Free From Broke

A Personal Finance Blog for Regular Folks

Kevin Mulligan

What is the Difference Between a Will and a Trust?

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Thinking about your own death is often unpleasant yet unfortunately necessary.

When you die there are a certain set of rules that dictate how your assets will be distributed to your heirs.  Those rules are set by your state’s estate tax laws.

If you don’t want your assets to go to the state and likely take years to be doled out to your heirs then you need a will.  Some people may also need a trust, but a will and a trust are two different legal issues.

Finding out the difference can be pretty confusing and having the wrong type of legal protection for your assets can be a catastrophic estate planning error.

How are a Will and Trust Different?

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Flu Season in Full Swing and Links

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The flu season has hit with surprising force this year.

Some are calling it an epidemic while others think it is just a stronger flu season than normal.  Nonetheless it seems to be everywhere across the country.  Some areas are running out of flu vaccinations which isn’t helping matters.  The government has set up a pretty slick website over at Flu.gov to guide you in getting through this year’s flu season.

Be sure to check with your insurance company to see if they cover flu shots.  Even if they don’t most walk in clinics charge about $25.  Compared to feeling ill for 7 days and having to miss work, $25 still seems like a bargain to me.

Avoid feeling ill when you look at your bank account and credit card statements by using these great articles to get better with your money:

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What is the European Debt Crisis and How Can It Affect You?

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For the past several years the European Union — also called the Eurozone — has been enduring a deep financial crisis that has shaken the faith of the markets in the region.

The issue is complicated and difficult to summarize in a basic article, but having even the most basic understanding of how it might impact you personally is important.

The goal of this article is to highlight some of the key aspects of the European debt crisis so you as an individual are better prepared to seek more information on your own and avoid making critical financial mistakes.

What is the European Debt Crisis?

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Last Minute Fiscal Cliff Deal Kicks Can Down Road and Links

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As expected our saints in Congress “came through” at the last possible moment to kick the proverbial debt, tax, and spending can down the road for a little bit.

A deal was struck, the middle class was “saved” — or was it? — and everyone can focus on using this small planned victory in the next election cycle.

…said the cynic.

Nonetheless your taxes won’t be jumping up by 27% next year.  Instead, a 2% discount in the Social Security tax that has been in place for a few years will disappear.  Many will moan and complain about having less money in their pockets and how this is a tax increase.  I see it more as you used to be able to use a coupon someplace, but now the store isn’t accepting 2% off coupons anymore.  The drop from 6.2% tax to 4.2% was meant to be temporary to boost the economy.

Considering the rate has been 6.2% since 1990, hasn’t been below 5% since 1973, and hasn’t been below 6% since 1988… I’d say it is the removal of a discount.  But people will still complain about losing 2% next year, and that’s understandable I suppose.  Just realize that you shouldn’t have had that extra 2% for the last few years, move on, and try to save or earn more money this year.

You can cover that extra 2% in Social Security tax easily by implementing a great financial plan to pay off your debt, earn more money, and save for a rainy day.  Here are some articles to help you do just that:

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When are Credit Card Annual Fees Worth Paying?

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Paying a fee to a credit company for the privilege of using their credit card seems ludicrous, right?

Why would anyone intentionally pay an annual fee?

With so many free credit card options it just seems insane to pick one with an annual fee.

On the other hand, if you actually take some time to take a closer look at some of the perks you get by paying an annual fee for a specific credit card you might find the perks outweigh the costs.

For the longest time I personally thought this was crazy, but I’m starting to come around.  Let’s dig a little deeper.

Paying an Annual Fee for a Credit Card

You have two big steps to take before you jump onboard with an annual fee.

Identify Your Credit Card Usage

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