Financial Focus - The New Citizens Press

Jill on Money: Recognizing those who have improved our financial lives

Rina Risper10 years ago06 mins

By Jill Schlesinger

Tribune Content Agency

This is a time of year when we count our blessings. I’d like to thank a variety of organizations, agencies and companies that have improved our financial lives.

Interpersonal Edge: Build your career around your strengths

Rina Risper10 years ago07 mins

By Dr. Daneen Skube

Tribune Content Agency

Q. I have a highly detailed job and believe I am more of a big picture kind of guy. I consistently make errors in detailed projects even when I try hard to be perfect. My boss thinks I am being sloppy, but I just can’t seem to spot these mistakes. Can you give me guidance about how to do better in my work?

TAX SOLUTIONS: Important Tax Dates

Rina Risper10 years ago04 mins

PARENT POST: How to Raise a PhD

Rina Risper10 years ago07 mins

By Dr. Eugene Cain

As a father of four sons who now possess eight college degrees, I am often asked: What did you do to accomplish this? Without much thought , I usually respond in this manner:

TAX SOLUTIONS: Lose Your U.S. Passport Due to Taxes

Rina Risper10 years ago04 mins

By A.J. Gross

U.S. Citizens that owe back taxes could lose their passport if a recent highway bill becomes law.

Be Car Care Aware: Hanging onto Current Vehicle vs. Buying New a No Brainer

Rina Risper10 years ago03 mins

Buying a new car might sound cool and exciting, but keeping your current vehicle, and continually maintaining it at recommended intervals, makes more economic sense than purchasing a new one, says the non-profit Car Care Council.

FINANCIAL FOCUS: Medicare: Key Points to Bear in Mind

Rina Risper10 years ago07 mins

Provided by Sara Frank-Hepfer

When you turn 65, you become eligible for Medicare. If you are currently receiving social security benefits, you will be enrolled automatically. If you are not currently receiving social security benefits, you need to sign up for Medicare as soon as you are eligible in order to avoid penalties.

Jill on Money: Social Security: The No-COLA

Rina Risper10 years ago07 mins

By Jill Schlesinger

Tribune Content Agency

There will be no raise for Social Security recipients next year and one of the nation’s retirees (aka my Mom) responded to the bad news with an expected comment: “that stinks!” I had to explain to her that because the government uses inflation data to calculate the cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for Social Security and overall prices were essentially flat from a year ago, she, along with over 60 million Americans who currently receive Social Security retirement benefits, will not get a bump in pay next year. That means most seniors will be stuck with an average monthly check of $1,341 ($2,212 for retired couples who are both receiving benefits).

Jill on Money: Americans know less than they think about Social Security benefits

Rina Risper10 years ago06 mins

By Jill Schlesinger

Tribune Content Agency

Whenever I write about Social Security, I am inundated with follow-up questions. It’s no wonder, since there are about 2,800 rules that govern the system and thousands of retirement claiming strategies.

“I Love My Child…But Sometimes I Can’t Stand Him!

Rina Risper10 years ago025 mins

Photo by dreamstine

By James Lehman, MSW

You’d do anything for your child, but you feel guilty about admitting the truth, even to yourself—sometimes you don’t like him very much. It’s a secret that many parents of acting-out kids share, but rarely confess to anyone. James Lehman explains how dealing with a difficult child can take its toll on the parent-child relationship, and he gives you some practical advice on how to handle it.