A spouse who stays at home to take care of children or other dependents is likely to have reduced Social Security benefits and will not have access to a workplace retirement plan. So a spousal Individual Retirement Account (IRA) can be an important step to enabling retirement security. An IRA is a tax-advantaged way to accumulate money for retirement. In order to contribute to an IRA you must have taxable compensation. But if your spouse has taxable compensation and you file a joint return, then you can fund an IRA. This 2-page fact sheet was written by Lisa Leslie, and published by the UF Department of Family Youth and Community Sciences, November 2014.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fy1456
Tag: Lisa Leslie
An Introduction to Annuities
An annuity contract is purchased from a life insurance company. The individual gives the insurance company a lump-sum payment or a series of payments. In return, the company will provide a stream of payments to the individual. Although an annuity is purchased from a life insurance company, it serves a different purpose than life insurance. Below is a chart comparing life insurance to annuities.
This 4-page fact sheet was written by Michael S. Gutter and Lisa Leslie, and published by the UF Department of Family Youth and Community Sciences, March 2014.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fy1406
An Overview of Life Insurance
The primary purpose for buying life insurance is to protect the people who depend on you. A life insurance policy can help to ensure your family’s financial needs are met even after your untimely death. Life insurance can also provide a way to leave a cash gift to your spouse, children, grandchildren, or charities. Once you decide to buy a life insurance policy, you will have a few decisions to make. You will need to select among the different types of life insurance, decide on a dollar amount, and name your beneficiaries. In this publication, you will learn about the different types of life insurance and the ways to determine the amount of life insurance you may need. This 4-page fact sheet was written by Lisa Leslie and Martie Gillen, and published by the UF Department of Family Youth and Community Sciences, October 2013.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fy1393
Mutual Funds (FCS5266/FY1351)
Mutual funds are open-end investment companies that use a pool of many investors’ money to buy shares of different investments. They can be an effective way for the average investor to build a diverse portfolio. Although these funds come with fees, taxes, and, in the case of load funds, commissions, an investor still has the potential to achieve positive returns and beat inflation. This 4-page fact sheet was written by Lisa Leslie and Michael S. Gutter, and published by the UF Department of Family Youth and Community Sciences, February 2013.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fy1351
Are You Ready to Tie the Knot? A Quick Checklist (FCS2318/FY1334)
The inventor, statesman, and scholar Benjamin Franklin provided some wise advice to all those thinking about tying the knot. “Keep your eyes wide open before marriage,” he said, “[and] half shut afterwards.” Marriage is a partnership that has emotional, financial, and legal implications. Before entering into this union, it is important for you and your partner to have your “eyes wide open” as you examine your individual attitudes and behaviors about both social and financial issues. This 4-page fact sheet was written by Lisa M. Leslie and Victor W. Harris, and published by the UF Department of Family Youth and Community Sciences, August 2012.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fy1334
Employer Sponsored Retirement Savings Plans (FCS5258b/FY1286)
A financially secure retirement is a goal for many workers, and the ability to achieve that plan can be helped by employer-sponsored retirement plans. Learn more in this 3-page fact sheet written by Rachel Dorman, Lisa M. Leslie, Michael S. Gutter, Martie Gillen, and Josephine Turner, and published by the UF Department of Family Youth and Community Sciences, April 2012.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fy1286
Individual Retirement Accounts (FCS5258/FY642)
An individual retirement account (IRA) is a good tool to build retirement funds. This type of account has been offered since 1974 and comes with special tax advantages. An IRA can be opened through a financial institution such as a bank, credit union, mutual fund company, or brokerage firm. Learn more in this 4-page fact sheet written by Rachel Dorman, Lisa M. Leslie, Michael S. Gutter, Martie Gillen, and Josephine Turner, and published by the UF Department of Family Youth and Community Sciences, April 2012.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fy642
Consumer Debt Management Options (FCS7245/FY1278)
When a consumer has unwanted debt or high amounts of debt, there are different options that can help eliminate or decrease their debt level. However, it is important to choose the right option. This 5-page fact sheet describes some of the debt-management options that are available to consumers. Written by Lisa M. Leslie, Elaine Courtney, Julie England, and Michael S. Gutter, and published by the UF Department of Family Youth and Community Sciences, February 2012.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fy1278
Money and Marriage: Saving for Future Use (FCS7014/HE158)
There are a lot of good reasons why you should save money. This 5-page fact sheet explains some of the benefits of saving and investing. Written by Nayda I. Torres, Vervil Mitchell, Josephine Turner, Lisa Leslie, and Michael S. Gutter, and published by the UF Department of Family Youth and Community Sciences, April 2011.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/he158
FCS3305/FY1105 Reverse Mortgages: Understanding the Basics
FCS3305, a 7-page fact sheet by Michael S. Gutter, Selena Garrison, Brent Litchfield, and Lisa Leslie, describes this type of tax-free loan that can be used to help fund retirement – requirements, cost considerations, alternatives, types of reverse mortgages, fees and interest, limitations, distribution types, and types of unscrupulous practices. Includes references. Published by the UF Department of Family Youth and Community Sciences, October 2009.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/FY1105
FCS3269/FY1034 How to Manage the Foreclosure Process
FCS-3269, a 4-page fact sheet by Michael S. Gutter, Travis P. Mountain, Lisa Leslie, and Laura Royer, explains the foreclosure process and what to do when facing foreclosure. Includes references. Published by the UF Department of Family Youth and Community Sciences, June 2008.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/FY1034