Personal Finance Articles

Tap into the knowledge and experience of ACA members with this collection of articles. We update the content regularly so be sure to check back frequently or sign up for the RSS feed and get notified when new articles are available.

• Make some cash and make a difference

  February 01, 2012

  It's so easy to become overwhelmed by the bombardment of bad news we see every day, and feel as if the little we can do can't possibly make a difference. Socially responsible investing, or SRI for short, is all about making money while making a difference.

• Don't give up on stocks

  January 15, 2012

  With 2011 behind us, most stock investors will look back upon another subpar year. Although the future will not mirror the past, let's examine those two putrid periods last century and see how the stock market fared afterwards.

• Year's end is good time to start running family like a business

  January 01, 2012

  A plan is an essential part of growing a successful business, and when it comes down to it, the same goes for our families and our personal finances. So why not start the year off right and run our households more like businesses?

• Clear your financial deck before the holidays

  December 15, 2011

  Investors have been so preoccupied with the gyrations in world markets that we risk neglecting the end of year financial strategies that can have measurable impact.

• At least pay some attention to finances

  December 01, 2011

  Knowledge is power, and even if you have someone managing your investments for you, a basic knowledge and understanding of your finances gives you an advantage.

• 15 years to owning your home

  November 15, 2011

  While most investors are distracted with 1 percent stock market moves, a fixed rate mortgage at today's rates may do more for your financial future. If you find yourself in a secure financial position, there is an additional option that harkens back to the time when six kids could fit in a station wagon: the 15-year mortgage

• 5 financial rules for grieving spouses

  November 01, 2011

  Losing a spouse is one of the most stressful and heartbreaking events of a lifetime, and, sadly, an event that many of us will experience — especially women. The unfortunate reality is that a woman who is widowed will likely experience a decline in financial well-being, making it critical for her to choose well-thought-out decisions to ensure her stability.

• Four tips to better retirement plan choices

  October 17, 2011

  When you start a new job or your employer gets acquired, you may need to make retirement plan decisions on the fly. While you probably have the option to change your investment selections at any time, inertia is the most powerful force in personal finance. Your short-term choices may persist for years to come.

• Be thrifty, use caution when it comes to credit

  September 26, 2011

• When the financial driver is gone

  September 19, 2011

  Every couple seems to have one person in the financial driver's seat but this division of labor can be catastrophic when something happens to the financial driver.

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