Jason Alderman’s Practical Money Matters

July 7, 2008
Get your financial resolutions back on track
You probably began 2008 with the best intentions: lose a few pounds, reduce debt, start saving for college or retirement. You may have even written New Year's resolutions and started working on them. But you get busy, unexpected expenses come up, and suddenly it's summer.

Read More

June 30, 2008
Understanding Social Security
Since its creation in 1935, Social Security has provided countless Americans with a degree of financial stability through its retirement, disability and survivor benefits. While never intended to fully support people when they retire, Social Security provides many retirees with their only safety net against poverty. So naturally, concerns about its solvency make headlines.

Read More

June 23, 2008
The high cost of raising kids
I hope you're sitting down. According to an annual study by the USDA, the average cost for a middle–income family to raise a child born in 2007 until age 18 is estimated at a staggering $204,060. And that doesn't even include college costs.

Read More

Bring Practical Money Skills
Home with You

Trial and error is the hardest and most expensive way to learn money-management skills. Yet that's the only option available to many consumers, who graduated without even basic skills like balancing a checkbook.

Each of us has goals for our money and dreams for our life. Practical Money Skills for Life is all about helping consumers learn what they need to make those dreams and goals a reality.

Check in with Jean Chatzky's Practical Money Series every week to learn valuable advice and useful tips for financial freedom. You'll find videos, online tools and information on everything from budgeting and buying a home to marriage and retirement planning.

Get Jason Alderman’s Practical Money Matters on important topics–like foiling financial scam artists, catching up on retirement savings, and teaching your kids good money management skills.

Go in-depth in our consumer learning centers. Read step-by-step guides, use our calculators, take quizzes, play games, and download other resources on key money issues like budgeting, debt, and smart shopping.

There's always something new, so check back often.