Equifax Data Breach: Protect Yourself!

In recent weeks, many of us have been unnerved by the news of the massive data breach affecting the credit rating agency Equifax. While the situation is indeed serious, there are a number of steps that you can take to protect yourself against potential identity theft and other harmful effects of the breach. First, a bit of elaboration on exactly …

Piggy bank wearing graduation cap with the copy, "Paying for College in Texas."

Texas Tomorrow: Understanding the Texas Tuition Promise Fund

After a recent financial planning meeting with one of our clients, the conversation led to a discussion on the Texas Tomorrow Funds. Being that I moved to Texas about 4 years ago and recently had to do a significant amount of research on the subject, I want to help spread the knowledge on this program to those who may have small children or grandchildren with future college dreams here in the Lone Star State.

Two Strategies to Erase Credit Card Debt

Credit card debt can feel like a monster pounding at the front door, threatening to destroy any hope of a secure financial future. Although paying off your credit card accounts may seem overwhelming and can be challenging, there are steps you can take to help you accomplish this goal.

The Graduate

Ogden Nash once said, “Some debts are fun when you are acquiring them, but none are fun when you set about retiring them.” As the year comes to a close, the graduating class of 2011 will experience the not so fun part of debt as they begin the repayment period of their student loans. The six month grace period that they received after graduating will end this November, and they will be forced to begin making payments on the debt that they acquired over the last four or more years of school. Many graduates are worried about their ability to repay the balance of their loans.

Deficit, Debt Ceiling, and Downgrade

by Jesse Anderson, CFA Recent market volatility and declines have left many investors feeling anxious. Hopefully, after weeks of debate, Congress has set us on a path toward improved fiscal discipline. That action will not erase many years of irresponsible spending, and as a result, Standard & Poors lowered our country’s credit rating over the weekend. Many of you may …

Step #3—Retirement Preparedness Checklist: Get Rid of All Bad Debt

“What I am about to share,” Dr. DuBois replied, “you would do well to write on your heart and place in your purse. Many a ruined man dates his downfall from the day he began buying what he did not need. If you are in debt, part of you belongs to your creditors. To whom you give your money, you …

Can You Have Too Much Home Equity?

This article, originally published in 2008, continues to be one of our most popular posts. Please keep in mind that it is possible some of the facts offered have changed throughout the years, but our sentiments about this topic have not. To learn more about this subject, check out Are Reverse Mortgages Ever a Good Idea? The conventional wisdom used to …