Friday, May 17, 2013
Here's the story of Marlene Konkoly, who found creative ways to spend less and save more so she can retire at 50. This story is the first in our series about Extreme Savers.
Americans may be living longer, but our retirement plans aren’t keeping up. Which means people are living longer with smaller bank accounts. But Marlene Konkoly will retire at age 50. How did she do it? She contributes a whopping 45 percent of the gross annual income she earns as a procurement officer for an automotive finance company to her retirement—all while owning a home and remaining debt-free. Konkoly is actually well ahead of the retirement savings curve compared to many of her fellow Americans. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, fewer than half of Americans even know how much money they would need to retire. And nearly a third of employees who had access to a defined contribution plan such as a 401(k) did not participate …
Tuesday, April 30, 2013
We called on our Facebook fans from across the south suburbs to share their experiences dealing with the expenses of a modern-day prom.
For some, prom is the apex of the high school experience—a magical night to be looked back on with nostalgia for years to come. Others will recount it as a well-dressed ten-ton credit-munching beast with an insatiable appetite. Like Matt L., our Tinley Park Patch Facebook friend who needed several years to pay his parents off his parents for a prom loan. Or Angie S. from Oak Lawn, who budgeted $1,000 for her daughters’ proms (and she’s not the exception). Now that we’re in the heart of prom season, we were curious to hear about the financial impact prom has on the typical south suburban family. How much does the average local family spend on a prom, and who foots the bill? Mom and dad, or the teens? We asked our Facebook fans across the …
Sunday, March 17, 2013
A $4 million state grant is helping fund a couple major park overhauls--including the return of the "Rocket Slide"--and a brand new park in Oak Lawn.
The Oak Lawn Park District has big plans in store for several existing parks and one brand new park, Sun-Times Media reports. A $4 million state grant will help fund a series of new projects proposed by the park district. Here’s a look at some of their plans: Get the rest of the story by the Sun-Times Media
Pp
6:30 pm on Friday, May 17, 2013
Never carry a credit card balance! If you want something save up for it , put it on your charge card. Get the points and improve your credit rating. Avoid buying new cars. Purchase a good used car and maintain it. Pay off your mortgage ASAP. Do not buy a house you cannot afford, banks and realtors will tell you that your can afford a higher amount. Why? More commission & more money the bank makes… more ›