Get Out of Debt Tips

Everywhere you look there are guides for getting out of debt and step by step processes you can follow to help you get your finances in order. We’ve given a number of methods for getting out of debt, along with the step by step details – in this article, we’re going to give you a number of TIPS to eliminate debt. They aren’t in any order, and it’s not a step by step guide, but you should find ideas for getting out of debt here. If you have tips that haven’t been covered here, please leave them in the comments!

# Spend less than you earn.

# Use cash for better budgeting, and stop using debit cards and credit cards.

# Create a plan to get out of debt for better results than just sending money to your accounts randomly.

# Know exactly how much you owe, keep track of it in a spreadsheet or notebook and update it each time you make a payment. Continue reading

401(k) report card

Question: Is there a listing that would allow me to see how my 401(k) plan compares with other companies’ 401(k)s? –Debbie W., Mount Laurel, New Jersey

Answer: Considering that upwards of $3 trillion is invested in 401(k) accounts for some 50 million American workers (plus millions of retirees), you might figure that there would be all sorts of resources allowing participants to see how their plan stacks up against others.

But you would be wrong.

Although there’s a ton of data available about 401(k) plans in aggregate, there’s not a whole lot out there that allows you to directly compare or rate specific plans. Continue reading

The trouble with annuities

Fixed annuities promise tax-deferred growth at guaranteed rates. But the shelter they offer can end up a trap.

With the uncertainty of the market these days, a lot of investors are running for cover with their retirement funds. No wonder sales of fixed annuities surged 74% for the first three months of 2009, according to research association LIMRA.

These insurance products provide tax-deferred growth at a fixed rate – higher than that of CDs now – with the option to later turn the money into guaranteed income for life. It’s a compelling pitch. But there’s a costly catch. Getting into a fixed annuity today may force you to miss better opportunities tomorrow. Continue reading