Online Banking Safety Tips

February 1, 2018

In the digital era, many errands that once required leaving the house can be conducted from the comforts of home. Groceries can be ordered online and delivered to consumers’ doorsteps, while bills can be paid online, saving men and women from having to drive to their nearby post office. Online banking has revolutionized the way people manage their money. Investors can buy or sell stocks with the click of a mouse, and money can be moved across accounts just as easily and instantly. Many consumers now even do their banking on their mobile phones. In fact, a 2016 study from the ...

When to Use Credit And Debit Cards

February 1, 2018

The decision of whether to use a debit card or a credit card can affect consumers’ credit ratings and make it easier or more difficult to manage one’s personal finances. This decision often depends on the situation and understanding how each of these cards works. Credit cards allow customers to borrow money from the credit card company up to a certain limit with the intent to pay back the amount used at the end of the month. If that balance is not paid in full, customers will be charged interest fees. Debit cards are a direct link to the money a person has in the bank. Debit cards ...

Massive Changes Coming to Tax Code

February 1, 2018

By CASEY JUNKINS Staff Writer WHEELING —Thad P. Obecny said during his decades of work in the financial sector, the only time he can remember such drastic changes to the federal tax code came more than 30 years ago during former President Ronald Reagan’s administration. “It is just ...

It’s Never Too Early to Save for Higher Education

February 1, 2018

By SHELLEY HANSON Staff Writer MARTINS FERRY — When it comes to saving money for college or other higher education options, it is never too early to start, according to the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. And there are several options available for parents to consider. For example, the 529 plan, which is named after the number in the federal tax code, allows parents to save money for their children’s higher education without worrying about paying taxes on the interest. According to the institute, however, there are two different kinds of 529 plans: One is ...

Sooner Is Better in Planning for Retirement

February 1, 2018

By ROBERT A. DEFRANK Staff Writer WHEELING — Retirement planning is sometimes a facet of life people delay, but sooner is better, according to Tim Roberts of Roberts & Coss Financial Planning in Wheeling. “My thoughts and my opinion is, as soon as they possibly can, and as much as they possibly can. Learn to live without. You get your first job at 21 years old, and you start to put away 15 percent of your pay, and you get that working for you, you should be fine at 65 years old,” he said. “Most people spend more time planning their summer vacation than they do planning ...