Kevin McKinley: On Your Money - Articles

Retirement Changes for the Better

Sun, 29 Jan 2012 12:00:00 CST

The new year bring some new personal finance numbers that could affect your income, income taxes, and general financial future—mostly for the positive.

Knowing what the changes are and how to make the most of them can ensure you keep more of what you have in 2012, and beyond.

Today we’ll cover the numbers that concern retirees, and next week we’ll address which adjustments will most affect those still working for a living.

Make the Most of the Social Security Tax Break

Sun, 22 Jan 2012 12:00:00 CST

Not many people feel like they are overpaid, but for the time being almost all workers’ paychecks are a little bit larger than they otherwise might be.

This extra money comes courtesy of the President and Congress, who recently agreed to extend the Social Security tax break for the first two months of the year—for better or worse.

Whether you view this as a welcome boost to the economy, or an acceleration toward fiscal failure, here’s how you can make the best of this temporary tax cut.

Your After-Christmas List, Better Check it Twice

Sun, 15 Jan 2012 12:00:00 CST

Even the jolliest old soul cherishes the days after December 25^th almost as much as the time leading up to it, if only because there seems to be a lot less work to do after the holiday than there is to do before it.

But if you’ve recently been on the giving or receiving end of a gift on or around the 25^th, you still have some tasks ahead to make sure your presents don’t become lumps of coal.

Here’s an after-Christmas list of things to do sooner, rather than later.

Some Tips on Tipping

Sun, 01 Jan 2012 12:00:00 CST

‘Tis the season for giving and receiving among friends, family members, and other loved ones.

But there is another group of people in your life who could use a little cheer during this particular time of year.

“Tipping time” is upon us. And although hardly anyone will reject a few dollar bills (or more) as a sign of gratitude, there are a few customs and practices that make the sometime-awkward process a go as smoothly as possible.

Here’s some help on to whom, how much, and how you can express your appreciation during the year-ending holiday season—and beyond.

At the Expense of Christmas

Sun, 25 Dec 2011 12:00:00 CST

You don’t need to watch It’s a Wonderful Life for the umpteenth time to realize the tight connection that exists between money and Christmas.

But when it comes to spending for presents this holiday, we have a few more options at our disposal now than George Bailey and his family had back in their day.

Here’s are the pros and cons of all the main ways we are able to pay.

Is that warranty really worth it?

Sun, 18 Dec 2011 12:00:00 CST

As you make your list and check it twice this holiday season, you’ll start to get overwhelmed by all the choices and dilemmas you face.

Even when you’ve finally found the right gift at the right price, you’re confronted with yet another choice once you take it up to the checkout counter.

That’s where the cashier monotones, “Would you like to buy an extended protection plan for your (TV/waffle iron/CB radio) for only mumble-mumble ninety-five?”

Before you answer, there are a couple of things you should know about buying an extended warranty.