Putting You in Control of Your Financial Life Managing money is a critical life skill that many of us have never really mastered. Good money management skills help you get ahead financially and help prevent others from taking advantage of you. That's where The Money Express comes in. It's Connection's way to provide useful financial information in understandable terms. You see, although some of the concepts can be a little tricky, we have written it to be understandable by all age  More...

Terms of Use How to Deal with Debt When You're Out of Work You've found yourself without a job, not knowing how long you may be unemployed. What can you do now to manage your finances in the short-term and long-term? Here's a six-step plan: Step One: Prioritize your debts Step Two: Talk with your creditors Step Three: Pay what you owe (at least the minimum payment amount) on time Step Four: Cut back on your expenses Step Five: If you have to borrow, find the least expensive sources  More...

Terms of Use Here are some ideas to help you create a savings plan. Whether you want to go on a dream vacation or save money for any big expenditure, try following these steps. Check out the simple budget worksheet in the Related Content section for help. Step One Of course, you won't be able to dip your toes in the water until you first set your sites on how much your piece of paradise will cost. Tally up your transportation, hotel, dining and entertainment cost estimates, and then divi  More...

Terms of Use Every day, consumers are learning new ways to get more value for their money. From different ways to pay-such as credit, debit or smart cards-to home banking and shopping over the Internet, people are realizing that they have more control over their money and more ways to use it. Parents and caregivers are uniquely positioned to teach kids the life skills, values and understanding they need to become smart consumers. The goal of this series of articles is to help parents and careg  More...

Terms of Use Table of Contents 1. Obtain information from several lenders 2. Obtain all important cost information 3. Obtain the best deal that you can 4. Remember: Shop, compare, negotiate 5. Fair lending is required by law 6. Credit problems? 7. Glossary 1. Obtain Information from Several Lenders Home loans are available from several types of lenders-- thrift institutions , commercial banks, mortgage companies, and credit unions. Different lenders may quote you different prices, so you shou  More...

Terms of Use: Make A Financial Plan Figuring Out Your Finances This knowledge article is part of a series of knowledge articles aimed to help you define your roadmap to savings and investing. To review the previous knowledge article in this series, click here . To review the table of contents for the articles, click here . You can never take a journey without knowing where you're starting from, and a journey to financial security is no different. You'll need to figure out on paper your current s  More...

Terms of Use The IRS uses MAGI to determine if any or all of your IRA contribution is deductible and if you are eligible for premium tax credits. The higher your MAGI, the fewer deductions you can take on IRA contributions. There is a maximum MAGI when if met, IRA deductions aren't allowed. While you can still contribute to an IRA, but you won't be able to deduct any of the contributions on your tax return. Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) AGI represents your taxable income. AGI is defined   More...

Terms of Use IRAs are a great way for you to save for the future. Your IRA can consist of a range of investments from savings accounts, stocks, bonds, and certificates of deposit or share certificates. You can contribute up to a certain limit each year into your IRA and if you're over 50, you are allowed an additional catch up contribution. The tax advantages of a Traditional or Roth IRA depend on your annual income and whether you are covered by your company's retirement plan. B  More...

Terms of Use This article is from a series of articles about giving your children the life-skills necessary to effectively manage their money. To go to the table of contents, click here . Understanding Interest Understanding interest is another important part of your family's financial education. Both the interest you earn on savings and investments and the interest you pay on your outstanding debt are good lessons for all children. When your child has learned to multiply, it's time fo  More...

Terms of Use Determine Your Risk Tolerance This knowledge article is part of a series of knowledge articles aimed to help you define your roadmap to savings and investing. To review the previous knowledge article in this series, click here . To review the table of contents for the articles, click here . You are approaching the half-way point in your journey to saving and investing. This is a good point to make sure that you understand some key concepts: Savings Your savings are usually put i  More...