Terry will speak to kick off MoneySmart week at the Chicago Public Library (State & Van Buren) at noon on Monday, April 7. Free and open to the public.

Terry’s Columns

On the Huffington Post!

  • Creating Generation Warfare!

    April 9, 2014

    Washington is playing a shell game. They are dividing the country — not between Democrats and Republicans, or liberals and conservatives.

  • Trust But Verify Personal Finance Advice

    April 3, 2014

    When it comes to making money decisions, doubt and self-doubt are inevitable. After all, unlike many choices that are subject to whimsy and fate, financial decisions can be judged by their direct impact on your well-being, now and in the future.

Terry’s Favorite Websites

  • Finra BrokerCheck

    Financial Planning & Organization Websites

    BrokerCheck is a free tool to help investors research the professional backgrounds of current and former FINRA-registered brokerage firms and brokers, as well as investment adviser firms and representatives. BrokerCheck information is drawn from filings by regulators, firms and investment professionals. It includes current licensing status and history, employment history and, if any, reported regulatory, customer dispute, criminal and other matters.  But, Terry warns, this tool is just a starting place, and has been criticized for not having information on personal bankruptcies, civil litigation, and older events.  You should also check with your state’s registration database.

  • Sixty-Five Incorporated

    Seniors Websites

    Everything you need to know about Medicare, signing up, supplements, rules, and more at this helpful site, including this calculator to help you determine when you can sign up for Medicare.

  • Consumer Federation of America

    Insurance Websites

    Don’t change policies or even buy a new one without using this independent service from the Consumer Federation of America.

Click here to view all of Terry’s Favorite Websites

Terry’s Favorite Calculators

  • Calculate Minimum Required Distributions

    When you reach age 70-1/2 you must take minimum required withdrawals. Use this calculator at FINRA.org to get a rough idea how much you must withdraw based on year-end balances. (But talk with one of your IRA custodians to get the specific withdrawal amount, based on ALL your retirement account balances.)

  • Credit Card Balance Paydown Calculator

    Bankrate’s Credit Card Debt Calculator lets you enter all balances, organize repayments to pay down debt faster with less interest.

  • How Much Money Do I Need to Retire?

    Choosetosave.org is sponsored by the non-profit Employee Benefit Research Institute. Their “ballpark estimator” tool is the easiest way to see if you’re saving enough for your desired retirement.

Click here to view all of Terry’s Favorite Calculators

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Terry’s Important Links

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