http://www.hello-money.org Welcome to the world of Personal Finance. Mon, 05 Jan 2009 15:34:47 +0000 http://backend.userland.com/rss092 en At the start of a new year, many people set resolutions for themselves.  I see these people at the gym every year.  This coming Monday after work time, the gym will swell with new faces and hopeful aspirations for rock hard bodies.  Precisely two weeks later, like clock-work, the gym will resume ... http://www.hello-money.org/2009/01/05/new-year-goals/ After considering how to be financially ready for a baby, I decided that now would be a good time to start a 529 plan.  While some people may be in hysterics over the declining stock market, I see it as an opportunity.  By starting to contribute to a 529 plan ... http://www.hello-money.org/2008/10/13/529-plan/ As I look through our mid and long term goals, the thoughts of a baby are now looming closer on the radar. And even though I thought I was doing well financially, with the thought of a baby on the horizon, I suddenly realize I need to completely re-vamp ... http://www.hello-money.org/2008/10/07/financially-ready-for-baby/ We've all been hearing the doom and gloom from Wall Street and Washington for weeks now. At first, I didn't let it bother me. I thought it would only affect people with sub-prime mortgages or maybe those using credit cards to live. To be honest, I don't personally ... http://www.hello-money.org/2008/10/06/how-will-this-financial-crisis-affect-me/ After selecting my life insurance policy, and the application process, I finally got a call from my insurance agent this week.  The underwriting was complete and my policy was ready.  When I picked up the policy packet, I found that I qualified for the "Super Preferred" rate.  My agent said ... http://www.hello-money.org/2008/09/12/buying-life-insurance-iii/ Before Gustav even made landfall, we lost electricity.  Four hours into it, and all the usual wind/rain with nothing out of the ordinary.  The dogs went outside with no problem.  We were just waiting for it to finish passing then move on with our lives.  But then, all of a ... http://www.hello-money.org/2008/09/07/when-finances-matter-little/ With hurricane Gustav on it's merry way toward the still-recovering gulf coast, I got to thinking about my homeowner's insurance policy. After people were royally screwed by their insurance companies after Katrina, I am very suspicious about the effectiveness of my insurance. It makes me wonder if homeowner's ... http://www.hello-money.org/2008/08/29/the-state-of-homeowners-insurance/ Sometimes we are willing to spend a little extra for the same product/service because of convenience. While sometimes this can work out in your favor (if the time or cost of gas benefit out-weigh the price difference), sometimes the convenience has a hefty price tag that is not offset. I ... http://www.hello-money.org/2008/08/22/money-mistakes-the-cost-of-convenience/ The other day I get a frantic phone call from my husband at work stressed out that his loan we paid off last month was still being taken out of our account. After he calmed down I realized he was looking at a payment of the same amount as ... http://www.hello-money.org/2008/08/19/how-this-debt-snowball-turned-into-an-avalanche/ After selecting Term Life Insurance, I needed to actually apply for and purchase my policy. Here is how the process went for me: I decided on the amount. I went with $250,000. For our situation, I think this will work. You can find more about how ... http://www.hello-money.org/2008/08/17/buying-life-insurance-ii/