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Why Paying Off Your Mortgage Early Isn't Always a Good Idea 12/23/2015 07:00pm • Many homeowners make paying off their mortgage early a financial goal. The allure of eliminating one big payment a month is strong, especially because it means you no longer have to deal with a mortgage servicer. But paying off your mortgage early may not actually be the best financial strategy. "P 25 ways to improve your finances in 2016 12/22/2015 09:00am • A new year often inspires new habits, including financial ones. If you want to put yourself on a path to build wealth throughout the year, then consider these 25 steps, all of which are designed to help you rein in spending and work toward greater financial security. They include both offensive move 9 Things to Do in the New Year to Brighten Your Financial Outlook 12/21/2015 07:00pm • A new year is approaching, and with it comes the desire to do better. We make New Year's resolutions for all aspects of our life, and our money should be part of that. If you're spending too much and saving too little, or if you don't even know where your money is going, this is a good time to give What to Expect in a Real Estate Closing 12/21/2015 07:00pm • The closing can feel like an almost mythical moment in the home buying process. It's that moment where, after all the searching, negotiating and number crunching, you finally sit down, sign paperwork and are handed the keys. It is also the easiest part of the home buying process, unless something g 5 Ways to Prepare Your Finances for Retirement 12/21/2015 07:00pm • The basic foundation of retirement planning is building up a retirement savings portfolio that is large enough to enable you to enjoy a comfortable lifestyle for the rest of your life. Faithfully funding and intelligently investing in a 401(k) plan, individual retirement account or similar type of MADD fights for tougher Md. laws on drunk driving 12/18/2015 05:37am • WASHINGTON — The death of a Montgomery County police officer is galvanizing efforts to toughen drunk driving laws in Maryland. Lisa Spicknall, state program director for MADD Maryland, has watched police and politicians call for interlock devices — or in-car Breathalyzers — be installed by 8 Money Experts Answer: 'What Are the Best Ways to Stretch a Dollar?' 12/17/2015 07:00pm • As the beginning of a new year approaches, there's no better time to assess how you can improve your finances in 2016. Sometimes, the most effective change you can make is to stretch your money just a little further. But as simple as it sounds, asking yourself, "What are the best ways to stretch a 7 Things Rising Interest Rates Mean for Homebuyers 12/15/2015 07:00pm • The Federal Reserve announced today that interest rates will increase by 0.25 percent, or 25 basis points. The last time the Fed raised rates, "the iPhone didn't even exist," says Mark Fleming, chief economist for title insurance company First American Financial Corporation. Interest rates in the 7 Money Mistakes to Avoid in 2016 12/14/2015 07:00pm • The start of a new year often means a fresh financial and life start for many people as they contemplate their goals and dreams. Some of those goals and dreams can increase their quality of life; others, not so much.Today we'll share seven money mistakes you should avoid in 2016 if you're interested 5 Big Money Mistakes Freelancers Make 12/11/2015 07:00pm • There have been freelancers throughout history -- fur trappers in the 1700s, selling to whomever would buy their wares, for example -- but these days, more people are working for themselves than ever. In fact, a survey last year from the Freelancers Union of more than 5,050 adults over age 18 sugge What will cost you more in 2016? 12/09/2015 07:00am • Planning to buy a new car or kitchen appliance in 2016? Be prepared to open your wallet a little wider, as these are just two of the items that are expected to cost more next year. However, it's not all bad news. The Consumer Price Index showed modest increases overall for 2015 and even decreasing p Why Payment Protection Insurance Is a Growing Necessity for Investors 12/08/2015 07:00pm • Nobody questions the need for health or auto insurance, where the chances of a costly mishap can be relatively high. Few question the need for homeowners insurance. Life and mortgage insurance have significant utility for anyone with a family or a mortgage. Virtually every carrier presents these p 50 Ways to Improve Your Finances in 2016 12/08/2015 07:00pm • New year, new youAre you ready to make some big changes in 2016? We pulled together our top stories from 2015 to help you get on the right financial track as you ring in the new year. From smarter saving to savvier spending, these tips will help you prioritize your money management tasks and reach y Gun Rights Must be Regulated to Guarantee Americans the Right to Life 12/07/2015 07:00pm • It's touching how concerned many conservatives are about the rights of terrorist suspects on no-fly lists. Many of us believe it is a travesty that while they can't get on a plane, they can walk into a gun store and walk out with legally purchased weapons. And what is the response if we say so? A f 6 money strategies for the sandwich generation 12/03/2015 07:00am • When her father was diagnosed with a respiratory disease about seven years ago, Joy Frank-Collins juggled her work schedule and parenting demands to maximize the time she spent by his side. Frank-Collins, a 41-year-old who heads her own communications firm in Marietta, Ohio, also coordinated with he