Barton Simmons

Defining the 401(K)

The 401(k) retirement plan is funded by employee contribution and a matching employer contribution. The major feature of the plan is that the contributions are taken from pre-taxed salary. The fund accumulates tax-free until it is withdrawn. Most business... Read >

A Look at the Four Public Retirement Systems

It is that time in life that we all look forward to. It is time to sit and relax and no longer have to worry about catching the bus or missing lunch just to beat the deadline. It is that point in our lives that the challenges of a planned working schedule... Read >

Living on $300 per Month

Do you think this is a joke spending money only $300 a month for the whole family? With this tight budget, what sort of food would make the list?Could you save $25 a month on groceries? How about $50 or $100? Possibly you could cut your bill by almost 50%... Read >

The Basic Facts on Federal Grants

Federal grants are given by the federal government (of course!) to many different areas of need, with one purpose and that is to stimulate productivity within the country and the world from which they are counting on reaping more profits. Instead of the g... Read >

The Benefits of Online Bill Paying

Just about every big bank with a website offers you some bill pay online functions. If your bank doesn't have a website, or if they do but haven't quite figured out the whole bill pay online thing, you may want to consider finding a new bank. I think o... Read >

How to Fund a Trading Account

Although many will suggest that you can trade with the minimum margin requirement we do not necessarily recommend it. Let's say that you are about to start trading an S&P 500 futures daytrading system. Let's say that the exchange minimum margin requir... Read >

Your Finances During a Disaster

We have all heard the stories of financial institutions exploiting consumers with shady practices such as exorbitant interest rates, hidden fees, and the like. These accounts anger us and, rightfully, those that practice these deeds should be exposed. For... Read >

Planning for a Secure Retirement

Knowing if you have saved enough is just part of retirement security. The other part involves creating an investment scheme that will create income without touching your savings. If you're past 40 or in your 50s, things are a little more difficult. It'... Read >

When to Use Pay Day Advances

A lot has been said about pay day advances in the past few years. Most think of it as a boon-helping you get through the maze of bills and exigencies that crop up at the most inconvenient hours imaginable. Yet others bad mouth it and consider it another d... Read >

Knowing if You Should Refinance

There are plenty of reasons why people chose to refinance. The needs for home improvements, sending a child to college or simply lower their monthly mortgage are a few. You need to find a loan company that offers you the best rate when you chose to refina... Read >

An Overview of Structured Settlements

For most people when they buy a house it is considered their life's largest deal. In some cases of structured settlements the compensation and financial considerations for a persons life duration and the total present value of the settlement can reach few... Read >

Can You Buy a Home After a Foreclosure?

Even though buying a home after a recent foreclosure is possible, homebuyer should not apply for a mortgage blindly. Because of your current credit standing, many lenders are ready to take advantage of you. Your options are limited. Nonetheless, this does... Read >

Your Opportunities as a Financial Planner

To become a financial planner, you first must know what their job profile is. Financial planners help in determining the financial resources required to meet the company's operating program. They also help in forecasting the extent to which these require... Read >

Are You Looking for a Good Business Investment?

You have always been interested in investing in a business, however you always hold back because you are scared of making a bad choice and losing your investment. However, there are some ways to evaluate businesses to reduce the risk you are taking when y... Read >

The Pitfalls of Buying Used Autos

Whenever a person buys or leases a car, he seeks ways to finance this move. Most auto financing involves a car loan, which entails a detailed check on his credit history and a tough interview about car finance. When he undergoes all these to buy a used ca... Read >