AUGUSTA — A state lawmaker from Lewiston says it is time to put a woman on U.S. paper currency and wants that woman to be a Mainer. “America hasn’t changed its paper currency for many years,” state Rep. Peggy Rotundo, D-Lewiston, said in a prepared statement Tuesday. “There is a national group organizing for this […]
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Planners can help you reach your financial goals
Most people hire a skilled plumber to install water pipes and a certified electrician to do electrical wiring. Then why do few people hire a financial planner to help maintain and grow their assets? When it comes to finances, many Americans are either ill informed about financial plans or simply do not know who to […]
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Prepare yourself for the unexpected
Are you ready for this? September is National Preparedness Month. Sponsored by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, National Preparedness Month seeks to educate Americans on preparing for natural disasters and other types of emergencies. But you’ll also need to prepare for unexpected events in many other areas of your life — particularly those events related […]
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Saving tips for single moms
Life as a single mother is not easy. In addition to the challenge of raising a child without another parent in the household, single mothers face many of the same challenges faced by married parents, only they must do so on just one income. Single parents often find themselves looking for ways to save money, […]
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Real estate investing for beginners
On the heels of a recession that saw home values drop, many would-be investors have shied away from buying investment properties. But real estate has historically remained a sound investment, boasting a long-term appreciation rate that makes it a worthwhile investment for those who can withstand temporary setbacks in housing prices and hold on to […]
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What to know before you click and send that money
When it comes time to pay the babysitter or reimburse a friend for lunch, most people use cash or write checks. But an increasing number of others instead turn to their computer or smartphone to make a person-to-person or “P2P” payment. P2P payments can be convenient, but there are potential costs and risks, in areas such as the privacy of your personal information. FDIC […]
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Avoiding debt problems with credit cards
Avoiding debt problems with credit cards Only spend what you can afford. Know your credit limit. Be sure to only spend what you know you can repay — on time and preferably in full — regardless of how high your credit limit is. Reach out for help if you are struggling with debt. If you […]
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Make saving a habit
Once you’ve gone through the budgeting process and understand where your money goes every month, it’s time to start thinking about saving for the future. People who learn to save money when they are young have a valuable headstart. But no matter where you are in life, it’s never too early or too late to […]
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How to make the most of your money
Start with these four savings fundamentals and complete them in order. 1 Contribute to your company’s retirement plan up to the maximum employer match. Even if money is tight and you have multiple priorities, make it your first goal to contribute at least enough money to get all the matching funds your company offers. 2 […]
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Thinking about starting a business?
Starting your own business can be an exciting and rewarding experience. It can offer numerous advantages such as being your own boss, setting your own schedule and making a living doing something you enjoy. But, becoming a successful entrepreneur requires thorough planning, creativity and hard work. Consider whether you have the following characteristics and skills […]