http://topics.cnn.com/topics/feeds/rss/Personal_BudgetingFind stories, videos, and photos about Personal Budgeting from CNN.com.en-usCable News Network LP, LLLP.Thu, 26 Nov 2009 06:10:57 GMT5http://i.cdn.turner.com/cnn/.element/img/1.0/logo/cnn.logo.rss.gifhttp://topics.cnn.com/topics/feeds/rss/Personal_Budgeting14433Find stories, videos, and photos about Personal Budgeting from CNN.com.http://money.cnn.com/2009/11/02/pf/tuituion_help.moneymag/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2009/11/02/pf/tuituion_help.moneymag/index.htmDespite losses in their own investments, 65% of grandparents plan to help their grandkids pay for college, reports the College Savings Foundation. That may spell relief for parents squeezed by the economy. But handled incorrectly, such giving could hurt your child's chances for financial aid, says Joe Hurley of savingforcollege.com. Here are the best ways for Grandma to give.Mon, 02 Nov 2009 15:03:00 ESThttp://money.cnn.com/2009/08/31/pf/saving/money_for_college_tuition/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2009/08/31/pf/saving/money_for_college_tuition/index.htmIt's only a couple of weeks or even days until school begins. And if you don't think you'll be able to get a handle on your college tuition bill, here with your guide to last minute money.Mon, 31 Aug 2009 15:21:00 EDThttp://www.cnn.com/2009/LIVING/personal/07/16/howard.college.loans/index.html#cnnSTCTexthttp://www.cnn.com/2009/LIVING/personal/07/16/howard.college.loans/index.html#cnnSTCTextDo you need to borrow to fund a college education for yourself or your child? Be sure you're taking my "Clark Smart" approach to borrowing.Thu, 16 Jul 2009 13:05:00 EDThttp://money.cnn.com/2009/07/14/news/economy/student_loans/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2009/07/14/news/economy/student_loans/index.htmThe government's new student loan reform plan gets good grades from graduates with low-paying jobs struggling under a lot of debt. But it's on probation from some borrowers, including married couples and those who will be subject to a new tax liability.Tue, 14 Jul 2009 14:48:00 EDThttp://money.cnn.com/2009/04/20/pf/saving/student_loan_debt_willis/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2009/04/20/pf/saving/student_loan_debt_willis/index.htmCollege tuition increases about 5% to 8% a year. And most students are now just beginning to get their financial aid packages.Thu, 02 Jul 2009 19:05:00 EDThttp://www.cnn.com/2009/US/07/01/student.loans/index.html#cnnSTCTexthttp://www.cnn.com/2009/US/07/01/student.loans/index.html#cnnSTCTextColleges aren't getting any cheaper, but federal student loans are.Thu, 02 Jul 2009 03:14:00 EDThttp://money.cnn.com/2009/07/01/pf/saving/student_loan_debt/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2009/07/01/pf/saving/student_loan_debt/index.htmToday the government will begin offering a repayment plan that lets graduates reduce their monthly student loan payments based on their income. It's called the income based repayment plan and it's available to borrowers who took out federal loans or used a federal consolidation loan to combine their debt.Wed, 01 Jul 2009 18:16:00 EDThttp://www.cnn.com/2009/US/06/24/student.loans.shorter.forms/index.html#cnnSTCTexthttp://www.cnn.com/2009/US/06/24/student.loans.shorter.forms/index.html#cnnSTCTextOne of the great headaches of the American dream is about to get less painful.Wed, 24 Jun 2009 06:31:00 EDThttp://money.cnn.com/2009/06/03/magazines/moneymag/105810596.moneymag/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2009/06/03/magazines/moneymag/105810596.moneymag/index.htmConstant news of layoffs, pay cuts, and stock declines has all of us tightening our belts: A recent Money poll found that in light of the financial crisis, 89% of us are changing the way we manage our finances, and 88% plan to be more frugal.Wed, 03 Jun 2009 10:04:00 EDThttp://money.cnn.com/2009/05/04/pf/levenson_studentloans.fortune/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2009/05/04/pf/levenson_studentloans.fortune/index.htmBy now, most college-bound high school seniors have accepted an admissions offer and are cruising blissfully toward graduation, summer, and their chosen campus come fall. For parents, on the other hand, the hard work of financing this education is just beginning.Tue, 05 May 2009 10:09:00 EDThttp://money.cnn.com/2009/03/17/pf/college/college_tuition.moneymag/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2009/03/17/pf/college/college_tuition.moneymag/index.htmYou've been waiting for this moment for nearly 18 years: Your baby is almost ready for college. Your finances, not so much. The market's protracted free fall means that your college fund is now worth just a fraction of what you need. Your home's value has no doubt dropped sharply too - no help there. The only thing that keeps going up, you guessed it, is college tuition. So it's goodbye, Dream School U., hello, Central State, right?Tue, 14 Apr 2009 15:54:00 EDThttp://www.cnn.com/2009/LIVING/03/19/economy.generations/index.html#cnnSTCTexthttp://www.cnn.com/2009/LIVING/03/19/economy.generations/index.html#cnnSTCTextDespite the steady drum-beat of economic news, therapists say money is still one of the most taboo subjects for American families.Mon, 13 Apr 2009 16:13:00 EDThttp://money.cnn.com/2009/04/08/pf/saving/financial_aidwillis/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2009/04/08/pf/saving/financial_aidwillis/index.htmMany students are now receiving their college acceptance letters and with that comes offers of financial aid. Here's how to compare your financial aid offers.Wed, 08 Apr 2009 14:34:00 EDThttp://money.cnn.com/2009/04/02/pf/saving/student_loan_willis/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2009/04/02/pf/saving/student_loan_willis/index.htmAn increasing number of students aren't making their student loan payments according to the Department of Education.Fri, 03 Apr 2009 14:26:00 EDThttp://www.cnn.com/2009/LIVING/03/30/protect.family.finances/index.html#cnnSTCTexthttp://www.cnn.com/2009/LIVING/03/30/protect.family.finances/index.html#cnnSTCTextHere are the five things mothers should know to protect their families' finances.Mon, 30 Mar 2009 16:11:00 EDThttp://money.cnn.com/2009/03/10/magazines/fortune/investor_daily.fortune/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2009/03/10/magazines/fortune/investor_daily.fortune/index.htmOne of the perks of working for a big blue chip company is that employees can often buy its stock at a discount.Tue, 10 Mar 2009 15:17:00 EDThttp://www.cnn.com/2009/LIVING/personal/02/24/p.8.tips.for.money.worries/index.html#cnnSTCTexthttp://www.cnn.com/2009/LIVING/personal/02/24/p.8.tips.for.money.worries/index.html#cnnSTCTextIf the economic downturn has you frazzled, here are some tips on dealing with your money anxieties.Tue, 24 Feb 2009 13:42:00 ESThttp://money.cnn.com/2009/01/21/pf/saving/toptips_student_loans_stimulus/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2009/01/21/pf/saving/toptips_student_loans_stimulus/index.htmThere could be help on the horizon for families worried about paying for college tuition if Congress passes the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. Here is what this bill may do for college students.Thu, 22 Jan 2009 21:51:00 ESThttp://money.cnn.com/2008/11/25/pf/Mole_advisers.moneymag/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2008/11/25/pf/Mole_advisers.moneymag/index.htmI get a lot of e-mails assuming that I'm undercover out of fear that my peers will attack me. Fear has nothing to do with it. If I were afraid of scathing e-mails from other advisers, I wouldn't publish an e-mail address on this column. I can live with being unpopular.Wed, 26 Nov 2008 11:05:00 ESThttp://money.cnn.com/2008/10/24/pf/Ask_the_mole.moneymag/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2008/10/24/pf/Ask_the_mole.moneymag/index.htmQuestion: I'm meeting with a financial planner for the first time. Can I expect to get some specific advice, or just a sales pitch? Will I need to sign an agreement?Thu, 06 Nov 2008 15:07:00 ESThttp://money.cnn.com/2008/10/23/pf/college/student_loan_fugitives/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2008/10/23/pf/college/student_loan_fugitives/index.htmCarl, a Florida native now living overseas, is afraid to move back to the United States. That's because he can't afford to pay his student loans.Fri, 24 Oct 2008 11:12:00 EDThttp://money.cnn.com/2008/10/21/pf/college/grad_school_loans.moneymag/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2008/10/21/pf/college/grad_school_loans.moneymag/index.htmGiven the recent wave of lay offs, people around the country are contemplating their next step. Hiring has slowed. Job seekers are taking an average 4.5 months today to land a new gig, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. So more adults are thinking now is the time to return to the classroom.Tue, 21 Oct 2008 14:41:00 EDThttp://www.cnn.com/2008/LIVING/wayoflife/09/18/student.debt/index.html#cnnSTCTexthttp://www.cnn.com/2008/LIVING/wayoflife/09/18/student.debt/index.html#cnnSTCTextEric Hahn thought his financial situation was set after he was approved for a private student loan with an 8 percent interest rate to supplement his federal education loans.Thu, 18 Sep 2008 17:22:00 EDThttp://money.cnn.com/2008/08/19/pf/saving/toptips/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2008/08/19/pf/saving/toptips/index.htmThe student loan market is rejecting more applicants because of too-low credit scores, but the market is still advancing money, even as colleges prepare to resume classes. Some tips from CNN's Gerri Willis on how to nab a loan.Wed, 20 Aug 2008 18:02:00 EDThttp://money.cnn.com/2008/08/08/pf/college/529_plans.moneymag/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2008/08/08/pf/college/529_plans.moneymag/index.htmSince their introduction in 1996, the now ubiquitous state-sponsored 529 college savings plans have been lauded again and again as one of the best tax breaks since the IRA.Mon, 11 Aug 2008 14:18:00 EDThttp://money.cnn.com/2008/06/02/pf/college/beat_crunch.moneymag/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2008/06/02/pf/college/beat_crunch.moneymag/index.htmFor families with children heading off to college, this has been the year from hell. First, a record number of applicants made 2008 the most competitive year ever for college admissions. Then the credit crunch hit the college market in a big way, igniting fears of a drought in financing for all students this fall.Thu, 12 Jun 2008 09:12:00 EDThttp://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/05/18/foreman.college.costs/index.html#cnnSTCTexthttp://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/05/18/foreman.college.costs/index.html#cnnSTCTextFrom groceries to gasoline, everything is costing more. As schools compete to be the best by expanding campuses and adding research centers, the cost of an education is growing. Sun, 18 May 2008 17:37:00 EDThttp://money.cnn.com/2008/05/13/pf/ask_the_mole.moneymag/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2008/05/13/pf/ask_the_mole.moneymag/index.htmQuestion: I am reluctant to get a financial planner. Will they do an analysis of your portfolio? Does that commit me to use them? How do you get their advice without hiring them as a financial planner?Wed, 14 May 2008 09:48:00 EDThttp://money.cnn.com/2008/05/07/pf/funds/ask_the_mole.moneymag/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2008/05/07/pf/funds/ask_the_mole.moneymag/index.htmQuestion: I'm looking for a financial planner. Should I find one with who is a Certified Financial Planner (CFP)?Wed, 07 May 2008 13:45:00 EDThttp://money.cnn.com/2008/04/28/news/economy/financial_adviser/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2008/04/28/news/economy/financial_adviser/index.htmA lot of jobs are in trouble in today's tough climate, but doom and gloom are the bread and butter of a personal financial planner.Tue, 29 Apr 2008 21:31:00 EDThttp://money.cnn.com/2008/04/23/pf/college/college_cost.moneymag/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2008/04/23/pf/college/college_cost.moneymag/index.htmPatrick and Laura Matheny began saving early for their children's college education. After stashing some $50,000 in college savings accounts for their son Daniel, now 20, and their daughter Natalie, 18, they began paying down their mortgage in earnest with the intention of tapping their home equity once the bills began rolling in.Thu, 24 Apr 2008 08:31:00 EDThttp://money.cnn.com/2008/04/15/news/economy/student_loans/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2008/04/15/news/economy/student_loans/index.htmPaying for college is rarely easy, but this year parents and students could have a tougher time securing the necessary financing.Tue, 15 Apr 2008 21:08:00 EDThttp://money.cnn.com/2008/03/31/pf/college/shop_student_loans.fortune/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2008/03/31/pf/college/shop_student_loans.fortune/index.htmAs college acceptance letters arrive this month, families will be celebrating the good news (we hope!), then bracing for the grueling process of figuring out how to pay for four years' tuition.Wed, 02 Apr 2008 09:47:00 EDThttp://money.cnn.com/2008/02/15/pf/retirement/odd_couples.moneymag/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2008/02/15/pf/retirement/odd_couples.moneymag/index.htmAt first glance, Justin and Kim Ritchie seem in perfect financial sync. The couple, who grew up on the same street in Georgia and both went to college in Atlanta, are saving more than half of their combined six-figure income so they can buy a bigger house in their hometown of Bonaire, Ga., cover college tuition costs for sons Giuseppe, 2, and Gianluca, 1, and retire together before they hit 60.Mon, 10 Mar 2008 21:25:00 EDThttp://www.cnn.com/2008/LIVING/personal/03/05/student.loans/index.html#cnnSTCTexthttp://www.cnn.com/2008/LIVING/personal/03/05/student.loans/index.html#cnnSTCTextWe can all count on the certainty of death and taxes. But many of us can add student loan debt to that list. The average student graduates with about $21,000 in debt these days.Wed, 05 Mar 2008 18:17:00 ESThttp://money.cnn.com/2008/02/14/news/companies/privatestudentloans/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2008/02/14/news/companies/privatestudentloans/index.htmThe credit crunch is hitting the college classroom.Fri, 15 Feb 2008 17:12:00 ESThttp://money.cnn.com/2008/01/16/pf/saving/toptips/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2008/01/16/pf/saving/toptips/index.htmThe credit crunch may be bleeding into the student loan industry. Here's what it could mean to your wallet and how to protect yourself.Wed, 16 Jan 2008 16:29:00 ESThttp://money.cnn.com/2008/01/11/pf/subprime_student_loans/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2008/01/11/pf/subprime_student_loans/index.htmStudents relying on college loans will soon feel the pinch from the subprime mortgage crisis, according to a report by financial aid guide FinAid this week.Fri, 11 Jan 2008 20:51:00 ESThttp://money.cnn.com/2007/10/22/pf/college/college_costs/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2007/10/22/pf/college/college_costs/index.htmThe average total cost of a private four-year college rose to $32,307 for the current school year, but the rate of increase has slowed compared to public school prices, according to a report released Monday.Mon, 22 Oct 2007 19:43:00 EDThttp://money.cnn.com/2007/09/06/pf/college/bc.apfn.studentloans.ap/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2007/09/06/pf/college/bc.apfn.studentloans.ap/index.htmHouse and Senate negotiators reached an agreement Wednesday to boost aid to college students, a deal that calls for slashing roughly $20 billion in government subsidies to banks that issue student loans.Fri, 07 Sep 2007 07:18:00 EDThttp://money.cnn.com/2007/08/09/pf/saving/toptips/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2007/08/09/pf/saving/toptips/index.htmParents beware - financial aid scams are growing. Complaints are up 60 percent last year, according to the Better Business Bureau. Here's what you need to watch out for.Fri, 10 Aug 2007 06:56:00 EDThttp://www.cnn.com/2007/LIVING/homestyle/08/09/financial.aid/index.html#cnnSTCTexthttp://www.cnn.com/2007/LIVING/homestyle/08/09/financial.aid/index.html#cnnSTCTextParents beware. Financial aid scams are growing. Complaints were up 60 percent in 2006, according to the Better Business Bureau. Here's what you need to watch out for.Thu, 09 Aug 2007 06:32:00 EDThttp://money.cnn.com/2007/06/19/pf/college/bc.studentloans.kennedy.reut/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2007/06/19/pf/college/bc.studentloans.kennedy.reut/index.htmThe chairman of the U.S. Senate education committee Tuesday introduced legislation to cut government subsidies to student loan companies, but the cuts were milder than some expected and lender stocks rose.Tue, 19 Jun 2007 09:01:00 EDThttp://money.cnn.com/2007/06/18/pf/college/bc.studentloans.senate.reut/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2007/06/18/pf/college/bc.studentloans.senate.reut/index.htmMoving the U.S. Congress closer to overhauling the troubled student loan industry, the chairman of the Senate Education Committee Monday unveiled proposals that would affect major lenders.Mon, 18 Jun 2007 11:03:00 EDThttp://money.cnn.com/2007/05/22/pf/expert/expert.moneymag/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2007/05/22/pf/expert/expert.moneymag/index.htmQuestion: How do I find and evaluate a good financial planner? I have always done my own savings and goal setting, but I am not a professional. I've worked hard for my money and have always been hesitant to entrust it to someone else. - Robert, Thomaston, ConnecticutTue, 22 May 2007 13:49:00 EDThttp://money.cnn.com/2007/05/18/pf/saving/toptips/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2007/05/18/pf/saving/toptips/index.htmQuestion 1: We have over $23,000 in student loans. My husband has already consolidated when the rates were high. We are at an 8.5 percent interest rate. Is there nothing else we can do make the interest better? -Tracey, ColoradoFri, 18 May 2007 14:56:00 EDThttp://money.cnn.com/2007/05/10/pf/college/loan_consolidation_decision/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2007/05/10/pf/college/loan_consolidation_decision/index.htmIt's a good thing you got that college education. You can put it to good use navigating the complex maze that is the student loan industry as you consider whether to consolidate your federal student loans.Thu, 10 May 2007 13:35:00 EDThttp://money.cnn.com/2007/05/03/pf/college/studentloans.moneymag/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2007/05/03/pf/college/studentloans.moneymag/index.htmThe prospect is anything but appealing: You - and possibly your offspring - will have to borrow gigantic sums to pay those college bills soon coming due.Thu, 03 May 2007 14:05:00 EDThttp://money.cnn.com/2007/04/16/news/companies/pluggedin_mclean_sallie.fortune/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2007/04/16/news/companies/pluggedin_mclean_sallie.fortune/index.htmLate Sunday night, student loan giant Sallie Mae, or SLM Corp. as the company is officially known, became the latest major American corporation to succumb to the advances of private equity. Sallie will be sold to a consortium of two private equity firms - JC Flowers and Friedman Fleischer & Lowe - and two banks that have their own student loan businesses - JP Morgan and Bank of America - for some $60 a share, or $25 billion. That represents a premium of almost 50 percent based on Sallie's stock price before word of the deal began to leak.Mon, 16 Apr 2007 18:00:00 EDThttp://www.cnn.com/2007/EDUCATION/04/09/teens.money/index.htmlhttp://www.cnn.com/2007/EDUCATION/04/09/teens.money/index.htmlFifteen-year-old Connor Lewis knows a thing or two about money. He pet-sits, mows yards and earns an allowance by doing chores; and he puts half of his earnings into a savings account. He comparison shops for video games and other items and doesn't buy them until he finds the cheapest price.Mon, 09 Apr 2007 14:30:00 EDThttp://money.cnn.com/2007/03/22/pf/college/aid_breaks/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2007/03/22/pf/college/aid_breaks/index.htmA college education may be getting less expensive at some of the most prestigious schools.Thu, 22 Mar 2007 15:20:00 EDThttp://money.cnn.com/2007/02/15/news/companies/ingdirect_checking/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2007/02/15/news/companies/ingdirect_checking/index.htmOnline banking pioneer ING Direct helped transform the banking industry through its high-yield savings accounts, sparking a wave of copycats competing to attract tech-savvy consumers eager for a higher return.Thu, 15 Feb 2007 14:55:00 ESThttp://money.cnn.com/2007/01/19/pf/saving/toptips/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2007/01/19/pf/saving/toptips/index.htmQuestion 1: Next year, we'll be in the market for a home. Please cite any sources I might find useful to help me start my search. - Stephen, MinneapolisFri, 19 Jan 2007 16:34:00 ESThttp://money.cnn.com/2007/01/17/pf/college/student_loan_rates_bill_vote/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2007/01/17/pf/college/student_loan_rates_bill_vote/index.htmThe House of Representatives on Wednesday voted in favor of legislation that would cut in half the fixed interest rates on need-based Stafford loans for undergraduates over five years.Wed, 17 Jan 2007 19:00:00 ESThttp://money.cnn.com/2007/01/12/pf/college/student_loan_rates_bill/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2007/01/12/pf/college/student_loan_rates_bill/index.htmOn Wednesday, the House of Representatives is scheduled to vote on legislation that would cut in half the fixed interest rates on need-based Stafford loans for undergraduates over five years.Fri, 12 Jan 2007 21:00:00 ESThttp://money.cnn.com/magazines/moneymag/moneymag_archive/2007/01/01/8397396/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/magazines/moneymag/moneymag_archive/2007/01/01/8397396/index.htmFollow these steps to make sure you collect all that you deserve.Tue, 02 Jan 2007 15:27:00 ESThttp://money.cnn.com/2006/12/28/magazines/moneymag/maxaid.moneymag/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2006/12/28/magazines/moneymag/maxaid.moneymag/index.htmFollow these steps to make sure you collect all the financial aid you deserve.Thu, 28 Dec 2006 15:06:00 ESThttp://money.cnn.com/galleries/2006/moneymag/0612/gallery.outrageous.fees/index.htmlhttp://money.cnn.com/galleries/2006/moneymag/0612/gallery.outrageous.fees/index.htmlFrom the merely annoying to the budget-busters, here's what to watch out for in travel, banking, credit cards, real estate, investments and more.Wed, 27 Dec 2006 18:43:00 ESThttp://money.cnn.com/magazines/moneymag/moneymag_archive/2006/09/01/8384574/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/magazines/moneymag/moneymag_archive/2006/09/01/8384574/index.htmWhen Jessica Barba was deciding where to go to college, she didn't factor how much she'd have to borrow into the equation.Wed, 30 Aug 2006 14:06:00 EDThttp://money.cnn.com/2006/06/15/commentary/everyday/sahadi/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2006/06/15/commentary/everyday/sahadi/index.htmNEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) - Who doesn't want to be rich? But let's face it, getting rich gets hard very fast if one or more of the following conditions applies:Thu, 15 Jun 2006 16:24:00 EDThttp://money.cnn.com/2006/06/12/pf/saving/willis_tips/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2006/06/12/pf/saving/willis_tips/index.htmAfter July 1, rates on student loans are set to be their highest in six years. But there are steps you can take to limit the damage.Mon, 12 Jun 2006 17:27:00 EDThttp://money.cnn.com/magazines/moneymag/moneymag_archive/2006/06/01/8378663/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/magazines/moneymag/moneymag_archive/2006/06/01/8378663/index.htmWhat scares parents most when it comes to the safety of their family? Terrorism? No. Crime? Negative. Violent video games? The environment? Not even close. Thu, 01 Jun 2006 04:01:00 EDThttp://money.cnn.com/2006/05/30/pf/college/loan_consolidation/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2006/05/30/pf/college/loan_consolidation/index.htmIf you've borrowed money from Uncle Sam to finance your education or your child's, you might be able to save yourself thousands of dollars.Tue, 30 May 2006 14:18:00 EDThttp://money.cnn.com/2006/05/22/pf/college/chatzky_college_moneymag_0606/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2006/05/22/pf/college/chatzky_college_moneymag_0606/index.htmWhat scares parents most when it comes to the safety of their family? Terrorism? No. Crime? Negative. Violent video games? The environment? Not even close.Mon, 22 May 2006 21:25:00 EDThttp://money.cnn.com/2006/05/22/pf/expert/ask_expert/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2006/05/22/pf/expert/ask_expert/index.htmI recently went through a divorce that ate up all of my 401(k) and left me in debt up to my eyeballs. I still own a home, although I have no equity in it, but I recently made the mistake of leasing a truck with insurance and lease payments that are the size of my house mortgage.Mon, 22 May 2006 17:18:00 EDThttp://money.cnn.com/magazines/moneymag/moneymag_archive/2006/05/01/8375699/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/magazines/moneymag/moneymag_archive/2006/05/01/8375699/index.htmDick Schwartz always knew that C-day--as in college--would come. He and his wife Shari also understood better than most parents exactly how big their son's college bill might be. After all, both ar... Mon, 01 May 2006 04:01:00 EDThttp://money.cnn.com/2006/04/21/pf/college/college_costs_0605/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2006/04/21/pf/college/college_costs_0605/index.htmDick Schwartz always knew that C-day - as in college - would come.Sat, 22 Apr 2006 18:39:00 EDThttp://money.cnn.com/2006/03/30/pf/college/financial_aid/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2006/03/30/pf/college/financial_aid/index.htmAs important as the college acceptance is, the financial aid awards package determines whether a dream school can become a reality.Thu, 30 Mar 2006 15:31:00 ESThttp://money.cnn.com/2006/01/30/pf/saving/willis_tips/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2006/01/30/pf/saving/willis_tips/index.htmTax season is here, your holiday bills have left your wallet deflated, retirement seems like a distant pipedream and on top of it all college costs are going to eat away more of your savings.Mon, 30 Jan 2006 16:19:00 ESThttp://money.cnn.com/2006/01/23/pf/saving/willis_tips/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2006/01/23/pf/saving/willis_tips/index.htmCollege costs are going to hurt more. The government is cutting support for college loans. And in six months, interest rates on the cheapest money students and parents can borrow is going to rise.Mon, 23 Jan 2006 15:51:00 ESThttp://money.cnn.com/2005/12/22/pf/college/congress_loans/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2005/12/22/pf/college/congress_loans/index.htmCongress cut funding for federal student-loan program on Wednesday, raising the cost of attending college for many future students, according to a published report.Thu, 22 Dec 2005 14:17:00 ESThttp://money.cnn.com/2005/11/02/services/money_library/investing_chooseplanner/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2005/11/02/services/money_library/investing_chooseplanner/index.htmThere's retirement to plan for and college tuition for the kids. Insurance. Estate planning. And, oh, don't forget a wedding for your daughter. If all this sounds familiar, it may be time for you to start shopping around for a financial planner.Wed, 02 Nov 2005 18:52:00 ESThttp://money.cnn.com/2005/11/01/services/money_library/debt_spending/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2005/11/01/services/money_library/debt_spending/index.htmMost of us would like our paychecks to stretch just a little further every week.Tue, 01 Nov 2005 23:21:00 ESThttp://money.cnn.com/2005/11/01/services/money_library/college_appeal_prepaid_tuition_plans/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2005/11/01/services/money_library/college_appeal_prepaid_tuition_plans/index.htmPrepaid tuition plans are nothing new. In fact, it was these plans that paved the way for the tax-friendly 529 savings plans that are now so popular.Tue, 01 Nov 2005 19:41:00 ESThttp://money.cnn.com/2005/11/01/services/money_library/college_frequently_asked_529_questions/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2005/11/01/services/money_library/college_frequently_asked_529_questions/index.htmTax-advantaged 529 college savings plans are named after the section of the tax code that governs them. Now offered in every state and the District of Columbia, 529s offer a great deal of flexibility.Tue, 01 Nov 2005 19:06:00 ESThttp://money.cnn.com/2005/10/17/pf/college/college_costs/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2005/10/17/pf/college/college_costs/index.htmAs nervous as college freshmen may be, their cash-strapped parents are probably trembling more.Mon, 17 Oct 2005 19:56:00 EDThttp://money.cnn.com/2005/10/04/pf/expert/ask_expert/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2005/10/04/pf/expert/ask_expert/index.htmI'm 40 and my husband is 50. We've got about $150,000 tucked away in retirement accounts, another $125,000 in home equity and $20,000 in cash and other investments.Tue, 04 Oct 2005 14:13:00 EDThttp://money.cnn.com/2005/09/30/pf/college/financial_aid/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2005/09/30/pf/college/financial_aid/index.htmIf you are planning college visits with your kids this fall, you are probably anticipating the thrill of strolling across campus together but fearing the financial ramifications of your kid's higher education.Fri, 30 Sep 2005 16:33:00 EDThttp://money.cnn.com/2005/09/30/pf/expert/ask_expert/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2005/09/30/pf/expert/ask_expert/index.htmMy wife and I, 34 and 38 respectively, are estate managers for a property in Idaho. All our expenses are paid for -- rent, food, car, gas, insurance, etc. -- plus we receive $6,000 per month.Fri, 30 Sep 2005 14:22:00 EDThttp://money.cnn.com/2005/09/12/pf/disaster_finances/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2005/09/12/pf/disaster_finances/index.htmSo you've been struck by disaster. Now that the worst is over, and you're safe, start thinking about rebuilding your financial future. These eight tips are a good place to start.Mon, 12 Sep 2005 14:26:00 EDThttp://money.cnn.com/2005/08/10/pf/saving/willis_tips/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2005/08/10/pf/saving/willis_tips/index.htmIt's one of the biggest investments you'll ever make: College tuition. With tuition rates increasing every year, parents will need to have over one hundred thousand dollars in the bank by the time they send their child to a four-year public college.Wed, 10 Aug 2005 15:56:00 EDThttp://money.cnn.com/magazines/moneymag/moneymag_archive/2005/08/01/8267051/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/magazines/moneymag/moneymag_archive/2005/08/01/8267051/index.htmWouldn't you love to have a 401(k) for college, a simple plan that lets you put aside money regularly, invest in mutual funds and watch the earnings grow tax-free? Well, you do. It's called a state...Mon, 01 Aug 2005 04:01:00 EDThttp://money.cnn.com/2005/07/19/pf/college/loans_retirement/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2005/07/19/pf/college/loans_retirement/index.htmThree months ago you were gearing up for your last set of finals and now you've secured the job you always wanted and a salary you're happy with.Tue, 19 Jul 2005 18:53:00 EDThttp://money.cnn.com/2005/07/13/pf/planning_parents/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2005/07/13/pf/planning_parents/index.htmAs an expecting parent, you've got a million things to do before the stork arrives - getting a new crib, working out the delivery details with your doctor and not to mention picking out a name for your newborn.Wed, 13 Jul 2005 20:37:00 EDThttp://money.cnn.com/magazines/fortune/fortune_archive/2005/07/11/8265263/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/magazines/fortune/fortune_archive/2005/07/11/8265263/index.htmYou can blame many factors for our dismal savings rate--less than 1% of our disposable household income--but one is simple American optimism. Even if we don't save enough for retirement right now, ...Mon, 11 Jul 2005 04:01:00 EDThttp://money.cnn.com/2005/06/28/pf/financial_freedom/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2005/06/28/pf/financial_freedom/index.htmAs Independence Day rolls around, are you free? Financially, that is.Tue, 28 Jun 2005 19:26:00 EDThttp://money.cnn.com/2005/06/22/pf/armchair_college/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2005/06/22/pf/armchair_college/index.htmDear Armchair Millionaire: When I read about the cost of college these days, it seems like it will be impossible to send my two kids to college. Any ideas for how I can make it work?Wed, 22 Jun 2005 14:54:00 EDThttp://money.cnn.com/2005/06/14/pf/armchair_loans/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2005/06/14/pf/armchair_loans/index.htmDear Armchair Millionaire: I have a ton of student loans, and I've been hearing about the advantages of consolidating them. Is this something I should consider?Tue, 14 Jun 2005 18:06:00 EDThttp://money.cnn.com/2005/06/08/pf/college/generous_schools/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2005/06/08/pf/college/generous_schools/index.htmWith the rising cost of college, it isn't surprising that many families are feeling strapped by the financial burden of sending their children to school.Wed, 08 Jun 2005 17:40:00 EDThttp://money.cnn.com/2005/06/06/pf/college/financial_aid/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2005/06/06/pf/college/financial_aid/index.htmNew federal guidelines that raise the bar for financial aid eligibility means some families will see their aid packages for this academic school year reduced.Mon, 06 Jun 2005 13:25:00 EDThttp://money.cnn.com/2005/05/31/pf/college/loanrate_change/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2005/05/31/pf/college/loanrate_change/index.htmNEW YORK (CNN/Money) - Come July, the rock-bottom rates on your federally guaranteed, variable-rate student loans will be going up.Tue, 31 May 2005 19:05:00 EDThttp://money.cnn.com/2005/04/22/pf/college/loan_consolidation/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2005/04/22/pf/college/loan_consolidation/index.htmNEW YORK (CNN/Money) - All good things usually come to an end. So, come July, don't be surprised if the rock-bottom rates on your federally guaranteed, variable-rate student loans go up.Fri, 22 Apr 2005 21:57:00 EDThttp://money.cnn.com/magazines/moneymag/moneymag_archive/2005/04/01/8254959/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/magazines/moneymag/moneymag_archive/2005/04/01/8254959/index.htmFirst you get your kid into college. Then you get a letter from the financial aid office telling you how much the school is willing to offer in loans, which you have to pay back, and grants, which ...Fri, 01 Apr 2005 05:01:00 ESThttp://money.cnn.com/2005/03/29/pf/saving/willis_tips/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2005/03/29/pf/saving/willis_tips/index.htmCollege acceptance letters are coming soon to a mailbox near you. In other words, it's about that time when parents and students begin to get nervous about the final step to the college application process: financial aid.Tue, 29 Mar 2005 19:01:00 ESThttp://money.cnn.com/2005/02/22/pf/saving/willis_tips/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2005/02/22/pf/saving/willis_tips/index.htmIt's that time of year again, when parents and students are anxiously waiting to hear from colleges. Well, most won't hear until April.Tue, 22 Feb 2005 18:13:00 ESThttp://money.cnn.com/magazines/moneymag/moneymag_archive/2005/02/01/8231635/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/magazines/moneymag/moneymag_archive/2005/02/01/8231635/index.htmTHE COST OF A COLLEGE DEGREE continues to climb seemingly beyond the means of many families, rising far faster than incomes or inflation. Total expenses for the 2004-05 academic year shot up 7.8% t...Tue, 01 Feb 2005 05:01:00 ESThttp://money.cnn.com/2005/01/28/pf/saving/willis_tips/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2005/01/28/pf/saving/willis_tips/index.htmStill sighing with relief after your college-bound senior got her applications out the door? Well, don't relax yet.Fri, 28 Jan 2005 16:26:00 ESThttp://money.cnn.com/2005/01/20/pf/college/myths_0502/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2005/01/20/pf/college/myths_0502/index.htmThe cost of a college degree continues to climb seemingly beyond the means of many families, rising far faster than incomes or inflation.Thu, 20 Jan 2005 14:19:00 ESThttp://www.cnn.com/2004/EDUCATION/12/23/pell.grants/index.htmlhttp://www.cnn.com/2004/EDUCATION/12/23/pell.grants/index.htmlA change in eligibility for Pell Grants to be announced Thursday by the Department of Education would cut some 90,000 students from the rolls of recipients and affect more than 1 million others, an education advocate says.Thu, 23 Dec 2004 09:47:00 ESThttp://money.cnn.com/2004/11/10/pf/armchair_budget/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2004/11/10/pf/armchair_budget/index.htmDear Armchair Millionaire: I'm single, earn a pretty decent salary and even have a small investment portfolio, but I still have a hard time making ends meet most months. The money just goes out faster than it comes in, and I don't seem to have any real control over it. How can I correct this once and for all? --Wesley S.Wed, 10 Nov 2004 16:41:00 EST