It’s the time of year for giving, so give to yourself

Accounting Aid Society, a local nonprofit dedicated to supporting the financial well-being of individuals and families, offers a variety of free services to make the process easier.

Are you prepared to make it down the retirement mountain safely?

Advice on avoiding financial disasters

There are ways to set things up so you can treat yourself after a life of work

There are costs you don’t want eating away at your nest egg

One approach could be locking in gains while the market is high

You can cash in on your home equity

Now's the time to make sure you plan to go on as many vacations as you want

Slow and steady can be the best approach to life after work

Are you ready to start saving?

Financial expert shares advice

Experts share advice

Helpful advice for your future

Inflation continues eating away at our take-home pay, and now a trip to the grocery store is becoming increasingly painful. Sadly, many of us are using credit cards to cope with the higher prices, and that's turning into a real economic problem.

Discover tips and strategies to effectively manage your finances and lower bills during Pay Your Bills Week.

Low-income families in Michigan can get help paying for some of their heating expenses through a home heating tax credit.

Low-income families in Michigan can get help paying for some of their heating expenses through a home heating tax credit.

If you’ve finally gotten your taxes filed, you’re probably ready to put it all away and move on. Have you considered which documents you should keep? And for how long?

Gesher Human Services is offering a free webinar called “The Advantages of Credit Cards” at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 18.

Some people believe that it’s not necessary to have a will, but there are a number of reasons to have a will that go beyond assets.

Getting into investing might be easier, and more possible, than you think.

Understanding your credit score is one of the first steps to getting your finances under control.

There have been great swings in the stock market over the past year and the Dow is down about 5% since the beginning of the year.

There's no better time to start paying off your credit card debt than now.

We're sharing some ideas for inexpensive, yet still fun, holiday gift ideas.

Financial planning can be tricky and burdensome -- that’s why we want to share a great resource with you that can help keep you well informed and on track.

In this segment, we’re covering credit reports, what they contain and how often you can obtain them.

Here are some tips for repairing your credit score.

Google says that one of the most common Google searches is about credit scoring, so we thought we’d explain them some.

Making ends meet is harder than ever.

Beneficiary designations are extremely important when it comes to your finances, as designations take priority over a will or a trust.

With a fixed income and higher prices these days, there is a risk of outliving your money.

One of the basics of understanding finances is understanding how compound interest can work for you and against you.

Bank account takeover fraud is happening all over the country, and high-tech thieves are making their way to your bank account without having possession of your debit cards.

For those getting ready to begin taking their Social Security benefits, it’s important to keep in mind just how much you can receive depending on what your age is.

Federal student loans serviced by FedLoan are being transferred in stages to several other services.

If your credit score has been impacted by medical debt, you could soon be getting some relief.

All Meijer stores had debit and credit card payment problems this past weekend.

The biggest issue with marriages is money -- or the lack thereof.

Local 4′s money expert Rod Meloni sat down with LaTonya Edwards, a 53-year-old single working mother of three young men hear more about her financial situation, and to see if any improvements could be made.

Local 4′s money expert Rod Meloni sat down with Jason and Trish Keith from Dearborn to hear more about their financial situation, and to see if any improvements could be made.

Here are some steps that you can take to stretch your money.

Depending on the surveys you read between 60% and 70% of Americans live this way. There is a way to step off the hamster wheel, but you have to ask yourself are you really serious about doing so?

Roughly 60% of Americans live paycheck to paycheck. It’s a living...but there IS a better way.

The State of Michigan offers a 52 page downloadable collection of forms and information to help you plan ahead financially.

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel joined two multistate actions aimed at eliminating unnecessary fees from banks.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics released the latest Consumer Price Index on Tuesday.

While everything is costing more these days, there are still ways to save money. You just need to know where to look.

Sticker shock is now the norm. A trip to the grocery store feels more like a mugging than a breezy visit to pick up a few things you might need.

Your trips to the grocery store are expected to get more expensive, according to the latest Consumer Price Index figures.

Here’s what you need to know to help simplify your financial planning -- watch the video above.

Cryptocurrency is becoming more popular.

Many people do their own taxes, using software like TurboTax, but some may want to find help filing for any number of reasons.

You might be scared or embarrassed to work with a financial advisor. Some people feel awkward talking to someone about their personal finances or debt. Now it’s easier than ever to get professional help without the embarrassment.

The battle over a proposed water rate hike in Metro Detroit this summer is getting heated.

Do you have questions about filing your taxes this year?

Here’s what you need to know to help simplify your financial planning -- watch the video above.

Michigan residents who place wagers on unregulated gaming sites may gamble on more than they expected and become identity theft or deposit theft victims, said Michigan Gaming Control Board Executive Director Henry Williams.

A broker is sharing advice financial advice for homeowners and potential buyers.

No doubt you’ve heard the pitch on the radio -- buy physical gold as part of your investment strategy.

The CFP certification is the gold standard for financial advisors.

Most divorces are filed between January and March, according to statistics from the government.

Despite the many challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, the University of Michigan’s “financial position remains strong,” according to the school’s annual report.

We have good retirement savings news for you in this edition of Money Monday.

Higher education savings vehicles done with tax deferred investments use proceeds to pay for education.

Considering the current crazy stock environment, let’s talk defensive investing.

This week we’re talking about TIPs, which stands for Treasury Inflation-Protected Securities.

It’s always a good thing to reacquaint ourselves with the issues that can prevent scammers from taking money from us.

They often don’t graduate equipped with great financial skills, so make certain they have the tools to go it on their own.

If you’re scared to look at the balance on your bank account, or wondering where all your money went this summer -- you might be in need of a budget detox.

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced a plan on Monday to invest $1.4 billion in federal child case funding to expand access to child care, make child care more affordable and to support child care professionals.

For many, Memorial Day means the end of the school year and the beginning of summer break.

A historic Metro Detroit bank is expanding its services to teach more people about financial literacy.

Bloom Advisors is working to raise awareness about gaining money management skills during Financial Literacy Month.

Are you knee-deep in receipts, 1099 forms and W2s? Or are you all done?

Is your significant other making money mistakes that are affecting you? If your significant other is making a money mistake that’s affecting you, then you’ll want to take a look at these tips. “Couples fight over money more than other things like chores, what’s for dinner and togetherness,” said money savings expert Andrea Woroch. Money can be a big source of strife with your significant other, especially if you don’t do this:“The first common mistake I see a lot of couples make when it comes to money is postponing the ‘money talk,’” said Woroch. And set aside free money in your budget so each of you have a spending account.

Money Monday: Taxes and the military -- what you should know before filingPublished: February 22, 2021, 7:32 am

Here’s what you need to know this year about the earned income tax credit. Watch the video above. Helpful links:More: Money Monday section

Do you know what to look for when choosing the right tax preparer for you? Here’s what you need to know -- watch the video above. More: Money Monday section

The W-2 tax form is due to employees by Feb. 1. Here’s what you need to know -- watch the video above. Further reading and resources on earned income tax credits:More: Money Monday section

The views expressed in this article are those of the advertiser and do not necessarily reflect those of this site or affiliated companies. As we begin a new year, it’s a great time to start planning your financial goals for 2021. As you set your sights on an end goal, Cornerstone Community Financial Credit Union can help you build your winning game strategy for your finances. The first recommendation the credit union has: Your savings is something to which you must commit, because it will set you up for short- and long-term success. To get your head in the game and win big in your finances, click or tap here.

A new study on the Michigan economy shows that while jobs are available, they do not pay enough to make ends meet, and the coronavirus pandemic is making it worse. Michigan Future Founder Lou Glazer puts a good paying job at $20 an hour and he cites research claiming 60% of Michigan jobs pay less than that. “At the point where construction companies don’t have enough carpenters, you would think the wages for carpenters would go up,” he said. “They’re more likely to lose their jobs and then if they lose the job, they’re less likely that job will come back anytime soon,” he said. At the Detroit Economic Club, University of Michigan economist Gabriel Erlich believes people are going to see a two-tiered COVID recession and recovery.

There are specific ways to help you pay off a 30-year mortgage sooner than later. Watch the video above. More: Money Monday section

You need a Social Security number to qualify for a relief check. Dependents under age 17 are also eligible for $600 checks, and there’s no cap on the number a household can receive. Track your paymentGet My Payment will let you confirm:That we sent your second Economic Impact payment, also known as a stimulus payment. Congress passed a COVID-19 relief package that extends the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance and Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation federal unemployment programs. “Please continue to check the UIA website as we will provide more information as it becomes available.

A second, smaller round of stimulus checks are due to most Americans after President Trump signed off on a $900 billion coronavirus relief bill in December. You need a Social Security number to qualify for a relief check. Dependents under age 17 are also eligible for $600 checks, and there’s no cap on the number a household can receive. Track your paymentGet My Payment will let you confirm:That we sent your second Economic Impact payment, also known as a stimulus payment. Congress passed a COVID-19 relief package that extends the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance and Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation federal unemployment programs.

Rod Meloni is an Emmy Award-winning Business Editor on Local 4 News and a Certified Financial Planner™ Professional. Copyright 2020 by WDIV ClickOnDetroit - All rights reserved. If you need help with the Public File, call (313) 222-0566.

Here are a few tips for your personal finances in 2021. More: Money Monday section

“People don’t realize how big of a proportion of their credit score that is. Payment history and credit utilization compared to total credit available are the two biggest factors in determining your credit score. The next factors that affect your credit score are length of credit history, new credit inquiries and diversifying your credit with a mix of credit cards and loans. Too much new credit at one time can affect your credit score negatively by adding hard inquiries to your credit report. You can check your credit score through Credit Karma, Credit Sesame, and Credit.com or other sites.

If it were to pass, it would be added on top of the $600 payment, as a separate payment. Here’s what we know about the coming payments:Who is eligible for the $600 checks? You need a Social Security number to qualify for a relief check. Dependents under age 17 are also eligible for $600 checks, and there’s no cap on the number a household can receive. Unemployment payments delayedThe additional $300 weekly unemployment payments for residents who qualify for COVID-19 relief will be delayed in Michigan, officials said.

If it were to pass, it would be added on top of the $600 payment, as a separate payment. You need a Social Security number to qualify for a relief check. Dependents under age 17 are also eligible for $600 checks, and there’s no cap on the number a household can receive. Unemployment payments delayedThe additional $300 weekly unemployment payments for residents who qualify for COVID-19 relief will be delayed in Michigan, officials said. Congress passed a COVID-19 relief package that extends the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance and Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation federal unemployment programs.

If it were to pass, it would be added on top of the $600 payment, as a separate payment. Here’s what we know about the coming payments:Who is eligible for the $600 checks? You need a Social Security number to qualify for a relief check. Dependents under age 17 are also eligible for $600 checks, and there’s no cap on the number a household can receive. Unemployment payments delayedThe additional $300 weekly unemployment payments for residents who qualify for COVID-19 relief will be delayed in Michigan, officials said.

DETROIT – The COVID pandemic has impacted nearly everyone’s finances, but outside of that misfortune may be a silver lining. With many experiencing loss of jobs and/or businesses and lower income this year, the pandemic has forced us to take a closer look at our finances and consider new options to save money -- and a Roth IRA conversion might just be what the doctor ordered. You might be able to help yourself by taking invested assets in a pre-tax traditional individual retirement account and move that money to a Roth IRA. “You have to pay taxes when that conversion gets made, but once its in the Roth, it’s in an income tax-free investment, which is a significant benefit,” said Planning Alternatives Certified Financial Planner Nathan Mersereau. Individuals should not attempt to set up a Roth conversion on their own and are encouraged to speak with a certified financial planner or financial advisor before pulling the trigger.

If it were to pass, it would be added on top of the $600 payment, as a separate payment. Here’s what we know about the coming payments:Who is eligible for the $600 checks? Dependents under age 17 are also eligible for $600 checks, and there’s no cap on the number a household can receive. Unemployment payments delayedThe additional $300 weekly unemployment payments for residents who qualify for COVID-19 relief will be delayed in Michigan, officials said. Congress passed a COVID-19 relief package that extends the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance and Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation federal unemployment programs.

DETROIT – 2020 has been a unique year with the pandemic, and yet the stock market has done well. So what are the investment prospects for 2021 and what should you do to protect the money you have already saved? It’s been more than a decade since the great downturn and auto company bankruptcies, and investors have become used to rising markets again. A focus on diversity is more important than ever as the economy recovers, but financial markets always look further down the road. “We could see some serious inflation in upcoming years, but we could also see or see some serious deflation,” Foreman said.

A second, smaller round of stimulus checks are due to most Americans after President Trump signed off on a $900 billion coronavirus relief bill last weekend. If it were to pass, it would be added on top of the $600 payment, as a separate payment. Dependents under age 17 are also eligible for $600 checks, and there’s no cap on the number a household can receive. If you received a direct deposit payment the first time around, it’ll be quicker -- and you’ll be first in line to get the check. Unemployment payments delayedThe additional $300 weekly unemployment payments for residents who qualify for COVID-19 relief will be delayed in Michigan, officials said.

If it were to pass, it would be added on top of the $600 payment, as a separate payment. Here’s what we know about the coming payments:Who is eligible for the $600 checks? Dependents under age 17 are also eligible for $600 checks, and there’s no cap on the number a household can receive. Unemployment payments delayedThe additional $300 weekly unemployment payments for residents who qualify for COVID-19 relief will be delayed in Michigan, officials said. Congress passed a COVID-19 relief package that extends the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance and Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation federal unemployment programs.

DETROIT – As 2020 comes to an end, it’s important to have your personal financial paperwork in order. Certified financial planner and Planning Alternatives CEO Nathan Mersereau agrees the consequences get very expensive. “If you don’t have it in writing, the state has a plan for you already. You don’t need an attorney to draw up a will, but it is a good idea. Then there is the financial power of attorney.

Planning Alternatives Certified Financial Planner Nathan Mersereau believes knowing what you have is the stepping off point. Look at your liabilities, what you owe and start to set goals for 2021,” Mersereau said. A beneficial thing you can do for your financial psychology is a net worth statement. Other people set some money aside. I’ve heard of even an envelope system to set money aside for cash needs that occur during the month.

Rod Meloni is an Emmy Award-winning Business Editor on Local 4 News and a Certified Financial Planner™ Professional. Copyright 2020 by WDIV ClickOnDetroit - All rights reserved. For more:Here’s what you need to know. If you need help with the Public File, call (313) 222-0566.