“I hate budgeting and am not disciplined enough to track my spending. Am I hopeless?”

— Edward, San Francisco

August 31, 2010

Store curbs students’ curbside trash

A neighborhood free store in southeast Minneapolis plays matchmaker for budget-conscious students and unwanted household furnishings.

August 28, 2010

Cashing out 401(k) comes with a big tax bite

Cashing out of a 401(k) plan before age 59 1/2 is expensive. Here's how a hypothetical $1,000 withdrawal could be taxed. The numbers can vary depending on your federal and state tax brackets. But the bite is big regardless.

August 28, 2010

401(k) loans: The basics

The IRS has rules regarding 401(k) loans, but employers have the right to impose additional rules, or to prohibit loans in the first place. Here's what's set in stone:

August 28, 2010

Paying the piper with your nest egg

401(k) loans are on the rise, a result of tighter credit and a tough economy. But there are considerations before pulling the trigger.

August 21, 2010

Online resume has its own rules

Keywords can help get your application past the computer filter to a pair of human eyes. But don't overdo it.

August 21, 2010

Resume help online

Online résumé resources

May 1, 2010

Gender equity and equity shares

Every year, the Jump$tart Coalition for Financial Literacy tests the money smarts of America’s high school seniors. Discouragingly, the students who took the test in 2008 had the lowest sc [...]

March 1, 2010

All about the benjamins

Archery and swimming. Arts and crafts and campfires. These are the activities that come to mind when I think of summer camp. But camp can also be a place where you can learn valuable life skills wh [...]

February 1, 2010

Money may be tight, but information abounds

Need advice on how to save for college, divvy up your investments or live within your means? Lucky for you, there is no shortage of magazines, radio shows, and web sites dedicated to the topic of p [...]

January 1, 2010

Resolve to give more, better

While everyone else is refining their financial New Year’s Resolutions, I’ll be thinking about charitable giving this year. I know, that topic is so December, the month when most of u [...]

Kara McGuire offers personal finance advice for ordinary people. She is a reporter, columnist and blogger for the Minneapolis Star Tribune, a columnist for Minnesota Parent magazine and a frequent speaker on financial literacy and other money matters.

Check the calendar below to make sure the date isn’t already taken, then fill out the contact form to request an appearance.

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Kara's calendar lists her appearances as well as financial literacy events, seasonal financial to-do items, and even when it's double-coupon day at Rainbow!

Disclaimer: The material provided on this website should be used for informational purposes only and in no way should be relied upon for financial advice by individuals, families, or businesses. The author will not be held liable for the decisions you make about your money. The site contains archived articles, so some information may be out-of-date. Talk to your own financial advisor before acting on anything you read here.