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6 Ways to Maximize Social Security Benefits 12/14/2015 07:00pm • Social Security took a cut out of every paycheck we ever earned and used the money to pay benefits to our grandparents, parents and older siblings. Now, finally, it's our turn. It's only natural that we want to get our benefits, too.The rules for collecting Social Security are complicated and often Will 2016 Be a Good Year for Stocks? 12/14/2015 07:00pm • Will 2016 be good for stocks? It's more than likely the market will do well, if you believe the so-called "presidential stock cycle" theory will continue to hold. But that's the rub -- because while history shows the odds will be in your favor if you follow it, it doesn't always work. Since 1946, t 10 Painless Ways to Save More for Retirement 12/14/2015 07:00pm • Boost your balance.Saving for retirement doesn't have to be a chore. A few small changes can result in a much bigger account balance, given enough time to compound. Here are some ways to save more for retirement without reducing your quality of life.Save 1 percent more.A small increase in saving can 5 money-saving tips when upgrading your phone 12/14/2015 07:00am • Smartphones are expensive. Everyone who owns one knows that. For instance, the iPhone 6s could run you $549, or quite a bit more if you want more storage or the iPhone 6 Plus. While Android smartphone prices have been dropping a little, the average cost is still a couple hundred dollars. And, of cou Yieldcos Offer a Bright Spot for Solar Investors in 2016 12/13/2015 07:00pm • Yieldcos may be a bright idea for contrarian retail solar investors. Institutional investors have been dumping shares in these companies, which are formed to buy stable, cash-producing assets -- like solar farms -- from parent companies engaging in riskier development work. That may create a barga Who Invests Better: Men or Women? 12/13/2015 07:00pm • The battle of the sexes has long had a familiar theme when it comes to investing: Women invest more cautiously while men save more, but take bigger risks. Times are changing, though, and with it has come a thinner gap between how men and women save for retirement. Now, "women are generally model i It's the 'Good Season' for the Stock Market 12/13/2015 07:00pm • During this time of year, investors should be aware of the seasonality of the stock market. We have entered what is typically considered the "strong six-month period" of the year for stock investing.Stock Trader's Almanac has performed a market seasonality study for many years, which shows that the What to Do If You Are Turned Down for a Mortgage 12/13/2015 07:00pm • If you're trying to buy a house, there is nothing worse than finding your dream home only to be turned down for a mortgage. But that won't happen if you do your mortgage shopping the right way. "You should be working with somebody who picks up the phone and says, 'We have this problem, and let's 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 Md. lawmaker vows to crack down on radical mosques 12/11/2015 05:02pm • SILVER SPRING, Md. — A Maryland state lawmaker announced plans Thursday to draft a new bill that he says would crack down on radical mosques, but which critics say would be unconstitutional. "It is time to seriously recognize that we are at war with radical Islam," said Del. David Vogt, a Repub Despite tax boost, Va. transportation funds coming up short 12/11/2015 03:56pm • WASHINGTON -- A major transportation funding change in Virginia is bringing in far less money than what’s needed to address the state’s transportation needs.  Among other things, officials say much of the decline can be attributed to sharply lower gas prices. John Lawson, the Virginia Dep Best defense contractor stocks to buy for 2016 12/10/2015 07:00pm • Increased defense spending by the U.S. and several other countries has improved the outlook for companies that provide everything from information technology to consulting to military equipment in the name of national defense. With the recent terrorist attacks in California, Paris, Beirut and Mal 7 Year-End Retirement Mistakes Experts Say You'll Want to Avoid 12/10/2015 07:00pm • In a few short weeks, the books will close on 2015 and along with them, the chance to make some last-minute decisions about retirement funds. "People get busy and miss out on these opportunities," says Keith Klein, owner of Turning Pointe Wealth Management in Phoenix. U.S. News spoke to Klein and McAuliffe proposes pay raise for Virginia state workers 12/10/2015 05:28pm • RICHMOND, Va. (AP) -- Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe says his forthcoming budget proposal will include a 2 percent pay raise for state workers, college faculty, school teachers and other public employees. McAuliffe made the announcement Thursday during a regular appearance on WRVA's ``Ask the Gove Should You Save or Splurge That Bonus Check? 12/09/2015 07:00pm • Nothing may be quite as nice as coming into some extra money during the holiday season. For many workers, that extra money may be coming in the form of a year-end bonus.Nearly 80 percent of employers handed out bonuses at the end of 2014, according to a holiday bonus survey by consulting firm Challe