Melody Avecilla

Keep your cool on the road

Friday, 03 April 2009 22:07 Melody Avecilla

Doesit seem to you that the highway is a much more hostile place than it used to be? Do you notice a lot of rude drivers tailgating you, cutting you off, blocking you when you want to pass, weaving from lane to lane to beat the flow of traffic, maybe even making unfriendly gestures?

If so, you’re not alone. "Aggressive driving" has become one of America’s most talked-about traffic safety issues. On occasion it may lead to "road rage"—use of violence to settle a dispute related to driving.

Use your refund wisely

Friday, 27 March 2009 20:24 Melody Avecilla

So your 1040 is filed, and you are now anxiously waiting for your refund. What do you plan on doing with it? Go on that long-awaited cruise, get a new set of golf clubs or buy that wide-screen TV you’ve had your eye on? There are so many ways you could spend your refund, but there may be better alternatives to consider.

According to the Internal Revenue Service, over 75 percent of American taxpayers received a federal tax refund, with the average at around $2,000. It’s what you do with your refund now that may create a better financial future for you and your family later on.

Women must focus on retirement income

Friday, 20 March 2009 22:47 Melody Avecilla

WHETHER they are the breadwinner in their household or not, preparing for retirement should be extremely important to women. One item of planning that must be considered is the financial situation of the surviving spouse and what can be done to prepare for a potential shortfall.

Women survive their spouses more often then men. The Administration on Aging estimates that seven of 10 women will outlive their husbands, highlighting the need for retirement planning even more.

Life insurance should be part of your financial plan

Saturday, 14 March 2009 00:13 Melody Avecilla

YOU may think you have a solid financial plan. The paycheck you bring home on a regular basis may be more than adequate to meet the immediate needs of your family. There may even be some left over for vacation, retirement or even college savings.

But what if you weren’t there to provide for your family’s needs? Would they continue to live in the home you shared? Would your children be able to attend the college of their choice?

Leave a Legacy through Charitable Giving

Saturday, 07 March 2009 00:00 Melody Avecilla

Schools, hospitals, museums, zoos, arts organizations, recreational facilities and places of worship all strive to make the world a better place and to improve the quality of our everyday lives. Many, if not most, of these organizations are non-profit, which means they are supported primarily by public and private contributions.

Contributing money to a charitable organization is not only a generous act, but also one that is extremely rewarding. You may want to make a larger contribution to a local organization or cause but feel it would put a strain on your budget.

Survey finds young adults are optimistic about their financial future

Friday, 27 February 2009 21:17 Melody Avecilla

HOW confident are you about your financial future? A recent report detailing the State of America’s Financial Education (SAFE) shows two-thirds of young adults and recent graduates are optimistic about their financial outlook despite the country’s economic difficulties and their present state of financial readiness.

The report, conducted by NFO World Group, examined financial literacy, perceptions, attitudes and actions among young adults aged 18-29. Nearly 60 percent of survey participants expect to be financially comfortable in five years, as opposed to 15 percent who feel that way now. Notably, only one percent expects to be struggling financially in five years.

Don’t outlive your income

Saturday, 14 February 2009 02:16 Melody Avecilla

WHAT would you say about an insurance policy that claims to provide guaranteed income for the rest of your life or a specific period of time? Possible income that you cannot outlive? Does it sound too good to be true? That is the principle behind annuities offered by many insurance companies.

For either a lump sum or series of premium payments, an insurance company will promise to pay you an amount determined by what you have paid in, interest rates, the options you choose, as well as your life expectancy. You can select between fixed annuities that are based on interest rates or variable annuities allow you to allocate premiums to Subaccounts that invest in underlying funds.

Seven Strategies for Saving

Saturday, 07 February 2009 01:52 Melody Avecilla

Are you doing your best to save for your future? It can be very challenging to begin a savings program. After necessities such as food, clothing and housing, there can be little left to put aside for future goals.

Unfortunately, failing to save could mean the difference between enjoying a comfortable retirement and giving up some basic needs. Often it is a matter of making the decision to begin saving now in order to buy a new home or car later. The goals you set are important to you. Making changes to prepare for those goals can make a difference.

Steer clear program: State Farm young driver discount

Monday, 02 February 2009 22:01 Melody Avecilla

(1 vote, average: 1.00 out of 5)

Each year young people begin learning the art of driving. State Farm understands young drivers are challenged by internal and external factors as they are driving on the roadways. To help them learn more about driving, State Farm has designed the Steer Clear program to stress how experience and awareness makes a safer driver.

The Steer Clear program’s purpose is to help young drivers be aware of their surroundings, give them insight into their driving styles, help them review their driving skills and become a more aware, stress-free driver. The completion of the Steer Clear program can result in up to a 15 percent discount on your auto insurance. Drivers under the age of 25 are eligible for the discount, and the program takes around 60 days to complete.