Nevin's Data "Points"

This is the time of year when many people both look back at the year just past—and ahead to the next with a fresh perspective. It’s also that time of year when many make lists. So, whether you’re looking to make some New Year’s resolutions, or just looking to improve your overall financial situation, here are 10 things to check off your 2013 list—and that can get your 2014 list off to a strong start. Deal with debt (see Savings Resolutions for the New Year ). Establish a savings goal for retirement (see Estimate “Ed” ). Save for retirement—at work, or on your own (see Saving for Retirement Outside of Work ). Save early so that your savings can work for you (see The “Magic” of Compounding ). If you do have a retirement plan at work, make the most of it (see Making the Most of your Retirement Plan ). Maximize your savings—see if you’re eligible for the Savers’ Credit (see Credit Where Credit is Due ). See if a Roth 401(k) makes sense for your situation (see To Roth or Not...

In just a couple of months, I will find myself in the unenviable financial position of having two children in college at the same time. Now, if you have put—or helped put—your children through college in recent years, you’ll have an appreciation for the impact of that statement. If your kids are younger—or if kids are not yet part of your household budget—well, let me just say you don’t have nearly as much time to get ready as you think you do. First off, you don’t really know how much it’s going to cost. There’s the whole private-versus-public decision (the costs of the latter will be heavily influenced by your current state of residence), and even that decision can be driven by the field of study your graduate chooses to undertake. Each school has different policies (and costs) about things like meal plans, student vehicles, and even how the dorms are furnished. But the worst of the variables is the sheer annual increase in tuition. My eldest, who will be a senior in the fall, w...