Smart ways to use your tax refund
By Joe Oliver, Columnist, The Times
It’s almost that time of year when many people start receiving their tax refunds. If you get one, what will you do with it?
Of course, the answer will depend somewhat on how big your refund is. Last year, the average refund amount was about $2,750, according to the Internal Revenue Service’s Filing Season Statistics report.
Whatever the size of your refund,...
Can you turn home equity into retirement income?
Don’t forget your home is an investment, too, and can be an option in retirement
By Bronwyn Martin, Columnist, The Times
The long-struggling housing market is finally showing signs of recovery, giving many homeowners more equity in their properties. This encouraging trend is likely prompting more pre-retirees to consider if, and how home equity can be turned into a source of cash to help fund...
Choosing a college while keeping finances in mind
Educational concerns sometimes aren’t the only factors to weigh
By Bronwyn X. Martin, Columnist, The Times
It’s the time of year when high school seniors across the country are making their final decisions about where they will attend college. Selecting the right college has always been a complex process, but in challenging economic times, the decision can be even more complicated for students...