Savings & Checking - Finding the best accounts

Savings Checking Advice

• Women are better savers than men, but...Social Security benefits up 1.7% next year...Inflation in check...Egg freezing latest job bene...And more

  Here's the column that gives savvy savers lots of provocative news and information to talk about on the road to financial security.

  October 23rd 2014

• How to measure financial success

  We'll not only show you how to find or calculate these measures, but provide some simple guidelines that will help you gauge your progress.

• How to start saving in your 50s

  There's still time to provide a decent retirement for yourself. You'll just have set aside more of your earnings, consider some savings-stretching options and maybe work a little longer.

• How to start saving in your 40s

  This is no time to throw up your hands even if you're in your 40s and don't have much savings. You can still put aside a significant amount of money for your future even if you're not making a six-figure salary.

• How to start saving in your 30s

  This is the perfect time in your life to begin building real financial security. Here's the blueprint you need to save more -- way more -- than you ever expected even if you're not making all that much right now.

• Is a 529 plan right for your family?

  One of these tax-free college savings plans might be exactly what you need to help your kid through school. Although each plan is sponsored by a state, you don't have to live there, or ever enroll there, to take advantage of the very best 529 plans in the entire country.

• Money advice for a lasting marriage

  You've found The One, but before you exchange vows you need to share credit card bills, bank statements and retirement savings plans. Talking about money now — and settling on a plan to achieve financial security together — just might save your marriage later.

• 10 smart moves to save on health care

  Medical debt is one of the single biggest threats to financial security. Here are some of the most common ways consumers find themselves on the hook for big unexpected bills -- and how to avoid them.

• What if we all worked for tips?

  Imagine if you had to rely directly on the goodwill and generosity of the people you serve in order to make a living wage. When you decide whether and how much to tip, you have an opportunity to make a significant economic contribution to a real person.

• What if you've saved little for your kid's college?

  Don't feel guilty if you haven't saved much for your child's college tuition. Here's how you should begin planning.