Short sales are the new foreclosure

Starting April 5, 2010, lenders in the Home Affordable Modification Program must offer borrowers the option of a short sale, including the minimum amount needed for an acceptable offer, if their mortgage doesn't qualify for a modification.

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View From the Cart: What do Your Kids Learn Watching You Shop?

Kids learn more by watching than by listening. Alas, they seem to watch most closely when we’re harried, trying to grab a few groceries in the Friday afternoon rush without losing our minds or our place in line.

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The Up Side (Really?) of the Recession

If we learn – and remember – a few lessons from this recession, that could be one of the best things to have happened to us.

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Just say no to store credit cards

Why not sign up for cards at every store at the mall, and save 15% or more on all our Christmas shopping?

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6 foolish ways to go green

We all want to save the earth. Unfortunately, we can do more harm than good if we don't stop and think about the consequences of our actions.

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No long-term care insurance? Uh-oh

Many of us are counting on the government, disability insurance, our children or our own savings to take care of us in our old age. That can be an expensive mistake.

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6 reasons not to save for college

No, it won't make you bad parents. It's fiscally irresponsible to spend your retirement money on your children's education. See my article on MSN Money about why designated education funds may not always be the best use of your money.

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Get the most from your tax software

Tax software makes doing your annual tax return much easier. But can you trust the results? This article I wrote for MSN Money tells you how to use software like a pro to make sure you get all your deductions and file an accurate return.

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Using the self-checkout lines saves you money!

Checking yourself out at the grocery store can save you both time and money.

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Should I pay off my home mortgage?

I want to pay off my home mortgage by the time I'm 60. Is it a good personal finance strategy to put all my spare money into paying off my mortgage, or is it better to invest the money in stocks or mutual funds and hope that I have enough money to pay off my mortgage when the time comes?

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