By  Zaineb Mohammed
New America Media

SAN FRANCISCO, CA – Carolyn Gage was evicted from her foreclosed home in January. Earlier this month, she moved back in.

 By Mark Miller

By Robert Pagliarini, Tribune Media Services

Over the last couple of weeks I've written how you can save money this Christmas. If you follow those tips, you'll make the people on your list quite happy. But if "happy" just isn't good enough for the most special people in your life, you can give them a gift they will never forget.

By Mark Miller
Tribune Media Services

The jobless rate for older workers isn't as high as it is for the overall U.S. workforce. But older workers who do lose their jobs tend to remain jobless much longer than their younger counterparts-if they're able to find work at all.

By Mark Miller

By Mark Miller
Tribune Media Services

The number of private sector workers who have traditional pensions is shrinking - and those who do have pensions are worried. Headlines about underfunded public sector plans have fueled the concerns, along with general worry about the economy and the health of employers.

By Mark Miller
Tribune Media Services

The new health-care reform law aims to cover nearly all Americans and to get our exploding national health-care tab under control. But reform also calls for some upfront investment, and someone needs to foot the bill. Wealthy retirees-it's time to grab your wallets.

By Mark Miller

By Latasha A. McWright, TNCP Guest Writer  

We all know the IRS Deadline to file your taxes without penalty is April 18th, 2011, & is approaching vastly.  There are many of so called “free” tax software programs out there, even companies promoting they prepare taxes for free.  I encourage you to read the small print!  In many cases, a portion is free but there are hidden fees or catches associated with the deal.  Michigan has a variety of totally, completely, absolutely FREE tax preparation services in our Community - for those who qualify. Keep every dollar of your return in your pocket! 

Dear Tamara:

My fiancé has asked me to move in with him. We have been together for three years and engaged for almost a year now. We have not yet set a wedding date because we each have another year of school left and we both want to wait until we graduate college before getting married. In a way it makes perfect sense that we move in together.

 "Why can't I get a job?" "Why am I always so broke?" "Why can't I lose weight?" These seemingly valid questions can wreak havoc on your life and your success. Whoever first said, "There are no bad questions," was dead wrong. If you want to get a job, make more money, lose weight or achieve any other worthwhile goal, it's time you start asking better questions.

By Mark Miller
Tribune Media Services

Reverse mortgages were created to help seniors stay in their homes by tapping the equity built up over the years. Now, a small but growing number of reverse mortgage borrowers find themselves at risk of losing their homes anyway.

 By Robert Pagliarini, 

Do you know anyone who is receiving unemployment benefits or has recently exhausted unemployment benefits?  If they are looking for a job as a Certified Nursing Assistant, there is FREE training.

By Dr. Daneen Skube
Tribune Media Services

Q. I've been following the media storm regarding Dr. Laura Schlessinger and the African-American caller. I am an African-American executive and frequently have white colleagues ask me about race. I consider it a compliment that they consider me a credible source of information. How can I let them know they don't need to walk on eggshells with me?

By Mark Miller
Tribune Media Services

In 2005, there were 270,000 people over age 100 in the world - a figure the United Nations expects will explode to 2.3 million by 2040 due to gains in nutrition, health and healthcare. By that year, the U.S. Census Bureau expects the proportion of people over age 65 will more than double from 2008 levels, to 14 percent of the world's population.

 Venus Personal Image Salon owner, Jenny Pham, will offer hair and beauty services for men and women on Monday, February 14, 2011, on a donation only or ability to pay basis. 

By Robert Pagliarini,
Tribune Media Services

Several weeks ago at a fundraising event, I was introduced to a man in his late 40s. He had perfect hair, a GQ grin and was dressed impeccably in a custom suit. The only thing that sparkled more than his white teeth was his gold Rolex. As I was shaking his hand, I immediately assessed what kind of person he was, but, after speaking with him, my initial characterization was destroyed and so was my spirit. I realized that I had unfairly (and inaccurately) prejudged who he was.

 By Mark Miller

By Mark Miller
Tribune Media Services

For the second consecutive year, seniors won't get a Social Security cost-of-living raise in 2011. Although the news comes as no surprise, many seniors are angry. But is their anger justified?


 

By Mark Miller

By Mark Miller
Tribune Media Services

Are you a senior enraged about health care reform? If so, allow me to interrupt the ranting for a moment to alert you that, um, your check may be in the mail.

One of the new-and largely ignored-improvements in the health care reform law that benefits seniors is the closing of the notorious "doughnut hole" in Medicare prescription drug plans. But the changes will occur over a period of years, and there's been some confusion over the first step-a $250 rebate that is being sent out to most people who fall into the hole this year.

Could health reform unleash the inner entrepreneur in millions of older workers?

There's plenty of evidence that baby boomers in their 50s and early 60s want more independence and flexibility in their work. Many are ready to take a risk via second careers and entrepreneurial ventures-but have been hanging on to jobs solely for health insurance benefits. They won't qualify for Medicare until age 65, and it's difficult to get affordable, quality coverage outside of employer group plans.

LANSING, MI -- Getting into the entertainment industry is more than just making beats and knowing how to play an instrument or sing. 

By Mark Miller
Tribune Media Services

How much will you need to live on in retirement? You'll often hear the big financial services companies offer this rule of thumb: Plan to replace 80 percent of your working income in retirement.

 By Dr. Daneen Skube

By Mark Miller
Tribune Media Services

If you've spent hours analyzing the investment strategies of the mutual funds in your retirement portfolio, here's some bad news: You could have saved a lot of time just focusing on the fees.

 Meet the new boss: you.

 The Bureau of Labor and Statistics reports that the unemployment rate for teens this summer is expected to be 26.4 percent -- the highest number since they began tracking in 1948. Double that number and you begin to come close to the unemployment rate for black and Hispanic teens. Summer jobs that many of us were accustomed to growing up are virtually non-existent. Research shows a direct correlation to criminal activity and lack of meaningful work experience among teens.

 No matter what changes are made, it's a sure bet Social Security isn't going away anytime soon-and it's 100 percent certain that the program will be one of your most important sources of security in retirement. But the amount you'll receive over the course of your retirement isn't assured or automatic.

 Work in retirement? It might sound like a contradiction in terms, but we're looking for ways to achieve financial security over a retirement that could last 20 years or more. One of the best ways to do that is to work just a little longer than you might have planned. Working for even a few additional years can pay a surprisingly large bonus.

By Robert Pagliarini, Tribune Media Services

 By Robert Pagliarini

"The nature of any human being, certainly anyone on Wall Street, is 'the better deal you give the customer, the worse deal it is for you.'" -Bernard Madoff, convicted Wall Street swindler

Remember the Bo Diddley song "Who Do You Love?" When it comes to financial advice, a better question might be, "Who do you trust?" Bernie Madoff's victims certainly wish they'd thought harder about that question, and the general cloud of scandal hanging over Wall Street these days reinforces the need to work with trustworthy-and competent-financial advisers.

 By Robert Pagliarini, Tribune Media Services

 Before you pack away the winter clothes make sure they are clean and in good condition.

By Robert Pagliarini, Tribune Media Services

 By Mark Miller

 Chris Farrell is an optimist, so when he talks about the Great Recession he looks for the silver lining. 

A couple of weeks ago I had a bad day. Actually, it was a terrible day. Every piece of news I got was disappointing. Did it affect me? I still have bruises from the rock I tried to hide under.

 By Dr. Daneen Skube

By Mark Miller

By Mark Miller

Journalists and citizens who file Freedom of Information Act requests often expect delay or denial, unfortunately, that can impact  your daily life. Oftentimes, the lack of information provided by governmental agencies limit the ability to investigate issues, protect individuals or open the doors of justice. istockphoto

Did you know that you can ask for the documents below under FOIA (Freedom of Information Act)?

 Keeping up with credit card changes that impact your pocketbook is easy!

By Mark Miller
Tribune Media Services

Pollster John Zogby posed this question last summer to 4,000 Americans: "What will be the historic legacy of Baby Boomers?" The responses were startling.
 

Juice up your business with an opportunity to make your marketing campaign POP!!

Win a FREE marketing communications campaign for your business! Entrepreneur marketing and design campaign contest is open now and runs through March 1, 2010.

Read the fine print or risk getting burned with Twitter work-at-home offers
 

Next Bright Idea is an idea competition for any student enrolled in a higher education institution in the Greater Lansing Region. Students can submit their idea to www.nextbrightidea.com until Sunday, January 24. Starting January 25, the community can vote on which idea is their favorite.

 AIC Coordinator.  This is the person who works with the Asset Independence Coalition (AIC) members/leadership to help build the wealth of low income residents, educate low and moderate income residents about asset building, as well as, oversee the free VITA income tax preparation sites in the Tri-County area.
 
This is a part-time year-round position that is contractual (meaning you will be responsible for your own taxes).  20 hours per week at $15.00 per hour.  If you are interested, please forward your resume and cover letter to Peggy Vaughn-Payne, NorthWest Initiative, 1012 N. Walnut St., Lansing, MI 48906 or email it to peggy@nwlansing.org.    Deadline to submit resume/cover letter is January 29, 2010 – 4:00 pm.   
 

  What does it take to be a successful investor? You need a variety of attributes, including patience, discipline and a long-term vision of what you want to achieve. But you also need to understand the role of risk in investing. 

Like many people, you may make some New Year’s resolutions. Perhaps you’ve promised yourself that you’ll visit the gym more often   or  learn a new language or reconnect with a long-lost friend. All of these are worthy goals, of course, and if you achieve them, you may  add new dimensions to your life. But if you want to accomplish other major milestones you may have envisioned — a new home, college for your kids, a comfortable retirement and so on — you may need to set some New Year’s financial resolutions.

Edward Jones

Now that the year is almost over, you may want to explore some last-minute steps you can take to potentially boost your financial fortunes and improve your tax returns for 2010. And one good place to look is your 401(k).

It’s holiday time again. Like everyone, you have many things in your life for which you are thankful. And you may want to show your appreciation for what you have by making a gift to a charitable organization. If you do, both you and the charitable group can come out ahead.

Choosing a college is difficult at times but being armed with helpful information can make the decision easier.  Photo by  istockphoto

Put these Estate Planning Moves to Work
 

Children from households whose income is at or below the levels shown are eligible for free and reduced price meals.

Do You Have Enough Insurance — and the Right Type?
 

“Staying the Course” Can Pay Off for Investors
 

Can You Invest for College and Retirement?

Review Financial Strategies after Life Events
 

Millennials, Gen X and Baby Boomers Should Invest for Growth
 

Own a Business? Put Retirement Plan in Place
 

Have Your Parents Made Their Financial Plans?
 

Investment Ideas for Newlyweds
 

Keep Passwords Strong, Secret, and Safe

Health Savings Accounts: First Aid for Health-Care Bills

Nest Eggs Get a Break--But Only for 2009

Help Your Teen Driver Choose the Right Car

Getting Student Loans During the Credit Crunch

If you're like me, you're always looking for a smart way to save money. Sometimes, saving money can come in the most unlikely place - such as your insurance.

 
 Whether you're a first time buyer of auto insurance or already have it but are looking for a better deal, you should be asking several questions.

Paying for Graduate School

Investor tips for topsy-turvy market

Many Hispanic elders don’t know they’re eligible to receive Social Security even if they’re not citizens.

Action and collaboration are the words of the day, especially at a press availability featuring human and civil rights activist Martin Luther King III, Gov. Jennifer M. Granholm, Ismael Ahmed, director of Michigan Department of Human Services (not shown), and other conference partners. Courtesy photo

COLUMBUS, OH -- If you've applied for a business loan in the last six months, its a strong possibility that you were denied - even if you have good credit. This is because the current economic times have forced banks to be super cautious towards all loan applicants, even if you appear to be responsible.

How to Successfully Navigate Your Business through an Economic Downturn

An economic downturn is a phase of the business cycle in which the economy as a whole is in decline.  This phase basically marks the end of the period of growth in the business cycle. Economic downturns are characterized by decreased levels of consumer purchases (especially of durable goods) and, subsequently, reduced levels of production by businesses.

LANSING, MI -- With a lot of pressing issues facing us in today's world, health has always been at the top of the list, especially for African Americans and low-income people.

Left :Christine Johnson, speaker; Rina Risper, coordinator of the SOOH event; Monica Jahner from the NorthWest Initiative’s ARRO program and Jolinda Wade, speaker.
Photo by Michael Jennings

Left: Jerry Cullen, owner of Salem Medical provided foot exams for attendees.  Dr. Peter B. Wollschlaeger and Dr. Maher Al-Sheikh discuss their talking points for the diabetes panel.  Photo by Michael Jennings

Census release shows more are without health insurance
 
Michigan’s families continued to struggle with falling wages and rising poverty in 2007 as income fell sharply below the national median income and the poverty rate jumped, according to Census Bureau data released today.
 

MICHIGAN -- Michigan has had more than its share of economic hardships in recent years, but when Michigan voters were asked the biggest economic problem facing their family, the cost of fuel trumped everything. Gas prices have risen to $4.15 across the nation. 

Before you sign on the dotted line, check it out before you check in:
 
Would-be travelers are spending  thousands of dollars to take advantage of travel deals that didn’t exist.

One company was also ordered to pay $70,000 in restitution to the Michigan Attorney General’s Office.

Today, the Michigan Department of Corrections (MDOC) is the largest program that state government operates directly, accounting for nearly 20 percent ($2 billion) of the current discretionary General Fund budget and employing nearly one-third of the classified workforce.  Corrections programs growth is a direct result of the dramatic increase in the number of inmates from 1973 to 2007, during which time the population grew 538 percent, or roughly 42,000 prisoners, to 50,000 inmates.  Official MDOC projections reflect a continuation of the historical trends over the next five years as the prison population is estimated to be slightly more than 56,000 by the end of 2012.

Getting the most for your money?  Have you checked on your insurance rates lately?  You may just have an opportunity to save money by reviewing your car insurance policy and getting new estimates.

Tax time can be very stressful especially when you can’t locate the forms that you need.  People who also receive Social Security benefits may also have to pay taxes.

April 15 has long been considered a date to avoid. Visions of tax men coming for your money are common in many advertisements on television and in print.

Layoff and foreclosure notices will continue to loom in Michigan’s future as the state’s economic woes continue into 2008 according to a University of Michigan forecast that projects the state losing another 51,200 jobs this year.

     Columbus, OH - It's good to be a positive thinker, but don't think for one second that that's all you have to do. Being a successful entrepreneur requires more than just having a optimistic outlook.

(BPRW) -- Automatic Teller Machines (ATMs) are one of the most convenient tools developed today, especially when you want cash in a flash and don’t have the time to stand in a long line.

You likely have heard about the 2001 report from the U.S. Census Bureau that states that African Americans are more likely to start a business, than their white counterparts.

PROCRASTINATION: ONE REASON WHY BLACK BUSINESSES FAIL

How to Finance Your Business

Q: I want to write an advertisement for an open position in my company. What can I do to ensure that my advertisement is nondiscriminatory or offensive?

Researchers Assert Development Strategy is Obsolete

Local Church Holds Financial Seminars to Help the Community Secure Their Future

With Transit Stations, New Neighborhoods Could Take Shape

    Buying a home is one of the most important purchases you will make in your lifetime, so you should be sure that the home you want to buy is in good condition. A home inspection is an evaluation of a home's condition by a trained expert. During a home inspection, a qualified inspector takes an in-depth and impartial look at the property you plan to buy.

What are credit scores and how are they determined?

 Chicago saw its rate of home foreclosures reach its highest level in a decade. Statistics indicates those earning above the median income level are contributing to the spike in foreclosures.

    If you have questions about these options and others, you owe it to yourself to contact a financial services professional that you know and trust. Your financial future may depend on it.

I have heard the term “Land Contract”, what is a Land Contract?

What is this Subprime Mortgage Melt Down, I hear about in the news and how might it effect me the average  consumer?

 Whether you're a first time buyer of auto insurance or already have it but are looking for a better deal, you should be asking several questions.

  Personal financial advisors and all sorts of managers top the list of “Michigan's Hot 50 Jobs for Today and Tomorrow,” recently released by the Michigan Bureau of Labor Market Information and Strategic Initiatives.

Think east versus west, the Yankees versus the Dodgers, Manhattan versus Hollywood.  New York, N.Y., and Los Angeles, Calif., boast many differences, but they have one thing in common:  Many of their residents don't have enough life insurance to protect their families.

Were you a last minute tax filer because you owed more money to the federal or state government, and you just do not have it to give?  If so don't worry; you have company.  Millions of Americans are struggling to make ends meet.  Many are making the tough choice of which bills to pay or not between food on the table, medicine, utilities, and a mortgage/rent payment.  If you own a home, you have options.  One could be to refinance your home. 

Green builder, Laurey Wyble (left) at her booth at the 2007 Michigan State University Spring Home and Garden Show.

At Laurey Wyble Custom Builder they feel that it is their responsibility to our planet, as well as future generations to take care of what we have been given.

Ways to Reduce Your Auto Insurance Premium

Ways to Reduce Your Auto Insurance Premium

Try to imagine a world without Walt Disney. A world without his magic, optimism and childlike fantasy.

Life insurance is a practical way to protect your family’s financial hopes and dreams.

If you're considering joining these ranks, you've got a lot to be excited about, and you may be prepared to make large sacrifices to help your business succeed. But there's one sacrifice you don't have to make: your financial security.

So, you are renting an apartment for school? Protect yourself from fire and theft.  Renters’ insurance should be considered for college students living on their own.

Thousands of chiliheads toured the riverside Board of Water and Light (BWL) Chili Cook-Off to sample more than 2,000 gallons of chili and enjoy the festive atmosphere.

Dr. Rev. Linda Hollies takes a new position of Calvary United Methodist Church in Jackson, MI. Read about her thoughts about the journey her family has already begun to their new home.

To enjoy a comfortable retirement lifestyle, you will need to build your net worth before you retire.

From June 2004 through February 2006, the Federal Reserve raised a key short-term interest rate 14 times. These rate hikes may make the evening news - but what do they mean to you, as an investor?

Time to Think About Medicare Drug Benefit

Don't Be a "Groundhog Day" Investor

     Do you remember any of the New Year's resolutions you made for 2005? If you don't, it may not be such a tragedy. After all, you still may have had a good quality of life even if you didn't get to the gym three times a week, learn a new language or take that gourmet cooking class. On the other hand, you can make a big difference in your future if you make - and keep - financial resolutions for the coming year.

 Chair Arlene Gordon Oliver, Esq.

 

LANSING, MI  -- Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today announced the launch of a new website to help students find internships in the State of Michigan. Internships help students find the skills they need to land a full-time job and give businesses a cost-effective way of finding talented workers. The new website, MiInternship, can be found at www.michigan.gov/miintern.

     You work hard, sacrifice, and send your child off to college to get a quality higher education, and he/she returns with thousands of dollars in credit card debt. In some cases the credit card debt is far in excess of their educational costs. How could this happen in the American college system?

    The object of our affection is education or the access to education.  It is the key to the gateway of life.  We as Americans have fought, slaughtered, and shivered for the access to education.  Sometimes we get confused and view education as a privilege rather than a right.  In so many ways we have taken for granted that which is necessary for the future growth of our world, our economy, and our lives.

Compiles Latest Data of African Americans on Corporate Boards

 42% of American Household Wealth Comes From Home Equity.

Have today's low interest rates got you down? Are you searching for an investment that combines safety while offering a better rate of return?

 WHAT EVERY PARENT NEEDS TO KNOW ABOUT PLANNING FOR THEIR CHILDREN’S FINANCIAL FUTURE

The main purpose of life insurance is to provide financial security for your family.  It helps to ensure that when you die your family will have the financial resources it needs to provide for your spouse, children, an elderly parent or some other dependent.

EFFECTIVE ESTATE PLANNING CAN PRESERVE WEALTH & MAINTAIN HARMONY AMONG SURVIVORS

If you're a government employee participating in a 457 retirement plan1,  you'll be happy to learn that the new tax provisions greatly expand the  "portability" you now have to roll over your retirement assets from one  type of account to another.

This year’s Class of 2002 graduating seniors is seen as a very connected, career-minded and confident group, according to a Harris Poll.But, as enlightened as they are, it seems as if the first graduating students of the new millennium could use further education when it comes to financial planning.

When it comes to investing, many women are forced to do more with less.  Because of their longer life span, women have an even greater need than men to make the most of their retirement dollars.