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Money-saving, laptop-buying tips for back-to-school shoppers
Remember when back-to-school shopping meant different needs for different age groups? These days, students of virtually every age have one need in common: a laptop. Here are tips to help you stay on budget while laptop shopping this back-to-school season.
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Protecting yourself from cybercrime
Gone are the days when hackers were the weekend enthusiasts you tolerated on the golf course, when viruses were the things that gave you the flu or a cold, and Phish was a popular jam band who served as the inspiration for your favorite flavor of Ben and Jerry's. With the rise of the Internet and electronic devices has c...
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Buying a home: Prepare by getting your finances in order
For those considering buying a home, the current real estate market presents some unique opportunities. One of the side effects of the economic roller coaster ride of the past few years is that home prices have gone down and more homes have gone on the market. For buyers, that means more choices and better deals. However...
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Five money-saving tips for boomers and seniors
Many Americans are in the process of reassessing their spending patterns, and boomers and seniors are no exception. Seventy-three percent of adults over age 50 started saving more or cutting back on spending last year, compared to 2010, according to a November 2011 report by the AARP. In many cases, the new spirit of fru...
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Emotions run high for today's pre-retirees
Has the economy soured Americans' views on retirement? A wide range of emotions currently exist among different generations regarding retirement - spanning from positivity and contentment to anxiety and regret. Here are some tips to help Americans get their retirement plans back on track in 2012.
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A recipe for security
Have you ever tried making a new dish without the benefit of having the recipe? Knowing the ingredients in their right proportions makes creating a delicious, satisfying meal so much easier. Without the ingredient list and directions, preparing a new food can be hit or miss. Life can be like that, too. Having a recipe fo...
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Get your credit score bikini ready
The same principles that can help you look good can help your credit score be its best, too. Practice good diet and exercise habits and you'll look and feel better. Practice smart money management and your efforts will show in your high credit score.
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College graduates: Six financial survival tips for the working world
Despite a turbulent job market and economy, if you are a recent college graduate, there is much to be optimistic about as you leave campus and head out into the real world. No one ever says life on your own will be easy, but post-graduate financial bliss can be a reality. These six tips from Thrivent Financial offer a st...
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Get your finances fit for summer
For many of us, summer is a time of vacations, day trips across the state and family reunions with loved ones we haven't seen all year. It's also a time when we tend to overextend our budgets in order to do as much as possible and pay little attention to how it affects our overall financial plan.
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Moving? Make sure your possessions are protected
The average American makes 11.7 moves during a lifetime, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. That's about one in six people pulling up stakes each year. With so many on the move to new homes, new cities and new opportunities, it's important to protect household items while in transit or in storage before arrival at the ...
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Expert advice on keeping your health care costs down
Health care costs now make up approximately 6.6 percent of the average family's budget. It's true that the health care industry is immense and sometimes seems impossible to navigate but you are not powerless. Here are 10 tips for keeping health care costs manageable.
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Music education benefits many other life studies
What does a tapping foot, a guitar and exuberant dancing have in common? Surprisingly, these factors equal a great start for better learning, stronger social skills and overall improved self-esteem in children. Music education, both in schools and in private lessons, helps students succeed in many other aspects of life.
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