-as-reported-by-david-ning-on-www-moneyning-com/) - Should you hire someone to do your taxes or should you do them yourself? That is a question many people confront each year around this time. And it helps to have a few experienced professionals weigh in on the answer. This recent article from MoneyNing deals directly with the question at hand, and provides some
- [CFPB Aims to Rollback Regulation on Payday Lenders (as reported by Stacy Cowley on www.seattletimes.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/cfpb-aims-to-rollback-regulation-on-payday-lenders-as-reported-by-stacy-cowley-on-www-seattletimes-com/) - Payday lenders, which had been scaled back by regulations implemented during the Obama administration, are back in business. This is thanks to a new ruling by the same agency that had originally applied those regulations, which is now rolling some or all of them back. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has quite controversially reversed course
- [Voya Financial Supports W!se Financial Literacy Program](https://wise-ny.org/blog/voya-financial-supports-wise-financial-literacy-program/) - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE February 11, 2019 Media Contact: Mary Jo Rohrer | 212-421-2700 | mjrohrer@wise-ny.org Voya Financial® Supports W!se Financial Literacy Program New York, NY, - Working in Support of Education (W!se) is pleased to announce it has received a generous grant from Voya Financial® to continue to support the Financial Literacy Certification Program in
- [Investing Advice for Normal Folks (as reported by Hamilton Nolan on splinternews.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/investing-advice-for-normal-folks-as-reported-by-hamilton-nolan-on-splinternews-com/) - Don’t let the title of the article throw you, “The Stupid Idiot’s Guide to Investing Your Little Bit of Money” is filled with useful advice. And it starts with a premise that most of us can understand – that almost all personal financial advice assumes you have money to invest and you’re just waiting for
- [Tax Brackets, Explained (as reported by Trent Hamm on www.thesimpledollar.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/tax-brackets-explained-as-reported-by-trent-hamm-on-www-thesimpledollar-com/) - There has been a lot in the news recently about tax brackets – both because it is tax season and because tax policy is back in the news. Confusingly, many of those pieces featured on cable news programs are either factually incorrect or misleading. Which is why this new article from The Simple Dollar is
- [Student Loans May Be Forgiven in Bankruptcy (as reported by Robert Farrington on www.forbes.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/student-loans-may-be-forgiven-in-bankruptcy-as-reported-by-robert-farrington-on-www-forbes-com/) - A common myth has it that student loans are not forgivable under any circumstance, including bankruptcy. But the truth is, though rare, some student loans are forgiven through the bankruptcy process. Prior to 1976, a person could discharge her student loans in bankruptcy without any problem. But as the total amount of student loan debt
- [Save on Car Insurance (as reported on article.everquote.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/save-on-car-insurance-as-reported-on-article-everquote-com/) - Car insurance is a necessary evil for drivers of all stripes. You can’t drive legally in the US without it. But for those of you out there who have ever been involved in an auto accident, you know the value of insurance. EverQuote is a tool that allows drivers to shop for car insurance and
- [How to Raise Financially Independent Daughters](https://wise-ny.org/blog/how-to-raise-financially-independent-daughters/) - Check out this article which prepares parents and guardians for how to ensure that their daughters are raised with the same amount of financial knowledge as their sons. Some starter tips are listed below: -Model money equality at home. -Teach money-management behaviors early. -Narrate your actions and thought processes involving money. -Be honest about your
- [What You Need to Know About Taxes (as reported by Susannah Snider on money.usnews.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/what-you-need-to-know-about-taxes-as-reported-by-susannah-snider-on-money-usnews-com/) - Do you know when your taxes are due? Or what happens if you have to miss that deadline? Before filing taxes, it is critical that everyone know as much as they can about the basic terms, concepts and best practices that can help you earn a larger refund, or reduce the amount you owe. This
- [Simple Ways to Improve Your Personal Financial Standing Today (as reported by Trent Hamm on www.thesimpledollar.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/simple-ways-to-improve-your-personal-financial-standing-today-as-reported-by-trent-hamm-on-www-thesimpledollar-com/) - If you don’t have a 401k plan at work, start one today. That is just one of many things you can do to immediately make a positive impact on your financial prospects. Most companies with a certain number of employees will offer this kind of a retirement plan – many even offer some sort of
- [NJ middle schools now required to offer financial literacy courses](https://wise-ny.org/blog/nj-middle-schools-now-required-to-offer-financial-literacy-courses/) - W!se is thrilled to share the news that all New Jersey middle schools are now required to offer financial literacy courses. The new law will go into effect in September to start the new school year on a strong note! https://apnews.com/0643abb8f79c45a392ec40343a4665e0
- [Maximize Savings, Grow Your Wealth (as reported by Zach on www.getrichslowly.org)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/maximize-savings-grow-your-wealth-as-reported-by-zach-on-www-getrichslowly-org/) - The truth is, if you want to become wealthy, you need a lot of things to go right. Often, there are things that can happen outside of your control that will determine how much you earn, what you are able to save, etc. So the key to building wealth is to focus on what you
- [Lower Your Cable Bill (as reported by Chris Brantner on money.usnews.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/lower-your-cable-bill-as-reported-by-chris-brantner-on-money-usnews-com/) - It’s natural and healthy to always be on the lookout for ways to save money in your life. Lowering expenses is the only way to increase your savings if earning more isn’t possible. One common expenditure that people are eager to cut back on is cable. That monthly bill that seems to increase every year
- [6 Important Reasons Why You Must Focus on Gaining Financial Literacy (Guest Post by Rick Pendykoski of Self Directed Retirement Plans)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/6-important-reasons-why-you-must-focus-on-gaining-financial-literacy-guest-post-by-rick-pendykoski-of-self-directed-retirement-plans/) - Financial literacy is the knowledge of understanding how money works. It also helps you understand different aspects of finances like investment, management and expenditure. Apart from enabling you to make financially responsible decisions, it also helps you increase wealth. Putting money in the right places like the stock market and Roth 401k can help you
- [Predatory Loans (as reported by Kim Porter on loans.usnews.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/predatory-loans-as-reported-by-kim-porter-on-loans-usnews-com/) - You may have heard the term “predatory loan” before. But do you know what it means? A predatory loan is any loan where the terms are more beneficial to the lender than the borrower. For example, they may have very high interest rates or unreasonable expectations regarding the payback schedule. And even though there are
- [Millennials Did Not Destroy the Economy (as reported by Derek Thompson on www.theatlantic.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/millennials-did-not-destroy-the-economy-as-reported-by-derek-thompson-on-www-theatlantic-com/) - It is not uncommon these days to read headlines and listen to stories about “millennials” – which by varying definitions covers people roughly 20-35. These young adults are often blamed for changing habits – personally, professionally, and financially. The end of marriage, the end of homeownership, the end of investing, and more are all placed
- [Financial Literacy Around the World (reported by howmuch.net)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/financial-literacy-around-the-world-reported-by-howmuch-net/) - Visualizing Financial Literacy Rates Around the World What is financial literacy? The S&P’s Global Financial Literacy Survey defines it as the ability to understand essential financial concepts in making informed decisions about saving, investing and borrowing. The survey asked respondents a series of financial literacy questions. Here’s one example. Suppose you have some money. Is it safer to
- [Why Don’t We Save? (as reported by Allison Schrager on qz.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/why-dont-we-save-as-reported-by-allison-schrager-on-qz-com/) - There is a debate raging among economists these days. What are the underlying reasons why Americans are not saving nearly enough to fund their own retirements? Some argue that we are not good at planning for the future. Others argue that we are bad at predicting the likelihood of expensive events – like medical emergencies
- [Designing Financial Solutions to Human Weaknesses (as reported by Jeff Kreisler on qz.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/designing-financial-solutions-to-human-weaknesses-as-reported-by-jeff-kreisler-on-qz-com/) - Human beings were not built to be good at personal finance. While evolution has been incredibly effective at helping us survive, it has done nothing to make us better savers. In fact, in a few key ways, it has made us worse. We know that we should save more, that Americans are not saving nearly
- [THE MOODY’S FOUNDATION SUPPORTS W!SE PROGRAMS AT HIGH SCHOOL OF ECONOMICS & FINANCE](https://wise-ny.org/blog/the-moodys-foundation-supports-wse-programs-at-high-school-of-economics-finance/) - NEW YORK, N.Y. – Working in Support of Education (W!se) is pleased to announce that The Moody’s Foundation has provided a generous grant to support W!se programs at the Title I High School of Economics & Finance (HSEF) in lower Manhattan. The grant supports the W!se Institute, the Moody’s Summer Experience, and the Moody’s Research
- [What Does it Take to Be Wealthy in America? (as reported by Suzanne Woolley on www.bloomberg.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/what-does-it-take-to-be-wealthy-in-america-as-reported-by-suzanne-woolley-on-www-bloomberg-com/) - Charles Schwab runs an annual survey to calculate their Modern Wealth Index. Essentially, they ask people to define what it takes to be wealthy in America. Answers regarding how wealthy people spend their time and how they live their life are included. Those surveyed are also asked how much money it takes to be financially
- [Are You Financially Healthy? (as reported by J. D. Roth on www.getrichslowly.org)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/are-you-financially-healthy-as-reported-by-j-d-roth-on-www-getrichslowly-org/) - A new report out from the Center for Financial Services Innovation confirms what many of us already know. Americans don’t save nearly enough money. The report divides people into one of three categories: Financially Healthy, Financially Coping, and Financially Vulnerable. On the optimistic side of things, most people do not fall into the financially vulnerable
- [Does Your Child Hijack Your Credit? (as reported by Lorie Konish on www.cnbc.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/does-your-child-hijack-your-credit-as-reported-by-lorie-konish-on-www-cnbc-com/) - You might be among the 29 percent of parents who have had their child use a credit or debit card without your permission. Or you might be among the 52 percent of parents of have let their children borrow one. Do you fit into either one of those categories? Then you probably understand the risks
- [The Many Flaws of 401Ks (as reported by Stephen Schurr on www.thestreet.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/the-many-flaws-of-401ks-as-reported-by-stephen-schurr-on-www-thestreet-com/) - 401k plans are the new normal for retirement funding, with the majority of Americans counting on them to live the post-work life they desire. But these plans, as effective as they may be, are not always perfect. And there are certain things that you should look for as you evaluate yours. First, most 401k plans
- [When Spending Less Costs More (as reported by J. D. Roth on www.getrichslowly.org)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/when-spending-less-costs-more-as-reported-by-j-d-roth-on-www-getrichslowly-org/) - A common piece of personal financial advice you are likely to hear around spending is to look for bargains. The advice is coming from a good place. Every dollar you are able to save is another dollar that you can invest toward the future. But there’s a problem. Often, when we shop for bargains, we
- [Start Saving for Retirement Sooner (as reported by Annie Nova on www.cnbc.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/start-saving-for-retirement-sooner-as-reported-by-annie-nova-on-www-cnbc-com/) - If you start saving for retirement at the age of 25, you are ahead of the game. Though you should start saving as early as possible, most people put it off. Still, even those of us who do start saving young, are not saving nearly enough. According to experts, if you are 25 and you
- [Change Your Financial Mindset (as reported by David Ning on www.moneyning.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/change-your-financial-mindset-as-reported-by-david-ning-on-www-moneyning-com/) - Saving more is hard. Identifying opportunities to pay down debt or save extra money is also hard. And it certainly is not fun. But it can be very rewarding, because every time you make the effort to save more, invest more, or eliminate debt, you are getting closer to your financial goals, whatever those may
- [Credit or Debit? (as reported by John Ulzheimer on www.thesimpledollar.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/credit-or-debit-as-reported-by-john-ulzheimer-on-www-thesimpledollar-com/) - Should I use a credit card or a debit card for this purchase? It’s a common question we ask ourselves from time to time. Different people have different strategies for how they pay for certain items, because the truth is, there is no one size fits all answer. Credit cards come with some obvious perks
- [FICO Plans Big Shift in Credit-Score Calculations (As reported by AnnaMaria Andriotis on www.wsj.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/fico-plans-big-shift-in-credit-score-calculations-as-reported-by-annamaria-andriotis-on-www-wsj-com/) - Read about how new credit-scoring system aims to ease loan approvals. "A decade after the subprime-mortgage binge nearly brought down the U.S. financial system, consumer lenders remain wary of borrowers with low credit scores. Banks have spent much of the past 10 years chasing ultra-creditworthy borrowers. Yet that slice of the market, which has grown
- [Eliminate Poor Spending Decisions (as reported by Gaby Del Valle on www.vox.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/eliminate-poor-spending-decisions-as-reported-by-gaby-del-valle-on-www-vox-com/) - The saying goes, “The best laid plans of mice and men often go awry.” No matter how proactive we are about making a budget, growing our income, and planning our investments, poor spending decisions can wreak havoc on our personal financial plans. So how do we avoid poor spending decisions? This article from moneyning.com offers
- [Millennials Can’t Afford To Buy a Home (as reported by Miranda Marquit on www.moneyning.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/millennials-cant-afford-to-buy-a-home-as-reported-by-miranda-marquit-on-www-moneyning-com/) - It’s been frequently reported of late that millennials, those born roughly between ’78 and ’95, are not buying homes at the same rate as previous generations. And there has been much debate offered as to the reasons for that. A new study by Bank of America finds that, counter to the popular wisdom behind this
- [Personal Finance Manifesto (as reported by Allison Schrager on www.qz.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/personal-finance-manifesto-as-reported-by-allison-schrager-on-www-qz-com/) - Rich people have always been able to afford to pay for the best financial advice available. That is part of the reason why they stay rich and the rest of us struggle to get by. But even without expensive advisors, lawyers and accountants, there is some simple financial advice we can all take advantage of.
- [Real Estate Investing Mistakes (as reported by Holly Johnson on www.thesimpledollar.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/real-estate-investing-mistakes-as-reported-by-holly-johnson-on-www-thesimpledollar-com/) - Popular HGTV shows make it seem like making money in real estate is so easy that anyone can do it. Find an old house for sale, fix it up, and sell it for a profit. What could be easier than that? Unfortunately, the majority of people who have tried this on their own end up
- [Is Student Loan Refinancing a Good Idea? (Guest Post by Andy Kearns of LendEDU)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/is-student-loan-refinancing-a-good-idea-guest-post-by-andy-kearns-of-lendedu/) - With 44 million student loan borrowers currently owing $1.5 trillion in outstanding debt, it’s safe to say student loan debt has reached a critical point in the United States. With its heavy cost, many borrowers are forced to delay major life milestones like starting a family, buying a home, or saving for retirement. As more
- [MoneyPOWER Flyer](https://wise-ny.org/blog/moneypower-flyer/) - 16th Annual MoneyPOWER Flyer 2018
- [Talking Money with Your College-Bound Kids (as reported by Mia Taylor on www.thesimpledollar.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/talking-money-with-your-college-bound-kids-as-reported-by-mia-taylor-on-www-thesimpledollar-com/) - Going to college is a big step in a person’s life. For many, it is the first time away from home. And that means learning to do a lot of things that were not previously required. Included in the list of new responsibilities one has when they go away to school is managing one’s finances.
- [Fixed-Rate vs. Adjustable-Rate Mortgages (as reported by Kailey Fralick on money.cnn.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/fixed-rate-vs-adjustable-rate-mortgages-as-reported-by-kailey-fralick-on-money-cnn-com/) - Buying a home can be a daunting task the first time around. One of the big areas of confusion centers around the mortgage. We hear the terms “fixed rate” and “adjustable rate”, and have no idea what they mean or which one makes the most sense in our situation. This guide from CNN Money aims
- [W!se Announces 2017-2018 Blue Star Schools](https://wise-ny.org/blog/wise-announces-2017-2018-blue-star-schools/) - W!se Announces 2017-2018 Blue Star Schools NEW YORK, N.Y. – Working in Support of Education (W!se) is pleased to announce that 258 high schools in its national network have earned the distinction of being named a Blue Star School for their students’ outstanding performance on the 2017-2018 W!se Financial Literacy Certification Test. This national
- [Save More by Spending Less (as reported by J.D. Roth on www.getrichslowly.org)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/save-more-by-spending-less-as-reported-by-j-d-roth-on-www-getrichslowly-org/) - Your personal saving rate is the percentage of your income each month that you are able to save. If you earn $2,000 and you spend $1,500, than your saving rate is 25%. You are saving 25% of your money each month. Personal finance experts will tell you that increasing your saving rate is the key
- [Free Tools to Help You Manage Your Investments (as reported by Drew Housman on www.thesimpledollar.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/free-tools-to-help-you-manage-your-investments-as-reported-by-drew-housman-on-www-thesimpledollar-com/) - In order to grow your wealth over time, you need to invest some percentage, however small, of your income. And you have a number of options for doing so – an employer-sponsored retirement account, a personal IRA, ETFs, mutual funds, stocks, bonds, etc. Many people will choose to have an experienced financial advisor manage their
- [Asking for More Money (as reported by Kathryn Vasel on money.cnn.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/asking-for-more-money-as-reported-by-kathryn-vasel-on-money-cnn-com/) - Do you deserve a raise? Most of us, when asked that question, will answer in the affirmative. “Of course I do,” you think to yourself. But have you tried asking for one? Too many people suffer in silence, worried that simply asking for a raise will draw unwanted negative attention. But the truth is, you
- [Bringing Down Your Credit Score (as reported on John Ulzheimer on www.thesimpledollar.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/bringing-down-your-credit-score-as-reported-on-john-ulzheimer-on-www-thesimpledollar-com/) - If you know anything about how credit cards work, you know that paying off your balance in full by the due date each month is key to managing debt and keeping your credit score high. However, many of us are not aware that there are other things you could be doing that will negatively impact
- [Building a Credit History (as reported on blog.mint.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/building-a-credit-history-as-reported-on-blog-mint-com/) - When it comes to credit, an individual can either have good credit, or bad credit. Right? Actually, there is a third option, which is often the least understood. And that’s having no credit at all. Having no credit, in some circumstances, is just as bad as having bad credit. That’s because lenders use your credit
- [Financial Implications of Divorce (as reported by James Brewer on www.forbes.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/financial-implications-of-divorce-as-reported-by-james-brewer-on-www-forbes-com/) - Though we don’t like to think about it too much, divorce is a possibility with any marriage. And while there are a slew of things to worry about if and when you have to go through a divorce, there are definite financial implications to consider as well. Sometimes a couple will try to make things
- [Do You Have Too Much Cash? (as reported by Maurie Backman on money.cnn.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/do-you-have-too-much-cash-as-reported-by-maurie-backman-on-money-cnn-com/) - You may be surprised to hear it, but there is such a thing as too much cash. Now let me backtrack for a second, because most of you are already sounding the alarms on this post. The keyword in that first sentence is “cash”. Notice I didn’t say money. Cash, as opposed to investments, doesn’t
- [Student Loan Refinancing Options (as reported by J. D. Roth on www.getrichslowly.org)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/student-loan-refinancing-options-as-reported-by-j-d-roth-on-www-getrichslowly-org/) - There are many reasons why someone might decide to refinance their student loans: To move to a lower interest rate To consolidate multiple loans into one To find a better student loan servicer But for many people, this means leaving the “relative comfort” of the loans provided by the federal government and their contractors and
- [16th National MoneyPOWER Conference](https://wise-ny.org/blog/moneypower2018/) - NEW YORK, N.Y. – On Tuesday, November 6, middle and high school educators will attend W!se’s 16th National MoneyPOWER Conference for Financial Literacy in New York City. Hosted by Citi at its World Headquarters, the Conference will feature experts in finance and education, with a focus on strengthening teachers’ knowledge of personal finance and providing instructional
- [Are You Ready to Buy a Home? (as reported by Zina Kumok on blog.mint.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/are-you-ready-to-buy-a-home-as-reported-by-zina-kumok-on-blog-mint-com/) - Buying a home is a big deal. And the combination of high student loan debt and the increasing cost of real estate in the US is making home buying even more difficult than it has been in the past. But there are still some things you can ask yourself to know whether or not you
- [High Cost of Healthcare in Retirement (as reported by Elizabeth O’Brien on www.time.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/high-cost-of-healthcare-in-retirement-as-reported-by-elizabeth-obrien-on-www-time-com/) - Knowing how much you need to save for retirement depends on a lot of factors – some of which are impossible to know before you actually get there. For example, it can be difficult to know how much money you are going to need for things like health care. Obviously you hope that Medicare and
- [Impact Investing on the Rise (as reported by Anna Bahney on money.cnn.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/impact-investing-on-the-rise-as-reported-by-anna-bahney-on-money-cnn-com/) - According to a recent survey, 88% of American investors say that market performance is the most important factor in their investing. That means, not surprisingly, that earning higher returns and making more money is the #1 reason they choose to invest. However, the same survey also signals a continuation of a trend among a number
- [The Ridiculously High Cost of College in the US (as reported by Camilo Maldonado on www.forbes.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/the-ridiculously-high-cost-of-college-in-the-us-as-reported-by-camilo-maldonado-on-www-forbes-com/) - Ready for a statistic that reinforces something we all know? The cost of a college education has increase 8x faster than wages since 1989. In just the last 30 years, the average price of a 4-year college education has risen from roughly $53,000 in today’s dollars, to a whopping $104,000. That’s nearly double. During the
- [Retirement Spending Advice (as reported by J. D. Roth on www.getrichslowly.org)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/retirement-spending-advice-as-reported-by-j-d-roth-on-www-getrichslowly-org/) - How much money should you spend during retirement? That’s the question a lot of people have leading up to, and in the first couple years of retirement. The most important implication of retirement spending is whether or not it will last. The worst fear of most newly retired people is running out of money later
- [Student Loan Consolidation (as reported by Jeff Gitlen on www.lendedu.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/student-loan-consolidation-as-reported-by-jeff-gitlen-on-www-lendedu-com/) - Often, borrowers accrue multiple student loans from multiple sources. That is why we have such a thing as student loan consolidation. If you fall into this group, you may have already considered consolidating these loans into one new loan. But there are things you should consider before taking that next step. First, it is important
- [STUDENTS HONORED AT 2018 W!SE SCHOLARS RECEPTION HOSTED BY DEUTSCHE BANK](https://wise-ny.org/blog/students-honored-at-2018-wse-scholars-reception-hosted-by-deutsche-bank/) - NEW YORK, N.Y. – On Friday, June 8, Working in Support of Education (W!se) held its annual Scholars Reception to honor high school students who earned a score of 95% or higher on W!se’s 2017-18 national standardized Financial Literacy Certification Test. The Test is administered each year at high schools from 48 states that participate
- [W!se Hosts Summer Night Strings Reception & Benefit Concert](https://wise-ny.org/blog/wse-hosts-summer-night-strings-reception-benefit-concert/) - NEW YORK, N.Y. – On Wednesday, June 27, Working in Support of Education (W!se) hosted Summer Night Strings—a Reception and Benefit Concert. The sold out event was held in the Katie Murphy Amphitheatre at New York’s Fashion Institute of Technology. Guests were treated to a special evening of music by Damien Escobar, one of the
- [“Where’s Rebecca?”: Foster Care App Takes Top Prize  at QLI Awards](https://wise-ny.org/blog/wheres-rebecca-foster-care-app-takes-top-prize-at-qli-awards/) - NEW YORK, N.Y. – On Monday, June 4th, Working in Support of Education (W!se) held the 23rd annual Quality of Life INNOVATIONS (QLI) Awards Ceremony, generously hosted by CITI. 180 guests attended the event, which was capped off with the announcement of the 2018 prize winners. More than 749 high school students in all 5
- [What’s it Take to be Wealthy? (as reported by Suzanne Woolley on www.bloomberg.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/whats-it-take-to-be-wealthy-as-reported-by-suzanne-woolley-on-www-bloomberg-com/) - According to a recent survey by Charles Schwab, it takes an average of $1.4 million to consider oneself financially comfortable in America. And to be considered wealthy? That takes $2.4 million. The survey was conducted this year, of Americans between age 21 and 75. And the results differ slightly (higher) than the same survey conducted
- [Women and Finance (as reported by Preeti Varathan on www.qz.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/women-and-finance-as-reported-by-preeti-varathan-on-www-qz-com/) - Do you feel like the financial industry caters more to men than to women? Over 70% of respondents in a recent survey of women thought so. And that could be part of the reason why so many of them did not feel like they had adequately prepared for retirement. In general, women in the US
- [What is a Money Market Account? (as reported by Amanda Dixon on www.bankrate.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/what-is-a-money-market-account-as-reported-by-amanda-dixon-on-www-bankrate-com/) - Money market accounts are a type of savings accounts that allows you to write checks and use a debit card on a limited basis. They are not like checking accounts, which allow for an unlimited number of transactions, but they do offer interest (up to 2.01% per year). Amanda Dixon, writing for Bankrate.com, has put
- [Retirement Spending (as reported by J.D. Roth on www.getrichslowly.org)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/retirement-spending-as-reported-by-j-d-roth-on-www-getrichslowly-org/) - Knowing how much to save for retirement is difficult. Knowing how much to spend during retirement might be even harder. There are two key reasons for that: You don’t know how long you are going to live You need to decide what the money is for If you knew exactly how long you would live,
- [How Much Should You Be Saving for Retirement? (as reported by Matt Becker on www.thesimpledollar.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/how-much-should-you-be-saving-for-retirement-as-reported-by-matt-becker-on-www-thesimpledollar-com/) - Do you know how much you should be saving each month to finance your retirement? If you answered no, you are in the same position as the majority of Americans. Lucky for us, Matt Becker recently shared a downloadable spreadsheet on his website, The Simple Dollar. This spreadsheet allows you to input your current age,
- [Student Loan Repayment Plans (as reported by Dan Kopf on www.qz.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/student-loan-repayment-plans-as-reported-by-dan-kopf-on-www-qz-com/) - It is a common piece of advice to students who graduate with student loans – that they should opt for a repayment plan that prioritizes paying back as much as they can as soon as they can. Unfortunately, this advice is often wrong. No two people are alike – nor are their careers and/or debts.
- [Financial Implications of Marriage (as reported by Preeti Varathan on www.qz.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/financial-implications-of-marriage-as-reported-by-preeti-varathan-on-www-qz-com/) - There are a lot of reasons people get married. And while we might not want to admit it, “financial reasons” often make that list. There are a number of ways in which getting married will impact your personal finances. First and foremost, they will change your taxes. While most common wisdom assumes that a married
- [Personal Finance Rules (as reported by J. D. Roth on www.getrichslowly.org)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/personal-finance-rules-as-reported-by-j-d-roth-on-www-getrichslowly-org/) - Rules of thumb are meant to stand as simple shortcuts for far larger, and more complex, processes and practices. The world of personal finance is rife with them. There are so many that, often, they conflict. When that happens, where do we turn? Who do we believe? Enter J. D. Roth, writing from his blog
- [Human Brains are Bad at Managing Money (as reported by Eshe Nelson on www.qz.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/human-brains-are-bad-at-managing-money-as-reported-by-eshe-nelson-on-www-qz-com/) - It would be great if one could improve the human brain to optimize it for handling money. As it is, there are a lot of things about the way we see the world that make managing our finances more difficult. For example, human beings have a present bias. That means that we have a tendency
- [Spend Now or Spend Later (as reported by J. D. Roth on www.getrichslowly.org)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/spend-now-or-spend-later-as-reported-by-j-d-roth-on-www-getrichslowly-org/) - For young people who are first entering the workforce, saving money can seem quite daunting. Although you are earning money for the first time, there are immediate demands on that money – clothes, commuting costs, food, rent, etc. It is hard enough to earn enough to cover your expenses, much less have anything left over.
- [W!se Announces Winning Slogan for Financial Literacy Social Media Contest!](https://wise-ny.org/blog/wse-announces-winning-slogan-for-financial-literacy-social-media-contest/) - NEW YORK, N.Y. – Working in Support of Education (W!se) is pleased to announce the winning slogan for its 2018 Financial Literacy Social Media Contest: "Life, Liberty, Pursuit of No Debt." Samantha Conti, Sean Reilly and Colton Ritter, students from Mountain Range High School in Westminster, Colorado, created the winning slogan, and they will share
- [How Much Does Financial Aid Really Cover? (as reported by Dave Edwards and Helen Edwards on www.qz.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/how-much-does-financial-aid-really-cover-as-reported-by-dave-edwards-and-helen-edwards-on-www-qz-com/) - College tuition prices are higher than ever, and show no signs of coming down in the near term. So what is a family to do who wants the best education for their children but cannot afford the high costs of a college degree? Fortunately, most families qualify for some form of financial aid. But if
- [Raiding Your Retirement Savings (as reported by Allison Schrager on www.qz.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/raiding-your-retirement-savings-as-reported-by-allison-schrager-on-www-qz-com/) - A 401k, pension account, or IRA are all built to help people save for retirement. However, what about saving for emergencies or other needs that crop up earlier in life. Often, those retirement savings can’t help you, because if you withdraw from them early, you are left to pay expensive penalties. That leads to a
- [Personal Savings Rates (as reported by Trent Hamm on www.thesimpledollar.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/personal-savings-rates-as-reported-by-trent-hamm-on-www-thesimpledollar-com/) - Your personal savings rate is an important financial metric to track. Calculating it is simple. To do so, you need to know two things: How much money you added to long-term savings last year How much money you earned after taxes last year We use long term savings to differentiate from money you put in
- [6 Stages of Financial Freedom (as reported by J. D. Roth on www.getrichslowly.org)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/6-stages-of-financial-freedom-as-reported-by-j-d-roth-on-www-getrichslowly-org/) - How close you are to achieving your financial goals depends a lot on what those goals are. For most of us, just having enough money to pay the bills each month is a step in the right direction. But if you don’t know where you currently stand, or don’t have any plans for how you’re
- [2016-2017 Blue Star Schools Announced](https://wise-ny.org/blog/2016-2017-blue-star-schools-announced/) - NEW YORK, N.Y. – Working in Support of Education (w!se) is pleased to announce that 232 high schools in w!se’s national network, including 34 NYC schools, have earned the distinction of being named a Blue Star School for their students’ performance on the 2016-2017 w!se Financial Literacy Certification Test. This national standardized Test is administered
- [How to Earn More Money (as reported by J. D. Roth on www.getrichslowly.org)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/how-to-earn-more-money-as-reported-by-j-d-roth-on-www-getrichslowly-org/) - It is an oft-repeated bit of wisdom about personal finance – the key to building wealth is to spend less and earn more. It will always be a good idea to work to limit the expenses side of the equation. But what about earning more? One of the best ways to increase your earning potential,
- [Save for College with a 529 Plan (as reported by Matt Becker www.thesimpledollar.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/save-for-college-with-a-529-plan-as-reported-by-matt-becker-www-thesimpledollar-com/) - The cost of college continues to climb, and unless something changes in how we treat higher education in this country, it’s not likely to come back down anytime soon. So for those of us who would like to help finance our children’s education, 529 Savings Plans provide for a smart investment. 529 Plans, sometimes called
- [Chicago’s Youth Connection Charter School Is Top High School Teaching Personal Finance Nationally](https://wise-ny.org/blog/chicagos-youth-connection-charter-school-is-top-high-school-teaching-personal-finance-nationally/) - NEW YORK, N.Y. – Working in Support of Education (W!se), a New York City-based, national educational nonprofit, today announced that Chicago’s Youth Connection Charter School earned first place in the 2018 “100 Best W!se High Schools Teaching Personal Finance” rankings. W!se announced the annual rankings at a ceremony sponsored by Voya Financial®. The Youth Connection
- [The Allstate Foundation Supports W!se Financial Literacy Program](https://wise-ny.org/blog/allstate-foundation-supports-wse-financial-literacy-program/) - NEW YORK, N.Y. – Working in Support of Education (w!se) is excited to announce that The Allstate Foundation has awarded a generous grant to support w!se’s Financial Literacy Certification Program. The grant will support the Financial Literacy Certification Program in 2017-18 by bringing the program to 45-50 upstate New York schools, serving approximately 1,500 students. The
- [Teaching Your Children About Credit (as reported by John Ulzheimer on www.thesimpledollar.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/teaching-children-credit-reported-john-ulzheimer-www-thesimpledollar-com/) - The key to avoiding debt or credit issues in one’s lifetime is knowledge. The more we know about credit, and the potential dangers out there, the better we can set ourselves up for success. And you are never too young to start worrying about credit. If you want to start your children off on the
- [The Magic of Compounding (as reported by J. D. Roth on www.getrichslowly.org)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/magic-compounding-reported-j-d-roth-www-getrichslowly-org/) - $100 invested with an annual return of 8% (a conservative estimate of stock market returns) will be worth $108 in one year. At the end of year two it will be worth $116.64. That’s because you get 8% on the full $108 value at the end of year one, rather than just another $8 every
- [The Guide to Debt-Free Living (as reported by Catherine Alford on www.frugalrules.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/guide-debt-free-living-reported-catherine-alford-www-frugalrules-com/) - Many Americans struggle to avoid debt for much of their lives. The goal for all of us, however, should be debt-free living. One way to learn how to live a debt-free life is to take a cue from those people who are already doing it. When we examine the lives of people who don’t take
- [Track Your Net Worth (as reported by Trent Hamm on www.thesimpledollar.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/track-net-worth-reported-trent-hamm-www-thesimpledollar-com/) - Your net worth, the combined value of all your assets (car, home, checking accounts, investments, etc.) is something that many people keep track of. And for good reason. This represents the total amount of wealth that you have accumulated over the course of your lifetime. And if managed correctly, you can see this value begin
- [Credit Card Perks (as reported by Rosie Spinks on quartz.qz.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/credit-card-perks-reported-rosie-spinks-quartz-qz-com/) - For the responsible consumer, credit cards offer a lot of value. If you have a credit card already, and you make sure to pay off your balance each month, you may want to ask yourself what you’re getting from it. Smart credit card users know that they can get special perks for spending on their
- [What are Credit Unions? (as reported by Ryan Guina on cashmoneylife.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/credit-unions-reported-ryan-guina-cashmoneylife-com/) - Have you considered joining a credit union? If you’re like most people, you don’t know what a credit union is. But the more you know, the more prepared you will be to manage your financial future. Credit unions are alternatives to traditional banks. The major difference between the two is that credit unions are non-profits,
- [High-Yield Checking (as reported by Sophia Bera on www.learnvest.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/high-yield-checking-reported-sophia-bera-www-learnvest-com/) - High-yield checking accounts offer the convenience of checking accounts, with growth potential similar to savings accounts. Though most banks offer some form of high-yield checking, many people are unaware that they exist. But these accounts can be great for certain people who wish to grow their wealth. For those among us who tend to keep
- [Most Dangerous Credit Card Mistakes (as reported by John on www.frugalrules.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/dangerous-credit-card-mistakes-reported-john-www-frugalrules-com/) - Though credit cards offer convenience, among other advantages, they also come with risks. They often entice people to spend money that they don’t have on things they cannot afford. That’s why, as a nation, we are billions of dollars in credit card debt. The most dangerous mistake that people make with their credit cards is
- [Spread Your Accounts Around (as reported by Tahnya Kristina on www.learnvest.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/spread-accounts-around-reported-tahnya-kristina-www-learnvest-com/) - Different banks and financial institutions offer different kinds of accounts. They also vary their rates, and other perks for customers, in order to attract your business. But one common question that a lot of people end up asking themselves is this: Should I keep all my accounts at one bank or spread them around? While
- [Common Financial Scams (as reported by Sean McDonnell on www.kiplinger.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/common-financial-scams-reported-sean-mcdonnell-www-kiplinger-com/) - Financial scams abound. For as long as there has been money, there have been people who will find ways to go after money that isn’t theirs. Today, many financial scams originate online, and take advantage of people who are more vulnerable to attacks – the young, inexperienced banker or the aging retirees. The best way
- [Know Your Credit Score (as reported by Kathryn Vasel on money.cnn.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/know-credit-score-reported-kathryn-vasel-money-cnn-com/) - For many years, it was very difficult (in some cases, nearly impossible) for an individual to check his or her credit score. We had to hope that when we needed a loan, our score would be there to support us. Then companies started offering free and paid services so that people everywhere could check in
- [Tax Breaks for the Middle Class (as reported by Sandra Block and David Muhlbaum on www.kiplinger.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/tax-breaks-middle-class-reported-sandra-block-david-muhlbaum-www-kiplinger-com/) - During tax season, it is helpful to understand all of the different tax breaks and deductions aimed at middle and working class families. Often, we don’t know all of the different deductions for which we qualify, and that can mean overpaying. Sandra Block and David Muhlbaum, writing for Kiplinger.com, have put together a collection of
- [Paying Off Debt on Multiple Credit Cards (as reported by Dan Kopf on www.qz.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/paying-off-debt-multiple-credit-cards-reported-dan-kopf-www-qz-com/) - For many Americans, credit cards are a way of life. We have multiple cards, and we use them as much as possible. And that’s why many of us will find ourselves in the familiar position of having higher credit card debt spread across multiple cards. What is the best way to begin to pay down
- [Does Intelligence Lead to Wealth? (as reported by Brock Kernin on www.cleverdude.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/intelligence-lead-wealth-reported-brock-kernin-www-cleverdude-com/) - Whether or not you are smarter than someone else has almost no impact on whether or not you will make more money than that person in your lifetime. That’s the conclusion of several studies measuring intelligence and wealth. Surprised? It’s a common misconception that intelligence leads to higher income. While in some cases, it helps.
- [Investors Foundation Supports w!se Financial Literacy Program](https://wise-ny.org/blog/investors-foundation-supports-wse-financial-literacy-program/) - NEW YORK, N.Y. –Working in Support of Education (w!se) is pleased to announce a generous $15,000 grant award from the Investors Foundation to support the w!se Financial Literacy Certification program in New Jersey. The grant will help develop the financial literacy of students at high schools across the state. New Jersey is one of 17
- [The Allstate Foundation Supports MoneyW!SE in San Diego](https://wise-ny.org/blog/allstate-foundation-supports-moneywse-san-diego/) - NEW YORK, N.Y. – Working in Support of Education (w!se) is excited to announce that The Allstate Foundation has awarded a generous grant to support w!se’s MoneyW!SE Program for Survivors of Domestic Violence. Funding will support the program in San Diego for the 2017-18 year. Through this groundbreaking program, w!se offers a 12-week course on personal
- [The Allstate Foundation Supports MoneyW!SE](https://wise-ny.org/blog/allstate-foundation-supports-moneywse/) - NEW YORK, N.Y. – Working in Support of Education (w!se) is excited to announce that The Allstate Foundation has awarded a generous grant to support w!se’s MoneyW!SE Program for Survivors of Domestic Violence. Funding will support the program in NYC for the 2017-18 year. Through this groundbreaking program, w!se offers a 12-week course on personal finance
- [Students Compete for Prizes by Tackling Community Issues](https://wise-ny.org/blog/students-compete-prizes-tackling-community-issues/) - NEW YORK, N.Y. – On Wednesday, May 31st, Working in Support of Education (w!se) held the 22nd annual Quality of Life INNOVATIONS (QLI) Awards Ceremony, generously hosted by CITI in Tribeca. 150 guests attended the event, which was capped off with the announcement of the 2017 prize winners. More than 790 high school students in
- [Millennials are not Investing (as reported by Preeti Varathan on www.qz.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/millennials-not-investing-reported-preeti-varathan-www-qz-com/) - There are significant differences in the financial habits of different generations. And depending on whom you ask, that might be reason to worry about the future of our economy. Millennials, those born between 1983 and 2000, report an unusual ability to save with every paycheck. But rather than investing in the stock market, most young
- [How to Save on the Costs of Raising a Child (as reported by Holly Johnson on www.thesimpledollar.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/save-costs-raising-child-reported-holly-johnson-www-thesimpledollar-com/) - All of us want the best for our children. Sometimes, however, money gets in the way. Raising a kid to the age of 18 now costs an average of over $230,000. This figure includes everything from food to healthcare, education to clothing, and all the costs in between. But it’s just an average, and there
- [Behind in Your Retirement Savings? There’s Still Hope (as reported by Oliver Staley on work.qz.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/behind-retirement-savings-theres-still-hope-reported-oliver-staley-work-qz-com/) - A new study by the National Bureau of Economic Research tells us that if you are behind on your retirement savings in your forties and fifties, all is not lost. You will still have time to make up much of the gap. The only catch is, you may have to work a little longer than
- [Rising National Credit Card Debt (as reported by Kathleen Elkins on www.cnbc.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/rising-national-credit-card-debt-reported-kathleen-elkins-www-cnbc-com/) - How much credit card debt do you currently hold? Curious how that stacks up against the rest of the US? New data collected by WalletHub, a free credit reporting site, tell us that the average American family owes about $8,300 on their cards. That figure is from 2016, the most recent year available, and is
- [Pay Off Credit Card Debt Faster (as reported by Stephanie Colestock on www.fivecentnickel.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/pay-off-credit-card-debt-faster-reported-stephanie-colestock-www-fivecentnickel-com/) - The average amount of credit card debt that American families hold is just under $10,000. If you don’t have any credit card debt, congratulations. You are in the minority in our credit-addicted culture. Whether your credit card debt is $10,000 or $100,000, you probably want to know the best way to pay it off and
- [Which Tax Software to Choose (as reported by Rob Berger on www.doughroller.net)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/tax-software-choose-reported-rob-berger-www-doughroller-net/) - We are getting to that time of year when the major tax software companies begin to bury us all in their advertising. The three biggest companies – TurboTax, H&R Block, and TaxAct – all offer a free option. But they just use that to get you hooked, hoping that you’ll opt instead for one of
- [Getting Over Your Investment Fears (as reported by Matt Becker on www.thesimpledollar.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/getting-investment-fears-reported-matt-becker-www-thesimpledollar-com/) - There are a number of reasons why people choose not to invest in the stock market. Could it be that they don’t know how to get started? Maybe they are afraid they will lose their money. Or perhaps they don’t believe they have enough money to invest. In fact, 61% of Americans between the ages
- [How do Credit Card Interest Rates Work? (as reported by Ramit Sethi on www.iwillteachyoutoberich.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/credit-card-interest-rates-work-reported-ramit-sethi-www-iwillteachyoutoberich-com/) - A popular way to compare credit cards is to look at their interest rates. When we talk about a credit card’s interest rate, what we are talking about is how much they will charge you if you fail to pay off your balance in full each month. An interest rate of 15% (common these days)
- [Should You Go to Graduate School? (as reported by David Tanofsky on work.qz.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/go-graduate-school-reported-david-tanofsky-work-qz-com/) - For many people, deciding whether or not to attend graduate school can be one of the toughest decisions to make. On the one hand, most professions do not require an advanced degree. And staying in, or entering, the work force provides immediate income and other benefits. However, in some cases, graduate school can lead to
- [How Will the New Tax Bill Impact You? (as reported by Reuben Fischer-Baum on www.washingtonpost.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/will-new-tax-bill-impact-reported-reuben-fischer-baum-www-washingtonpost-com/) - With just days left before the end of 2017, President Donald Trump signed his first major piece of new legislation. The tax bill signed into law, which has already taken effect, is the biggest rewrite to the country’s tax policies in thirty years. But trying to figure out what’s in it, and how it affects
- [How to Save More Money (as reported by Anna Bahney on money.cnn.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/save-money-reported-anna-bahney-money-cnn-com/) - The amount of money you are able to save depends on two key factors: How much you make How much you spend The world around you is filled with companies and advertisers competing for your attention, and your hard-earned money. They are constantly working to get you to spend more. For that reason, you need
- [Which Debts Should I Pay Off First? (as reported by John Ulzheimer on www.thesimpledollar.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/debts-pay-off-first-reported-john-ulzheimer-www-thesimpledollar-com/) - Many of us will go into debt at some point in our lives. These days, it is hard not to. But the important thing to remember is that going into debt is not the end of the world, as long as we understand what we have to do to recover. Are you looking to understand
- [Save Money by Switching to Solar Power (as reported by Andy Bowen on www.thesimpledollar.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/save-money-switching-solar-power-reported-andy-bowen-www-thesimpledollar-com/) - The benefits of switching to solar energy to power your home now far outweigh the costs almost anywhere in the United States today. On average, you will save approximately $23,000 on electricity costs over 25 years. And after subtracting the installation costs, that means an extra $6,000-7,000 in your pocket. In fact, many experts say
- [How Retirement has Changed (as reported by Tim Parker on www.investopedia.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/retirement-changed-reported-tim-parker-www-investopedia-com/) - There are a lot of reasons that financial experts have been raising the alarms lately about Americans’ lack of preparedness for retirement. Part of it has to do with the fact that several key retirement facts have changed in the last 20-50 years. Compared to 1960, we are living an average of nine years longer.
- [How Will Tax Reform Impact You? (as reported by Dan Caplinger on www.fool.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/will-tax-reform-impact-reported-dan-caplinger-www-fool-com/) - Not everyone has the time to pay attention to the policies being debated in Congress. But one debate going on right now has the potential to impact us all, and deserves the attention of anyone concerned about their future financial situation. Both the Senate and the House of Representatives have put forth their initial tax
- [Student Loan Debt (as reported by Rod Griffin on www.wisebread.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/student-loan-debt-reported-rod-griffin-www-wisebread-com/) - Americans are in debt. There is no avoiding that in the news these days. We spend money we don’t have on everything from groceries and medical expenses, to our cars, homes, and education. That last one has been a particular point of emphasis in the last few years, as politicians and policy experts across the
- [Being Honest About Incomes (as reported by Kathryn Vasel on money.cnn.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/honest-incomes-reported-kathryn-vasel-money-cnn-com/) - If someone were to ask you how much money you make, what you would say? Would you tell them honestly? Would you lie? Or would you tell them to take a hike? More and more, Americans are becoming comfortable talking honestly about how much they make. Millennial workers, those between the ages of 18 and
- [Big Paychecks Don’t Guarantee Success (as reported by Holly Johnson on www.thesimpledollar.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/big-paychecks-dont-guarantee-success-reported-holly-johnson-www-thesimpledollar-com/) - The two sides of the equation for how to grow your wealth that we always talk about are: Make more money Spend less money Often, we take aim at the first goal. But a bigger paycheck does not necessarily set you up for financial success. And it’s important that we understand the reasons why so
- [Save at Least 15% of Your Income (as reported by Kathryn Vasel on money.cnn.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/save-least-15-income-reported-kathryn-vasel-money-cnn-com/) - We know that we need to save more. The standard piece of advice from financial professionals is that in order to put ourselves in a strong financial position, we should be saving at least 15% of our income. Sound like a lot? You’re not alone. According to recent estimates, only about one in seven Americans
- [Roth IRAs and Roth 401k Plans (as reported by John Wasik on www.forbes.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/roth-iras-roth-401k-plans-reported-john-wasik-www-forbes-com/) - Roth IRAs and Roth 401k plans are similar to traditional IRAs or 401k plans with one major exception. Whereas the money invested in a traditional IRA or 401k is taxed when you withdraw it in retirement, the money invested in a Roth IRA or 401k is not. Instead, the money is taxed up front. There
- [Beware the Zero Interest Credit Card (as reported by Brock on www.cleverdude.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/beware-zero-interest-credit-card-reported-brock-www-cleverdude-com/) - For people who struggle with debt, zero percent interest credit cards can seem like a worthwhile offer. Why not transfer that debt to a card and pay no interest? Not so fast. Credit card companies are not interested in saving you money. They are looking to make money too, so be weary of offers that
- [Student Loan Payments as an Employee Benefit (as reported by Katie Lobosco on money.cnn.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/student-loan-payments-employee-benefit-reported-katie-lobosco-money-cnn-com/) - There is a new employee benefit being offered in a growing number of companies that has attracted the attention of many workers. Because of the growing concern over student debt in this country, some employers see an opportunity to recruit and retain young, promising workers by offering loan repayment assistance. One example is PricewaterhouseCoopers, which
- [Common Financial Mistakes We All Make (as reported by www.investopedia.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/common-financial-mistakes-make-reported-www-investopedia-com/) - We all make mistakes, even when it comes to managing our money. Few of us can be expected to go our entire adult lives without misspending, or making a shoddy investment decision, or failing to save in case of an emergency. With all the potential hazards that exist, having a perfect record on personal finance
- [Quick Credit Score Improvement Tips (as reported by John Ulzheimer on www.thesimpledollar.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/quick-credit-score-improvement-tips-reported-john-ulzheimer-www-thesimpledollar-com/) - The recent hack of Equifax, a company most people had never heard of before news broke that hundreds of millions of American’s sensitive personal information were stolen, has put credit scores back in the news. You may find yourself in a position where you score is in need at some point in life (though we
- [Financial Repercussions of a New Baby (as reported by Connie Mei on www.moneyning.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/financial-repercussions-new-baby-reported-connie-mei-www-moneyning-com/) - The day you find out you are pregnant, a lot of things change. One of those things includes figuring out how you are going to pay for the expenses that accompany a new child. Every child comes with new costs, but the first one is likely to have the biggest impact. You and your partner
- [Increase Your Savings Rate (as reported by Anora Mahmudova on www.marketwatch.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/increase-savings-rate-reported-anora-mahmudova-www-marketwatch-com/) - Investors spend a lot of time worrying about the performance of their investments. Of course we should be worried if we are investing our money intelligently, but often we spend too much time thinking about how to invest our money instead of focusing on how much money we are investing. It is far more valuable
- [Reducing Expenses in Retirement (as reported by Maurie Backman on money.cnn.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/reducing-expenses-retirement-reported-maurie-backman-money-cnn-com/) - After you retire, chances are you will have less money to spend than you did when you were working. It is also true that some expenses, such as health care, will be higher. For these reasons, it is important to cut costs where you can so that the money you have saved can last as
- [15 Habits of Millionaires (as reported by Tanza Loudenback at www.businessinsider.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/15-habits-millionaires-reported-tanza-loudenback-www-businessinsider-com/) - Being a millionaire might not be an attainable goal for most of us, but it is still something to strive to. And so it can be helpful to consider how those lucky enough to have become millionaires over the course of their lifetimes did it. That’s the premise behind a recently released study by Thomas
- [The Little Guys Win One on Payday Loans](https://wise-ny.org/blog/little-guys-win-one-payday-loans/) - Check out this great piece from the New York Times on payday loans.
- [Financial Services Roundtable Foundation Honors w!se with Prestigious Foundation Award](https://wise-ny.org/blog/financial-services-roundtable-foundation-honors-wse-prestigious-foundation-award/) - NEW YORK, N.Y. –Working in Support of Education (w!se) is pleased to announce it has received the 2017 Financial Services Roundtable (FSR) Foundation Award, an annual award given to two organizations by FSR that demonstrate outstanding achievements in promoting financial literacy. The Award includes a generous grant that w!se will use to launch a Financial
- [Change on the horizon for gift and estate tax (as reported by Sharon Epperson via cnbc.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/change-on-the-horizon-for-gift-and-estate-tax/) - Those planning on giving a large amount of money to their children or grandchildren should consider doing it before the New Year. Beginning January 1, 2013, the amount of money parents or grandparents are allowed give to children for education support might change. Currently, the maximum amount that a single person can transfer to their
- [Fraud, identity-theft complaints up 19% since 2010, 800% since 2000 (as reported by consumer reports via finance.yahoo.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/fraud-identity-theft-complaints-up-19-since-2010-800-since-2000/) - Even as the economy moves through a slow recovery phase, fraud cases are higher than they’ve ever been. There are more schemes related to investments, mortgages, and the internet, according to the FBI. Scammers are becoming more clever and convincing, always inventing new ways to catch consumers. In this article, Consumer Reports researched some of
- [The Global Financial Crisis (via Share the World's Resources stwr.org)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/the-global-financial-crisis/) - If you’re teaching economics along with personal finance, you’ll find this website to be very useful. It outlines some basic facts about the global financial crisis of 2008, and goes in-depth on the recurring problems of the world economy including debt-based consumer culture, unbalanced international trade, among other issues. Here you’ll find news updates, overviews,
- [U.S. taxes, a global comparison (as reported by Roberton Williams via taxpolicycenter.org)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/u-s-taxes-a-global-comparison/) - Do Americans pay too much in taxes or too little? According to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), U.S. taxes are low in comparison to other developed countries. In 2008, U.S. taxes were 26% of Gross Domestic Product (GDP), while the average for the 33 member countries was 35%. The highest percentage went
- [Consumer Spending Drops in April (As Reported by Shobhana Chandra via Bloomberg.Com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/consumer-spending-drops-in-april-as-reported-by-shobhana-chandra-via-bloomberg-com/) - The latest consumer spending numbers show that people in the US have slowed their spending in the wake of higher payroll taxes and broad cuts to government programs. Pundits might attribute the drop in consumer spending, the first such drop in more than a year, to hesitance and uncertainty in the broader economy. However, consumer
- [The Unpredictable Economy (As Reported by Quentin Fottrell on MarketWatch.Com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/the-unpredictable-economy-as-reported-by-quentin-fottrell-on-marketwatch-com/) - We look to economists to help us understand why things happen the way they do, and try to shed some insight into what the economy will do in the future. But, as this article lays out, that last part is not as easy as it sounds. Even economists, who study it full time, have a
- [Children's Understanding of Money is Earlier than once thought (as reported by Andrew Oxlade via telegraph.co.uk)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/childrens-understanding-of-money-is-earlier-than-once-thought/) - A recent released study by Cambridge University has provided some interesting insight into how and when children learn to understand finance. The age at which these habits develop is much earlier than many might think and will have profound effects throughout their lifetimes. The evidence in support of financial literacy education early in life continues
- [Obama Introduces myRA (as reported by Melanie Hicken on money.cnn.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/obama-introduces-myra-as-reported-by-melanie-hicken-on-money-cnn-com/) - If you don’t have access to an employer-sponsored retirement savings account, you will soon have a new option open up to you. In his State of the Union this year, President Obama introduced a brand new financial vehicle that is aimed at helping many low to middle income Americans save for retirement. Dubbed “myRA”, the
- [Wealth and Inequality (as reported by Matthew Yglesias on www.vox.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/wealth-and-inequality-as-reported-by-matthew-yglesias-on-www-vox-com/) - Capital in the 21st Century, the new book from French economist Thomas Piketty has been making a splash in recent weeks. Why is this book so powerful? It essentially calls out one of the inherent flaws in capitalism, that the ratio of wealth to income rises until the economic elite are those with inherited wealth and not
- [MILLENNIALS SURPASS GEN XERS AS THE LARGEST GENERATION IN U.S. LABOR FORCE (AS REPORTED BY RICHARD FRY OF PEW RESEARCH CENTER)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/millennials-surpass-gen-xers-as-the-largest-generation-in-u-s-labor-force-as-reported-by-richard-fry-of-pew-research-center/) - As American industry modernizes, so do its components. In addition to ever-evolving technology, a clear and present trend has become somewhat hard to ignore. The U.S. workforce is getting younger and younger. Nowhere is that more apparent than in Pew Research Center's analysis of recent United State Census Bureau data. In the accompanying report, the
- [ANOTHER HOUSING CRISIS LOOMS AS MILLENNIALS STRUGGLE TO FIND HOMES THEY CAN AFFORD (VIA MECHELE DICKERSON OF THECONVERSATION.COM)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/another-housing-crisis-looms-as-millennials-struggle-to-find-homes-they-can-afford-via-mechele-dickerson-of-theconversation-com/) - Home-ownership has always been an ideal in this country. Historically, it has never been universally "easy" to attain, no matter the family size or location. However, it has become quite clear that it is a goal most of us take for granted. How can that be? "Taken for granted" might be an overstatement, but at the
- [SODA TAX PASSES IN PHILLY (AS REPORTED BY JEANNE SAHADI AND AARON SMITH ON MONEY.CNN.COM)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/soda-tax-passes-in-philly-as-reported-by-jeanne-sahadi-and-aaron-smith-on-money-cnn-com/) - Philadelphia became the second in the country to pass a tax on soda and other sugary drinks. The tax, 1.5 cents for every ounce or $0.18 for a can of soda, will go into effect January 1, 2017. This could be a sign of things to come for those of us who do not live
- [CHARITABLE GIVING HITS NEW HIGH (AS REPORTED BY AARON SMITH ON MONEY.CNN.COM)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/charitable-giving-hits-new-high-as-reported-by-aaron-smith-on-money-cnn-com/) - Money given to charity in the United States accounts for 2% of GDP. And in 2015, we hit a new record high for total charitable contributions. Individuals gave just over $264 billion. Corporations and foundations added almost $80 billion more to that, to bring the annual total to $373 billion, 4% higher than the year
- [Valley National Bank Volunteers Speak at Brentwood High School](https://wise-ny.org/blog/valley-national-bank-volunteers-speak-brentwood-high-school/) - NEW YORK, N.Y. – Volunteers from Valley National Bank visited Brentwood High School in Brentwood, NY on October 5th to share insights with more than 500 students about what it takes to become financially literate. The visit was organized by Working in Support of Education (w!se), a national nonprofit leading the way in financial education.
- [w!se to Compete for $100,000 Grand Prize in Allstate Foundation Purple Purse Challenge](https://wise-ny.org/blog/wse-compete-100k-grand-prize-allstate-foundation-purple-purse-challenge/) - NEW YORK, N.Y. –Working in Support of Education (w!se) is one of a select group of nonprofit domestic violence organizations across the country competing for $700,000 in grant money as a part of The Allstate Foundation’s Purple Purse Challenge, which kicked off today. The Challenge, an annual competition hosted on CrowdRise, is a public fundraising
- [The Allstate Foundation Supports w!se Financial Literacy Certification Program in NYS](https://wise-ny.org/blog/allstate-foundation-supports-wise-financial-literacy-certification-program-nys/) - NEW YORK, N.Y. – Working in Support of Education (w!se) is delighted to announce a renewed grant from The Allstate Foundation to support w!se’s Financial Literacy Certification program in Upstate New York for the 2016-17 school year. This award-winning program is offered in high schools across the state to support the Department of Education graduation
- [Students Honored at 2016 w!se Scholars’ Reception](https://wise-ny.org/blog/students-honored-2016-wise-scholars-reception/) - NEW YORK, N.Y. – On Friday, June 10, Working in Support of Education (w!se) hosted its annual Scholars’ Reception to honor high school students who earned a score of 95% or higher on w!se’s 2015-16 national standardized Financial Literacy Certification Test. The Test is administered nationally each year in high schools that participate in w!se’s
- [Make Your Money Last in Retirement (as reported by Lori Kelly on www.pfadvice.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/make-money-last-retirement-reported-lori-kelly-www-pfadvice-com/) - The day you retire is one of life’s ultimate milestones. If you’ve been smart (and a little lucky) you’ve been able to save some money to fund a comfortable retirement. But before we get lost in too much celebrating, it is time to plan out how you are going to make that money last the
- [INVESTING AS A MILLENNIAL (AS REPORTED BY SHEN LU ON MONEY.CNN.COM)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/investing-millennial-reported-shen-lu-money-cnn-com/) - Convincing someone that they need to invest their money is hard enough without all the choices that come next. Stocks, bonds, real estate, funds – it can seem like there is an endless amount of options for investing. So how are we supposed to know where to start? First, it is key to establish how
- [How Far Will Your Social Security Check Go? (as reported by Sean Williams on www.usatoday.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/far-will-social-security-check-go-reported-sean-williams-www-usatoday-com/) - If you had to guess now how much your current income will be replaced by Social Security in retirement, you would likely guess too high. Most people would. The truth is, Social Security is only meant to cover about 40% of an average worker’s wages during retirement. The fact that most people expect it to
- [32% of teens using a credit card (as reported by Caren Weiner Campbell via bankrate.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/32-of-teens-using-a-credit-card/) - Teens are using credit cards at higher rates than ever, and with that high level of usage come significant risks. According to the Jump$tart Coalition, nearly 32% of high school students use a credit card either in their own name or in the name of a parent. If teens aren't properly educated on using credit
- [Starting money lessons young (as reported by Daniel Bortz via USnews.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/starting-the-lessons-young/) - Daniel Bortz reports that parents should start to teach their children about money as early as possible, so they are raised to understand the value of money and how to handle it. He offers six ideas for making money fun for kids. Link to original story click here!
- [Study shows less people living paycheck to paycheck (as reported by Chad Brooks via cnbc.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/study-shows-less-people-living-paycheck-to-paycheck/) - A recent study by CareerBuilder showed that fewer people are relying on their next paycheck to pay bills. Currently, 40% of Americans are living payday to payday, the lowest rate since the beginning of the recession. 23% of people never rely on their next check. The study reveled that women and people ages 45 and
- [Four quick tips on saving money for young people (as reported by the Associated Press via nbcnews.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/four-quick-tips-on-saving-money-for-young-people/) - In this MSNBC article you’ll find 4 smart tips how to save your money, geared especially towards young adults. To read the tips, click here!
- [Suze Orman’s do’s and don’ts (as reported by Suze Orman via oprah.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/suze-ormans-dos-and-donts/) - In this article, Suze Orman, a best selling author, television host and one of America’s most popular financial advisers offers the “do’s and don’ts” on some of the biggest financial decisions people make, from car loans to college planning. To read Suze Orman’s helpful financial tips, click here!
- [Fun $ facts (as reported by moneyistheroot.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/fun-facts/) - Did you know that a $1 bill will only last 18 months and a $5 bill for two years? Or that the dollar sign “$” has never appeared on any U.S. currency? Find out more fun facts about the original American currencies here!
- [Credit card use in decline (as reported by CHRISTOPHER S. RUGABER via huffingtonpost.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/credit-card-use-in-decline/) - Since the Recession hit in 2008, there has been a decline in credit card use by Americans, suggesting that the current state of the economy has made some more cautious about spending. At the same time, debt for college or car loans increased. Find out more by clicking here.
- [1 in 13 American households don't have bank account (as reported by CATHERINE RAMPELL via nytimes.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/1-in-13-american-households-dont-have-bank-account/) - A Federal Deposit Insurance Company study showed that one in 13 American households do not have a checking or savings account. Furthermore, Americans who are unbanked and underbanked are disproportionately low-income and minority. Read more about the status of the unbanked here.
- [Only 39% of checking accounts that pay no interest are free (as reported by Jonnelle Marte via smartmoney.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/only-39-of-checking-accounts-that-pay-no-interest-are-free/) - In today’s economy, “free checking” accounts are harder to find as banks are pressed to meet new government regulations. Many large banks are either adding or increasing fees and requirements for account holders. There are some options for those searching for free checking, read about them here.
- [Where are Americans spending their money? (as reported by Lam Thuy Vo and Jacob Goldstein via npr.org)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/where-are-americans-spending-their-money/) - Most of the money that the average American spends goes to housing costs--31.5% for rent and mortgages. This is followed by 8.6% in food, according to government data. For over 60 years, housing and food have remained the biggest categories. However, back in 1949 Americans spent 40% of their money on food while today that
- [Credit card or debit card? (as reported by privacymatters.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/credit-card-or-debit-card/) - Probably the most popular alternative to using cash in day-to-day transactions is using a credit or a debit card. Although they almost look like the same it is important to distinguish them. Here you will find the main differences between a credit and a debit card and a few pros and cons for each. To
- [The benefits of penny stocks (as reported by smarterlifestyles.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/the-benefits-of-penny-stocks/) - Penny stocks are common stocks, which cost $5 or less. In comparison to the other stocks, which are traded in the normal market, penny stocks are traded over the counter. The special thing about penny stocks is that they have an enormous potential to raise their value. Even if the stock doesn't increase in value, many take
- [Find the right savings rate for your age (as reported by Dan Kadlec via time.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/find-the-right-savings-rate-for-your-age/) - An article from Fidelity Investments gives some age-based guidelines for successful rates of savings for retirement! For example, they say that at age 35, you should have saved an amount equal to your annual salary. The guidelines are meant more to encourage savings at a younger age, not to scare people with unattainable goals. Read
- [10 most common personal finance mistakes (as reported by Jennifer Leigh Parker via cnbc.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/10-most-common-personal-finance-mistakes/) - In this informative slideshow, you can learn what financial advisers have identified as the ten most common mistakes that people make with their money, many of which could be easily prevented! From paying too much for insurance to not checking your credit report often enough, learn what you can do to avoid these common errors. Click here to watch
- [Tips for preventing credit card fraud (as reported by the Federal Trade Commission ftc.gov)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/tips-for-preventing-credit-card-fraud/) - The Federal Trade Commission helps to prevent fraudulent business practices in the marketplace in part by educating consumers. In this short article, the FTC outlines some do’s and don’ts of owning credit cards. Credit card fraud costs consumers hundreds of millions of dollars every year! Read these quick tips to help avoid becoming a victim--click here!
- [Thirst for immediate gratification prevents adequate saving for retirement (as reported by Carla Fried via bloomberg.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/thirst-for-immediate-gratification-prevents-adequate-saving-for-retirement/) - This article from Bloomberg explains how Americans are wired against long term planning, and most importantly saving for retirement. Not only do people underestimate how much they need to save for retirement but they also start saving too late in life. Several strategies are outlined to help train yourself for productive retirement planning, to read
- [Investing for beginners! (as reported by kiplinger.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/investing-for-beginners/) - Despite the dismal performance of the stock market in recent years, over the long term investing, on average, does produce a return of 7-9%. Many people are intimidated about where to start when it comes to investing. In this article, Kiplinger outlines the three first steps to investing—setting goals and adopting a strategy, making investing
- [The case for financial literacy as a school subject (as reported by Chris Kissell via bankrate.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/the-case-for-financial-literacy-as-a-school-subject/) - Annamaria Lusardi. Ph. D., points out that financial literacy should be a main subject in school, such as math, science or history. She emphasizes that schools should offer financial literacy to their students, instead of leaving this subject to their parents. It’s proven that even many parents aren’t financial literate and hence they are unable
- [Credit default rates dropping (as reported by Anthony Mason via cbsnews.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/credit-default-rates-dropping/) - Like many Americans, Sherry Maffia is working hard to pay off her debts. It was a slow and steady process but by December she will be debt free. A recent financial study showed that more and more people are managing to get rid of their debts. The study showed that the default rate for mortgages
- [The zip code's influence on credit scores (as reported by Minda Zetlin via creditcards.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/the-zip-codes-influence-on-credit-scores/) - The region of the country that you live in could be affecting your credit score. That is according to Experian, one of the three leading credit bureaus. A recent report Experian released details the average credit scores for cities around the U.S., showing that local economic conditions, including unemployment levels, education levels, public perception of
- [Scams rise after natural disasters (as reported by Paul Wagenseil via yahoo.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/scams-rise-after-natural-disasters/) - It is an unfortunately common occurrence—when people are already reeling from a natural disaster, another blow strikes—the scam artist. After many natural disasters, including the most recent Hurricane Sandy, there is a sharp increase in fraudulent activities. This article explains what people should be weary of at this time of crisis—from price gouging to false
- [Shopping for a checking account (as reported by Elizabeth Dexheimer via bankrate.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/shopping-for-a-checking-account/) - Consumers are facing some hard decisions when it comes to finding the right bank account. As a result of the recession and new regulations on banks, fees are on the rise. When looking for a secure place to store one’s money, consumers should do some serious research as the fees and requirements vary widely from
- [Company’s change to 401(k) plans show need for savings in employee benefits (as reported by Sarah Frier via bloomberg.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/companys-change-to-401k-plans-show-need-for-savings-in-employee-benefits/) - In what is currently uncommon, IBM announced last week that it will switch to an annual lump sum contribution to its employee 401(k) retirement plans. This change will reduce IBMs retirement contribution expenses by millions. Being one of the largest companies in the world with over 400,000 employees, this change may well spread to other
- [Estate planning for every age (as reported by G.M. Filisko via bankrate.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/estate-planning-for-every-age/) - Each stage in one’s life presents a different set of circumstances for estate planning. This detailed article outlines exactly what steps should be taken at each of life’s major turns—from being young and carefree and leaving the major financial or medical decisions to parents or guardians—to life as a retiree and naming a power of
- [Author working to dispel financial planning myths (as reported by Sam Knight via bloomberg.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/author-working-to-dispel-financial-planning-myths/) - Sam Knight at Bloomberg reviews a new book on financial literacy that debunks the ideas of some of America’s most renowned financial experts. Despite the vast increase in financial advisers and planning resources, author Helaine Olen contends that many widespread ideas are simply false. For example, her book dispels the famous notion that forgoing that
- [Untraditional bank proving popular with consumers (as reported by Jenna Wortham via nytimes.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/untraditional-bank-proving-popular-with-consumers/) - In a time of increased regulation and pressure on banks, consumers find themselves on the hook for more fees and penalties. Simple, an online banking startup based in Portland, Oregon is looking to change that. Not only does the company refuse to charge any fees to its customers for banking products, but Simple offers customers
- [New Year's financial resolutions! (as reported by Divya Rahhavan via nerdwallet.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/new-years-financial-resolutions/) - It is a new year, time for resolutions! Many people include a financial resolution or two on their list. Check out what Nerd Wallet has compiled as some of the best New Year’s financial resolutions—you’ll find the traditional ones like paying off debt, and many others that might just give you an idea of what
- [Tools to reduce debt (as reported by Anne Tergesen via wsj.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/tools-to-reduce-debt/) - There are a number of new and free online tools to get your financial house in order, writes Anne Tergesen of the Wall Street Journal. With a growing number of Americans headed to retirement with a mortgage, there are now several resources that consumers can use to reduce and consolidate their debt. Click here for
- [Payroll tax affecting consumers (as reported by Hadley Malcolm via usatoday.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/payroll-tax-affecting-consumers/) - In the month of January, employees may have noticed that their pay check became a bit smaller. One explanation for this change is the expiration of the Social Security payroll tax, which had been cut since 2010, but rose again at the end of 2012. A recent article offers some early notions of how this
- ["Villages" emerge as effective financial planning resource (as reported by Carla Fried via bloomberg.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/villages-emerge-as-effective-financial-planning-resource/) - Individuals around the country are creating new forms of social infrastructure to solve problems collectively that they could not solve as individuals. They are coming together in “Villages” to meet common needs at reasonable prices that members may not be able to manage alone such as transportation, financial planning and entertainment. Some also serve as
- [Student loan's delinquency at multi-year high (as reported by Elizabeth Dexheimer via bloomberg.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/student-loans-delinquency-at-multi-year-high/) - Fair Isaac Corp., which created the FICO score that is used as a measure of consumer credit risk, announced today that the delinquency rate on student loans stands at a multi-year high. The delinquency rate rose to 15.0% between 2010 and 2012, as opposed to a rate of 12.4% between 2005 and 2007. This seems
- [Is outsourcing losing its appeal? (as reported via cnnmoney.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/is-outsourcing-losing-its-appeal/) - Journalists are beginning to chronicle the return of a number of manufacturing and service jobs to the U.S. from abroad. Companies claim that a number of factors are making it cheaper to do more work locally, as opposed to sending it abroad where advantages in wages may be overcome by other costs. One take on
- [Individual investor sentiment improving (as reported by Justin Menza via cnbc.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/individual-investor-sentiment-improving/) - Since 2008, the confidence of many investors has been shaken dramatically. The financial crisis, investment bank closures, algorithmic trading errors that swing the market violently, political uncertainty, and a grinding economic recovery have all taken a toll. That said, according to Fred Tomczyk, CEO of TD Ameritrade, individual investors are beginning to come back to
- [U.S. Justice Department sues S&P (as reported by various authors via bloomberg.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/u-s-justice-department-sues-sp/) - The Government's lawsuit against McGraw-Hill's S&P unit hinges on the argument the banks were unknowing investors and were duped by the rating that S&P placed on their credit products. The government is seeking $5bn and an admission of wrongdoing in connection with what it alleges as deliberately understating the risk of $2.8 trillion in residential
- [College students' financial aid could see 8.2% reduction (as reported by AnnaMaria Andriotis via marketwatch.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/college-students-financial-aid-could-see-8-2-reduction/) - College-bound students are looking anxiously towards forthcoming letters from universities for the Fall 2013 class. While cost is always a factor in a student’s decision, the question may have recently been complicated by the Federal government’s ongoing budget debate. The automatic spending cuts that were scheduled to enter into effect on January 1, 2013 contained
- [Research shows 401(k) plans may be ineffective savings tool (reported by Steven Greenhouse via nytimes.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/research-shows-401k-plans-may-be-ineffective-savings-tool/) - While the 401(k) plan has become a prominent feature for many employees, some argue that they remain inadequate as savings vehicles. A report published by The Center for Retirement Research at BostonCollege (found here) highlights a number of these concerns, concluding that the 401(k) may not be a sufficient means to save for retirement, especially
- [Average Joe seeks professional advice on retirement (as reported by Ron Lieber via nytimes.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/average-joe-seeks-professional-advice-about-retirement/) - Every day people are increasingly seeking out financial advisors to help them make smart, low-cost investments and to manage their Individual Retirement Account. Having a professional in charge of the retirement plans is seen to be a better alternative to having the individual handle them on his or her own as they are more likely to
- [Identity Theft: dangers and prevention (as reported by Sheyna Steiner via bankrate.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/identity-theft-dangers-and-prevention/) - Despite its recent comedic portrayal in the media, identity theft can prove to be a very problematic and even life threatening situation. In this article, victims’ stories illustrate the multiple problems they face and the difficulties of remedying them. Learn the most common ways people put themselves at risk and the best identity theft prevention tips here.
- [College students finding more paid internships (as reported by Venessa Wong via businessweek.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/college-students-finding-more-paid-internships/) - Alright, time to give your students some future college career advice. During college students can find some lucrative PAID internships now that the economy is back (or at least somewhat trending back). Students in technology and finance are at the top of the list of best compensated internships with monthly wages as much as $6074!
- [Why does the Penny Endure? (as reported by Geoff Williams via usnews.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/why-does-the-penny-endure/) - On February 4, Canada announced that it would cease to produce Canadian pennies. While this is of little significance in the U.S., it has reinvigorated an old question related to why the penny endures. In 2012, the U.S. produced $49 million in pennies. It cost $118 million. This cost inequality aside, how often do people
- [No Saturday mail? Impact on financial activities (as reported by Geoff Williams via usnews.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/no-more-saturday-mail-impact-on-financial-activities/) - Many individuals have already surmised the problems that will arise as a result of losing the Saturday post. The article to be found here iterates a few more. While it seems to jokingly set forward the idea that Netflix subscribers will have less opportunities to ship DVDs back, it does make the case that for people who continue
- [Supply & Demand in the iPhone Market (as reported by Quentin Fottrell via marketwatch.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/supply-and-demand-in-the-iphone-market/) - The laws of supply and demand dictate that if demand is met by disproportionately high supply, there will generally be a decrease in the price of a good. Furthermore, if there is a high supply of a good which is similar to another good in the market, individuals may be unwilling to continue paying high
- [Are we letting a perfectly good crisis go to waste? (as reported by John W. Schoen via cnbc.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/are-we-letting-a-perfectly-good-crisis-go-to-waste/) - New research from the PewResearchCenter indicates that people under 35 in the U.S. are carrying lower levels of debt. According to their data, young people have pared debt more aggressively than older households since the 2008 crisis. This marks a paradigm shift from years prior, when debt-to-income ratios among that group were at record levels.
- [Payday lenders endure even as consumers aware of risks (as reported by John Sandman via AARP.org)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/payday-lenders-endure-even-as-consumers-aware-of-risks/) - This article paints a comprehensive picture of the problem with payday lenders: these quick cash advances are a short term solution to a long term money issue. Most people are familiar with the 20,000 storefront locations in over 33 states offering payday loans, but now payday loans are even available from banks in the majority
- [What's In A Name? The Differences between Financial Professionals (as reported by forbes.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/whats-in-a-name-the-differences-between-financial-professionals-as-reported-by-forbes-com/) - Though used interchangeably in conversation, there are stark differences between stockbrokers, investment advisors, and financial advisors. These differences become crucial when seeking to hire a professional for financial or investment advice. This handy Forbes article outlines the differences between the three in a clear manner, listing the functions and qualifications behind each title. Click here
- [Financial Lessons from one woman’s tragedy (as reported by Ron Lieber via nytimes.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/financial-lessons-from-one-womans-tragedy-as-reported-by-ron-lieber-via-nytimes-com/) - This New York Times article of a woman trying to take the reins on her finances after the sudden death of her husband highlights the importance of estate planning and being financially literate. Chanel Reynolds faced many difficulties coming from the lack of a signed will and little information about her insurance, retirement account, and
- [VantageScore3.0 Brings Changes to Credit Scores (as reported by Gerri Detweiler via finance.yahoo.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/vantagescore3-0-brings-changes-to-credit-scores-as-reported-by-gerri-detweiler-via-finance-yahoo-com/) - The newest version of the consumer credit rating product VantageScore has been unveiled this week with three big changes intended to benefit consumers. This comes as a response to some of the common complaints made by consumers who feel their credit scores are not presented fairly. The changes in VantageScore3.0 include the end of the
- [Patterns in Consumers’ Credit Card Complaints (as reported by Carter Dougherty & Frank Bass via Bloomberg.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/patterns-in-consumers-credit-card-complaints-as-reported-by-carter-dougherty-frank-bass-via-bloomberg-com/) - Analysis of the consumers’ credit card complaints collected by the consumer bureau has yielded interesting findings. Of the 11,045 complaints collected, more than half came from zip codes with median annual household incomes higher than the national median of $52,762. This comes as a surprise to U.S. officials were interested in collecting the information in
- [Curb Your Bad Spending Habits (as reported by Monica Ricci via finance.yahoo.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/curb-your-bad-spending-habits-as-reported-by-monica-ricci-via-finance-yahoo-com/) - There are many reasons why a person may have a large amount of debt, but much of the time, it is simply because of bad or uncontrolled spending habits. Thankfully, it is never too late for a person to change his or her ways and rein in spending. By utilizing the five tips provided in
- [Limiting Charitable Tax Deductions - Smart or Harmful? (as reported by Mark P. Cussen via investopedia.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/limiting-charitable-tax-deductions-smart-or-harmful-as-reported-by-mark-p-cussen-via-investopedia-com/) - In response to the fiscal cliff and the push to increase revenue, politicians in and out of the White House have offered proposals that would limit or eliminate the itemized deductions for the wealthy. This could be problematic as both upper and middle class taxpayers use charitable contribution deductions to reduce their tax bills. The
- [Banks as the New Community Centers (as reported by Charles Passy via marketwatch.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/banks-as-the-new-community-centers-as-reported-by-charles-passy-via-marketwatch-com/) - In the age of online banking, some banks are implementing new ways to lure in existing and potential customers to their neighborhood branch. In an effort to become more community friendly, banks are hosting events and offering little perks to make visiting a branch a more enjoyable experience. To read more about this new strategy, read the full
- [Should the Government Require Americans to Save? (as reported by Mitch Tuchman via forbes.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/should-the-government-require-americans-to-save/) - For many it comes as no surprise that Ronald O’Hanley, president of Fidelity Investments, believes Americans should try to save more money. What is more controversial is O’Hanley’s proposal for the government to start requiring workers to put away 6% of their earnings by default. Is this push to save necessary, especially in light of
- [Establishing Credit as an Emancipated Minor (as reported by Melody Warnick via creditcards.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/establishing-credit-as-an-emancipated-minor-as-reported-by-melody-warnick-via-creditcards-com/) - Emancipated minors can legally make their own financial decisions, but it seems the real catch is establishing a credit history. Without proper credit, companies and landlords are reluctant to enter into contracts with applicants under the age of 18. This makes it difficult to do things such as open a credit card or get a
- [New Strategies for Insurers Seeking to Cut Costs (as reported by Caroline Humer via finance.yahoo.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/new-strategies-for-insurers-seeking-to-cut-costs-as-reported-by-caroline-humer-via-finance-yahoo-com/) - In attempts to cut costs while still providing adequate health care, many public and private insurance companies have begun offering more wellness and prevention initiatives. One of the most significant plans is the Accountable Care Organizations, which compensate medical providers who reach certain quotas. Government agencies and various insurance companies are optimistic about these new
- [Pre-Approval Often Comes With a Catch (as reported by Charles Passy via Marketwatch.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/pre-approval-often-comes-with-a-catch-as-reported-by-charles-passy-via-marketwatch-com/) - Even as an increasing amount of consumers are being preapproved for credit cards, experts say this offer is often too good to be true. Preapproval does not guarantee a competitive interest rate or even acceptance; the rejection rate for preapproved applicants can be as high as 30%. Consumers should be aware of this clever sales
- [Reevaluating Risk in Today's Market (As Reported by Tom Lauricella via WSJ.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/reevaluating-risk-in-todays-market-as-reported-by-tom-lauricella-via-wsj-com/) - Buyer beware! Some of the “truths” of the investing marketplace that we have long held onto are changing. The investment landscape today may not resemble that of even a few years ago. A combination of uncertainty in the global economy and the Federal Reserve’s efforts to keep the interest rate near zero have made traditionally
- [Financial Advice for Your Twenties (As Reported by Dan Caplinger on DailyFinance.Com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/financial-advice-for-your-twenties-as-reported-by-dan-caplinger-on-dailyfinance-com/) - For young people heading out into the real world for the first time, managing your money can be one of the more difficult tasks. Though it may be complex, understanding your finances is crucial when you’re just starting out. It is at this time in your life that you need to start planning, budgeting, paying
- [Preferred Stock vs. Common Stock (As Reported by Miranda Marquit on Moolanomy.Com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/preferred-stock-vs-common-stock-as-reported-by-miranda-marquit-on-moolanomy-com/) - When most people think of stocks, we’re thinking of common stock. Preferred stock is different, and comes with certain privileges. One such privilege is that most preferred stock offers higher dividends than common stock, which is one of the primary reasons that people own preferred stock. They are also less risky and less volatile than
- [Common Sense Investment Advice (As Reported by Pinyo Bhulipongsanon on Moolamony.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/common-sense-investment-advice-as-reported-by-pinyo-bhulipongsanon-on-moolamony-com/) - Most people who are new to investing want to know where to put their money, what the hot stocks are, or how they should choose a broker. But the experts will tell you that before you act, you should educate yourself and define a plan. It’s important to understand where you are financially, and what
- [Cost of Selling a Home (As Reported by Carla Fried on WSJ.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/cost-of-selling-a-home-as-reported-by-carla-fried-on-wsj-com/) - The good news is home sellers are in a better position now than they’ve been since before the financial crisis. The bad news is that most don’t plan enough for the costs that most people incur when going through the sales process. In addition to commission for real estate agents, there are often out of
- [Plan for Unexpected Medical Costs (As Reported by Gerri Detweiler on Finance.Yahoo.Com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/plan-for-unexpected-medical-costs-as-reported-by-gerri-detweiler-on-finance-yahoo-com/) - Even the most prepared and financially savvy of us can be caught off guard because of medical emergencies. Costs can be high and paying bills can be difficult. It is important that you plan for the unexpected so that these events don’t ruin an otherwise strong financial strategy. There are steps that you can take
- [In Finance, Lead by Example (As Reported by Jennifer Calonia on USNews.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/in-finance-lead-by-example-as-reported-by-jennifer-calonia-on-usnews-com/) - One of the surest ways to develop a financially savvy young adult is for parents to reinforce sound personal finance decisions at home. And while not all parents will see eye to eye on good financial habits, being open about money management can have a huge impact on kids’ future financial literacy. By talking openly
- [The Dangers of Credit Cards (as reported by Derek Thompson on Finance.Yahoo.Com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/the-dangers-of-credit-cards-as-reported-by-derek-thompson-on-finance-yahoo-com/) - The convenience of credit cards may be appealing, but if you look hard at how credit cards are changing people’s money habits, there may be more negatives than positives. The nature of credit cards is that people are more careless than they might otherwise be with cash. Some would argue that they make us less
- [Tips for Paying Off Debt (Guest post by David Ning of MoneyNing.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/tips-for-paying-off-debt-guest-post-by-david-ning-of-moneyning-com/) - Debt is a four letter word, but you certainly don't have to cringe every time you hear about it! Far too many think being in debt is just the way of life these days, but that's simply not true. By spending some time employing simple strategies to pare down that financial burden, people actually end
- [Pass on Financial Responsibility (as reported by Alex Veiga on Newsday.Com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/pass-on-financial-responsibility-as-reported-by-alex-veiga-on-newsday-com/) - To help ensure that your kids will grow up to become more financially savvy, it is a good idea to start teaching them about financial responsibility early. Parents can teach their kids about the value of working for money and saving. Get them to think about purchases and prepare them for the tough financial decisions
- [Avoiding Retirement’s Financial Pitfalls (as reported by Robert Powell of Finance.Yahoo.Com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/avoiding-retirements-financial-pitfalls-as-reported-by-robert-powell-of-finance-yahoo-com/) - There is a lot to think about when planning for retirement. It’s important that you do your best not to make one of several simple mistakes many new retirees make. The best thing you can do is learn to live within your means. After retirement, when you no longer have an outside source of income,
- [Just 10% (as reported by Melanie Hicken on Money.CNN.Com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/just-10-as-reported-by-melanie-hicken-on-money-cnn-com/) - Strive to put away at least 10% of your income towards retirement. That’s Melanie Hicken’s advice to young adults just starting their careers after college. It’s a time in life when there may be a variety of competing financial goals, and when you don’t necessarily have the life experience to know everything you need to
- [How the Wealthy Live (as reported by Farnoosh Torabi of Finance.Yahoo.Com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/how-the-wealthy-live-as-reported-by-farnoosh-torabi-of-finance-yahoo-com/) - Being wealthy isn’t only about what you do with money--there are a number of things that wealthy people do more often than those who are not. And if we can try to emulate those habits and actions, we might put ourselves on the right track financially. It starts with making the best use of your
- [The Importance of Shopping Banks (as reported by Pinyo on Moolanomy.Com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/the-importance-of-shopping-banks-as-reported-by-pinyo-on-moolanomy-com/) - It used to be that you did business with the local bank in your town. You didn’t have much to choose from, so you took what you could get. But in today’s world, you can choose a seemingly endless supply of banks, both online and off. So, to be truly financially responsible, it’s important that
- [Should I budget for that big ticket item? (as reported by MoneyTalksNews on Mint.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/should-i-budget-for-that-big-ticket-item-as-reported-by-moneytalksnews-on-mint-com/) - It may seem a bit counterintuitive, but based on some recent studies it appears that budgeting for high ticket items may actually lead you to pay more for them in the end! The findings suggest that people who have a dollar amount that they’re willing to pay in mind before they start shopping ignore price
- [Selecting a Financial Adviser (as reported by Vincent King on MoneyNing.Com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/selecting-a-financial-adviser-as-reported-by-vincent-king-on-moneyning-com/) - Picking the right financial adviser might be the best financial decision that you make in your lifetime. The right adviser can help guide your investment and purchasing decisions so that you can put yourself on the right track. But not all financial advisers are made equal. In his advice column, Vincent King addresses nine characteristics
- [How To Teach Children About Investing (as reported by Aparna Narayanan with The Wall Street Journal)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/how-to-teach-children-about-investing-as-reported-by-aparna-narayanan-with-the-wall-street-journal/) - At what age should we start the conversation about personal finance and investing? Investment professionals share their experience from teaching their own children. The suggestions are quite varied and easily approachable; sharing bank and investment account statements, purchasing stock to explain the concept of proportional ownership, and how to tackle more abstract ideas like inflation
- [Finding Happiness with Money (as reported by Mandi Woodruff Finance.Yahoo.Com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/finding-happiness-with-money-as-reported-by-mandi-woodruff-finance-yahoo-com/) - We all know the old adage that money does not buy happiness. But why do so many people think that more money will make them happier? And why is it almost never the case the more money leads to more happiness? Mandi Woodruff addresses the answers to these questions and makes some suggestions for spending
- [Making Sense of Money Graphic by The Financial Brand](https://wise-ny.org/blog/making-sense-of-money-graphic-by-the-financial-brand/) - How many Americans have a long term savings plan or an emergency fund? Did you know that many financial advisers recommend an emergency fund to cover nine months to a year of household expenses? Reading numbers and statistics are always important, but sometimes seeing is believing. We've linked to the attached info graphic developed by
- [Most Important Financial Skills to Learn (as reported by Nancy Anderson on Forbes.Com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/most-important-financial-skills-to-learn-as-reported-by-nancy-anderson-on-forbes-com/) - When it comes to financial advice, it seems that everywhere you look, you will hear something new. And with the complexities of financial markets, and so much to learn about managing your finances, it can feel quite overwhelming at times. But if you practice just a few of the most important financial skills early in
- [Financial Pitfalls for Couples (as reported by Miranda Marquit on BeingFrugal.net)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/financial-pitfalls-for-couples-as-reported-by-miranda-marquit-on-beingfrugal-net/) - When two people combine their finances, it’s important to make sure both people see eye to eye on personal finance. Just like in other areas of a relationship, it’s very important to talk openly about goals and expectations. Not being on the same page with your significant other can lead to financial problems during the
- [The High Cost of Parenting (as reported by Melanie Hicken on Finance.Yahoo.Com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/the-high-cost-of-parenting-as-reported-by-melanie-hicken-on-finance-yahoo-com/) - Raising a kid is expensive. That comes as no surprise. But the actual price tag may cause your jaw to drop just a bit. The U.S. Department of Agriculture released a report the other day that estimated the cost of raising a child born in 2012 for 18 years is over $240,000. And since 2000,
- [The Truth About Credit Scores (as reported by Tisha Tolar on Moolanomy.Com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/the-truth-about-credit-scores-as-reported-by-tisha-tolar-on-moolanomy-com/) - Credit scores are important for a number of reasons. But for many of us, credit scores are confusing and difficult to understand. There are many myths about credit scores that you may have heard, but finding the truth about those myths is key to better understanding your credit history. One of the most common myths
- [Maximizing the College Experience while Staying in Your Budget (as reported by Nancy Anderson via forbes.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/maximizing-the-college-experience-while-staying-in-your-budget-as-reported-by-nancy-anderson-via-forbes-com/) - Heading off to college is an exciting time in many young people's lives. For most young people this is the first experience living outside of a parent's house and managing their own expenses. College life provides many unique experiences and challenges for a young adult, not the least of which is covering the huge expense
- [Discussing the Financial Literacy Gender Gap (As reported by Robin Patinkin with the Huffington Post Money Blog)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/discussing-the-financial-literacy-gender-gap-as-reported-by-robin-patinkin-with-the-huffington-post-money-blog/) - Woody Allen’s new film “Blue Jasmine” touches on a scenario familiar in many households. A wife signs tax and legal documents when presented by her husband without the knowledge as to what is really being signed. In the film, this lack of knowledge is the basis for a plot detailing the fall of a socialite
- [Budgeting for a College Education (as reported by Gerber Life on Mint.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/budgeting-for-a-college-education-as-reported-by-gerber-life-on-mint-com/) - There are a number of big ticket items that people will purchase in their lifetimes, such as cars, houses, and vacations. But there is perhaps no purchase that will be bigger than a college education. Most parents hope to help out, if not take care of their children’s college tuition completely. But the cost is
- [Harnessing Technology to Provide Education (As reported by Lisa Wirthman for Forbes.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/harnessing-technology-to-provide-education-as-reported-by-lisa-wirthman-for-forbes-com/) - Today’s children are raised surrounded by more technology than any generation before. Look around, many have already mastered using smartphones and tablets while just toddlers. A new generation of applications and games designed for these devices aims to connect to these young children in these formats. Educational software is of course not new, but it
- [Choosing Cheaper Schools (as reported by Kathleen Kingsbury on Finance.Yahoo.Com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/choosing-cheaper-schools-as-reported-by-kathleen-kingsbury-on-finance-yahoo-com/) - While college costs are still rising at universities around the country, Sallie Mae’s annual “How America Pays for College” report suggests that more and more families are saving by choosing less expensive schools. For the first time in many years, the average college-related costs per student went down for the 2012-13 school year. Focusing on
- [Save More by Spending Less (as reported by Money Talk News on Mint.Com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/save-more-by-spending-less-as-reported-by-money-talk-news-on-mint-com/) - Students go to school to learn the skills that will allow them to succeed and earn money as adults. But to truly achieve financial freedom, it’s just important to learn skills that will help you save money by spending less. In this article, we are given seven great money saving tips that are key to
- [Financial Influence of Friends (as reported by Jessica Sommerfield on Moneyning.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/financial-influence-of-friends-as-reported-by-jessica-sommerfield-on-moneyning-com/) - Creditors and lenders have found something new to look at when evaluating creditworthiness of individuals, their network of friends. Multiple news stories recently have spread the word that banks, insurance companies, and other financial institutions are using social networks to establish patterns of financials behavior among groups of friends when evaluating someone for financing. In
- [Young Americans Fear Markets (as reported by Melanie Hicken on Money.CNN.Com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/young-americans-fear-markets-as-reported-by-melanie-hicken-on-money-cnn-com/) - Because they have grown up in a country where the fear of unemployment is higher than ever, and because they saw many of their parents struggle after the collapse of the stock market in 2008, millennials are much less likely to trust, or utilize, the stock market to grow their wealth. And most experts say,
- [#buy it Now Using Social Media (as reported by Melody Warnick via creditcards.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/buy-it-now-using-social-media-as-reported-by-melody-warnick-via-creditcards-com/) - The financial services industry is always coming up with ways to make spending easier for consumers. The latest development by today's tech entrepreneurs means that a person no longer needs their wallet to make a purchase. An impulse buy is as simple as writing #buy using your Twitter account. Backers of the technology, including AMEX,
- [Cutting Back on Health Coverage (as reported by Tom Murphy via finance.yahoo.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/cutting-back-on-health-coverage-as-reported-by-tom-murphy-via-finance-yahoo-com/) - Health coverage is a hot topic these days and for many is tied directly to employment. A new trend is starting to emerge among employers, many are rethinking the instances in which an employee's spouse can receive coverage. Starting next year some employers will no longer cover insurance for a spouse with access to coverage
- [Money Lessons for College Students (as reported by Sara Frederick Burgos on Manilla.Com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/money-lessons-for-college-students-as-reported-by-sara-frederick-burgos-on-manilla-com/) - For many people, the first year of college is the first time we take on responsibilities for our own finances. For that reason, it’s an important time in your life to learn a number of crucial financial lessons. Sara Frederick Burgos sites ten things that college students need to learn about money. One of the
- [How to Choose the Right Investments (as reported by Trent Hamm on TheSimpleDollar.Com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/how-to-choose-the-right-investments-as-reported-by-trent-hamm-on-thesimpledollar-com/) - Setting up a 401k or IRA is an important step toward planning for retirement, but for many workers, it presents a challenge. That challenge, choosing between different types of investments and deciding where to put your money. Trent Hamm of The Simple Dollar tells us that there are five steps to choosing the right type
- [Simple Ways to Raise Your Credit Score (as reported by Jim Wang on Finance.Yahoo.Com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/simple-ways-to-raise-your-credit-score-as-reported-by-jim-wang-on-finance-yahoo-com/) - A good credit score is important, and there are many things you can do to ensure your score remains high. But sometimes, we make mistakes, and our score suffers. If you find yourself with a credit score that could use some help, there are some things that you can do in order to raise your
- [Automate Your Savings (as reported by Kevin Mulligan on Moolanomy.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/automate-your-savings-as-reported-by-kevin-mulligan-on-moolanomy-com/) - Saving money is an important part of financial success. It is a habit, a healthy one that must be learned for most people. But it’s not always as easy as that. For many people, it takes constant effort, and it can be easy to forget. That’s why the right option for you might be to
- [In Need of More Young Homeowners (as reported by Quentin Fottrell on Marketwatch.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/in-need-of-more-young-homeowners-as-reported-by-quentin-fottrell-on-marketwatch-com/) - 18-34 year olds account for nearly half of the 2.4 million missing households in the United States. A “missing household” is a stat calculated as the number of people who do not own homes but who would have if not for the financial and housing market collapse of 2008. The number continues to get smaller,
- [Millennials and Marriage, Tips for Financial Success (as reported by Daniel Lippman with the Wall Street Journal)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/millennials-and-marriage-tips-for-financial-success-as-reported-by-daniel-lippman-with-the-wall-street-journal/) - Marriage is one of the biggest, if not THE biggest, decision that many people make in their lives. For Millennials (those born between 1980 and 2000) there are a number of important financial considerations to keep in mind. Millennials are expected to live longer than older generations and, in some cases, could be retired for
- [Where to Turn for a Financial Check-Up](https://wise-ny.org/blog/where-to-turn-for-a-financial-check-up/) - Most of us understand the importance of routine car maintenance and yearly health check-ups; why is choosing a Financial Adviser to review the health of our retirement portfolio something that makes us so uncomfortable? For starters, how are we to know if the person dispensing advice truly has our best interests in mind? And then
- [Choosing a Degree for Potential Earnings (as reported by Chris Nichols on Finance.Yahoo.Com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/choosing-a-degree-for-potential-earnings-as-reported-by-chris-nichols-on-finance-yahoo-com/) - The number of Americans earning college degrees continues to rise to levels never before seen. But not every college degree is equal, especially when you compare the potential earnings one can expect to make from one degree to another. NPR recently published a report that examines the highest, and lowest paying degrees for both Bachelors
- [Four Retirement Tips for Millenials (as reported by Jessica Sommerfield on Moneyning.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/four-retirement-tips-for-millenials-as-reported-by-jessica-sommerfield-on-moneyning-com/) - One of the most important skills to learn for anyone looking to sure up their finances is how to start planning for retirement. Current trends show that young adults are worried less about retirement, because they are too focused on current fiscal needs. But retirement needs to be high on the priority list, no matter
- [Investing for beginners (as reported by Stephanie Halligan on quizzle.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/investing-for-beginners-as-reported-by-linda-vergon-on-fivecentnickel-com/) - We've posted a number of times recently about the fear that many young people today have when it comes to investing. Still very distrustful of the stock market five years after the financial collapse surrounding mortgages and the housing market, many people are hesitant. But investing early is critical to building wealth over time. So
- [Setting Goals for your Personal Finance (as reported by Trent Hamm on TheSimpleDollar.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/setting-goals-for-your-personal-finance-as-reported-by-trent-hamm-on-thesimpledollar-com/) - A good strategy for learning and practicing healthy habits is to start with the end in mind. And that goes for personal finance as well. In this article on The Simple Dollar, Trent Hamm talks about envisioning the time in your life that you’re working towards. How old will you be? What will you want
- [Don’t Wait to Invest (as reported by Trent Hamm on TheSimpleDollar.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/dont-wait-to-invest-as-reported-by-trent-hamm-on-thesimpledollar-com/) - A reason many people give for not investing is not knowing what to invest in--they fear making the wrong decision, getting in at the wrong time, losing their money or not making as much as they possibly can. That kind of stalling is something best avoided, according to Trent Hamm, the right time to invest
- [Don’t Forget Your Finances at year End! (as reported by Deborah Jacobs via forbes.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/dont-forget-your-finances-at-year-end-as-reported-by-deborah-jacobs-via-forbes-com/) - It’s now the peak of the holiday season and that means family, celebrations and giving. This is also a time to reflect on the last year, review our own finances, and plan for the year ahead. For instance; if you have set up 529 college savings accounts, 2013 contributions will need to be completed by
- [Credit cards for Young People (as reported by Jennifer Waters on MarketWatch.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/credit-cards-for-young-people-as-reported-by-jennifer-waters-on-marketwatch-com/) - It is a popular thought that young people + credit cards = danger. After the financial collapse, Congress passed a number of laws meant to help the financial state of our country, including limiting credit card companies from signing up people under the age of 18 without a cosigner. But a recent study by researchers
- [Better Money Habits Courses](https://wise-ny.org/blog/better-money-habits-courses/) - Have you heard of KhanAcademy? Founded in 2006 by Salman Khan, the company makes hundreds of courses available for free online, on topics which range from history to calculus. And recently, they partnered with Bank of America to create a portal of courses on personal finance subjects which they called “Better Money Habits”. Whether you’re
- [Choosing a Cell Phone (as reported by Matthew Amster-Burton on www.Mint.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/choosing-a-cell-phone-as-reported-by-matthew-amster-burton-on-www-mint-com/) - Worldwide adoption of cell phones is on the rise. The accessibility and affordability of ever more powerful smartphones means that cell phones are no longer a luxury product. But you can make a smart decision by shopping for the right phone and plan to fit your budget. As Matthew Amster-Burton tells us in this post
- [Microcredit helping to ease poverty in American cities (as reported by Shaila Dewan with the New York Times)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/microcredit-helping-to-ease-poverty-in-american-cities-as-reported-by-shaila-dewan-with-the-new-york-times/) - The concept of microlending is an idea that many of us have only a passing knowledge of. Perhaps you or someone you know has established an account with an organization like Kiva to lend funds to aspiring entrepreneurs in a developing country. These days micro lending is no longer focused on just the developing world.
- [Beware of Retail Cards (as reported by Blake Ellis on money.cnn.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/beware-of-retail-cards-as-reported-by-blake-ellis-on-money-cnn-com/) - Many retailers offer their own credit cards for frequent shoppers, but often times these cards are not all they seem to be. Many of them offer an introductory period during which you don’t get charged interest. This is to entice you to sign up and use them but after that introductory period is over, they
- [Simple Savings Tips (as reported by Vincent King on moneyning.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/simple-savings-tips-as-reported-by-vincent-king-on-moneyning-com/) - Are you spending money on things you don’t need to? Even you answered no; you may want to double check. We all spend money on things without even knowing we’re doing it. Vincent King, on his post for Moneyning.com, calls these our personal finance leaks. And at the top of his list is that outdated
- [College Credit Tips (as reported by AJ Smith on finance.yahoo.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/college-credit-tips-as-reported-by-aj-smith-on-finance-yahoo-com/) - The old cliché practice makes perfect applies to healthy personal financial habits. And building credit, as well as understanding it, is no exception. College presents a great time for young adults and teens to start working towards a working knowledge of credit cards and the right ways to use them. AJ Smith, in this article,
- [Never Miss a Payment (as reported by John Ulzheimer on mint.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/never-miss-a-payment-as-reported-by-john-ulzheimer-on-mint-com/) - One of the many myths about credit scores, and a dangerous one, is that missing just one payment won’t hurt you. When you miss a payment deadline, even for the first time, you risk a lower credit score. The best thing you can do is never miss a payment. But when that is not possible,
- [Retirement Calculation Question Marks (as reported by Mandi Woodruff on finance.yahoo.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/retirement-calculation-question-marks-as-reported-by-mandi-woodruff-on-finance-yahoo-com/) - A recent study by Morningstar Investment Research suggests that many Americans may be targeting a number that is too high when planning for retirement. That’s because some of the common assumptions that retirement calculators use don’t necessarily match the reality of retirement. For example, when calculating how much money someone needs to retire, financial planners
- [Emergency Funds (as reported by Miranda Marquit on moolanomy.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/emergency-funds-as-reported-by-miranda-marquit-on-moolanomy-com/) - Emergency funds are exactly what they sound like, money that you have saved in case of an emergency. Such an emergency might present itself in the form of a job loss or an illness, but no matter what happens your emergency fund is what you’ll rely on when there is no more money coming in.
- [The Rise in Workplace Loans (as reported by Andrew Johnson on finance.yahoo.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/the-rise-in-workplace-loans-as-reported-by-andrew-johnson-on-finance-yahoo-com/) - Over the last couple of years, while the big banks are tightening up their standards, a new type of loan has gained popularity. These loans are commonly referred to as workplace loans, and they allow employees to borrow up to $500, with most choosing to pay it back directly from their paycheck. The workplace loan
- [When to Buy Insurance (as reported by Kevin on 20smoney.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/when-to-buy-insurance-as-reported-by-kevin-on-20smoney-com/) - The best laid plans don’t guarantee financial success. That’s because life is unpredictable. But you can be prepared for the unexpected if you buy the right kind of insurance. Everyone should look into the following types of insurance, depending on where they are in life: Life Insurance, Travel Insurance, Renters Insurance, Health Insurance, Car Insurance,
- [Improve Your Finances in 2014 (as reported by Kimberly Palmer on finance.yahoo.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/improve-your-finances-in-2014-as-reported-by-kimberly-palmer-on-finance-yahoo-com/) - Make one of your New Year’s Resolutions this year to make 2014 your best financial year ever. And to help you accomplish that, Kimberly Palmer has put together this article listing 25 ways to improve your finances in the New Year. It starts by having the right attitude about money and setting your financial roadmap
- [More ideas for financial resolutions in 2014! (as reported by the Wall Street Journal)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/more-ideas-for-financial-resolutions-in-2014-as-reported-by-the-wall-street-journal/) - It is time to celebrate the passing of 2013 and to usher in 2014, bringing with it many New Year’s resolutions. This year, why not make a realistic and achievable commitment to improving your personal financial knowledge and well being? There are a number of simple steps which can make a drastic improvement in your
- [How to Avoid Phishing Scams (as reported by Trent Hamm on thesimpledollar.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/how-to-avoid-phishing-scams-as-reported-by-trent-hamm-on-thesimpledollar-com/) - One of the fastest ways to get into financial trouble in this modern age is to fall victim to a scam. Commonly referred to as phishing, email and other online financial scams continue to affect people all around the world. But learning how to recognize and avoid such scams can be simple, if we just
- [Personal Finance Review for Millenials (as reported by Sara Roncera-Menendez on mashable.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/personal-finance-review-for-millenials-as-reported-by-sara-roncera-menendez-on-mashable-com/) - Personal finance education being what it is, many young Americans leave college to join the workforce and live out on their own without a basic understanding of their own finances. And more than that, they don’t know where to turn for knowledge or advice. Sara Roncera-Menendez has put together for Mashable a fundamental introduction to
- [Every Job In America (as reported by Quoctrung Bui at NPR’s Planet Money Blog)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/every-job-in-america-as-reported-by-quoctrung-bui-at-nprs-planet-money-blog/) - Economists estimate that there are approximately 137 million jobs in the United States. How are they distributed? It’s clear that over the past decades America has moved from a focus on goods production to a largely service industry. Planet Money has charted this detail from U.S. government’s monthly jobs report to illustrate the size (in
- [The Rule of 752 (as reported by Credit.com on blog.mint.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/the-rule-of-752-as-reported-by-credit-com-on-blog-mint-com/) - You first goal in building wealth should always be to earn more than you spend. In order to do that, most people look to cut expenses. It’s natural to first look at your bigger costs, but don’t ignore those smaller and more frequent expenses. The Rule of 752 can help you pay closer attention to
- [Don’t Overpay Your Taxes (as reported by Sean Williams on fool.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/dont-overpay-your-taxes-as-reported-by-sean-williams-on-fool-com/) - If you work a job where you get a paycheck, your taxes are likely taken out of your paycheck automatically. The amount of the withholdings is based on your W-4. But it may not be the right amount. If you end up getting a tax refund every year, it means that you are overpaying your
- [Better Emergency Funds (as reported by Mandi Woodruff on finance.yahoo.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/better-emergency-funds-as-reported-by-mandi-woodruff-on-finance-yahoo-com/) - Saving money in case of emergencies is a good idea, there is no arguing with that. People lose their jobs, houses need repairing, health bills must get paid. But how you save for emergencies is a topic worth some debate. Because most people to date would consider the best way to save for emergencies is
- [Is Financial Aid Working? (as reported by Jon Marcus on money.cnn.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/is-financial-aid-working-as-reported-by-jon-marcus-on-money-cnn-com/) - For a variety of reasons, some perhaps still unknown, more financial aid for education has been going to children of families who don’t need it rather than the poorer families who can’t afford college without it. As the Obama administration once again begins to address income inequality and its relation to education, it is becoming
- [College Students and Credit Cards](https://wise-ny.org/blog/college-students-and-credit-cards/) - Credit cards and available credit can be tempting, we all know this. How should college students, often new to credit, choose what they charge on credit? Greg Meyer shares some tips on his blog, creditunionguy.blogspot.com. He advises only charging emergency expenses or something that could be considered an asset; necessary car repair or possibly books
- [Smart Education (as reported by Richard Barrington on fivecentnickel.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/smart-education-as-reported-by-richard-barrington-on-fivecentnickel-com/) - We’ve all heard the saying that an investment in your education is the best investment you can ever make. But even an investment in education needs to be well thought out, especially in a time of rising student loan debt and high unemployment among recent graduates. Not all degrees are created equal, and nothing can
- [Repaying Student Loans (as reported by Gary M. Stern on finance.yahoo.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/repaying-student-loans-as-reported-by-gary-m-stern-on-finance-yahoo-com/) - The average outstanding balance for a person with student loan debt is over $20,000. Paying off those loans can seem like a daunting task, and for many graduates, it takes a lifetime. But it doesn’t have to. Gary M. Stern offers five ways that anyone with student loans can pay off their debt faster and
- [Financial “Rules of Thumb” for Your Everyday Life](https://wise-ny.org/blog/financial-rules-of-thumb-for-your-everyday-life/) - Greg Meyer shares a number of “rules of thumb” for personal finances in a recent blog post at creditunionguy.blogspot.com. In this post he discusses the potential upsides of banking at a credit union rather than a large bank. He also advises on the portion of your paycheck that should be allotted to savings, for retirement,
- [What to do When an Account Goes to Collections](https://wise-ny.org/blog/what-to-do-when-an-account-goes-to-collections/) - Typically an account is sent to collections if it is more than 90 days past due. What does this mean, how does this affect a credit report, and how is best to remedy the situation? A collection occurs when we are late on a payment; examples could be auto loans, utility payments, or other services
- [Negative Option Scams (as reported by Christopher Elliott on blog.mint.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/negative-option-scams-as-reported-by-christopher-elliott-on-blog-mint-com/) - Remember to always read the fine print. You’ve heard that before. It’s like buyer beware, and it reminds us to pay attention to all the details of a purchase when we make one. Scams, some legal and others not, abound. One such “scam” that companies use in hopes of making more money off of you
- [Boost Your Tax Refund (as reported by Andre McNeil on Forbes.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/boost-your-tax-refund-as-reported-by-andre-mcneil-on-forbes-com/) - This is the time of year when taxes are on everyone’s mind. Many of us count on a healthy tax refund in the spring to help us pay for important items we have waited for, or as a nice boost to our savings. So how can you ensure that you get the most back this
- [Is Credit Safer than Debit? (as reported by Yahoo Finance on finance.yahoo.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/is-credit-safer-than-debit-as-reported-by-yahoo-finance-on-finance-yahoo-com/) - The debate over whether to use a debit card or a credit card continues, but recent data breaches as major US retailers, like Target incurred over the holidays, make security a primary concern when using all cards. So which is safer? This article from Yahoo Finance suggests that the fact that credit cards are not
- [A Word of Caution When Choosing a Tax Preparer (as reported by Alex H. Levy via the New York Times)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/a-word-of-caution-when-choosing-a-tax-preparer-as-reported-by-alex-h-levy-via-the-new-york-times/) - The April 15th IRS tax filing deadline is just around the corner; for many of us this means working with a tax preparation service to complete our returns. Many do not know that in most states a person can call themselves a tax preparer without any formal licensing or training. Undercover investigations into tax preparation
- [Hedge Funds in your 401(k)? What to know first. (as reported by Ben Steverman via Bloomberg.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/hedge-funds-in-your-401k-what-to-know-first-as-reported-by-ben-steverman-via-bloomberg-com/) - Because of U.S. regulatory rules, most hedge funds are limited to investors with $1 million or more in investable assets. The reasoning behind this is simple, these funds are considered a risky class of investment that could expose the typical retail investor to a potentially devastating financial loss. All this said, there is without a
- [Leave Your 401k Alone (as reported by Andrea Coombes on marketwatch.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/leave-your-401k-alone-as-reported-by-andrea-coombes-on-marketwatch-com/) - One of the worst financial mistakes that someone saving for retirement can make is reaching for the cash in their retirement accounts too soon. A study by Fidelty found that 35% of people who left their jobs last year took some or all of the money in their 401k or IRA accounts in order to
- [Online Stock Trading Platforms (as reported by Mike Jelinek on thesimpledollar.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/online-stock-trading-platforms-as-reported-by-mike-jelinek-on-thesimpledollar-com/) - Investing in the stock market on your own is not for everyone, but for those people out there that take the time to learn how to invest intelligently, there is a decision to make outside of what to invest in: where to do the investing. Mike Jelinek, writing on The Simple Dollar, reviews and compares
- [10 Money Mistakes in Your 20's (as reported by Suba Iyer on fivecentnickel.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/10-money-mistakes-in-your-20s-as-reported-by-suba-iyer-on-fivecentnickel-com/) - It takes most people a number of years before they decide that they need to get a handle on their finances. By the time we are thirty, we’re expected to know a lot about how live healthy financials lives. But what about your 20’s? What are we expected to know during the decade that most
- [Stock Market Myths (as reported by Investopedia on mint.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/stock-market-myths-as-reported-by-investopedia-on-mint-com/) - The stock market is a scary place for a lot of people, especially when you don’t take the time to understand how it works. Many people are afraid to invest because they don’t trust the market. But investing in the stock market can be an important part of building wealth, so it is crucial to
- [Marriage and Credit Scores (as reported by Emily Guy Birken on moneyning.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/marriage-and-credit-scores-as-reported-by-emily-guy-birken-on-moneyning-com/) - Afraid that marrying the wrong person could negatively impact your credit score? Well, it can and it can’t. As Emily Guy Birken explains, your credit score is yours and yours alone. When you get married, your credit score and your spouse’s credit score are not directly affected. However, that does not mean that your finances
- [Retirement Costs (as reported by Donna Rosato and Penelope Wang on money.cnn.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/retirement-costs-as-reported-by-donna-rosato-and-penelope-wang-on-money-cnn-com/) - Saving enough for retirement is at or near the top of everyone’s financial goals. The problem is, it is never easy to figure out exactly how much you are going to need when the time comes. Most online calculators estimate that you’ll need about 70-80% of your pre-retirement income to have the kind of life
- [Best Rewards Cards (as reported by Mike Jelinek on www.thesimpledollar.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/best-rewards-cards-as-reported-by-mike-jelinek-on-www-thesimpledollar-com/) - Picking the right credit card can help with your finances. There are a number of cards out there that claim to have the best rewards, but how do you know which is the best? Mike Jelinek, writing for The Simple Dollar, did the work for you. He analyzed a number of rewards cards that claim
- [Sell Your Stuff for Extra Cash (as reported by Travis Pizel on www.moneyning.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/sell-your-stuff-for-extra-cash-as-reported-by-travis-pizel-on-www-moneyning-com/) - From time to time we all need a little extra cash. The next time you find yourself looking for a little extra, look no further than your old stuff. Travis Pizel, writing for Money Ning, outlines a three step plan for earning money decluttering your home. Step one is to have a garage sale and
- [Investing Lessons from Warren Buffett (as reported by Tom Sightings on finance.yahoo.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/investing-lessons-from-warren-buffett-as-reported-by-tom-sightings-on-finance-yahoo-com/) - Warren Buffet is quite arguably the most successful investor of all time. And he has made most of his wealth based on very basic investment and financial principles, not difficult or complex financial schemes. So if you want to know how to make your money work for you, and build wealth as you prepare for
- [Retirement Planning Mistakes (as reported by Robert Berger on finance.yahoo.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/retirement-planning-mistakes-as-reported-by-robert-berger-on-finance-yahoo-com/) - Nothing should keep you from preparing for your retirement. But too many Americans don’t pay attention to their retirement planning until it’s too late. Robert Berger, writing for Yahoo Finance, outlines seven common mistakes that people make that could put their finances at risk. The first is choosing to pay off debt before setting aside
- [Dividends (as reported by Trent Hamm on www.thesimpledollar.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/dividends-as-reported-by-trent-hamm-on-www-thesimpledollar-com/) - Many people are hesitant to invest in stocks because they don’t know much about how they work. It’s important to learn as much as you can so that you can make smart investing decisions. For example, dividends are an important part of investing in stocks. When companies earn a profit, they have to decide what
- [Shared Habits of the Financially Successful (as reported by J.D. Roth on www.getrichslowly.org)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/shared-habits-of-the-financially-successful-as-reported-by-j-d-roth-on-www-getrichslowly-org/) - There are a number of shared qualities among people who are most successful at managing their finances and growing their wealth. And those of us that are not as successful can learn from them, and use them in an attempt to change our fortunes. The first is that people who are successful tend to surround themselves
- [Top 10 Retirement Ready States (as reported by MarketWatch on finance.yahoo.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/top-10-retirement-ready-states-as-reported-by-marketwatch-on-finance-yahoo-com/) - The National Institute on Retirement Security recently released its annual report on retirement readiness, which measures states by their general retirement preparation status. The report looks at things like employee participation in retirement savings and investment accounts, anticipated retirement income, etc. Its findings were presented at the fifth annual retirement policy conference. The state that
- [Smarter Investment Strategies (as reported by Betterment on blog.mint.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/smarter-investment-strategies-as-reported-by-betterment-on-blog-mint-com/) - Last year was a great year in the stock market. The S&P 500 was up about 27%. But that doesn’t mean everyone that invested made that much money. Some made much more, and some made much less. How can you make sure that you don’t miss out on big future gains? You can start by
- [Financial Advice for the Middle Class (as reported by Ron Lieber via the New York Times)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/financial-advice-for-the-middle-class-as-reported-by-ron-lieber-via-the-new-york-times/) - There is a new breed of financial advisor, and this one is focusing on middle class clients other than the ultra rich. These new advisors seek to address the scarcity of financial advice for those with less than $100,000 in assets, all while providing their services a reasonable price point. Realizing that investors have different
- [Real Estate Back in Favor (as reported by Jeff Macke on finance.yahoo.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/real-estate-back-in-favor-as-reported-by-jeff-macke-on-finance-yahoo-com/) - We all remember a little more than five years ago when the housing market bubble popped, triggering one of the worst financial collapses since the Great Depression. But now, according to recent data, investors are falling back in love with the real estate market. A recent Gallup poll measuring investor preference for long term growth
- [Saving for College (as reported by Miranda Marquit on www.moneyning.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/saving-for-college-as-reported-by-miranda-marquit-on-www-moneyning-com/) - For parents who are planning on sending their kids to college, paying those high costs is going to take work and planning. The best thing that you can do as parents is ask yourself some important questions, then figure out how and when to set money aside over time. Will you pay your childrens’ full
- [Student Loan Death Clause (as reported by Kimberly Hefling on finance.yahoo.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/student-loan-death-clause-as-reported-by-kimberly-hefling-on-finance-yahoo-com/) - If you or someone in your family has a student loan that was signed by a parent or grandparent, you could find yourself in the unfortunate situation that many Americans are finding themselves in lately. Because of a clause in many student loan contracts, if the loan is cosigned by a family member, and that
- [Personal Finance Strategies (as reported by Ray Martin on finance.yahoo.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/personal-finance-strategies-as-reported-by-ray-martin-on-finance-yahoo-com/) - Many people offer advice on managing your finances. And as much as the advice might vary, there are a few things that most experts will agree on. Ray Martin, writing on Yahoo Finance, sums up six fundamental personal finance tips that will help you lead a more financially successful life. The first is to always
- [Millenial Saving Trends (as reported by Melanie Hicken on money.cnn.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/millenial-saving-trends-as-reported-by-melanie-hicken-on-money-cnn-com/) - While they might not be saving as much as their parents did, Millenials started saving for retirement earlier. Perhaps because they came of age in the middle of the worst recession since the Great Depression, Millenials start putting money away for retirement at the age of 22 on average. And that’s good news for all
- [Student Loan Mistakes (as reported by Abby Hayes on finance.yahoo.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/student-loan-mistakes-as-reported-by-abby-hayes-on-finance-yahoo-com/) - Student loan debt has surpassed even credit card debt as the highest total amount of personal debt held in this country. It is a growing problem with few solutions. And too many young Americans are being “forced” into difficult loans with few resources available to them to help pay off the loans later. Abby Hayes,
- [Personal Finance Issues for Women (as reported by Emily Guy Birken on moneyning.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/personal-finance-issues-for-women-as-reported-by-emily-guy-birken-on-moneyning-com/) - While almost all of the typical personal finance tips apply to both sexes, women sometimes face different issues than men do when it comes to saving for retirement. Three common issues facing women are the fact that they tend to outlive their male counterparts but under-earn them, they tend to view their money as their
- [Stay Healthy Without Breaking the Bank (as reported by April Dykman on getrichslowly.org)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/stay-healthy-without-breaking-the-bank-as-reported-by-april-dykman-on-getrichslowly-org/) - Eating healthy can be an expensive habit. But if you’re on a budget, you don’t have to make sacrifices to your health. There are simple changes that you can make that help you stay healthy without breaking the bank. One thing you should do is reconsider all the fresh fruits and vegetables. If you end
- [Simple Saving Techniques (as reported by Alexa Mason on moneyning.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/simple-saving-techniques-as-reported-by-alexa-mason-on-moneyning-com/) - Earn more than you spend. It’s personal finance rule number 1. But just because you know you should be saving money doesn’t make it any easier. There are some simple savings techniques that you can employ in order to make saving a reality. And in her article on Moneyning.com, Alexa Mason briefly outlines four of
- [The Last Five Years (as reported by Kelly Campbell on news.finance.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/the-last-five-years-as-reported-by-kelly-campbell-on-news-finance-com/) - Planning for retirement is a lifelong process, and in the years leading up to your retirement you can’t afford to take your eye off the prize. The last five years of your life before you retire can be the most important, as you prepare for the big day and the many years that will come
- [Saving for College (as reported by Joel Saul-Sehy on personalcapital.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/saving-for-college-as-reported-by-joel-saul-sehy-on-personalcapital-com/) - The price tag on a college education continues to rise. This is nothing new, and families planning to send their children to college need to start saving as early as possible. When starting to sock money away, you will have a number of options that will work better in the long run than your average
- [Renting or Buying, Which is the Better Value? (As reported by Neil Erwin at the New York Times)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/renting-or-buying-which-is-the-better-value-as-reported-by-neil-erwin-at-the-new-york-times/) - Becoming a homeowner and making that first step onto the property ladder has long been a central part of the American dream. A recent article in the New York Times suggests that, for those living in the county’s most expensive metropolitan areas, renting might make more sense in the current economy. There are a number
- [Learning to Negotiate (as reported by wethesavers.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/learning-to-negotiate-as-reported-by-wethesavers-com/) - Learning the art of negotiation should be a priority for anyone who wants a more financially secure life. And while negotiating on price or pay may make you uncomfortable, it is those people who teach themselves to do it more that end up getting the better of things, financially speaking. Whether you are negotiating your
- [Retirement Shortfalls (as reported by Kimberly Palmer on finance.yahoo.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/retirement-shortfalls-as-reported-by-kimberly-palmer-on-finance-yahoo-com/) - Three in four Americans in the lowest income bracket could run out of retirement savings within the first ten years. Many others will run through their savings long before they die. Saving for a retirement is one of life's biggest financial goals, so why do so many of us fall short? One reason might be
- [529 Accounts Grow (as reported by Anne Flaherty on news.yahoo.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/529-accounts-grow-as-reported-by-anne-flaherty-on-news-yahoo-com/) - Saving for college is difficult. That's why most parents have the option of opening a 529 College Savings Account, which allows you to contribute and use money for college education free of taxes. And a recent report by the College Savings Plans Network shows us that the average size of these accounts has doubled since
- [Side Effects of Credit Cards (as reported by Richard Barrington on fivecentnickel.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/side-effects-of-credit-cards-as-reported-by-richard-barrington-on-fivecentnickel-com/) - Credit cards can be very useful tools if you use them the right way. But they also come with their dangers. Richard Barrington, writing for FiveCentNickel.com, lists the possible side effects of credit cards. They start with the added costs when you don’t pay off your debt on time. If you allow interest to accrue
- [FAQs on 401k (as reported by Emily Brandon on finance.yahoo.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/faqs-on-401k-as-reported-by-emily-brandon-on-finance-yahoo-com/) - 401k retirement plans are employer sponsored investment accounts that allow workers to save money for retirement. How do they work? In short, they allow workers to designate a portion of each paycheck to be deposited into an investment account tax free. Since you don’t have to pay income taxes on the money you invest until
- [Post Home Purchase Expenses (as reported by April Dykman on getrichslowly.org)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/post-home-purchase-expenses-as-reported-by-april-dykman-on-getrichslowly-org/) - When you buy your first home, there are some expenses that you don’t plan for. And a lot of them can happen after you actually close on the property. Such items include lawn maintenance, appliance replacement and repair, and upgrades to the look and feel of the home. Even when a home is in good
- [Opposing Popular Money Advice (as reported by Alexa Mason on www.moneyning.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/opposing-popular-money-advice-as-reported-by-alexa-mason-on-www-moneyning-com/) - Just because a lot of people say something is true, doesn’t mean it will be true for you. In the world of personal financial advice, there are many common themes that you should test for yourself before subscribing to them. This was the case for Alexa Mason, as she explains writing for moneyning.com. Many personal
- [Improving Credit Scores (as reported by Brittney Castro on blog.mint.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/improving-credit-scores-as-reported-by-brittney-castro-on-blog-mint-com/) - We know by now that your credit score is a very important number as it relates to your personal financial success. It can mean the difference between getting a loan for home or car ownership or not. And it can affect the rates you pay when you are approved for a loan. But things happen,
- [401k Rollover (as reported by John Hechinger on www.bloomberg.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/401k-rollover-as-reported-by-john-hechinger-on-www-bloomberg-com/) - Beware financial advice, especially when it comes from someone who stands to profit from the ideas they are giving you. That’s the story in a recent investigation into sales techniques that some brokers are using to get employees to rollover their 401k plans to IRAs. Individual retirement accounts offer a wider range of investments, but
- [Bad Habits Costing You (as reported by www.dailyfinance.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/bad-habits-costing-you-as-reported-by-www-dailyfinance-com/) - In order to set yourself up for financial success, most people think about all the ways that they can make more money. But instead, it’s smarter to think about what you might do to save more. If you can cut out certain bad habits, you might be able to save more. Dailyfinance.com wrote about seven
- [How to Retire Early (as reported by Joe Udo on finance.yahoo.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/how-to-retire-early-as-reported-by-joe-udo-on-finance-yahoo-com/) - Would you retire early if you could? Most people would say yes. And Joe Udo, writing for Yahoo Finance, cites five ways you can tell if you are ready to retire early. It starts with calculating your retirement cashflow. You will still need a steady stream of money coming in to support yourself during your
- [When to Pay Off Loans (as reported by Matthew Amster-Burton on www.mint.com/blog)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/when-to-pay-off-loans-as-reported-by-matthew-amster-burton-on-www-mint-comblog/) - Man people find themselves asking this question at some point early in their careers: Should I take my savings and use it pay off my student loans or should I instead take that money and invest it? And if you ask ten different people, you might hear ten different answers. A common theme is that
- [10 Financial Truths (as reported by Kimberly Palmer on finance.yahoo.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/10-financial-truths-as-reported-by-kimberly-palmer-on-finance-yahoo-com/) - It’s unfortunate that even today in the United States, not everyone gets the most basic personal finance education. But the more we can work these basic lessons into everyday life, the more we can spread the knowledge. Kimberly Palmer, writing for Yahoo Finance, outlines ten key things that everyone must know. One truth that people
- [Importance of Financial Education Today (as reported by Donna Freedman on www.getrichslowly.org)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/importance-of-financial-education-today-as-reported-by-donna-freedman-on-www-getrichslowly-org/) - It’s always been important for kids to learn how to manage money. But today, for this generation of children, the challenges they will face make learning basic personal financial skills crucial to their future success. A few simple mistakes, ones commonly made by today’s youth, can have a lasting negative impact on your life. Many
- [Used Car Shopping Tips (as reported by Alexa Mason on www.moneyning.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/used-car-shopping-tips-as-reported-by-alexa-mason-on-www-moneyning-com/) - One of the larger purchase decisions a person will make in their lifetime, usually at least two or three times, is the purchase of an automobile. And finding a good deal on a great car is a skill that you can learn to help make an efficient car-buying decision. When shopping for a quality used
- [Cracking the Code on Credit Card Numbers (As reported by Allan Smith at BusinessInsider.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/cracking-the-code-on-credit-card-numbers-as-reported-by-allan-smith-at-businessinsider-com/) - You always hear that cash is king, but is that really true today? Swiping a card, whether it is credit or debit, has become one of the most common methods of payment for everyday purchases. It’s so easy to pay by card that many of us have likely never stopped to think about how the
- [How do Millennials Choose to Spend Their Money?  (As reported by Jacob Davidson at time.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/how-do-millennials-choose-to-spend-their-money-as-reported-by-jacob-davidson-at-time-com/) - Millennials, loosely defined as those born within the years of 1980 to 2000, are soon to be the generation with more buying power than any other. But what does this mean and what do Millennials choose to spend their money on? Studies are showing that many goods and services thought essential by older generations are
- [35% of Americans in Collections (as reported by Josh Boak on finance.yahoo.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/35-of-americans-in-collections-as-reported-by-josh-boak-on-finance-yahoo-com/) - A scary new fact was recently reported, more than a third of all Americans have debt in collections. And the number does not appear to be dropping, even as more and more proof stacks up that the economy is ramping back up toward full recovery. About 35 percent of people have had their debts turned over
- [Debit Card for Kids (as reported by www.springwise.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/debit-card-for-kids-as-reported-by-www-springwise-com/) - A new product out of the UK is making news in the financial world. It’s called Osper, and it’s a prepaid debit card meant to teach kids how to manage money. Aimed at parents with young children, the card connects to an app on your phone and allows kids to spend money on a budget.
- [Health and Student Debt (as reported by Natalie Kitroeff on www.businessweek.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/health-and-student-debt-as-reported-by-natalie-kitroeff-on-www-businessweek-com/) - It is well understood that student debt is not great for your finances, but a new study of college graduates who left school in debt uncovered that student debt affects other aspects of your life as well. People reported worse health and higher levels of stress long after they graduated. The study, which covered more
- [How to Retire Early (as reported by Robert Powell on www.usatoday.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/how-to-retire-early-as-reported-by-robert-powell-on-www-usatoday-com/) - Want to retire early? A recent article published by USA Today may have the secrets that can help you get there. But the secret isn't really a secret. First, you need to calculate exactly how much money you will need in retirement, factoring in the added time you will have when you do retire early. Then,
- [College Money Mistakes (as reported by Emily Guy Birken on www.moneyning.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/college-money-mistakes-as-reported-by-emily-guy-birken-on-www-moneyning-com/) - Going away to college is hard enough for a lot of kids. It's your first time away from your parents and you have to fend for yourself. All of the sudden, the world also now expects you to know how to handle your own finances. Fair or not, there are a number of financial threats
- [Setting a Budget (as reported by Dylan Matthews on www.vox.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/setting-a-budget-as-reported-by-dylan-matthews-on-www-vox-com/) - Setting a budget can be a great way to get a handle on your finances. It helps you determine what you want to spend your money on, and helps you cut costs by identifying how much money you can afford to spend in all areas of your life. But how do you set an effective
- [Nothing Saved for Retirement (as reported by Nancy Hellmick on www.usatoday.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/nothing-saved-for-retirement-as-reported-by-nancy-hellmick-on-www-usatoday-com/) - Bankrate.com, a personal finance website, recently surveyed over one thousand adults across a variety of ages and found some disturbing information. Over a third of them, fully 36%, had nothing saved for retirement. That's bad enough, but when you break it down into the different age groups, it gets worse. 14% of people 65 and
- [The Secret to Dividend Investing (as reported by Andres Cardenal on money.cnn.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/the-secret-to-dividend-investing-as-reported-by-andres-cardenal-on-money-cnn-com/) - New investors are confronted with a lot of different tips and theories and strategies for choosing the right investments. One oft-heard suggestion is to invest in dividend paying stocks, stocks of publicly traded companies that return some of their profits to shareholders in the form of dividends. And the reasoning behind this strategy is deeper
- [Millenial Money Tips (as reported by Yohana Desta on www.mashable.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/millenial-money-tips-as-reported-by-yohana-desta-on-www-mashable-com/) - Young people today are coming of age in a difficult environment. Those in their 20s graduated from college and joined a working world that was still struggling to recover from one of the worst financial breakdowns of all time. And it can be hard for many just to find solid work in the field of
- [Finance Lessons for the New Year (as reported by Todd Wasserman on www.mashable.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/finance-lessons-for-the-new-year-as-reported-by-todd-wasserman-on-www-mashable-com/) - Personal finances are not sexy. And for most young people just starting their professional lives, there are plenty of other priorities to keep them occupied. But the sooner you start to understand how you're money is working for you, the better chance you have of setting yourself up for a successful future. To kick of
- [You Have to Invest (as reported by William Cowie on www.getrichslowly.org)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/you-have-to-invest-as-reported-by-william-cowie-on-www-getrichslowly-org/) - Investing should be a no brainer for Americans of any age. It is the best way to grow your wealth over the course of your lifetime. But the combination of a recent market collapse and a lack of knowledge, especially among the youngest professionals, have led to a much lower percentage of people who invest
- [Obama’s About-Face on 529 Plans Could Save the Middle Class a Bundle (as reported by Amey Stone, the Fiscal Times)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/obamas-about-face-on-529-plans-could-save-the-middle-class-a-bundle-as-reported-by-amey-stone-the-fiscal-times/) - In his State of the Union speech last Tuesday, President Obama proposed tax breaks for college saving accounts known as 529 plans. A week later, that major policy proposal is dead, dropped by the administration in the face of opposition from Republicans and Democrats alike, as well as state treasurers, financial firms, educational institutions and
- [7 Easy Ways to Raise Your Credit Score This Year (as reported by Mikey Rox of wisebread.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/7-easy-ways-to-raise-your-credit-score-this-year-as-reported-by-mikey-rox-of-wisebread-com/) - So what if the first of the year has already come and gone? It's never too late to establish yearly money goals for yourself. If your credit score needs work (or if you've been denied credit), there's no time like the present to raise your personal FICO score. Obviously, you're not going to improve a
- [Top 5 Personal Finance Apps (as reported by Rebecca Sheppard of bezinga.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/top-5-personal-finance-apps-as-reported-by-rebecca-sheppard-of-bezinga-com/) - The winter weather doesn’t have to stop you from working on a budget. One of the key tricks to staying on top of personal finance is being aware of precisely how much money is coming in and how much and where money is going out. In this technological age, personal finance apps have come to
- [3 Habits of Mindfully Wealthy People (as reported by Leisa Peterson of huffingtonpost.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/3-habits-of-mindfully-wealthy-people-as-reported-by-leisa-peterson-of-huffingtonpost-com/) - Many of us are taught that the creation of financial wealth and the development of a strong moral compass cannot go hand in hand. Despite this prevalent belief in today’s society, it’s the farthest thing from the truth. According to Stephen Covey in his landmark The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, character and effectiveness
- [5 Tips for Tackling Your Student Loans as a Couple (as reported by Dan Macklin at credit.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/5-tips-for-tackling-your-student-loans-as-a-couple-as-reported-by-dan-macklin-of-yahoo-finance/) - As more people graduate college with higher student loan balances than ever before, it's rare to find a couple these days that isn't dealing with debt. Couples are looking for ways to more effectively manage student loans. Whether one or both of you have student debt, there's a good chance you're dealing with more than
- [High Cost of Saving (as reported by Eduardo Porter on www.nytimes.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/high-cost-of-saving-as-reported-by-eduardo-porter-on-www-nytimes-com/) - There has been much written about the fact that the majority of Americans are not saving nearly enough to finance their retirements. On average, the typical working family headed by someone 55-64 years of age has only about $104,000 saved. More than half of all families will run out of money at some point during
- [5 Financial Things Everyone Should Do in Their 20s (as reported by Holly Perez of usnews.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/5-financial-things-everyone-should-do-in-their-20s-as-reported-by-holly-perez-of-usnews-com/) - There is no better time to set yourself up for a lifetime of financial success than in your 20s. While this decade may seem daunting as you tick off milestones such as college graduation, starting your first “real” job and possibly marriage, taking control of your finances is an integral part of growing up and becoming a
- [401k Loans (as reported by Ben Steverman on www.bloomberg.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/401k-loans-as-reported-by-ben-steverman-on-www-bloomberg-com/) - As a general rule, savers should not touch the money that they put away in 401k or IRA accounts for retirement. Not only is there a penalty for withdrawing funds early, but anything taken out of those accounts will mean less money available when you need it to finance your retirement. But sometimes people run
- [5 Ways You Can Start Being Frugal -- Pronto! (as reported by Brandhyze Stanley of huffingtonpost.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/5-ways-you-can-start-being-frugal-pronto-as-reported-by-brandhyze-stanley-of-huffingtonpost-com/) - Ever find yourself thinking, "If only I made more money, all my financial woes would be over"? Well, you are totally not alone in feeling that way -- not even close. But along with that realization comes another somewhat harsh one: The truth is, if you were to continue your same spending habits past today,
- [Paycheck Explanation (as reported by Mandi Woodruff on finance.yahoo.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/paycheck-explanation-as-reported-by-mandi-woodruff-on-finance-yahoo-com/) - Getting a pay check feels good. But have you ever taken the time to read through every detail on there and really understand what it all means? It can be difficult if you don’t know what you’re looking at. This article from Yahoo Finance tries to help. It details every line item you’re likely to
- [Student Loan Default Rates (as reported by Libby Nelson on www.vox.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/student-loan-default-rates-as-reported-by-libby-nelson-on-www-vox-com/) - Libby Nelson, reporting for Vox, brings us an intriguing look at student debt. It turns out that there is a strange bit of data that shows quite clearly that students with less debt are more likely to default than students with more debt. The total outstanding debt a student has at the time they leave
- [Top 10 Reasons People Go Bankrupt (As reported on huffingtonpost.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/top-10-reasons-people-go-bankrupt-as-reported-on-huffingtonpost-com/) - In today’s economic climate, personal bankruptcy has escalated at an alarming rate. According to U.S. bankruptcy statistics, more than 1.5 million people file for bankruptcy every year. Most significantly, nearly 97 percent of bankruptcy filings are made by individuals, not by businesses. While bankruptcy can provide a sensible debt solution for some people, others have
- [6 Reasons You Can Be Rejected With An Excellent Credit Score (As reported by Nick Clements of forbes.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/6-reasons-you-can-be-rejected-with-an-excellent-credit-score-as-reported-by-nick-clements-of-forbes-com/) - These days, credit scores are everywhere. Many banks now print credit scores on your monthly credit card statement, and companies and online sites like CreditKarma.com give credit scores for free. Americans increasingly understand how their score is calculated and how to improve it. However, just because you have a good credit score doesn't mean you
- [10 Best Ways to Save For Retirement (As reported on simplethriftyliving.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/10-best-ways-to-save-for-retirement-as-reported-on-simplethriftyliving-com/) - Retirement is something we should all be planning for. If we live long enough, we’ll all get to the point where we’ll be ready to stop working and start settling into a more relaxed life. However these days, it’s becoming more and more difficult to depend on pensions and Social Security to help you sustain
- [How to Create a Budget for 2015 (As reported by Jack Ryder of simplethriftyliving.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/how-to-create-a-budget-for-2015-as-reported-by-jack-ryder-of-simplethriftyliving-com/) - Having difficulties sticking to your budget this year? It might be time to consider a new approach. Monthly and weekly budgets are helpful, but don’t take into account the many changes in expenses and income that occur during the year. After all, most usually think of their salary as an annual figure. By considering your
- [7 Signs You’re Living Beyond Your Means (As reported by Stephanie Taylor Christensen of mint.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/7-signs-youre-living-beyond-your-means-as-reported-by-stephanie-taylor-christensen-of-mint-com/) - Need some motivation to start saving? Sit down and add up how much money you make each month. Then, multiply that amount by six. Assuming you have a stable job, that’s the minimum balance you should have stashed away in an interest bearing, according to Henk Pieters, president of Investus Financial Planning. He believes people
- [8 Things to Consider When Choosing a Checking Account (As reported by AJ Smith of credit.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/8-things-to-consider-when-choosing-a-checking-account-as-reported-by-aj-smith-of-credit-com/) - Most people need a checking account to help manage their finances. They help you pay bills, provide a place to store your cash and keep your paycheck safe. Since they are so common, there are a dizzying number of options to choose from. It may seem confusing or intimidating, but it’s important to consider your
- [5 Financial Spring Cleaning Tips & Tricks (As reported on mint.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/5-financial-spring-cleaning-tips-tricks-as-reported-on-mint-com/) - After a brutal winter, many of us are ready to embrace spring with open arms. The arrival of spring also signals seasonal cleaning duties. However, before you break out the flip flops don’t forget to include your personal finances in your spring cleaning “to do” list. Spring is the perfect time to tackle financial clutter–from
- [3 Things Millennials Need to Know When Choosing a Credit Card (as reported by Taylor Tepper of time.com/money)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/3-things-millennials-need-to-know-when-choosing-a-credit-card-as-reported-by-taylor-tepper-of-time-commoney/) - Today’s young professionals have a complicated relationship with credit. A report last year found that more than three in five millennials did not own a credit card, while another survey, by Creditcards.com, found that 36% of 18-to-29 year olds have never had one. Millennials, of course, had the distinct misfortune of entering the job market
- [4 Smarter Ways To Spend Your Tax Refund (as reported by Molly Triffin on forbes.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/4-smarter-ways-to-spend-your-tax-refund-as-reported-by-molly-triffin-on-forbes-com/) - Picture this: You wake up one morning, and head outside to get the newspaper. Sitting there on the stoop is a bag with your name on it. You open it and find a wad of cash—totaling $3,120! Your mind starts to race as you think about how you’ll spend this money that’s fallen into your
- [Behind on retirement savings? Here are 3 ways to catch up (as reported by Walter Updegrave of money.cnn.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/behind-on-retirement-savings-here-are-3-ways-to-catch-up-as-reported-by-walter-updegrave-of-money-cnn-com/) - Generally, you should have six to nine times your salary tucked away in a 401(k) or other accounts by your mid-50's to early 60's to have a good shot at maintaining your standard of living in retirement. So you’re definitely short of where you ought to be. On the bright side, at least you know
- [5 Ways to Earn Extra Money This Summer (as reported by Jack Ryder of simplethriftyliving.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/5-ways-to-earn-extra-money-this-summer-as-reported-by-jack-ryder-of-simplethriftyliving-com/) - If you’re like most people, you may be looking for some ways to earn a little bit of extra cash this summer. Maybe you’d like to pay for a luxury vacation or make a large purchase. Whatever your reason for wanting to bank some extra money, there are lots of ways you can bring in
- [How Sacrificing for a Year Can Help You Stay Ahead Forever (as reported by Jack Ryder of simplethriftyliving.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/how-sacrificing-for-a-year-can-help-you-stay-ahead-forever-as-reported-by-jack-ryder-of-simplethriftyliving-com/) - Have you ever thought about how those little expenses you indulge in add up over time? Most people don’t, and this is why they don’t maintain an adequate financial cushion in their savings accounts. Living from paycheck to paycheck is the norm, but a crisis can create a huge setback if you’re ill-prepared. Learn how
- [Paying for College: 7 Tips to Reducing Costs and Getting More Financial Aid (as reported by Carly Stockwell of usatoday.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/paying-for-college-7-tips-to-reducing-costs-and-getting-more-financial-aid-as-reported-by-carly-stockwell-of-usatoday-com/) - The average student loan debt in 2014 was nearly $30,000. A college education is just plain expensive and loans are more the rule than the exception. Still, most experts recommend that your total loan debt should not exceed the amount of money you expect to earn in your first year after graduation. If you only
- [8 Savings Mistakes to Avoid (as reported by Mixey Rox of wisebread.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/8-savings-mistakes-to-avoid-as-reported-by-mixey-rox-of-wisebread-com/) - The truth is that everyone makes mistakes, but it’s important to check yourself before you wreck yourself when it comes to your cash. Even avid savers can make mistakes when it comes to funneling money away for a rainy day or a future investment. Because if it's sitting in a modest growth plan, it's not
- [Proof That Most of Us Don’t Understand Overdraft Fees (as reported by James Cave of huffington.post.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/proof-that-most-of-us-dont-understand-overdraft-fees-as-reported-by-james-cave-of-huffington-post-com/) - Nine out of ten Americans have a checking account, but many aren’t up to speed on what happens if they overdraw their account. An overdraft occurs when you spend or withdraw more money than you have in your account. You’ll be able to complete the transaction if you’ve agreed to your bank’s overdraft protection policy,
- [ONE THIRD OF AMERICANS HAVE NO FINANCIAL PLAN, STUDY SAYS (AS REPORTED BY ANNA ROBATON OF NBCNEWS.COM)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/one-third-of-americans-have-no-financial-plan-study-says-as-reported-by-anna-robaton-of-nbcnews-com/) - Financial planning is an important part of preparing for one's future both in the professional and personal realms. For many Americans, the term has become an afterthought, which can put them at an unnecessary risk for monetary hardships. According to a study conducted by Northwestern Mutual, more than one third of Americans have stated that
- [THE PROS AND CONS OF RENTING VS. OWNING A HOME (VIA ASHLEY FEINSTEIN OF MASHABLE.COM)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/the-pros-and-cons-of-renting-vs-owning-a-home-via-ashley-feinstein-of-mashable-com/) - Home ownership is a goal for many growing professionals. As a person's total income increases, naturally, they can start to think about building equity in a potential place of residence. However, for many renting remains a more viable and financially wise option. As such, it is crucial that consumers understand the costs and benefits of owning
- [MOST TWENTY-SOMETHINGS ARE ACTUALLY SAVING FOR RETIREMENT (AS REPORTED BY KATIE LOBOSCO OF MONEY.CNN.COM)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/most-twenty-somethings-are-actually-saving-for-retirement-as-reported-by-katie-lobosco-of-money-cnn-com/) - For many young professionals, the prospect of retirement is a mere afterthought. Following the conclusion of one's higher education, their immediate concerns seem to be tied mostly to securing employment and properly achieving balance in their own personal budget. At least, that is what the old convention appeared to be. Now it would seem as though planning
- [SEPARATE OR SHARED BANK ACCOUNTS: WHAT'S BETTER? (VIA CATHERINE ALFORD OF PERSONALCAPITAL.COM)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/separate-or-shared-bank-accounts-whats-better-via-catherine-alford-of-personalcapital-com/) - Early on in relationships, both parties tend to share particular hobbies and interests with each other. That is how we build chemistry. It is a system that has (for the most part) worked for a while now. Successful relationships tend to include a nice blend of similarities and differences. Eventually, however, cohesion becomes the name
- [THE RIGHT WAY TO HANDLE INHERITANCE (VIA KIRA BRECHT OF DAILYFINANCE.COM)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/the-right-way-to-handle-inheritance-via-kira-brecht-of-dailyfinance-com/) - Sudden riches can have an interesting effect on people. For many, their basic instinct is to spend their newly acquired wealth on products and services for personal amusement. And while that might not be completely unreasonable, overlooking the process of financial planning, even with inheritance, is. Many of you might be thinking "how often does
- [NEW GRADS SHOULD DO THESE FIVE MONEY THINGS RIGHT NOW (VIA ALLAN EBERHART OF BLOOMBERG BUSINESS)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/new-grads-should-do-these-five-money-things-right-now-via-allan-eberhart-of-bloomberg-business/) - One of the most stable investments any individual can make is in their education. A four year bachelor's (and a post secondary degree if one pleases) can have a profound effect on one's earning potential moving forward. There are some of you out there that are currently in the midst of your career search. Then,
- [THE BENEFITS OF PAYING YOURSELF FIRST (VIA HOLLY JOHNSON OF GETRICHSLOWLY.ORG)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/the-benefits-of-paying-yourself-first-via-holly-johnson-of-getrichslowly-org/) - You are fresh out of school. Maybe you have been working for a few years. That entry-mid level salary may or may not be your financial ceiling at this time. Regardless, it provides you with a steady flow of income; one that brings with it peace of mind. Just be sure to pocket some of that
- [FREE FINANCIAL COACHES GIVE THE WORKING POOR A SECOND CHANCE (VIA MANDI WOODRUFF OF YAHOO FINANCE)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/free-financial-coaches-give-the-working-poor-a-second-chance-via-mandi-woodruff-of-yahoo-finance/) - In a mostly volatile, and occasionally harsh economy, stringent financial planning no longer is befitting of the "ideal" label. Necessity is the name of the game, and if you are not on top of your cash flow (weekly, monthly, or annually), the consequences can be brutal. Unfortunately, such is the case for many citizens out
- [23 THINGS YOU WISH YOU DID WITH YOUR MONEY BEFORE TURNING 30 (VIA GENE GIANNOTTA OF BUSINESSPUNDIT.COM)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/23-things-you-wish-you-did-with-your-money-before-turning-30-via-gene-giannotta-of-businesspundit-com/) - There seems to be a growing emphasis on the age of 30. Today's youth is fixated on that number; the age at which true adulthood seemingly begins. For many, the start of a person's fourth decade on the planet is marked by several key milestones. You might be in possession of a car, or a home. One
- [A NATION OF RENTERS (AS REPORTED BY MECHELE DICKERSON ON WWW.QZ.COM)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/a-nation-of-renters-as-reported-by-mechele-dickerson-on-www-qz-com/) - Home-ownership is lower than it has been in the last 20 years. That’s a big deal for a country that bases a large part of its economic success on the housing market. It means that more and more Americans must resort to renting instead of owning. And that’s having negative consequences that are finally getting the
- [8 TIPS TO HELP YOU GET A RAISE (AS REPORTED BY REBEKAH CURRY ON BLOG.PERSONALCAPITAL.COM)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/8-tips-to-help-you-get-a-raise-as-reported-by-rebekah-curry-on-blog-personalcapital-com/) - Make more and spend less. At the end of the day, that’s what all the personal financial advice anyone can give you boils down to. If you make more money, and spend less money, your wealth will grow. You’ll be able to save and invest for the future. And while most people focus on the
- [IS DELAYING LIFE'S MAJOR MILESTONES A GOOD THING (AS REPORTED BY STEFANIE O'CONNELL ON BLOG.PERSONALCAPITAL.COM)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/is-delaying-lifes-major-milestones-a-good-thing-as-reported-by-stefanie-oconnell-on-blog-personalcapital-com/) - There is a growing trend among today’s adults, especially the younger generation of workers we refer to often as Millennials, to put off life’s major milestones longer than their parents and other previous generations. People are leaving home to live on their own later, buying homes later, getting married and having children later in life
- [OVERCOMING THE FEAR OF INVESTING (AS REPORTED BY WILLIAM COWIE ON WWW.GETRICHSLOWLY.ORG)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/overcoming-the-fear-of-investing-as-reported-by-william-cowie-on-www-getrichslowly-org/) - Fear is one of the primary reasons why people wait too long to start investing. They fear what they don’t understand, or think that they don’t have enough money to make it worthwhile. But the sooner you get started, the faster you’ll learn, and the more time you’ll give your money to work and grow
- [MORE AMERICANS STRUGGLING TO PAY THE RENT (AS REPORTED BY BETH BRAVERMAN ON FINANCE.YAHOO.COM)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/more-americans-struggling-to-pay-the-rent-as-reported-by-beth-braverman-on-finance-yahoo-com/) - Fewer people owning homes means more renters in the market. And when there are more renters in the market, the rental prices are driven higher. That’s exactly what’s happening in the marketplace right now. And that is leading to more and more people who are having trouble affording their rent. Rental prices rose an average
- [AVOID COMMON 529 SAVINGS MISTAKES (AS REPORTED BY MIRANDA MARQUIT ON WWW.MONEYNING.COM)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/avoid-common-529-savings-mistakes-as-reported-by-miranda-marquit-on-www-moneyning-com/) - A 529 college savings account is a special kind of investment account that allows you to save for your child’s post-secondary education expenses. Because of its tax benefits, it is one of the best ways available for parents to put money away for their kids’ college education. The money can be used for a variety
- [A PRIMER ON MUTUAL FUNDS (AS REPORTED BY WILLIAM COWIE ON WWW.GETRICHSLOWLY.ORG)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/a-primer-on-mutual-funds-as-reported-by-william-cowie-on-www-getrichslowly-org/) - Making the decision to invest is an important step to growing your wealth. But investment options vary, and it’s important to know what investment vehicles are best for your personal situation. One common investment option for people just getting started in the market are mutual funds. Why? Mutual funds are actively managed by professionals, so
- [SHOULD YOU BUY A HOME OR INVEST? (AS REPORTED BY HOLLY JOHNSON ON WWW.GETRICHSLOWLY.ORG)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/buy-a-home-or-invest-as-reported-by-holly-johnson-on-www-getrichslowly-org/) - One common question among those who are just starting their career and thinking about how to build wealth is this: Should I invest in the stock market or put a down payment on a house? Both are valid options for growing your money, as both real estate prices and the stock market consistently grow over
- [WORKING LONGER HOURS INCREASES STROKE RISK BY UP TO 33% (AS REPORTED BY FINANCE.YAHOO.COM)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/working-longer-hours-increases-stroke-risk-by-up-to-33-as-reported-by-finance-yahoo-com/) - Working more hours is seen by many as a way to earn more money, but it may have consequences that will make you think twice about whether or not it’s the right option for you. In a recent study published by The Lancet, both men and women who consistently worked 55 or more hours per
- [THE REAL REASONS AMERICANS AREN'T SAVING ENOUGH FOR RETIREMENT (AS REPORTED BY PENELOPE WANG OF FINANCE.YAHOO.COM)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/the-real-reasons-americans-arent-saving-enough-for-retirement-as-reported-by-penelope-wang-of-finance-yahoo-com/) - The results of a recent retirement survey by the Transamerica Center for Retirement Studies are not a good sign for American workers. Though the majority of people are optimistic that they will have enough money stocked away for retirement, the average worker is far behind their target at this point. Americans are saving more than
- [GIFTING AN INTEREST IN INVESTING (AS REPORTED BY ALICE TRUONG ON WWW.QZ.COM)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/gifting-an-interest-in-investing-as-reported-by-alice-truong-on-www-qz-com/) - It’s common for parents to open savings accounts for their children at a young age. Whether they are meant to cover future education costs or just put funds away so that the child has a little money when they come of age, it’s a smart way to get kids started on the right track. A new
- [PERSONAL FINANCE 101: WHAT IS A CERTIFICATE OF DEPOSIT? (AS REPORTED BY SAUNDRA LATHAM ON WWW.THESIMPLEDOLLAR.COM)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/personal-finance-101-what-is-a-certificate-of-deposit-as-reported-by-saundra-latham-on-www-thesimpledollar-com/) - Certificates of Deposit, commonly referred to as CDs, are a type of account or investment vehicle sold by banks and other financial institutions. They are unique in many ways to regular savings or checking accounts, as well as other investment vehicles, like stocks and bonds. For savers who want to earn higher interest rates on
- [HOW TO INVEST IN INDEX FUNDS (AS REPORTED BY WILLIAM COWIE OF WWW.GETRICHSLOWLY.ORG)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/how-to-invest-in-index-funds-as-reported-by-william-cowie-of-www-getrichslowly-org/) - A popular way to invest your money, for those people cautious about picking stocks or putting too much of their money in one place, are index funds. Index funds are passive funds, as opposed to actively managed mutual funds, whose performances are closely tied to the performance of a given index. Indexes are groups of
- [SHOULD YOU BUY A HOUSE OR KEEP RENTING (AS REPORTED BY TIMOTHY B. LEE ON WWW.VOX.COM)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/should-you-buy-a-house-or-keep-renting-as-reported-by-timothy-b-lee-on-www-vox-com/) - Many people believe that it is always better to buy a home rather than rent, as long as you can afford it. We’re taught at a young age that one of the best investments most people can make is to purchase a home. But these days, it is becoming more clear that renting is sometimes
- [16 WAYS YOU MAY BE EXPOSING YOURSELF TO FRAUD (AS REPORTED BY ADAM LEVIN ON FINANCE.YAHOO.COM)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/16-ways-you-may-be-exposing-yourself-to-fraud-as-reported-by-adam-levin-on-finance-yahoo-com/) - In today’s world, it is nearly impossible to completely avoid the risk of fraud related to identity theft. Personal information is traded, shared, and exposed every single day. But that doesn’t mean it’s hopeless. There are things that you can and should do to limit your exposure, because identity theft can be one of the
- [HOW WE SPEND OUR MONEY (AS REPORTED BY MARGARITA NORIEGA AND SOO OH ON WWW.VOX.COM)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/how-we-spend-our-money-as-reported-by-margarita-noriega-and-soo-oh-on-www-vox-com/) - Have you ever been curious to know how people with similar incomes to you spend their money? Want to know if your expenses are similar to theirs? Vox.com recently published a series of interactive charts that show you how Americans in different income brackets spend their money. And the conclusion is, we all spend our money
- [6 HABITS THAT WILL LAND YOU IN DEBT (AS REPORTED BY HOLLY JOHNSON ON WWW.THESIMPLEDOLLAR.COM)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/6-habits-that-will-land-you-in-debt-as-reported-by-holly-johnson-on-www-thesimpledollar-com/) - Debt is something most of us would like to avoid if possible. Not only is debt bad for your financial well-being, it can also cause stress that will impact your mental and physical health. So if you want to stay ahead of your finances and avoid going into debt, The Simple Dollar has listed six
- [TIPS ON ASKING FOR A RAISE (AS REPORTED BY NELLIE AKALP ON WWW.MASHABLE.COM)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/tips-on-asking-for-a-raise-as-reported-by-nellie-akalp-on-www-mashable-com/) - There are two sides to the wealth-building equation. Earn more and spend less. If you successfully accomplish both of those things, chances are good that you will grow to be more financially successful over time. But the problem with most personal finance advice is that it only focuses on one side of the equation –
- [LOAN FORGIVENESS AS A WORKER BENEFIT (AS REPORTED BY SHELLY BANJO ON WWW.QZ.COM)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/loan-forgiveness-as-a-worker-benefit-as-reported-by-shelly-banjo-on-www-qz-com/) - In the last several years, the news has been full of stories about student loans. And there’s good reason for that. Student loan debt has recently become the largest category of debt in the United States, overtaking credit card debt for the first time in our history. And that’s why it’s no surprise that the
- [WHO YOU KNOW MATTERS (AS REPORTED BY ALICE TRUONG ON WWW.QZ.COM](https://wise-ny.org/blog/who-you-know-matters-as-reported-by-alice-truong-on-www-qz-com/) - Recruiters across a wide variety of industries rely most heavily on personal referrals for filling job roles. 78% of hiring managers using Jobvite, an online hiring platform, list referrals as their favorite source of candidates. And when you take the data one step further, we find that when referrals are hired, they are more likely
- [DO NOT BLAME INDIVIDUALS FOR LACK OF SAVINGS (AS REPORTED BY TERESA GHILARDUCCI ON WWW.THEATLANTIC.COM)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/do-not-blame-individuals-for-lack-of-savings-as-reported-by-teresa-ghilarducci-on-www-theatlantic-com/) - Research and studies, old and new both, point to the fact that people with different personality types view money differently. Some people will naturally look to save and build wealth for the future, while others will forgo future benefits in favor of more immediate needs. And so, for some people, all the education in the
- [LIVING WITHIN YOUR MEANS (AS REPORTED BY A.J. SMITH ON FINANCE.YAHOO.COM)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/living-within-your-means-as-reported-by-a-j-smith-on-finance-yahoo-com/) - A very common tenet of sound financial advice is “live within your means.” Living within one’s means holds different meanings to different people. So let’s put the confusion to bed right now. Living within your means means spending less than you make. Figure out how much money you earn, after taxes, on a monthly basis.
- [FIVE PILLARS OF PERSONAL FINANCE ADVICE (AS REPORTED BY TRENT HAMM ON WWW.THESIMPLEDOLLAR.COM)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/five-pillars-of-personal-finance-advice-as-reported-by-trent-hamm-on-www-thesimpledollar-com/) - If you scour the internet, you can find a near endless assortment of personal finance blogs and articles. There’s so much information out there, from such a wide variety of sources, that trying to read it all would be a practice in futility. That’s why Trent Hamm, on his site The Simple Dollar, boiled it
- [THE YOUNG MAY NEVER FIND WORK (AS REPORTED BY ERIC LEVITZ ON WWW.NYMAG.COM)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/the-young-may-never-find-work-as-reported-by-eric-levitz-on-www-nymag-com/) - The US unemployment rate is lower now than it’s been in nearly a decade. And that’s good news, for most of us. But if you just look at the top line number, you miss out on the full story. There are many communities that have not fully recovered, and may be in even worse position
- [THE RECESSION'S IMPACT ON RETIREMENT SAVINGS (AS REPORTED BY TERESA GHILARDUCCI ON WWW.THEATLANTIC.COM)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/the-recessions-impact-on-retirement-savings-as-reported-by-teresa-ghilarducci-on-www-theatlantic-com/) - We tend not to think about the timing of market cycles when investing for retirement. We are told that, over the long term, the stock market is always up. And so, we trust that our 401ks and IRAs, invested heavily in stocks and bonds, will be large enough by the time we retire to last
- [PAY OFF DEBT OR INVEST? (AS REPORTED BY WILLIAM COWIE ON WWW.GETRICHSLOWLY.ORG)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/pay-off-debt-or-invest-as-reported-by-william-cowie-on-www-getrichslowly-org/) - If you have debt to pay off, there will come a time when you need to answer the following question – pay off debt or invest? William Cowie, writing for Get Rich Slowly, identifies the reasons given for each of the two options. For investing, there is the power of compound interest and the time
- [CO-SIGNER BEWARE (VIA CONSUMER REPORTS ON FINANCE.YAHOO.COM)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/co-signer-beware-via-consumer-reports-on-finance-yahoo-com/) - It is quite common today for student loans to be co-signed by parents and guardians of those students who are borrowing. In fact, almost 94% of all student loan dollars in the first three quarters of 2014-15 school year were co-signed. But the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has some warnings for parents vouching for their
- [HIGH EARNING POOR PEOPLE (AS REPORTED BY ALLISON SCHRAGER ON WWW.QZ.COM)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/high-earning-poor-people-as-reported-by-allison-schrager-on-www-qz-com/) - Many times you see and hear about how much people make. Most articles about inequality focus on ‘income inequality’. But income is not the only, or best, measure of how people are doing financially. Just focusing on income ignores wealth, how much money people actually have to their name. And it turns out America is
- [ALL ABOUT CREDIT SCORES (AS REPORTED BY TRENT HAMM ON WWW.THESIMPLEDOLLAR.COM)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/all-about-credit-scores-as-reported-by-trent-hamm-on-www-thesimpledollar-com/) - Credit scores were invented as a means of helping financial institutions trust people they were making loans to. An individual with a high credit score is more likely to pay back a loan than someone with a low score. Credit scores are managed by third-party organizations, called credit bureaus. Scores go up and down based
- [AN APP TO STOP US FROM LYING TO OURSELVES ABOUT MONEY (AS REPORTED BY JENNY ANDERSON ON WWW.QZ.COM)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/an-app-to-stop-us-from-lying-to-ourselves-about-money-as-reported-by-jenny-anderson-on-www-qz-com/) - As humans, it is in our nature to lie to ourselves. We do it without thinking about it, really. And in the world of personal finances, it has become a problem. Instead of saving for the future, we spend money today on things we don’t need. And we do this because we underestimate how much
- [CHECK YOUR 401K FEES (AS REPORTED BY JOHN COUMARIANOS ON FINANCE.YAHOO.COM)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/check-your-401k-fees-as-reported-by-john-coumarianos-on-finance-yahoo-com/) - Do you know how much you are paying in fees in your 401k plan? Most people don’t. If you’re lucky enough to be enrolled in a company-sponsored 401k retirement plan, you might want to ask how much the fees are. A recent study of plans from a number of different companies found that the average
- [FAFSA CHANGE (AS REPORTED BY ZINA KUMOK ON BLOG.MINT.COM)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/fafsa-change-as-reported-by-zina-kumok-on-blog-mint-com/) - FAFSA stands for Free Application for Federal Student Aid, and is the primary way that most college students apply for tuition assistance. And next year, there is a big change that people need to be aware of. Instead of waiting until January 2017 to submit the paperwork for students beginning college in the fall, parents
- [PERSONAL FINANCE QUIZ (AS REPORTED BY ASHLEY RODRIGUEZ AND KEITH COLLINS ON WWW.QZ.COM)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/personal-finance-quiz-as-reported-by-ashley-rodriguez-and-keith-collins-on-www-qz-com/) - Standard and Poor’s, Gallup, The World Bank and George Washington University created a short, 5-question personal finance assessment. 150,000 people in 140 countries then took the test last year. Want to know how many passed? The answer is just 33%. Only one-third of all participants were found to be proficient in at least 3 of
- [MIDDLE-CLASS RUNNING IN PLACE (AS REPORTED BY SHEYNA STEINER ON FINANCE.YAHOO.COM)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/middle-class-running-in-place-as-reported-by-sheyna-steiner-on-finance-yahoo-com/) - It’s been a long time since most Americans saw a substantial increase in their earnings. Middle-class incomes have barely kept pace with inflation over the last several decades. And that means more Americans are just barely getting by. The results of a recent survey by Bankrate show that 38% of people rate staying current on
- [WHAT DOES PLAYING WITH MONEY DO TO KIDS? (AS REPORTED BY HEATHER LANDY ON WWW.QZ.COM)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/what-does-playing-with-money-do-to-kids-as-reported-by-heather-landy-on-www-qz-com/) - There have been many studies and experiments dealing with money as a motivator. In the business world, managers want to know how to use money to get more out of their employees. But little has been noted about the effects of money on kids. Now, a set of studies from around the world have noted
- [SHORT MONEY TIPS (AS REPORTED BY RON LIEBER ON WWW.NYTIMES.COM)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/short-money-tips-as-reported-by-ron-lieber-on-www-nytimes-com/) - Managing your finances and growing your wealth is not easy. At the same times, it’s not all that complicated. Almost all personal financial advice share some of the same tips in common. And when you boil it all down to their most basic forms, this advice can usually be doled out quite simply. Everyone should
- [FINANCIAL RESOLUTIONS FOR 2016 (AS REPORTED BY HAROLD POLLACK ON WWW.VOX.COM)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/financial-resolutions-for-2016-as-reported-by-harold-pollack-on-www-vox-com/) - When it comes to effectively managing your finances, the old adage, you get what you pay for might hold true. That is, people who pay for professional help often come away with a better handle on their money than people who try to go it alone. Writing for Vox, Harold Pollack lays out his top
- [9 STRATEGIES FOR EARNING MORE MONEY (AS REPORTED BY TRENT HAMM ON WWW.THESIMPLEDOLLAR.COM)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/9-strategies-for-earning-more-money-as-reported-by-trent-hamm-on-www-thesimpledollar-com/) - Earning more than you spend is the ultimate piece of wealth-building advice. But most people that tell you that focus on how to spend less. What if you can accomplish all you want simply by earning more? Sounds better than spending less money, right? Trent Hamm, in this article for his blog, The Simple Dollar,
- [PICKING THE RIGHT CREDIT CARD (AS REPORTED BY STEVE ROUSSEAU ON WWW.DIGG.COM)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/picking-the-right-credit-card-as-reported-by-steve-rousseau-on-www-digg-com/) - Picking the right credit card is an important part of managing your money. Credit cards are critical for building your personal credit, a step towards owning a car or home, or getting a good rate on a loan of any kind. But with all the credit cards out there, how is anyone supposed to choose
- [MAXING OUT YOUR 401K NOT FOR EVERYONE (AS REPORTED BY ALLISON SCHRAGER ON WWW.QZ.COM)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/maxing-out-your-401k-not-for-everyone-as-reported-by-allison-schrager-on-www-qz-com/) - One common piece of personal finance advice, readily available from sources as reputable as a recent article featured on the NY Times, is to max out your retirement savings account. For those people lucky enough to be offered a 401k plan by their employer, this can seem like the obvious choice. The problem is, for
- [LACK OF FINANCIAL EDUCATION (AS REPORTED BY MIRANDA MARQUIT ON WWW.MONEYNING.COM)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/lack-of-financial-education-as-reported-by-miranda-marquit-on-www-moneyning-com/) - Lack of financial education early in life can and does lead to important financial mistakes. Young people, starting at the age of 18, are able to access key methods of financial assistance, such as loans and credit cards. However, most are not fully-prepared to do so, because they don’t have the education necessary to make
- [FREQUENTLY ASKED STUDENT LOAN QUESTIONS ANSWERED AS REPORTED BY GREGORY DEPALMA ON BLOG.PERSONALCAPITAL.COM)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/frequently-asked-student-loan-questions-answered-as-reported-by-gregory-depalma-on-blog-personalcapital-com/) - Today’s news is abuzz with student loan stories. We have become a nation in debt, not just with mortgages and credit cards, but with students who financed their education with government loans and are left paying them off the rest of their adult lives. For that reason, there are lots of questions that people have
- [THE CASE FOR OWNING A HOME (AS REPORTED BY TIMOTHY B. LEE ON WWW.VOX.COM)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/the-case-for-owning-a-home-as-reported-by-timothy-b-lee-on-www-vox-com/) - Traditionally, housing was viewed as one of the safest, smartest investments average Americans can make. Then came the spectacular collapse of the housing marketing, and the overall economy in 2007-2008. Now, when financial experts talk about housing, they can’t seem to agree on whether buying a home is a smart investment or not. But what
- [HOW MUCH SHOULD YOU SAVE? (AS REPORTED BY FINANCE EXPLAINED ON WWW.MASHABLE.COM)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/how-much-should-you-save-as-reported-by-finance-explained-on-www-mashable-com/) - We all know that we should be saving money, but many of us wonder how much money we should actually be socking away. The answer? At least 20%. So say the personal finance experts at Finance Explained, who put together this video for Mashable. That 20% should be divided among three different categories of savings
- [HOW MUCH TO INVEST IN STOCKS (AS REPORTED BY DAVID A. LEVINE ON WWW.NYTIMES.COM)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/how-much-to-invest-in-stocks-as-reported-by-david-a-levine-on-www-nytimes-com/) - For a long time, the most prominent financial analysts and advisers told Americans that the best investment they could make was buying a home. Now, almost ten years after the collapse of the US Housing Market that triggered the Great Recession, that prevailing advice has changed. David A. Levine, writing his column for the New
- [FOR COUPLES MERGING FINANCES (AS REPORTED BY SAMANTHA COONEY ON WWW.MASHABLE.COM)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/for-couples-merging-finances-as-reported-by-samantha-cooney-on-www-mashable-com/) - An important milestone in all of our lives is finding a spouse. This is also a critical point in your financial life. All couples encounter the moment when your finances cease to be yours alone, and begin to be “ours”. When couples merge their finances, there are several steps they should take to make the
- [LIFE SPANS: RICH VS. POOR (AS REPORTED BY MICHELLE HACKMAN ON WWW.VOX.COM)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/life-spans-rich-vs-poor-as-reported-by-michelle-hackman-on-www-vox-com/) - While many of us don’t often think about life expectancy as a personal finance or economic issue, the two are closely linked. For example, depending on how long someone expects to live, he or she can calculate how much money they need to save for retirement. And a new report from the New York Times
- [PERSONAL SAVINGS CALCULATOR (AS REPORTED BY SAUNDRA LATHAM ON WWW.THESIMPLEDOLLAR.COM)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/personal-savings-calculator-as-reported-by-saundra-latham-on-www-thesimpledollar-com/) - In the years since the Great Recession, we have seen the average savings rates of Americans rise. And that’s a good sign. Savings are a good indicator of the financial well-being of the country. For individuals, saving money means you are spending less than you are making. And that’s the best way to build wealth
- [CREDIT SCORE EXPLAINED (AS REPORTED BY RYAN KATON ON WWW.MASHABLE.COM)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/credit-score-explained-as-reported-by-ryan-katon-on-www-mashable-com/) - A credit score is a portrait of someone’s credit history, valued as a round number between 300 and 850. Your score is used primarily by creditors as a way of determining how likely you are to pay off your debts. This, in turn, determines what kind of loans will be available to you. There are
- [SINGLE WOMEN SINGLED OUT (AS REPORTED BY HEATHER LONG ON MONEY.CNN.COM)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/single-women-singled-out-as-reported-by-heather-long-on-money-cnn-com/) - We don’t often spend enough time examining the differences between men and women as relates to personal finance. And the sad truth is, major differences do exist. And in more cases than not, they favor men. For example, women in the United States are still paid less than their male counterparts in almost every profession.
- [AWKWARD MONEY MOMENTS (AS REPORTED BY HOLLY JOHNSON ON WWW.THESIMPLEDOLLAR.COM)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/awkward-money-moments-as-reported-by-holly-johnson-on-www-thesimpledollar-com/) - No matter what you believe or know about money, you are likely to run into one of several common moments in your life when things get a little awkward. Say your credit card gets denied in public, or you loan a family member money and they fail to pay it back in a timely manner.
- [CREDIT SCORE MISSTEPS (AS REPORTED BY CONNIE MEI ON WWW.MONEYNING.COM)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/credit-score-missteps-as-reported-by-connie-mei-on-www-moneyning-com/) - We know that credit scores are important. And most advice you will find online deal with the things that you can do to lower your rate. But the best advice you will ever hear is advice that will help you avoid the crucial missteps that hurt your credit score in the first place. Thankfully, Connie
- [HOW INTEREST RATES WORK (AS REPORTED BY LUCY LAZARONY ON WWW.CREDIT.COM)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/how-interest-rates-work-as-reported-by-lucy-lazarony-on-www-credit-com/) - Credit is an important part of an individual’s financial life. As Americans, we use it to finance all of our larger purchases, and some of our smaller ones. Whether you’re talking about everyday credit card purchases, a mortgage, or car loan, one of the most important aspects to consider is the interest rate. Interest rates
- [HOW TO DO YOUR TAXES (AS REPORTED BY STEVE ROUSEAU ON WWW.DIGG.COM)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/how-to-do-your-taxes-as-reported-by-steve-rouseau-on-www-digg-com/) - From January to April every year, you will hear plenty of people talking about taxes. The deadline to file their taxes, for most people, is April 15th (aka Tax Day). Most people don’t take the time to understand exactly how filing taxes work. They either subscribe to a free or low-cost online solution, or they
- [ASSET ALLOCATION AND WHY IT MATTERS (AS REPORTED BY MATT BECKER ON WWW.THESIMPLEDOLLAR.COM)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/asset-allocation-and-why-it-matters-as-reported-by-matt-becker-on-www-thesimpledollar-com/) - When you earn more than you spend, you have money left over to save and, hopefully, invest. Choosing to invest your money is a great way to help your savings grow over time. But what you invest it in matters. Asset allocation is the term we use to describe the process of dividing up your
- [CAR INSURANCE FOR YOUR KIDS (AS REPORTED BY ANN CARRNS ON WWW.NYTIMES.COM)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/car-insurance-for-your-kids-as-reported-by-ann-carrns-on-www-nytimes-com/) - Insurance is a cost that many people forget to factor into their financial planning and budgeting processes. Most Americans will at some point in their lives pay for health/medical, home, life, and auto insurance. And those costs aren’t fixed. They change depending on what happens to you, where you live, etc. A recent article in the
- [IS STUDENT DEBT KEEPING US FROM BUYING HOMES? (AS REPORTED BY ALLISON SCHRAGER ON WWW.QZ.COM)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/is-student-debt-keeping-us-from-buying-homes-as-reported-by-allison-schrager-on-www-qz-com/) - One popular theory about why young people are not buying homes as much as they used to is that rising student debt is making home ownership unaffordable. But new research suggests that may not be right, because twenty-somethings without debt are choosing to live with their parents or rent longer as well. The more likely
- [CHOOSING A FINANCIAL ADVISER (AS REPORTED BY PAUL SULLIVAN ON WWW.NYTIMES.COM)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/choosing-a-financial-adviser-as-reported-by-paul-sullivan-on-www-nytimes-com/) - Not everyone needs a financial adviser, and not everyone can afford one. But if you should find yourself in the position to hire someone to manage your money, or at least offer advice, it is important to know whether or not they are the right person for the job. When it comes to your money,
- [RENTAL INCOME POPULAR WITH OVER 60 CROWD (AS REPORTED BY AMY ZIPKIN ON WWW.NYTIMES.COM)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/rental-income-popular-with-over-60-crowd-as-reported-by-amy-zipkin-on-www-nytimes-com/) - The rise in popularity of home and room rental marketplaces like Airbnb, HomeAway, and VRBO has created a whole new source of income for a lot of people. Notably, people over 60 represent the fastest growing segment of hosts, the people listing their homes for rent. It has become a popular way to supplement their
- [HOW TO PAY OFF STUDENT DEBT (AS REPORTED BY MICHAEL BENNINGER ON BLOG.MINT.COM)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/how-to-pay-off-student-debt-as-reported-by-michael-benninger-on-blog-mint-com/) - Each year the amount of total student loan debt outstanding increases. For new graduates, coming out of school with average debt of around $25,000, paying off the full amount can seem like a near impossible task. The first thing you need to do is get a job and create a budget. Figure out whether or
- [9 PERSONAL FINANCE MYTHS (AS REPORTED BY TRENT HAMM ON WWW.THESIMPLEDOLLAR.COM)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/9-personal-finance-myths-as-reported-by-trent-hamm-on-www-thesimpledollar-com/) - There are a lot of personal finance experts out there trying to get your attention with bold predictions and feel-good advice. Not all of them have your best interest in mind, however. It can be difficult to separate fact from fiction, myth from reality when it comes to personal financial advice. Lucky for us, Trent
- [DON'T HOLD ONTO CASH (AS REPORTED BY SUZANNE MCGEE ON WWW.THEGUARDIAN.COM)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/dont-hold-onto-cash-as-reported-by-suzanne-mcgee-on-www-theguardian-com/) - Holding on to a lot of cash is never a good idea. But, according to data from a recent survey of wealthy millennials, more of them are keeping a significant amount of money in savings or checking accounts than ever before. Why? One theory states that because young Americans came of age during a time
- [INVESTING APPS (AS REPORTED BY HEATHER LONG ON MONEY.CNN.COM)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/investing-apps-as-reported-by-heather-long-on-money-cnn-com/) - The now-dated iPhone ads used to tell us that “there’s an app for that.” Today, there are some excellent apps out there to help you manage your money. CNN Money recently put together a list of the 10 best investing apps. From tools that will help you learn how to invest your money, to automated
- [WHY WE DON'T SAVE ENOUGH (AS REPORTED BY DEREK THOMPSON ON WWW.THEATLANTIC.COM)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/why-we-dont-save-enough-as-reported-by-derek-thompson-on-www-theatlantic-com/) - Americans don’t save nearly enough money. And a new paper, titled “How Biases Affect Retirement Saving”, offers a theory as to why that is. The focus is on two common biases – the “present bias” and the “exponential growth bias”. The present bias states that for most people, we will sacrifice some future benefit for
- [HOW DO I SAVE FOR MY CHILD'S COLLEGE TUITION? (AS REPORTED BY ADAM NASH ON BLOG.WEALTHFRONT.COM)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/how-do-i-save-for-my-childs-college-tuition-as-reported-by-adam-nash-on-blog-wealthfront-com/) - The news today is filled with stories about the average cost of a college degree. The campaign season has thrust the issue of higher education expenses into the national spotlight. And for parents of all ages, stressing out about how to afford your kids’ tuition is all too common. 529 College Savings Plans are a piece
- [BEING FRUGAL IS FOR EVERYONE (AS REPORTED BY HOLLY JOHNSON ON BLOG.PERSONALCAPITAL.COM)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/being-frugal-is-for-everyone-as-reported-by-holly-johnson-on-blog-personalcapital-com/) - Spend less and make more. That’s the simplest financial advice you will ever get. If you do those two things, you will put yourself in position to save more of your money and invest it toward future wealth. However, it is very common for people who begin to earn more money to spend more as
- [WHAT IS AN IRA? (AS REPORTED BY JON GOREY ON WWW.THESIMPLEDOLLAR.COM)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/what-is-an-ira-as-reported-by-jon-gorey-on-www-thesimpledollar-com/) - IRAs, or Individual Retirement Accounts, are a great tool for anyone interested in saving for retirement. There are many benefits of IRAs that make them more appealing than traditional checking or savings accounts, cash, or personal investment accounts. There are two main types of IRAs; Traditional and Roth. The major difference between them is when
- [BUDGETING FOR LIVING ON YOUR OWN (AS REPORTED BY BLOG.MINT.COM)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/budgeting-for-living-on-your-own-as-reported-by-blog-mint-com/) - At some point in our lives, many Americans end up living on their own. Whether this is a temporary situation or a part of the plan, it is important to know how budgeting on your own can be different than budgeting for an entire household. For those in charge of all the household’s finances for
- [COLLEGE ABACUS AND THE FIGHT FOR TRANSPARENCY (AS REPORTED BY RON LIEBER ON WWW.NYTIMES.COM)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/college-abacus-and-the-fight-for-transparency-as-reported-by-ron-lieber-on-www-nytimes-com/) - There is a lot of talk about the cost of a college education in the buildup to this year’s presidential election. Tuition across the country is at an all time high, prompting Democrats to outline a plan for free tuition at public universities and community colleges. Ron Lieber, writing for the New York Times, brings
- [LIQUIDITY: THE GOOD AND THE BAD (AS REPORTED BY CHARLES D. ELLIS ON BLOG.WEALTHFRONT.COM)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/liquidity-the-good-and-the-bad-as-reported-by-charles-d-ellis-on-blog-wealthfront-com/) - When you hear people talk about liquidity, they are talking cash or investments that can easily be turned into cash in the short term. Liquidity is important to the individual investor for a number of reasons, such as money available for an emergency or protection from a short term downturn in the stock market. But
- [AUTOMATE YOUR SAVINGS (AS REPORTED BY JULIA CHANG ON WWW.FORBES.COM)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/automate-your-savings-as-reported-by-julia-chang-on-www-forbes-com/) - Money is the leading cause of stress among American adults. We all think about money more than we would like to, which is why this new article from Forbes is so perfect. It offers four tips for individuals who want to save more and worry less about their financial future. At the top of the
- [INVESTING MYTHS BUSTED (AS REPORTED BY MIRANDA MARQUIT ON WWW.MONEYNING.COM)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/investing-myths-busted-as-reported-by-miranda-marquit-on-www-moneyning-com/) - Everyone starts out with no investing experience. And so a lack of familiarity with the process is not a good excuse for choosing not to invest or putting it off indefinitely. It’s not too complicated or too risky for you. We all have a duty to ourselves to save and invest for the future. So
- [TRAVEL REWARDS CARDS (AS REPORTED BY CASEY BOND ON WWW.FORBES.COM)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/travel-rewards-cards-as-reported-by-casey-bond-on-www-forbes-com/) - Do you travel a lot for work or to see family in another part of the country? Or would you like to be able to afford to travel more? Most people would like to be able to travel more than they do. But the truth is, it’s expensive, and it can feel like a waste
- [START PLANNING FOR COLLEGE (AS REPORTED BY KATE ASHFORD ON WWW.FORBES.COM)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/start-planning-for-college-as-reported-by-kate-ashford-on-www-forbes-com/) - Some things in life cannot be planned for. That’s why smart savers keep a rainy day fund, to pay for those unexpected events that are likely to occur. College, however, is not an unexpected event. And yet when asked, only 2 in 5 families with kids in college said they made a plan for it
- [MOST AMERICANS WON'T BE FINANCIALLY SECURE IN RETIREMENT (AS REPORTED BY WWW.FREEMONEYFINANCE.COM)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/most-americans-wont-be-financially-secure-in-retirement-as-reported-by-www-freemoneyfinance-com/) - Financial news and advice columns are riddled with statistics of all shapes and sizes. But sometimes it can be difficult to understand what those large, complex sets of numbers actually mean for people like you and me. A few years ago, the Social Security Administration tried to simplify things to show us just how dire
- [SPENDING IN RETIREMENT (AS REPORTED BY ALLISON SCHRAGER ON WWW.QZ.COM)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/spending-in-retirement-as-reported-by-allison-schrager-on-www-qz-com/) - The most common bit of personal financial advice you are likely to get throughout your working life is make sure you are saving for retirement. But Allison Schrager, writing for Quartz, suggests that that might be the easy part. We also have to plan for how we will spend the money we do save. In
- [AMERICANS ARE BAD AT SAVING (AS REPORTED BY CAMERON HUDDLESTON ON WWW.GOBANKINGRATES.COM)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/americans-are-bad-at-saving-as-reported-by-cameron-huddleston-on-www-gobankingrates-com/) - Americans are notoriously bad at saving their money, the one thing that every financial adviser will tell you to do. There is no single reason why this is the case. Most people know they should be saving more, but some simply can’t afford to. To take a look at exactly how bad the problem is,
- [Donald Trump’s Impact on Your Finances (as reported by Rob Berger on www.forbes.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/donald-trumps-impact-on-your-finances/) - It’s official, Donald Trump will be the 45th President of the United States of America. Whether or not you voted for him, this fact is likely to result in a number of changes that could impact your financial well-being. First, depending on how much money you currently make, you could see a change in taxes.
- [Cash Instead of Cards (as reported by Saundra Latham on money.cnn.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/cash-instead-of-cards/) - Studies of financial behavior have indicated for years that American’s spend more money when they rely on credit cards than when they rely on cash. Credit cards allow us to put off the pain of paying for something, while still getting the immediate satisfaction that whatever we’re buying brings. A simple solution for spending less
- [Thinking About Money (as reported by Claudia Hammond on www.qz.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/thinking-about-money-as-reported-by-claudia-hammond-on-www-qz-com/) - This may seem obvious, but how we think about money impacts how we spend it. A classic thought experiment repeated many times over proves the theory that as human beings, we mentally separate money into different “accounts” by what we intend to use it for. And the way we do this makes it more or
- [4 Money Lessons for Children (as reported by Ashley Eneriz on www.moneyning.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/4-money-lessons-for-children-as-reported-by-ashley-eneriz-on-www-moneyning-com/) - Where are we supposed to learn about money? At school? In the home? Through trial and error? The truth is, most Americans don’t know enough about finances to teach their kids. But due to lack of financial education in schools, the home is where most of our financial training comes from. Parents would do well
- [How to Retire Early (as reported by Michael Ruderman on blog.personalcapital.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/how-to-retire-early-as-reported-by-michael-ruderman-on-blog-personalcapital-com/) - It is the dream of many working Americans to be able to retire ahead of schedule. The average retirement age in the US is currently about 65 years old. How can we aim to retire before 60? Before 50? Michael Ruderman, writing for Personal Capital, put a list together of seven of the top lessons
- [Poor Investment Choices (as reported by John Aziz on theweek.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/poor-investment-choices-as-reported-by-john-aziz-on-theweek-com/) - There are big differences between the way rich people invest their money and the way poor people invest their money. Some of this has to do with taste or accessibility, but some of it unfortunately has to do with awareness. Rich people, it seems, are simply more aware of the investment options which historically outperform
- [50/20/30 Budget Rule (as reported by blog.mint.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/502030-budget-rule-as-reported-by-blog-mint-com/) - Budgeting can be a difficult skill to learn for most people. As humans, we have a natural tendency to value the present over the future. And so when we begin making money, we would rather spend it than save it. A simple rule can help you begin to think differently. The 50/20/30 Rule (or 50/20/30
- [Finance and Marriage (as reported by Michael Chamberlain on www.forbes.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/finance-and-marriage-as-reported-by-michael-chamberlain-on-www-forbes-com/) - Marriage is a defining moment in one’s life. It is also a time, though most people choose to believe otherwise, when personal finances take on even greater importance. The reason why is that two people with two separate financial situations and views are now joining together. The most important thing couples can do before they
- [Save Money by Switching to an Online Bank (as reported by Ismat Sarah Mangla on www.qz.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/save-money-by-switching-to-an-online-bank-as-reported-by-ismat-sarah-mangla-on-www-qz-com/) - Online banking is officially here to stay. Over the last ten years, online banks are the only banks to show consistent and significant growth in new customers. More and more people are moving their savings accounts, checking accounts, and credit cards to new banks without a physical location. But why? One reason is that because
- [5 Year Rule for Homeowners (as reported by Thursday Bram on www.moneyning.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/5-year-rule-for-homeowners-as-reported-by-thursday-bram-on-www-moneyning-com/) - A common piece of advice new homebuyers are likely to hear is that they should plan on staying in the same house for at least five years. Why is that? The basis for this argument is that if you decide to move and sell before five years is up, you will likely lose money on
- [Compounding Interest is Critical (as reported by Ismat Sarah Mangla on www.qz.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/compounding-interest-is-critical-as-reported-by-ismat-sarah-mangla-on-www-qz-com/) - Do you know how compounding interest works? If you do, you are in the minority. A recent study of over 50 thousand individuals in 30 different countries testing their financial knowledge and behavior found that only 42% of respondents could correctly answer the following question: Will a $100 savings account compounding at an interest rate
- [10 Common Financial Mistakes (as reported by Tracie Fobes on blog.credit.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/10-common-financial-mistakes-as-reported-by-tracie-fobes-on-blog-credit-com/) - There are many financial decisions that we as Americans make throughout our lives. Some are big, like buying a house or opening a new retirement account. Some are small, like trips to the grocery store. Often, there are financial mistakes that we make because we don’t have the right knowledge or fail to pay attention
- [What Do You Need in a Home? (as reported by Joshua Becker on www.forbes.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/what-do-you-need-in-a-home-as-reported-by-joshua-becker-on-www-forbes-com/) - Whether you are looking to buy or rent, moving into a new home can seem like a daunting challenge. Most people start with a list of things they want in a new home, and then ask themselves, or get asked by a broker, “What can you afford?” But this article from Joshua Becker on Forbes.com
- [Rethinking Stocks for Your Retirement (as reported by Walter Updegrave on money.cnn.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/rethinking-stocks-for-your-retirement-as-reported-by-walter-updegrave-on-money-cnn-com/) - Warren Buffett, one of the world’s most widely respected investors, recommends that those saving for retirement invest 90% of their nest egg in stocks and 10% in short term government bonds. But depending on your tolerance for risk, and how close you are to retirement age, that may be a little too risky for most
- [Expenses Drop in Retirement (as reported by www.freemoneyfinance.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/expenses-drop-in-retirement-as-reported-by-www-freemoneyfinance-com/) - As one gets closer to retirement, it can be a little scary trying to figure out how to pay for all of life’s expenses without an income for the first time in your life. But do remember that there are a number of expenses that will go down dramatically, or disappear completely, in retirement. For
- [PENSIONS TO 401K PLANS (AS REPORTED BY ALLISON SCHRAGER ON WWW.QZ.COM)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/pensions-to-401k-plans-as-reported-by-allison-schrager-on-www-qz-com/) - In the past, a majority of employees were able to earn a pension from their employers. More Americans would spend the majority of their careers in one industry, with one company. And when they retired, the pension would pay out in retirement, the amount based on the amount they earned during their careers. For the
- [HOW MUCH MONEY DO YOU NEED TO RETIRE? (AS REPORTED BY WALTER UPDEGRAVE ON MONEY.CNN.COM)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/how-much-money-do-you-need-to-retire-as-reported-by-walter-updegrave-on-money-cnn-com/) - Too many of us don’t know exactly how much money we will need in order to retire worry-free. Chances are, even after you retire you won’t be sure you have enough. Here’s a simple way to tell. Create a realistic budget based on what you are spending now. Then start to make modifications based on
- [MAKING MONEY HABITS STICK (AS REPORTED BY JULIA CHANG ON WWW.LEARNVEST.COM)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/making-money-habits-stick-as-reported-by-julia-chang-on-www-learnvest-com/) - We all know we can do more to improve our finances. There are new habits we can implement. The hard part is not in identifying what to do, it’s in sticking with those new habits so that they will have the kind of positive impact they are meant to. There are several ways that you
- [DEBT COLLECTION EFFORTS SOMETIMES BREAK THE LAW (AS REPORTED BY KELLI B. GRANT ON WWW.CNBC.COM)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/debt-collection-efforts-sometimes-break-the-law-as-reported-by-kelli-b-grant-on-www-cnbc-com/) - Many Americans at one point or another will go into debt. It’s a slippery slope and some are unable to dig themselves out of debt quickly enough to avoid the eventual harassing calls from debt collectors. In fact, as many as one third of all consumers have received one of these calls in the last twelve
- [TRADITIONAL BANKING IS FOR THE RICH (AS REPORTED BY GILLIAN B. WHITE ON WWW.THEATLANTIC.COM)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/traditional-banking-is-for-the-rich-as-reported-by-gillian-b-white-on-www-theatlantic-com/) - Often, when we hear about the problems of access in today’s banking system, we are hearing about developing nations, rural lands without proper infrastructure and technology to support modern banking. But we ignore the fact that for many Americans, the changes in the banking system have been enough to leave them out in the cold
- [12 YEARS TO OUT-EARN THE COST OF YOUR DEGREE (AS REPORTED BY AMY X. WANG ON WWW.QZ.COM)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/12-years-to-out-earn-the-cost-of-your-degree-as-reported-by-amy-x-wang-on-www-qz-com/) - A lot has been written about the cost of a college degree. Tuition costs keep rising, despite a more general plateau in wages for most American workers. The spread between costs and earnings has become so dramatic that debt resulting from school loans has ballooned to become larger even than mortgage debt. So how long
- [WHEN TO HIRE A FINANCIAL PLANNER (AS REPORTED BY MATT BECKER ON WWW.THESIMPLEDOLLAR.COM)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/when-to-hire-a-financial-planner-as-reported-by-matt-becker-on-www-thesimpledollar-com/) - Deciding whether or not to hire a financial planner can be an important financial decision in its own right. You have to weigh the cost of a financial planner against the potential benefit that they might provide. Going it alone is not always the best decision, because personal finances are complex and difficult to manage
- [UNEMPLOYMENT FAQS (AS REPORTED BY MARIANNE HAYES AT WWW.LEARNVEST.COM)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/unemployment-faqs-as-reported-by-marianne-hayes-at-www-learnvest-com/) - Unemployment is never the goal. But at some point in our lives, most of us will find ourselves without work for one reason or another. And so it is a good idea to learn the basics of unemployment benefits. The full details of unemployment depend largely on your state, since they are the ones who
- [TO RENT OR BUY? (AS REPORTED BY EMILY OSTER ON WWW.QZ.COM)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/to-rent-or-buy-as-reported-by-emily-oster-on-www-qz-com/) - Emily Oster is an associate professor of economics at Brown University and answers readers’ letters in an advice column for Quartz. A recent letter asked a common question that many of us have, “Is it better to rent or to buy?” Emily’s answer was a unique one, and worth sharing. Overall, she says, if the
- [THE BASICS OF BUDGETING (AS REPORTED BY STEVE ROUSSEAU ON WWW.DIGG.COM)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/the-basics-of-budgeting-as-reported-by-steve-rousseau-on-www-digg-com/) - Everyone should have a budget, regardless of where they are in life. An accurate budget can do a few things for you. First, it gives you a clear picture of money in and money out. Second, it keeps you from spending more than you can afford. And third, the simple act of keeping a budget
- [RETHINKING OUR FINANCIAL EDUCATION STRATEGY (AS REPORTED BY DAN KADLEC ON WWW.RIGHTABOUTMONEY.COM)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/rethinking-our-financial-education-strategy-as-reported-by-dan-kadlec-on-www-rightaboutmoney-com/) - A growing trend in the contemporary workforce seems to be the rise of financial wellness programs catered towards educating employees on how to properly manage their wealth; both over the short and long term. The material has, thus far, proven to be quite valuable, as young professionals are the most in need of financial guidance. And
- [MARRIAGE AND YOUR TAXES (AS REPORTED BY JOHN SCHNEIDER ON WWW.PERSONALCAPITAL.COM)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/marriage-and-your-taxes-as-reported-by-john-schneider-on-www-personalcapital-com/) - We don’t often think about marriage as a matter of personal finance, and for good reason. But still, there are certain financial questions we must ask ourselves when planning for a wedding. Chief among them is, how will this affect our taxes? Married people who file their taxes jointly will often save money, meaning they
- [GIVE YOURSELF A RAISE (AS REPORTED BY HOLLY JOHNSON ON WWW.THESIMPLEDOLLAR.COM)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/give-yourself-a-raise-as-reported-by-holly-johnson-on-www-thesimpledollar-com/) - Growing one’s wealth comes from following two simple pieces of advice: earn more and spend less. Easier said than done, sure. But still true. Earning more can come from a raise or a promotion, most commonly. But there’s nothing saying that you can't take it on yourself to earn more when that raise isn’t coming.
- [FINANCIAL STATISTICS BASED ON DEGREE TYPE (AS REPORTED BY WWW.PRICEONOMICS.COM)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/financial-statistics-based-on-degree-type-as-reported-by-www-priceonomics-com/) - The majority of would-be college students are not choosing majors based on which professions will pay them the most money. That’s because our culture promotes “you can be whatever you want to be” and encourages them to pursue a field they are passionate about, regardless of money. But the truth is, some degrees lead to
- [HOW TO BECOME A MILLIONAIRE (AS REPORTED BY RICHARD REIS ON WWW.QZ.COM)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/how-to-become-a-millionaire-as-reported-by-richard-reis-on-www-qz-com/) - If you want to become wealthy, the best way to get there is not winning the lottery or inventing some brilliant new piece of technology. No, the best way to get there is to follow the tried and true personal finance advice of those that came before you. Follow it religiously, without interruption, over a
- [MONEY MISTAKES WE MAKE WHEN WE'RE YOUNG (AS REPORTED BY MIRANDA MARQUIT ON WWW.MONEYNING.COM)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/money-mistakes-we-make-when-were-young-as-reported-by-miranda-marquit-on-www-moneyning-com/) - All Americans, whether they go to college or not, are expected at some point to have the wisdom and experience necessary to make intelligent life decisions. When it comes to managing money, too often we are expected to make decisions before we have the skills or training to do so. And that’s why so many
- [EARLY RETIREMENT MISTAKES TO AVOID (AS REPORTED BY MAYA KACHROO-LEVINE ON WWW.FORBES.COM)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/early-retirement-mistakes-to-avoid-as-reported-by-maya-kachroo-levine-on-www-forbes-com/) - Debt is one of the biggest roadblocks to retirement. Debt forces us to work harder and longer than we otherwise would like. And that’s because the money that we earn is not ours, it is someone else’s, until that debt is paid off. One of the biggest errors that people make in their lives is
- [YOUR RETIREMENT VS. YOUR CHILD'S EDUCATION (AS REPORTED BY NANCY L. ANDERSON ON WWW.FORBES.COM)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/your-retirement-vs-your-childs-education-as-reported-by-nancy-l-anderson-on-www-forbes-com/) - If someone were to ask you this question, “Which is more important, saving for your own retirement or saving for your newborn’s college education,” how would you answer? If you’re like most people, you would prioritize your child’s education, putting their needs before your own. Makes sense, right? That is the essence of good parenting.
- [MISTAKES MADE IN THE MIDDLE CLASS (AS REPORTED BY HOLLY JOHNSON ON WWW.THESIMPLEDOLLAR.COM)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/mistakes-made-in-the-middle-class-as-reported-by-holly-johnson-on-www-thesimpledollar-com/) - In almost every political cycle, you are likely to hear candidates talk endlessly about America’s middle class. But just who are they talking about? Are you in the middle class? And what can people in the middle class do to make smarter financial choices? While there are many competing definitions of who is middle class
- [401K VESTING (AS REPORTED BY MATT BECKER ON WWW.THESIMPLEDOLLAR.COM)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/401k-vesting-as-reported-by-matt-becker-on-www-thesimpledollar-com/) - If you are lucky enough to have an employer who offers a 401k retirement plan, there are tax advantages to directing a portion of each paycheck toward it. You are even luckier still if that employer matches some or all of your contribution, because that is free money available to you simply for joining the
- [THE COMING PUBLIC PENSION CRISIS (AS REPORTED BY OLIVIER GARRET ON WWW.FORBES.COM)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/the-coming-public-pension-crisis-as-reported-by-olivier-garret-on-www-forbes-com/) - The concept of a pension is something that private employers have all but abandoned, putting more of the onus of retirement savings onto the individual. But most public positions still offer a pension, and so many Americans either currently work towards a pension or are already receiving benefits. And that’s why the coming pension crisis
- [COMMON STUDENT LOAN DEBT MISTAKES (AS REPORTED BY DREW HOUSMAN ON WWW.THESIMPLEDOLLAR.COM)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/common-student-loan-debt-mistakes-as-reported-by-drew-housman-on-www-thesimpledollar-com/) - Student debt is a big problem in the United States today. 54% of young workers report that right now, paying off student loans come before saving for retirement. What’s more, 40% report that worrying about student loans has impacted their health. Does this mean nobody should ever take out loans to pay for college? Of
- [RETIREMENT SAVINGS IN YOUR FINAL EARNING YEARS (AS REPORTED BY ALICIA ROSE HUDNETT ON MONEY.CNN.COM)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/retirement-savings-in-your-final-earning-years-as-reported-by-alicia-rose-hudnett-on-money-cnn-com/) - All of the experts agree – the sooner you start saving for retirement, the better off you’ll be when the time comes. But what if you haven’t started yet? What if you are getting close to retirement age and you are worried you won’t have enough saved? According to a recent survey, 28% of Americans
- [MAX OUT YOUR 401K MATCH (AS REPORTED BY MATT BECKER ON WWW.THESIMPLEDOLLAR.COM)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/max-out-your-401k-match-as-reported-by-matt-becker-on-www-thesimpledollar-com/) - A 401k employer match is one of the best things any employee can ask for. Why? Because it means free money toward your retirement. Many employers in the US still offer this benefit to their employees – they match 50-100% of employee 401k contributions up to a certain limit. But according to the Society for
- [TAX MYTHS (AS REPORTED BY SELENA MARANJIAN ON MONEY.CNN.COM)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/tax-myths-as-reported-by-selena-maranjian-on-money-cnn-com/) - Taxes are complicated. There is no avoiding that. The US tax code is so complex that its likely even a lawyer who specializes on tax law doesn’t know all the details. So how can you or I be expected to understand them? While becoming an expert in the tax code may not be possible, there
- [INCOME INEQUALITY AND AGE (AS REPORTED BY ALLISON SCHRAGER ON WWW.QZ.COM)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/income-inequality-and-age-as-reported-by-allison-schrager-on-www-qz-com/) - If you pay attention to the news much these days, you are likely to hear a lot about income inequality. The fact that incomes at the very top have grown rapidly over the last several decades while everyone else’s have stagnated is a large drain on the economy. And brand new research suggests that your
- [KEY RETIREMENT MILESTONES (AS REPORTED BY PERSONAL.VANGUARD.COM)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/key-retirement-milestones-as-reported-by-personal-vanguard-com/) - We all have questions about retirement – ranging from how to save for it to when is it time? To help answer some of those questions, Vanguard recently shared the 7 big financial milestones in retirement. These are the ages when most of us will be able to take key steps toward a more secure
- [FINANCIAL ADVISOR WARNING SIGNS (AS REPORTED BY LIZ FRAZIER PECK ON WWW.FORBES.COM)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/financial-advisor-warning-signs-as-reported-by-liz-frazier-peck-on-www-forbes-com/) - Financial advisors traditionally serve the wealthier among us, who are historically more proactive with their money, because they have more of it. But these industry professionals can be a good idea for anyone looking to make smarter financial decisions, and can benefit people across the income spectrum. But only if you hire the right ones.
- [HOW MUCH HOME CAN YOU AFFORD? (AS REPORTED BY KATHRYN VASEL ON MONEY.CNN.COM)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/how-much-home-can-you-afford-as-reported-by-kathryn-vasel-on-money-cnn-com/) - This is a seller’s market when it comes to real estate. Lower inventory across the country is driving home costs higher. And so if you’re one of millions of Americans planning to buy a home this year, CNN Money wants you to keep a few things in mind. First, and most importantly, be honest with
- [WHY AREN'T WAGES HIGHER? (AS REPORTED BY PETER COY ON WWW.BLOOMBERG.COM)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/why-arent-wages-higher-as-reported-by-peter-coy-on-www-bloomberg-com/) - The good news is that the unemployment rate is lower now than it has been at any time since before the Great Recession. The bad news is that average wages have not risen as much as most economists would expect them to. Traditionally, the better the unemployment rate, the higher employers have to pay workers
- [UNPREDICTABLE PAYCHECKS (AS REPORTED BY JONATHAN MORDUCH AND RACHEL SCHNEIDER ON WWW.THEATLANTIC.COM)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/unpredictable-paychecks-as-reported-by-jonathan-morduch-and-rachel-schneider-on-www-theatlantic-com/) - A new report called the US Financial Diaries wanted to look at something that most studies of personal finances ignore, the day to day impact of incomes and expenses for many Americans. While most people understand that poor or working class families often live paycheck to paycheck, the US Financial Diaries reports that far more
- [HOW TO ASK FOR A RAISE (AS REPORTED BY MIRANDA MARQUIT ON WWW.MONEYNING.COM)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/how-to-ask-for-a-raise-as-reported-by-miranda-marquit-on-www-moneyning-com/) - One of the best things that can happen to you, from a personal finance perspective, is getting a raise. But most people don’t recognize that the people that get raises are the ones that ask for them. Asking for a raise might sound scary for people who have never done it before. But there are
- [BUYING LIFE INSURANCE (AS REPORTED BY ANNA BAHNEY ON MONEY.CNN.COM)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/buying-life-insurance-as-reported-by-anna-bahney-on-money-cnn-com/) - Life insurance is not a topic people spend much time thinking about. That’s because it is only ever necessary in death, a subject we don’t like thinking much about ever. But if you have people that depend on you – a spouse, children, employees – life insurance is an important part of your personal financial
- [WHY YOUR CREDIT CARD APPLICATION WAS DENIED (AS REPORTED BY MICHAEL PRUSER ON WWW.FIVECENTNICKEL.COM)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/why-your-credit-card-application-was-denied-as-reported-by-michael-pruser-on-www-fivecentnickel-com/) - While it is never a good idea to spend more than you can afford at any given time, credit cards are an important financial tool for the savvy consumer. But getting denied for a credit card is a sign that something is wrong, and should be addressed. Michael Pruser, writing on www.fivecentnickel.com, lists five common
- [Are You Financially Healthy? (as reported by Liz Weston on www.nerdwallet.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/financially-healthy-reported-liz-weston-www-nerdwallet-com/) - If someone asked you whether or not you are financially healthy, how would you answer? Most people would respond with some variation of, “What do you mean?” We don’t have a great definition for financial health in this country. And the sad truth is, as a nation, we are not very financially healthy. There are
- [$1,000,000 IS WITHIN REACH (AS REPORTED BY DEBBIE CARLSON ON FINANCE.YAHOO.COM)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/1000000-is-within-reach-as-reported-by-debbie-carlson-on-finance-yahoo-com/) - Do you want to be a millionaire? Of course you do. And while for most people that seems like a fantasy, the reality is that if you start planning early enough, saving one million dollars is not impossible. $1,000,000 is a big number, but if you break it up into smaller chunks, it gets more
- [Investing Tips for Your 20s (as reported on www.onmakingmoney.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/investing-tips-20s-reported-www-onmakingmoney-com/) - Investing in the stock market is something that every American, given the opportunity to do so, should do. It is one of the surest ways to grow wealth that we have. But that doesn’t necessarily mean that it is easy. The sooner you start investing, the better, because your money will grow over time. For
- [Sad but True Retirement Stats (as reported by Maurie Backman on www.usatoday.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/sad-true-retirement-stats-reported-maurie-backman-www-usatoday-com/) - Americans today are notoriously bad at saving for retirement, which is a problem, and not just for those of us that belong to the group that has no retirement savings. Americans age 65 and up have higher healthcare costs, traditionally, and are living longer than ever. USA Today is out with a few new retirement
- [What is a Reverse Mortgage? (as reported by Kevin Mercadante on www.cashmoneylife.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/reverse-mortgage-reported-kevin-mercadante-www-cashmoneylife-com/) - A reverse mortgage is something you may have heard of before, but most people don’t know what it means. Essentially, it is exactly what it sounds like. Instead of you making payments to the mortgage lender, they’re making payments to you based on the appraised value of your home (up to $625,500). In order to
- [Stop Using Spending Bans (as reported by Brock on www.cleverdude.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/stop-using-spending-bans-reported-brock-www-cleverdude-com/) - One common piece of personal finance advice seen online is a spending ban. A spending ban is a self-inflicted ban on spending for certain items as a way of saving money for a particular time period. For example, a person might say to themselves that they will not spend money on eating out for 6
- [How to Invest (as reported by Kevin Mercadante on cashmoneylife.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/invest-reported-kevin-mercadante-cashmoneylife-com/) - The decision of whether or not to invest your money should be an easy one – you absolutely should do it. But deciding where and how to invest is trickier. For first time investors looking to get started with stocks and bonds, whether to invest in individual companies yourself or put your money into a
- [Financial Freedom Checklist (as reported by Bob at christianpf.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/financial-freedom-checklist-reported-bob-christianpf-com/) - Checklists are a handy tool that many people use to help them reach their goals. By breaking down one big goal into a series of smaller goals, you can make the tasks easier and more attainable. The people over at Seed Time have created a great starter checklist for people who wish to achieve financial
- [How to Boost Your Resume in College (as reported by Claire Millard on www.fivecentnickel.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/boost-resume-college-reported-claire-millard-www-fivecentnickel-com/) - The first few years out of school can set the tone for your entire career. Finding the right job can help you reach your goals – both career and financial – sooner. And in order to help set yourself up for that job, many students opt to take advantage of resume-boosting opportunities while still in
- [Home Ownership Down on Higher Student Debt (as reported by Katie Lobosco on money.cnn.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/home-ownership-higher-student-debt-reported-katie-lobosco-money-cnn-com/) - We all know that the cost of college is steadily rising, perhaps faster than anything else we spend our money on. Despite that fact, Americans overwhelming opt to get a degree. So what does that mean for our economy? New data proves that because of the rising cost of college, and the subsequent increase in
- [How to Boost Your Resume While Still in School (as reported by Claire Millard on www.fivecentnickel.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/boost-resume-still-school-reported-claire-millard-www-fivecentnickel-com/) - The first few years out of school can set the tone for your entire career. Finding the right job can help you reach your goals – both career and financial – sooner. And in order to help set yourself up for that job, many students opt to take advantage of resume-boosting opportunities while still in
- [SHOULD YOU HAVE A CREDIT CARD IN COLLEGE? (AS REPORTED BY CONNOR SWEET ON BLOG.MINT.COM)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/credit-card-college-reported-connor-sweet-blog-mint-com/) - Anyone who has spent any time as an underclassman on a college campus knows that the decision on whether or not to get a credit card is one you must make very quickly. That’s because banks and credit card companies flood college campuses with credit card offers. There are pros and cons to signing up
- [Retirement Planning for Singles (as reported by Emily Guy Birken on www.wisebread.com)](https://wise-ny.org/blog/retirement-planning-singles-reported-emily-guy-birken-www-wisebread-com/) - In the United States today, it is far more common for adults to be single than it used to be. Marriage rates have been steadily dropping over the last 50 years. But most financial advice still assumes adults are married. Writing for Wise Bread, Emily Guy Birken tells us what changes for retirement planning when
- [w!se’s Fall Class for Domestic Violence Survivors in NYC is a Resounding Success](https://wise-ny.org/blog/domestic-violence-survivors-nyc-success/) - NEW YORK, N.Y., December 16, 2015 – Working in Support of Education (w!se) is excited to announce the resounding success of its fall MoneyW!SE program for Survivors of Domestic Violence in New York. This fall, every survivor in the class passed the w!se Financial Literacy Certification Test. The MoneyW!SE program is made possible through generous
- [MoneyW!SE Program Concludes in the Bronx](https://wise-ny.org/blog/moneywise-program-concludes-bronx/) - NEW YORK, N.Y. – Working in Support of Education (w!se) is pleased to announce the conclusion of a successful semester of our MoneyW!SE program for survivors of domestic violence in the Bronx, NYC. Now in four major US cities, the program is made possible in the Bronx through a generous grant from The Allstate Foundation.
- [Working in Support of Education to Host 14th National MoneyPOWER Financial Literacy Conference in NYC](https://wise-ny.org/blog/national-moneypower-financial-literacy-conference/) - NEW YORK, N.Y. – On Tuesday, November 8, middle and high school educators will attend the 14th National MoneyPOWER Financial Literacy Conference at the Executive Conference Center in NYC. Organized by Working in Support of Education (w!se), the Conference will feature experts in finance and education, with a focus on strengthening teachers’ knowledge of personal
- [Con Edison Supports New w!se Institute Sustainability and STEM Offerings](https://wise-ny.org/blog/con-edison-supports-new-wise-institute-sustainability-stem-offerings/) - New York, NY - Working in Support of Education (w!se) is pleased to announce it has received a generous grant from Con Edison’s Strategic Partnerships program to support Engineered Green Economics (EGE) at the w!se Institute for the 2016-2017 academic year. EGE will teach students about the interdependence of economics/business, science, technology, and the environment
- [w!se to Compete for $100,000 Grand Prize in Allstate Foundation Purple Purse Challenge](https://wise-ny.org/blog/wise-grand-prize-allstate-foundation-purple-purse-challenge/) - New York, NY — Working in Support of Education (w!se) is one of a select group of nonprofit domestic violence organizations across the country competing for $650,000 in grant money as a part of The Allstate Foundation’s Purple Purse Challenge, which kicked off today. The Challenge, an annual competition hosted on CrowdRise, is a public
- [Allstate Foundation Selects w!se as a Community Partner for the 2016 Purple Purse Challenge](https://wise-ny.org/blog/allstate-foundation-selects-wise-community-partner-purple-purse-challenge/) - New York, NY - Working in Support of Education (w!se) is pleased to announce it has been selected as a community partner for The Allstate Foundation’s Purple Purse challenge, an initiative designed to support survivors of domestic violence and the organizations that serve them. For the third year in a row, w!se will participate in
- [The Allstate Foundation Helps w!se to Grow MoneyW!SE Program in New York](https://wise-ny.org/blog/allstate-foundation-helps-wise-grow-moneywise-program-new-york/) - NEW YORK, N.Y. – Working in Support of Education (w!se) is excited to announce that The Allstate Foundation has awarded a grant to support w!se’s MoneyW!SE Program for Survivors of Domestic Violence. Funding will support the program in New York City and Westchester County for the 2016-17 academic year. Through this groundbreaking program, w!se offers
- [The Allstate Foundation Helps w!se to Grow MoneyW!SE Program in San Diego](https://wise-ny.org/blog/allstate-foundation-helps-wise-grow-moneywise-program-san-diego/) - NEW YORK, N.Y. – Working in Support of Education (w!se) is excited to announce that The Allstate Foundation has awarded a grant to support w!se’s MoneyW!SE Program for Survivors of Domestic Violence. Funding will support the program in San Diego for the 2016-17 academic year. Through this groundbreaking program, w!se offers a 12-week course on
- [Students Compete for Prizes by Addressing Community Issues](https://wise-ny.org/blog/students-compete-addressing-community-issues/) - NEW YORK, N.Y. – On Tuesday, June 2, Working in Support of Education (w!se) held the 21st annual Quality of Life INNOVATIONS (QLI) Awards Ceremony, generously hosted by the United Federation of Teachers in downtown Manhattan. 150 guests attended the event, which was capped off with the announcement of the 2016 prize winners. More than
- [21st Annual Quality of Life INNOVATIONS Award Ceremony](https://wise-ny.org/blog/annual-quality-life-innovations-award-ceremony/) - Winners Announced, Scholarships and Awards Presentation and Guest Speakers What: Working in Support of Education (w!se), a New York City based educational not-for-profit will celebrate students from New York City at a ceremony to reveal the winners of the “21st Annual Quality of Life INNOVATIONS” competition. The winners will be announced at the event, with
- [100 Best W!se High Schools Teaching Personal Finance: 2016 Rankings Announced](https://wise-ny.org/blog/100-best-wise-high-schools-teaching-personal-finance-2016-rankings/) - The Top 3 schools nation-wide hail from New Jersey and New York Schools in 43 states now participating, up from 40 in prior year Average passing rate was 81.6% percent for all participating schools NEW YORK, NY – Working in Support of Education (w!se), a New York City-based, national educational nonprofit, today announced its fourth
- [w!se Helps Domestic Violence Survivors in NYC Lead Financially Independent Lives](https://wise-ny.org/blog/wise-helps-domestic-violence-survivors-nyc-lead-financially-independent-lives/) - NEW YORK, N.Y. – Working in Support of Education (w!se) is excited to announce the spring launch of its MoneyW!SE program for Survivors of Domestic Violence in New York City took place on March 1, 2016. The program is made possible through generous funding provided by The Allstate Foundation. The realities of domestic violence in
- [w!se Helps Domestic Violence Survivors in San Diego Lead Financially Independent Lives](https://wise-ny.org/blog/wise-helps-domestic-violence-survivors-san-diego-lead-financially-independent-lives/) - NEW YORK, N.Y. – Working in Support of Education (w!se) is excited to announce the spring launch of its MoneyW!SE program for Survivors of Domestic Violence in San Diego took place on March 1, 2016. The program is made possible through generous funding provided by The Allstate Foundation. The realities of domestic violence in the
- [Students Honored at 2017 w!se Scholars Reception](https://wise-ny.org/blog/students-honored-2017-wse-scholars-reception/) - NEW YORK, N.Y. – On Friday, June 9, Working in Support of Education (w!se) hosted its annual Scholars Reception to honor high school students who earned a score of 95% or higher on w!se’s 2016-17 national standardized Financial Literacy Certification Test. The Test is administered nationally each year in high schools that participate in w!se’s
- [Financial Literacy Ambassador Awardees Announced](https://wise-ny.org/blog/financial-literacy-ambassador-awardees-announced/) - NEW YORK, N.Y. – Working in Support of Education (w!se) announced its first annual Financial Literacy Ambassador Awardees on July 28, 2017. The award recipients are: Jacob Carrick of Phillipsburg High School in New Jersey Sara Hettinger of Centreville High School in Virginia Tyler Humphreys of Woodbridge High School in Virginia Brianna Sandy of Oscar
- [5th Annual 100 Best W!Se High Schools Teaching Personal Finance Rankings Announced](https://wise-ny.org/blog/5th-annual-100-best-wse-high-schools-teaching-personal-finance-rankings-announced/) - NEW YORK, N.Y. – Working in Support of Education (w!se), a New York City-based, national educational nonprofit, today announced the 2016 “100 Best w!se High Schools Teaching Personal Finance” at a ceremony sponsored by Voya Financial®. Earning first place for the second time is New York City’s High School of Math, Science and Engineering at
- [w!se Partners with GS Community TeamWorks to Help Students Gain Valuable College and Career Skills](https://wise-ny.org/blog/wse-partners-gs-community-teamworks-help-students-gain-valuable-college-career-skills/) - NEW YORK, N.Y. – Working in Support of Education (w!se) is teaming up with and Goldman Sachs to help more than 200 high school students from across New York City strengthen their college and career-readiness skills. Through Goldman Sachs Community TeamWorks, Goldman employees will conduct mock interviews, teach students about networking and give students a
- [Assemblywoman Nily Rozic to Keynote w!se Breakfast Club](https://wise-ny.org/blog/assemblywoman-nily-rozic-keynote-wse-breakfast-club/) - NEW YORK, N.Y. – On Friday, February 24, 2017, Working in Support of Education (w!se) will host its annual Breakfast Club to honor w!se volunteers. The event will take place at Deutsche Bank, 60 Wall Street, from 7:45 am – 9:30 am. Queens Assemblywoman Nily Rozic, a w!se Quality of Life INNOVATIONS alumna, will deliver

## Pages

- [Home](https://wise-ny.org/) - Welcome to the test site. Here are some helpful links for testing: Test Page Test Form Test Blog post (w/comments) Simple Section Nav (top-level page)
- [Past Winning Proposals](https://wise-ny.org/past-winning-proposals/) - 2023 First Place 2023 Second Place 2023 Third Place 2022 First Place 2022 Second Place (tied) 2022 Second Place (tied) 2021 First Place 2021 Second Place 2021 Third Place 2020 First Place 2020 Second Place 2020 Third Place 2019 First Place 2019 Second Place 2019 Third Place 2018 First Place 2018 Second Place (tied) 2018
- [Quality of Life INNOVATIONS](https://wise-ny.org/programs-services/college-career-readiness/quality-of-life-innovations/) - About the Program *NY Seal of Civic Readiness Approved* Registration for the 2026-27 SY NOW OPEN! Quality of Life INNOVATIONS (QLI) is a unique social entrepreneurship initiative that fosters a spirit of civic engagement and social innovation among high school students, while helping them prepare for college. Students identify a community issue they care about,
- [News](https://wise-ny.org/news-events/news/) - If you are a member of a news or media organization and would like to learn more about us, please contact Samantha Spina. Latest News "W!se Announces Third Annual Financial Literacy Video Contest Winners" "Making sense of money" by Cara Matthews for UFT "NYC Students Honored for Designing Cutting-Edge Solutions to Improve Community Hardships at
- [Financial Literacy Certification Program Participation Agreement and Order Form](https://wise-ny.org/financial-literacy-certification-program-participation-agreement-order-form/) - You can complete the agreement and order form now or find details about the agreement and the cost below. Program Cost and Order Information Instructional materials have no charge. The W!se Financial Literacy Certification Test Packages pricing is as follows: Changing Your Order Any school administering the online test may change its order up to
- [2026 Financial Literacy Ambassador Awards](https://wise-ny.org/programs-services/financial-literacy/financial-literacy-ambassador-awards/) - 2026 W!se Financial Literacy Ambassador Award Application Form and Process The Financial Literacy Ambassadors Award is a $5,000 monetary award distributed to five students ($1,000 each). Students who scored at least 95% on our Financial Literacy Certification Test in the 2025-26 school year are eligible to apply. The award is made possible through the
- [About](https://wise-ny.org/about/) - Who We Are W!se is a groundbreaking educational nonprofit that provides financial education, college and career readiness programs, and services to students, educators and at-risk adults. We are spearheading a national effort to empower people, especially the underserved, to lead lives of financial well-being, succeed in college and excel in an increasingly competitive global workforce.
- [Financials](https://wise-ny.org/about/financials-2/) - W!se is committed to transparency and responsible stewardship of every dollar entrusted to us. We manage our resources carefully to maximize impact and advance financial independence, college success, and career readiness for students and communities nationwide. To promote transparency, we publicly share our IRS Form 990 filings, which provide a clear view of our revenue,
- [2026 Financial Literacy Video Contest](https://wise-ny.org/programs-services/financial-literacy/2026-wse-financial-literacy-video-contest/) - Calling all New York State High Schools! Students create a video about ONE of the following Financial Literacy topics: Show why some debt is "good debt" and some is "bad debt". What are the consequences of each? Demonstrate two common scams that target young people and provide guidance on how to avoid them. Document a
- [Financial Literacy Certification Program Participation Agreement - Schwab Grant](https://wise-ny.org/financial-literacy-certification-program-participation-agreement-no-fee/financial-literacy-certification-program-participation-agreement-schwab-grant/)
- [Donate](https://wise-ny.org/get-involved/donate/) - Make a Lasting Impact on Financial Literacy and Economic Mobility Your gift helps W!se equip young people and at-risk adults with the knowledge and skills to manage their finances, pursue higher education, and build meaningful careers. Together, we can open doors to brighter futures, strengthen communities, and break cycles of economic insecurity. Every contribution, large
- [Personal Finance Certification for Educators](https://wise-ny.org/programs-services/financial-literacy/personal-finance-certification-educators/) - Do you yearn to be a personal finance instructor but don’t have the knowledge or a credential? W!se can help! About Personal Finance Certification In 2008, we created a Certification Test for personal finance instructors. Instructors who pass the Test earn a Certification in Personal Finance, a bona fide credential that demonstrates proficiency to teach
- [Events](https://wise-ny.org/news-events/events/) - Each year, W!se hosts a series of events. Some support our programs and others are stand-alone events, but all of them further our mission and impact. Events include professional development for educators, student competitions, and invitation-only award ceremonies for high-performing schools and students. Sponsorship opportunities are available. Media Contact for
- [Financial Literacy Certification for High School Students](https://wise-ny.org/programs-services/program-resources/financial-literacy-certification-high-school-students/) - Below please find the resources for the Financial Literacy Certification program. If you have any questions, please contact Lizzy Odom at lodom@wise-ny.org. Teacher's Guide Resources Directory Online Test Instructions Proctoring Guidelines Virtual Proctoring FAQs W!se Practice Testing Website User Guide Practice Testing Quick Start Guide for Students Below you may also find our
- [Program Resources](https://wise-ny.org/programs-services/program-resources/) - W!se offers an extensive suite of resources for educators and students who use our programs. For our Financial Literacy Certification (FLC) and Quality of Life INNOVATIONS (QLI) programs, registered schools can access program materials here. How to Access Program Resources To access these materials, please log in using the email and password provided during registration. The login
- [2025 Resources Fair](https://wise-ny.org/programs-services/college-career-readiness/quality-of-life-innovations/2025-resources-fair/) - 2025 Quality of Life Innovations Resources Fair This year's themes: Professionalism, Networking, Teamwork In November, W!se welcomed students from Origins High School, Forest Hills High School, Bayside High School, and Brooklyn School for Music & Theatre to our annual QLI Resources Fair at the beautiful community classrooms at Pier 57! The fair is where curiosity
- [Join The W!se Alumni Network](https://wise-ny.org/get-involved/join-student-alumni-network/) - Interesting in joining our Alumni Network? Click here to fill out our Interest Survey.
- [Board](https://wise-ny.org/about/board/) - Directors Directors Emeriti Gary E. Hughes Larry Port Taylor Smith Deborah Smith Sam Stovall, CFP Todd Wolysnki, Esq Honorary Directors Dr. Charlotte Frank, Ph.D.
- [Annual Report](https://wise-ny.org/about/annual-report/) - 2024-2025 Annual Report 2023-2024 Annual Report 2022-2023 Annual Report 2021-2022 Annual Report 2020-2021 Annual Report 2019-2020 Annual Report 2018-2019 Annual Report 2017-2018 Annual Report 2016-2017 Annual Report 2015-2016 Annual Report 2014-2015 Annual Report
- [Quality of Life INNOVATIONS - Program Resources](https://wise-ny.org/programs-services/program-resources/quality-of-life-innovations/) - 🌟 Welcome to the Quality of Life Innovations (QLI) program resources page for the 2025-26 year! 🌟 A brief message from the Program Manager, Josiah Williams: The beauty of the Quality of Life INNOVATIONS Program is that it allows students to explore topics that they are passionate. As a former high school teacher, I love
- [Quality of Life INNOVATIONS Registration](https://wise-ny.org/programs-services/college-career-readiness/quality-of-life-innovations/quality-life-innovations-registration/) - Thank you for your interest in the Quality of Life INNOVATIONS program. TO REGISTER, please complete the form below. The Senior Program Manager will reach out to schedule an initial meeting with the teacher coordinator to ensure you have access to the QLI resources and have support getting the program started at your school. If you encounter any technical
- [Donor-Advised Funds (DAFs)](https://wise-ny.org/donor-advised-funds-dafs/) - Give Through a Donor Advised Fund Thank you for considering W!se as the recipient of a gift from your donor-advised fund (DAF). By giving to W!se through your DAF, you are helping to provide more college and career readiness seminars in schools, promoting financial literacy, and enhancing civic engagement. Next Steps You can now quickly
- [Engineered Green Economics (EGE)](https://wise-ny.org/programs-services/college-career-readiness/engineered-green-economics-ege/) - -An initiative of the W!se Institute- How can we help students change the world? Give them an EGE. W!se believes that educating a new generation of talent with the capacity to influence change is one of the best investments we can make for society and our environment. What is Engineered Green Economics (EGE)? The
- [QLI Scholarship Payment Request](https://wise-ny.org/qli-winning-scholarship-request/)
- [Leadership](https://wise-ny.org/about/leadership/)
- [QLI Newsletter Sign Up](https://wise-ny.org/qli-newsletter-sign-up/)
- [Past Winners](https://wise-ny.org/programs-services/college-career-readiness/quality-of-life-innovations/past-winners/) - Learn more about the winning proposals associated with Quality of Life INNOVATIONS. 2023 Winning Proposals The 2023 First Place $7,000 scholarship was awarded to Hamna Maqbol from the High School of Telecommunication Arts and Technology for her project, “Break the Cycle: Promoting Awareness about Teen Dating Abuse.” Hamna worked closely with her school’s Assistant Principal to
- [Services](https://wise-ny.org/programs-services/services/) - PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT If you have a vision for an educational program and need help bringing it to life, W!se can meet your needs. For more than 20 years, we have provided the expertise and manpower to help organizations and donors realize their ideas in education and philanthropy. We’d love to hear about yours. FISCAL SPONSORSHIP
- [EGE: Sustainability and the Next Generation Workforce Conference Materials: Reduce, Reuse, and Reimagine](https://wise-ny.org/ege-sustainability-and-the-next-generation-workforce-conference-materials-reduce-reuse-and-reimagine/) - Please enter your name and email to receive a link to the 2025 EGE Conference.
- [W!se Institute](https://wise-ny.org/programs-services/college-career-readiness/wise-institute/) - The W!se Institute is an award-winning college and career-readiness initiative offered throughout the year to students in New York City high schools as school-day seminars and after-school work experiences. Students interact with nearly 300 volunteers who, as role models, inspire, motivate and guide students to develop an understanding of economics and finance, STEM, communications and
- [25th Anniversary Celebration Gala](https://wise-ny.org/news-events/events/25th-anniversary-celebration-gala/) - 25th Anniversary Celebration Gala Wednesday, October 9 The Metropolitan Club New York View photos here. Honoring Wells Fargo Phyllis R. Perillo W!se Founder, Board Member, President & CEO Emeritus A SPECIAL THANK YOU TO OUR BENEFIT COMMITTEE Benefit Committee Co-Chairs Victor Mitchell and Kathleen Riorda Benefit Committee Members Paul Allen, Kelly Gaur, Lori Gordon, Carole Hart, Danielle
- [W!se 20th Anniversary Celebration](https://wise-ny.org/news-events/events/wise-20th-anniversary-celebration/) - Thursday, June 20, 2019 | 3:15pm-9:00pm New York Stock Exchange (Corner of Wall & Broad Street, New York City) W!se 20th Anniversary Celebration New York Stock Exchange Thursday, June 20, 2019 (Corner of Wall & Broad Street, New York City) Honoring Stacey Cunningham President, New York Stock Exchange Shannon Schuyler Principal and Chief Purpose Officer, PwC
- [A Solstice Celebration](https://wise-ny.org/news-events/events/a-solstice-celebration/) - A Solstice Celebration Thursday, June 22 | 6PM The Metropolitan Club New York Honoring First Eagle Investments Mehdi Mahmud, President and CEO Mehdi Mahmud is President and Chief Executive Officer of First Eagle Investments and President of First Eagle Funds. Mehdi joined First Eagle in March 2016 from Jennison Associates, where he was CEO and
- [College & Career Readiness](https://wise-ny.org/programs-services/college-career-readiness/) - We offer groundbreaking college and career readiness programs to high schools: Quality of Life INNOVATIONS W!se Institute Engineered Green Economics (EGE) These programs reinforce and enrich classroom instruction, challenge students to excel academically, instill in them a passion for learning and develop their critical thinking, problem solving, analytical and communications skills, all of which
- [Partners](https://wise-ny.org/about/partners/)
- [Financial Literacy Certification Program Participation Agreement](https://wise-ny.org/financial-literacy-certification-program-participation-agreement/) - Please Complete the Agreement
- [Financial Literacy Certification Program Participation Agreement - No Fee](https://wise-ny.org/financial-literacy-certification-program-participation-agreement-no-fee/)
- [Impact](https://wise-ny.org/about/impact/)
- [Shop](https://wise-ny.org/shop/)
- [Founder & History](https://wise-ny.org/about/history/) - Building Capacity W!se is a national partner of the Jump$tart Coalition for Personal Financial Literacy and, since 2003, we have managed the New York Financial Literacy Coalition, the New York State Jump$tart affiliate. The Coalition’s goal is to promote and advocate for K-12 financial education.
- [Mission & Vision](https://wise-ny.org/about/mission-vision/) - Mission The mission of W!se is to improve economic mobility through programs that develop financial literacy and readiness for college and careers. Our success is built on five pillars - relevancy, digital leadership, real-world experiences, volunteerism, and evaluation. Vision A nation of financially literate, college and career-ready young people who can succeed personally and professionally
- [Quality of Life INNOVATIONS Volunteer](https://wise-ny.org/programs-services/college-career-readiness/quality-of-life-innovations/quality-of-life-innovations-volunteer/) - W!se relies on a team of dedicated volunteers to support our programs and initiatives. Volunteer options for the Quality of Life INNOVATIONS program are listed below. Judge: Read and rate student proposals on quality of life issues through our online judging platform. Mentor: Mentor students as they prepare for our competitions. Host students at your office,
- [Thanks for Requesting Information](https://wise-ny.org/programs-services/college-career-readiness/quality-of-life-innovations/request-more-information/thanks/) - Thank you for contacting W!se. You will hear from us shortly. In the meantime, please connect with us on social media @wisenewyork
- [MoneyW!SE](https://wise-ny.org/programs-services/financial-literacy/moneywise/) - Economic abuse is recognized as a form of domestic violence and is prevalent in abusive relationships. 99% of domestic violence survivors say their abusers curtail their access to money. Abusive partners can also damage credit reports, access bank accounts without permission and harass victims at their workplace. This form of violence can create serious obstacles
- [Financial Literacy Certification Program Participation Agreement and Order Form (Summer Form)](https://wise-ny.org/financial-literacy-certification-program-participation-agreement-and-order-form-summer-form/)
- [Thanks for Submitting Your Agreement and Order Form](https://wise-ny.org/financial-literacy-certification-program-participation-agreement-order-form/thanks/) - Thank you for submitting your FL registration. We will be in touch shortly with more information about the program. In the meantime, please watch the video below to see how we are changing lives and connect with us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. https://youtu.be/kbH9-jFN3sg
- [Volunteer](https://wise-ny.org/get-involved/volunteer/) - W!se relies on a team of dedicated volunteers from various professional fields to support our programs and initiatives. We offer many opportunities for volunteers to get involved and give back. Most of these opportunities are in New York City and the New York metro area. Test Reviewer: Review potential questions for the W!se Financial Literacy
- [MoneyW!SE Volunteer](https://wise-ny.org/programs-services/financial-literacy/moneywise/moneywse-volunteer/) - W!se relies on a team of dedicated volunteers to support our programs and initiatives. Click HERE for more W!se volunteer opportunities. Interested in Volunteering?
- [W!se Financial Literacy ACTE Vision Conference](https://wise-ny.org/wse-financial-literacy-acte-vision-conference/)
- [Request More Information](https://wise-ny.org/programs-services/services/request-more-information/) - Learn more about our programs and how W!se can serve you.
- [Get Involved](https://wise-ny.org/get-involved/)
- [Financial Literacy Certification Program Participation Agreement - Fee Waived](https://wise-ny.org/financial-literacy-certification-program-participation-agreement-fee-waived/)
- [Financial Literacy Certification](https://wise-ny.org/programs-services/financial-literacy/financial-literacy-certification/) - About the Program At the center of our financial literacy initiatives is the Financial Literacy Certification program, a groundbreaking innovation in financial education for high school students. The goal of the program is simple—to help high school students graduate as financially capable young adults. Participating high schools teach a course or unit on personal finance
- [Contact](https://wise-ny.org/contact/) - Thank you for taking the time to contact W!se.
- [10th Annual 100 Best W!se High Schools Teaching Personal Finance](https://wise-ny.org/10th-annual-100-best-wse-high-schools-teaching-personal-finance/) - Event Details When: Monday, April 25, 2022 4:00 PM - 5:30 PM Where: Register Here! The 100 Best W!se High Schools Teaching Personal Finance, in its tenth year, is the first and only national ranking in high school financial education, recognizing excellence in personal finance instruction within W!se’s national network of schools participating in its
- [Testing Platform Terms and Conditions](https://wise-ny.org/testing-platform-terms-and-conditions/) - Last revised: January 14, 2022 These Terms of Use (“Terms”) govern your use of and access to the Working in Support of Education (“W!SE”) internet-based and mobile application-based testing platform (the “Platform”). Acceptance of these Terms Your use of the Platform is subject to these Terms. By registering with and/or accessing the Platform, you agree
- [Testing Platform Privacy Statement](https://wise-ny.org/testing-platform-privacy-statement/) - Last Modified: January 14, 2022. We recognize the importance of safeguarding the personal information of individuals who use our platform and we make every effort to protect that information and to respect the privacy of these students. 1. About W!SE Working in Support of Education (“W!SE” or the “Organization”) is an educational nonprofit that provides
- [Programs & Services](https://wise-ny.org/programs-services/)
- [News & Events](https://wise-ny.org/news-events/) - News Access media resources and the latest announcements › Events Connect with us at an upcoming event › Blog Explore recent stories about our programs and people › Media Contact for All News: Samantha Spina Email: sspina@wise-ny.org 227 E. 56th Street, Suite 201, New York, NY 10022
- [Certifications](https://wise-ny.org/programs-services/certifications/) - W!se is a nationally recognized assessment and credentialing organization. Our rigorous Certification Tests examine participants’ knowledge of the relevant content, and test-takers who pass earn our widely regarded credential demonstrating they have mastered the subject matter. Financial Literacy Certifications Our programs offer certifications to a wide range of participants: High School students, from schools that
- [W!se Institute Volunteer](https://wise-ny.org/programs-services/college-career-readiness/wise-institute/wse-institute-volunteer/) - w!se relies on a team of dedicated volunteers to support our programs and initiatives. The volunteer option for the w!se Institute is listed below. Seminar Presenter: Deliver a series of one-hour seminars in your area of expertise at an area high school. Click HERE for more W!se volunteer opportunities. Interested In Volunteering?
- [Young Professionals Happy Hour](https://wise-ny.org/young-professionals-happy-hour/) - Tuesday, October 22, 2019 | 7:00PM-8:30PM Faces and Names (159 W 54th Street, NYC)
- [Quality of Life INNOVATIONS (QLI) Alumni Survey 2019/2020](https://wise-ny.org/qli-alumni-survey/) - Dear Quality of Life INNOVATIONS (QLI) Alumni, To celebrate QLI's 25th Anniversary, W!se is doing a survey to track and celebrate our alumni journeys since QLI. The program has been lucky enough to play a part in the success stories of so many you and we would love to be able to share that with
- [Financial Literacy Month Fundraiser](https://wise-ny.org/financial-literacy-month/) - April is Financial Literacy Awareness Month and we want you to consider: "how much would you have paid to learn personal finance in high school?" A small donation to support high schools in W!se's Financial Literacy Certification program can save thousands of dollars in the future.
- [ Reception & Benefit Concert](https://wise-ny.org/summer-night-strings/) - Wednesday, June 27, 2018 | 6:00pm-9:00pm Katie Murphy Amphitheater at FIT (218 West 28th Street, New York, NY 10001) Summer Night Strings featured an exciting performance by Damien Escobar with hors d'oeuvres and drinks. DAMIEN ESCOBAR, one of the world’s top violinists, launched his solo career in 2012 with two sold out national
- [Blue Star Schools 2017-2018](https://wise-ny.org/blue-star-schools-2017-2018/) - Blue Star Schools 2017-2018
- [Reception & Benefit Concert](https://wise-ny.org/discounted-summer-night-strings/) - Wednesday, June 27, 2018 | 6:00pm-9:00pm Katie Murphy Amphitheater at FIT (218 West 28th Street, New York, NY 10001) A Benefit for Working in Support of Education (W!se), which touches the lives of nearly 200,000 young people and at-risk adults nationally. Through our innovative programs and services, we are leading the way in financial literacy
- [Reception & Benefit Concert](https://wise-ny.org/summer-strings-registration/) - Wednesday, June 27, 2018 | 6:00pm-9:00pm Katie Murphy Amphitheater at FIT (218 West 28th Street, New York, NY 10001) A Benefit for Working in Support of Education (W!se), which touches the lives of nearly 200,000 young people and at-risk adults nationally. Through our innovative programs and services, we are leading the way in financial literacy
- [Financial Literacy Slogan Contest](https://wise-ny.org/financial-literacy-slogan-contest/) - Here are the top 10 videos from across the nation (in no particular order) #1 #2 #3 #4 #5 #6 #7 #8 #9 #10 The W!se Financial Literacy Slogan Contest The W!se Financial Literacy Slogan Contest (“Contest”) is a competitive contest in which high school students are invited to create a A financial
- [Thanks for Requesting Information](https://wise-ny.org/programs-services/services/request-more-information/thanks/) - Thank you for contacting W!se. You will hear from us shortly. In the meantime, please watch the video below to see how we are changing lives and connect with us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=noi9odZdDu0&feature=youtu.be
- [Thanks for Requesting Information](https://wise-ny.org/programs-services/college-career-readiness/euro-challenge/request-more-information/thanks/) - Thank you for contacting W!se. You will hear from us shortly. In the meantime, please watch the video below to see how we are changing lives and connect with us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X3tfIScJ7n4
- [Thanks for Requesting Information](https://wise-ny.org/programs-services/college-career-readiness/wise-institute/request-more-information/thanks/) - Thank you for contacting W!se. You will hear from us shortly. In the meantime, please watch the video below to see how we are changing lives and connect with us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tQhnZFPJ1oM
- [Thanks for Requesting Information](https://wise-ny.org/programs-services/financial-literacy/personal-finance-certification-educators/request-more-information/thanks/) - Thank you for contacting W!se. You will hear from us shortly. In the meantime, please watch the video below to see how we are changing lives and connect with us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=noi9odZdDu0&feature=youtu.be
- [Thanks for Registering](https://wise-ny.org/programs-services/college-career-readiness/quality-of-life-innovations/quality-life-innovations-registration/thanks/) - Thank you for submitting your QLI application. We will be in touch shortly with more information about the program. In the meantime, please connect with us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gt9BsAseYG8
- [Thanks for Requesting Information](https://wise-ny.org/programs-services/financial-literacy/moneywise/request-more-information/thanks/) - Thank you for contacting w!se. You will hear from us shortly. In the meantime, please watch the video below to see how we are changing lives and connect with us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GA6xRy7QYZs&t=1s
- [Thanks for Requesting Information](https://wise-ny.org/programs-services/financial-literacy/financial-literacy-certification/request-more-information/thanks/) - Thank you for contacting W!se. You will hear from us shortly. In the meantime, please watch the video below to see how we are changing lives and connect with us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=noi9odZdDu0&feature=youtu.be
- [Thank You for Purchasing!](https://wise-ny.org/shop/thanks/) - Thank you for your purchase of W!se merchandise. We will be in touch shortly with more information about the shipping status of your order. For the latest updates, please connect with us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
- [Thanks for Contacting Us](https://wise-ny.org/contact/thanks/) - Thank you for contacting W!se and for joining us in transforming lives in low- to moderate-income communities. You will hear from us shortly. In the meantime, please watch the video below to see how we are changing lives and connect with us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. https://youtu.be/noi9odZdDu0
- [Thanks for Submitting Your Agreement](https://wise-ny.org/financial-literacy-certification-program-participation-agreement/thanks/) - Thank you for submitting your Financial Literacy registration. We will be in touch shortly with more information about the program. In the meantime, please watch the video below to see how we are changing lives and connect with us on Facebook , Twitter and Instagram. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=noi9odZdDu0
- [Reception & Benefit Concert (former draft)](https://wise-ny.org/draft-sns/) - Wednesday, June 27, 2018 | 6:00pm-9:00pm Katie Murphy Amphitheater at FIT (227 West 27 Street, New York City) Join us for Summer Night Strings, an evening with drinks, hors d'eourves and entertainment featuring an exciting performance by Damien Escobar. DAMIEN ESCOBAR is one of the world’s top violinists. He launched his solo career
- [Privacy Policy](https://wise-ny.org/privacy-policy/) - We at Working In Support of Education (“W!se,” “we,” “us,” or “our”) created this Privacy Policy (“Privacy Policy”) because we know that you care about how information you provide to us is used and shared. This Privacy Policy relates to our collection and use of your information through our website located at www.wise-ny.org (the “Site”).
- [Host an Intern](https://wise-ny.org/get-involved/host-intern/) - W!se works with many extraordinary students who are looking to build their on-the-job skills and explore career opportunities. The interns we place are professional, conscientious and eager to serve the organizations they are placed with. Host a Student We have placed student interns with Allstate, AXA Advisors, LLC, UBS Financial Services, Inc., ATC Associates, LLC, the
- [Start/Promote a Program](https://wise-ny.org/get-involved/start-promote-a-program/) - W!se relies on volunteers who are passionate about our mission and the work we do to start or promote our programs where they live and work. With this volunteer help, we reach more classrooms, cities and states every year. How to Help In the past, current and former teachers and administrators have delivered presentations about
- [Financial Literacy Certification Volunteer](https://wise-ny.org/programs-services/financial-literacy/financial-literacy-certification/financial-literacy-certification-volunteer-interest/) - W!se relies on a team of dedicated volunteers to support our programs and initiatives. Volunteer options for the Financial Literacy Certification program are listed below. Test Reviewer: Review potential questions for the W!se Financial Literacy Certification test. Topics include money management, financial planning, banking, credit, insurance and investing. Classroom Speaker: Visit a high school classroom and speak
- [Financial Literacy](https://wise-ny.org/programs-services/financial-literacy/) - Financial literacy is a critical life skill, but many people lack basic financial knowledge—especially young people. Since 2003, W!se has been at the forefront of building the financial literacy of all Americans. Learn more below about our financial literacy programs and how they are transforming the lives and financial habits of hundreds of thousands of
- [Request More Information](https://wise-ny.org/programs-services/college-career-readiness/euro-challenge/request-more-information/)
- [Request More Information](https://wise-ny.org/programs-services/college-career-readiness/wise-institute/request-more-information/)
- [Request More Information](https://wise-ny.org/programs-services/college-career-readiness/quality-of-life-innovations/request-more-information/)
- [Request More Information](https://wise-ny.org/programs-services/financial-literacy/moneywise/request-more-information/)
- [Request More Information](https://wise-ny.org/programs-services/financial-literacy/financial-literacy-certification/request-more-information/)
- [Request More Information](https://wise-ny.org/programs-services/financial-literacy/personal-finance-certification-educators/request-more-information/)
- [Students Making a Difference](https://wise-ny.org/programs-services/college-career-readiness/quality-of-life-innovations/past-winners/students-making-difference/) - Student proposals can make a difference! Listed below are a few examples of Quality of Life INNOVATIONS proposals that have been implemented and have improved the community. Schools Cyberbullying – A student’s project inspired the passage of a bill requiring the Commission on Human Rights to work with Federal, State and City agencies to develop a
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