Personal Finance Video News and Advice

Home Energy Audits

news@moneytalksnews.com (Money Talks News) — Tue, 13 May 2008 21:00:00 -0700

Now that tax time is over, is it time for an audit? Not a tax audit... an energy audit. That's one way to put a chill on your energy bill.

Turn a Hobby into a Business (2/2)

news@moneytalksnews.com (Money Talks News) — Sun, 11 May 2008 21:00:00 -0700

Being your own boss, and working from home. It's a dream for many...and a reality for a few. One step toward that kind of life is to turn something you now do for fun into something you do for a living. (Part 2 of 2)

Turn a Hobby into a Business (1/2)

news@moneytalksnews.com (Money Talks News) — Thu, 08 May 2008 21:00:00 -0700

In life there are things you have to do and then are things you love to do. Wouldn't it be nice to combine the two? Turning your hobby into a business... (Part 1 of 2)

House Swapping to Travel

news@moneytalksnews.com (Money Talks News) — Tue, 06 May 2008 21:00:00 -0700

One of the most expensive parts of travel is a hotel. But what if you could stay in a full-sized home for no money at all? Thousands of people do it every year. It's called house-swapping.

Multi-Level Marketing? (2/2)

news@moneytalksnews.com (Money Talks News) — Sun, 04 May 2008 21:00:00 -0700

From Amway to Avon, millions of Americans have made it with multi-level marketing. Should you be one of those? (Part 2 of 2)

Multi-Level Marketing? (1/2)

news@moneytalksnews.com (Money Talks News) — Thu, 01 May 2008 21:00:00 -0700

If you've ever been recruited by a friend or co-worker to sell Amway, Avon or any number of other products, you've had a brush with network marketing. But is it for you? (Part 1 of 2)

Stop Identity Theft

news@moneytalksnews.com (Money Talks News) — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 21:00:00 -0700

Identity Theft is a crime so common that if it hasn't happened to you personally, you probably know a victim. So why are so many people still being victimized?

Cutting Cooling Bills

news@moneytalksnews.com (Money Talks News) — Sun, 27 Apr 2008 21:00:00 -0700

Air conditioning is an expensive way to stay cool, but there are ways to chill your house without burning up your bank account.

Price Improvement for Home Improvement

news@moneytalksnews.com (Money Talks News) — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 21:00:00 -0700

When it comes to food and fuel, prices, they're going through the roof. But what about the roof itself? There the news might be a little better.

Shopping Car Loans

news@moneytalksnews.com (Money Talks News) — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 21:00:00 -0700

Last month general motors announced the biggest annual loss in their history. And dark clouds for car manufacturers mean blue skies for buyers, as dealers get desperate. But if you're thinking of buying a car anytime soon, don't forget the financing.

Negotiating with Your Lender

news@moneytalksnews.com (Money Talks News) — Sun, 20 Apr 2008 21:00:00 -0700

You're behind on your mortgage, and you want to save your house. It's time to talk turkey with your lender. But what do you say and who do say it to?

Mortgage Help: Talk is Cheap

news@moneytalksnews.com (Money Talks News) — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 21:00:00 -0700

With foreclosures and bankruptcies soaring nationwide, both government and private industry have been promising help to homeowners. But is that help materializing?

Saving Green: Paperwork

news@moneytalksnews.com (Money Talks News) — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 21:00:00 -0700

The average American family throws away about a ton of paper every year. So if you can figure out a way to put less paper in your trash, you could figure out a way to put more of it in your wallet.

Saving Green: Entertainment

news@moneytalksnews.com (Money Talks News) — Sun, 13 Apr 2008 21:00:00 -0700

Everybody wants to save the planet... and most of us also want to save some money for ourselves. Is it possible to do both at the same time?

Elective Surgery Loans

news@moneytalksnews.com (Money Talks News) — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 21:00:00 -0700

You'd like to get some expensive elective surgery, but you don't really have the money... and there's no insurance. What do you do?

Spring Break Volunteers

news@moneytalksnews.com (Money Talks News) — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 21:00:00 -0700

The highways and beaches are filling up with college kids as Spring Break gets into full swing. But there are students who find better things to do with their time off than get sunburned.

Home Equity vs Line of Credit

news@moneytalksnews.com (Money Talks News) — Sun, 06 Apr 2008 21:00:00 -0700

While the credit crunch has made borrowing for... or against... your home more difficult, home equity loans and lines of credit remain popular for those with equity. Stacy Johnson explains what these loans do and if you should consider them.

The Cost of Summer Camp

news@moneytalksnews.com (Money Talks News) — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 21:00:00 -0700

Summer camps aren't college, but they have a lot in common. Picking the right one can be complicated...and expensive. But there are some tips that can make the process easier.

Credit Counseling or Debt Settlement?

news@moneytalksnews.com (Money Talks News) — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 21:00:00 -0700

You've seen the ads: credit counseling companies say they can help by getting your payments and interest rates lowered. Others claim they can get your debts wiped out entirely by settling them for pennies on the dollar.

The Head-On Approach to Homeopathy

news@moneytalksnews.com (Money Talks News) — Sun, 30 Mar 2008 21:00:00 -0700

When you've got a headache, you go to the pharmacy and you assume that all these medications are going to do the trick. But will they?

The Million Dollar Challenge

news@moneytalksnews.com (Money Talks News) — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 21:00:00 -0700

If you're a fortune teller, faith healer, psychic then you really need to know this guy right here. Because he's got a million dollars with your name written on it. Ready to put up or shut up?

Hiring The Homeless

news@moneytalksnews.com (Money Talks News) — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 21:00:00 -0700

This hotel kitchen had a tough time finding employees. Until they started looking out their back door. Literally.

Taxes: Adjusting Your Withholding

news@moneytalksnews.com (Money Talks News) — Sun, 23 Mar 2008 21:00:00 -0700

Are you expecting a tax refund this year? While it's always great to get checks in the mail, this is one you might want to avoid. I'll explain why, coming up on Money Talks.

Taxes: Changes for 2008

news@moneytalksnews.com (Money Talks News) — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 21:00:00 -0700

Tax time isn't the best time of the year, but if you're just starting those taxes, there's news both good and bad that you need to know. Money reporter Stacy Johnson has some recent changes that lower your tax bill for 07...but raise it in 08.

Changing Your Credit Score

news@moneytalksnews.com (Money Talks News) — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 21:00:00 -0700

If you borrow money, you probably know that your credit score is important. The company behind credit scoring, Fair Issac, recently announced changes in the way they'll soon be doing it.

Taxes: Paying With Plastic

news@moneytalksnews.com (Money Talks News) — Sun, 16 Mar 2008 21:00:00 -0700

Are you filing your taxes electronically this year? If you are, and you happen to owe the IRS money... chances are you'll be among the those who'll pay with their credit cards... Money reporter Stacy Johnson has some advice on a less taxing option.

Taxes: Changing Mistakes

news@moneytalksnews.com (Money Talks News) — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 21:00:00 -0700

Taxes can be complicated, which means it's easy to make mistakes...mistakes that could have gotten you a bigger refund...or could get you in hot water with the IRS. But just because a mistake is made doesn't mean it can't get corrected. Here's money

Taxes: Audit Odds

news@moneytalksnews.com (Money Talks News) — Tue, 11 Mar 2008 21:00:00 -0700

Being rich has some fairly obvious advantages. But there are also drawbacks. For example, this time of year when a big income may mean bigger odds of an audit. Audit odds.

Shrinking Cell Phone Fees?

news@moneytalksnews.com (Money Talks News) — Sun, 09 Mar 2008 21:00:00 -0700

If you've got a cell phone contract, you're probably aware that if you leave before it ends, you'll be in for a hefty termination fee. But that's something that's already changing at one major carrier and may soon be connecting with others as well.

Time to Buy Blu-Ray?

news@moneytalksnews.com (Money Talks News) — Thu, 06 Mar 2008 21:00:00 -0800

The battle of the DVD formats is over...Blu-Ray won. But does that mean it's time to rush out and buy one? Not so fast. What's ahead for Blu-Ray: that's coming up on Money Talks.

Digital TV: A Problem?

news@moneytalksnews.com (Money Talks News) — Tue, 04 Mar 2008 21:00:00 -0800

In less than a year, digital TV will be here. Does it mean your old TV is trash? Does it mean you need a converter box? What's the government doing to help?

Net Worth of Presidential Candidates

news@moneytalksnews.com (Money Talks News) — Sun, 02 Mar 2008 21:00:00 -0800

The President of the United States is expected to help manage the world's biggest economy. But when it comes to money, which of the current candidates does the at managing their own?

Taxes: Most Common Mistakes

news@moneytalksnews.com (Money Talks News) — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 21:00:00 -0800

Every year, millions of tax returns are filed with mistakes... mistakes that can delay your refund... even cost you money. Want to avoid the most common? Money reporter Stacy Johnson has things to watch for...

Investigating Tax Pros

news@moneytalksnews.com (Money Talks News) — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 21:00:00 -0800

If you'll be getting help with your taxes this year, you probably want to make sure its the best help around. Stacy Johnson has a few tips to make sure your choice for a paid tax professional adds up.

Using Kids as Tax Deductions

news@moneytalksnews.com (Money Talks News) — Sun, 24 Feb 2008 21:00:00 -0800

Raising children isn't easy...or cheap. But this time of year, those dependents can save you money on your taxes. And now the rules about who qualifies as your dependent have changed to better reflect our society.

Loosing with Refund Anticipation Loans

news@moneytalksnews.com (Money Talks News) — Thu, 21 Feb 2008 21:00:00 -0800

Every year, millions of Americans take out loans on their tax refunds...and every year tax preparation companies rake in millions in interest and fees. These controversial loans haven't escaped the notice of consumer advocates...and nnow Uncle Sam.

Taxes: Software vs Accountants

news@moneytalksnews.com (Money Talks News) — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 21:00:00 -0800

While taxes may be as certain as death, how you file them is up in the air. You can do them yourself, go to an accountant, or use your computer. Today money reporter Stacy Johnson explores the cost and benefits of each...

Taxes: Do You Have to File?

news@moneytalksnews.com (Money Talks News) — Sun, 17 Feb 2008 21:00:00 -0800

Don't you hate filing taxes? Well you know, millions of people don't even have to file a return. But if you think that sounds lucky, you might want to think again.

Taxes: Free Help From The IRS

news@moneytalksnews.com (Money Talks News) — Thu, 14 Feb 2008 21:00:00 -0800

Every year millions of Americans line up to pay professionals to do their taxes. But needing professional help doesn't mean you need to pay for it.

Homes: Rent or Buy?

news@moneytalksnews.com (Money Talks News) — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 21:00:00 -0800

Owning your own home: an idea so popular it's known as the American dream. But as prices fall and foreclosures rise, for many it's become a nightmare instead. How do you know whether renting or owning is the way to go?

Roth or Regular? 401k Plans...

news@moneytalksnews.com (Money Talks News) — Sun, 10 Feb 2008 21:00:00 -0800

If you put money in any retirement accounts, you probably have a choice between traditional and Roth: Traditional plans give you deductions now...a Roth offers tax-free money when you retire. But which is best?

Investing vs Paying Down Debt

news@moneytalksnews.com (Money Talks News) — Thu, 07 Feb 2008 21:00:00 -0800

If you carry a balance on one or more credit cards, you're not alone: according to the Federal Reserve, nearly half of American families do. And nearly half of American families also have some sort of bank savings accounts.

Cars: Lease or Buy?

news@moneytalksnews.com (Money Talks News) — Tue, 05 Feb 2008 21:00:00 -0800

If you're in the market for a new car, one of your first decisions will be whether to buy or lease. Which is the better option? Money reporter Stacy Johnson shows you the math and helps you decide...

Paying Mortgage vs Investing Money

news@moneytalksnews.com (Money Talks News) — Sun, 03 Feb 2008 21:00:00 -0800

You've got a little extra cash coming in...do you invest it, or would it be smarter to pay extra on your mortgage? Let's find out: simple answers to complex questions: that's coming up on Money Talks.

Saving on Flowers

news@moneytalksnews.com (Money Talks News) — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 21:00:00 -0800

Roses are the traditional Valentines Day gift: and one of the costliest. Money reporter Stacy Johnson found out why the price of a floral gift is so high...and ways to get the most bloom for your buck.

CARE About Bankruptcy

news@moneytalksnews.com (Money Talks News) — Tue, 29 Jan 2008 21:00:00 -0800

There's been a lot of talk...and some action...lately when it comes to helping people over their heads in debt. But maybe if these lessons were learned earlier, there would be less need for intervention today.