Cash on Shine

Don't cash out your 401(k)!

nospam@example.com ()

Talk about a glass-half-full, glass-half-empty time. Just when we can be encouraged by news that the recession is over, it's hard to feel happy when so many people remain out of work and unemployment is expected to rise even more before it falls.

Here's another reason it's hard to feel good about any possible forward momentum: A Hewitt Associates study finds that even though we have talked a good game about the importance of saving during this economic crisis, it turns out that half of all workers continue to cash out their 401(k) plans when they leave or change jobs.

8 new ways to work from home

nospam@example.com ()

By Danielle Braff

Love to plan parties?
Become a virtual concierge.

A computer, Internet service and a phone are all you need to join VIPdesk Connect, which connects you with high-end clients. You might be making travel arrangements one day, setting up dinner reservations the next, and tracking down the dress Julia Roberts wore in Ocean’s Eleven the day after that. You’re like a hotel’s go-to person; you just happen to get things done from your home. And since no two days are the same, it’s tough to get bored. Plus, you can work as many or as few hours as you like. Salary: $10 to $14 per hour. For more information:

Slash your grocery bill in half

nospam@example.com ()

By Susan Samtur

Last month, I paid just 42¢ for $211 worth of groceries. Yup, you read that right. In fact, I save around 65 percent every time I shop, and if I really play my cards right, more than 90 percent. Over the course of the year, this adds up to about $5,000 in savings. What’s my secret? My foolproof SuperShopping System. It’s served me so well over the years that I’m known as “The Coupon Queen,” and I’ve written three books about it. (My latest one, Cashing In at the Checkout in the Digital Age, will be out next year.) Now I want to share some of my best tips with you. Once you’ve taken a virtual walk through the grocery aisles with me, you’ll be on your way to saving hundreds too.

Getting Ready to Hit the Store
A small amount of preparation goes a long way toward ka-ching!

7 ways to find unclaimed money

nospam@example.com ()

By Crystal Tate

Nowadays, we could all use a little bit of extra cash. However, many people have no idea that unclaimed money is waiting with their name on it. In state treasuries alone, 1 in 10 people are owed money from places like banks, former employers and unclaimed tax refunds. If you answer “yes” to any of the questions below, you might be eligible for free dough.

20 moves to simplify your finances

nospam@example.com ()

By Mary Hunt

I know what you’re thinking: simplify and finances in the same sentence? Ha! Like that’s even possible when we have credit cards, bank accounts, bills, bill-paying options, fees, penalties and interest rates to keep track of! How can we possibly make our finances simple? By knowing the right tricks. Choose to become accountable, then use every tactic you can to streamline—and destress— your financial life. If you can pare things down in the following areas, you’re well on your way.

Stealth Ways to Stash Your Cash at Home

nospam@example.com ()

Your grandparents might have stashed emergency cash in boxes of cereal and under the mattress, but there are more clever options these days for those who keep some reserves on hand. You can spend as little as $5 on diversion safes. See nine clever contraptions under $30 to buy you peace of mind.