"Look!  A shiny object!"  Sometimes you need to be careful about what you do with your money.

There is an epidemic of fraud taking place in Illinois.  If you fall victim, here's what you need to know.

Keeping informed and understanding your limitations are good things!

Life happens.  It helps to be prepared for the unexpected.

Movie review!  Sometimes you need a good story to drive home a point.

We've probably all wanted to spontaneously quit a job at some point in our lives.  But that can have some dire financial consequences.  Think and know before you act.

Let's take a look at the pros and cons.

We've got 7 things for you to think about before year end.

A proposed bill is in the works to help you out!

There is a possibility of higher expenses and less income than you might have planned for in retirement.  Make sure to account for this in your planning.

We know what the increase will be for 2021, and we have historical figures as well.  Planning conservatively may help your financial planning.

I'll show you why you it's important to maintain that high score, even into retirement.

They're still expected to go up, just by not as much.  That's some good news.

Money problems arise.  Sometimes it's our fault, sometimes not, but when it does happen, it's good to know where we can go for some emergency money.

Lumber shortages are here with no end in sight, compliments of the coronavirus.  

Catching the coronavirus comes with some serious financial risks.

https://money.usnews.com/careers/articles/do-you-qualify-for-coronavirus-paid-sick-leave
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/jun/16/coronavirus-hospital-bill-healthcare-america

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We continue our look at different strategies to get out of debt.

References
https://money.usnews.com/money/personal-finance/debt/articles/easy-ways-to-pay-off-debt#:~:text=Here%20are%2010%20easy%20ways%20to%20pay%20off,of%20balance%20transfers.%20Halt%20your%20credit%20card%20
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Here's my take on various methods of checking out of the Debt Hotel.

References
https://money.usnews.com/money/personal-finance/debt/articles/easy-ways-to-pay-off-debt#:~:text=Here%20are%2010%20easy%20ways%20to%20pay%20off,of%20balance%20transfers.%20Halt%20your%20credit%20card%20
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There are two very common traits that separate the retirement winners from the losers.

References
https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/finance/two-costs-can-make-break-finances
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Credit cards can be your friend.  But if you misuse them, you will suffer the consequences.

You know that feeling of shock when you get your large restaraunt bill?  Imagine that on a grand scale. 

References
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/why-so-many-boomers-need-a-retirement-reality-check/#:~:text=Wish%20they%20had%20saved%20more%20%2876%20percent%29%20Wish,and%20investing%20while%20they%20were%20working%20%2868%20percent%29

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You may have a great opportunity right now to lighten your financial load.

References
https://moneywise.com/a/mortgage-rates-in-geo-plunge?utm_source=syndication&utm_medium=yahoo_finance&utm_campaign=12235&utm_content=unprecedented+rate+drop
https://finance.yahoo.com/news/6-signals-now-time-refinance-222600222.html

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There's something to learn from an epic fail that redeems itself.  The key is to not make the financial blunder in the first place, but what if you've already messed up years ago?

References
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leaning_Tower_of_Pisa
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Here's a fine example of assuming the best.  Don't let your money end like this parade did.

References
https://www.history.com/news/the-first-macys-thanksgiving-day-parade

 This page contains links to third-party websites.  By selecting a link, you will be leaving our website and launching a new browser window.  These links are provided for informational purposes only and should not be viewed as an endorsement, sponsorship, solicitation or other affiliation with respect to any third parties. 

RMDs for 2020 have been waived (and you can return them too!)  The rules have adjusted a few times this year, so make sure you are up to date.