SAUK VALLEY MEDIA

JANUARY 21, 2015A SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT TO

Finding the best BANKfor you

Mortgage terms to know

Property PointersWhat to look for in an investment property

PAGE 2 Money Matters Sauk Valley Media • January 21, 2015

And there has been a lot of good news about Edward Jones. We’re proud of the newscoverage we’ve received, and we hope to build on these accomplishments.

Good NewsIs AlwaysWorth Sharing

WealthManagement.com/REP. DECEMBER 2014Edward Jones ranked No. 1 in REP. magazine’s annual survey, where financial advisors from the nation’s six largest brokerages grade their firms’ products, quality, service and support. Edward Jones has rankedNo. 1 for 20 years.

J.D. POWER JUNE 2014Edward Jones financial advisors ratedthe firm “Highest in Employee AdvisorSatisfaction among Financial InvestmentFirms, Five Times in a Row” accordingto the J.D. Power 2014 Financial AdvisorSatisfaction Study.1

FORTUNE 500 MAY 2014FORTUNE magazine’s annual listing ranksthe largest U.S. companies by revenue.Edward Jones ranked No. 444, with morethan $5.7 billion in revenue for 2013.

TNS Choice Award MAY 2014Edward Jones won the 2014 TNS Choice Award for outstandingperformance in investment services, according to TNS, a globalresearch consultancy. The TNS Choice Awards recognize financialservices firms and banks that outperform their competitors inacquiring, retaining and developing clients.

TRAINING FEBRUARY 2014In its 14th consecutive appearance on the list, Edward Jones wasnamed a top company for training, ranking No. 24 on Trainingmagazine’s 2014 Training Top 125 list. The firm was the top-ratednational brokerage on the list.

FORTUNE FEBRUARY 2014For the 15th year, Edward Jones was named one of the bestcompanies to work for by FORTUNE magazine in its annual listing.The firm ranked No. 4 overall. These 15 FORTUNE rankings includetop 10 finishes for 11 years, top 5 rankings for six years andconsecutive No. 1 rankings in 2002 and 2003.2

SmartMoney JUNE 2012Edward Jones was named the No. 1 full-service brokerage fi rm inthe June 2012 edition of SmartMoney magazine. The magazinelauded the fi rm for its reputation for excellent client service. The firm consistently has been ranked highly in the SmartMoney surveyas No. 1 in 2005, 2007 and 2010, and No. 2 in 2008, 2009 and2011.

Money Management Institute JUNE 2012Edward Jones was named the Advisory Firm of the Year by theMoney Management Institute as the firm that most exemplifi esoverall excellence and contributes to the long-term success andsustainability of the wealth management industry.

Edward Jones is proud to be ranked No. 1 on the ''Best Places to Work in Illinois'' list by the ''Business Ledger''.

Chad M. Weigle, CFPFinancial Advisor302 S Galena AveDixon, IL 61021(815) 288-3838

Mike LoosFinancial Advisor4204 East LincolnwaySterling, IL 61081(815) 564-0336

Tom Wold, AAMSFinancial Advisor2522 East LincolnwaySterling, IL 61081(815) 564-0487

Jim McPherson, CFPFinancial Advisor316 1st AvenueSterling, IL 61081(815) 622-7948

Nicolas LareauFinancial Advisor415 Locust Street Suite CSterling, IL 61081(815) 626-1588

Aaron YoungFinancial Advisor735 North Galena AvenueDixon, IL 61021(815) 285-3930

Sam MeierFinancial Advisor102 E Route 30 Suite 2Rock Falls, IL 61071(815) 535-0776

Susan LyonFinancial Advisor907 W Route 30Rock Falls, IL 61071(815) 626-4822

1 Edward Jones received the highest numerical score in the employee advisor segment in the proprietary J.D. Power 2008, 2010, 2012-2014 Financial Advisor Satisfaction StudiesSM. 2014 study based on 3,901 total responses and measuresoverall fi nancial advisor satisfaction among advisors registered with the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) investment fi rms. Proprietary study results are based on experiences and perceptions of fi nancial advisors surveyed inJanuary-April 2014. Your experiences may vary. Visit jdpower.com

2 FORTUNE and Time Inc. are not a liated with and do not endorse products or services of Edward Jones.

www.edwardjones.comMember SIPC

LR-1631AA-A-FLEXP

30JUN

2015©

2014EDW

ARDJONES.ALL

RIGHTSRESERVED

PAGE 3Money MattersJanuary 21, 2015 • Sauk Valley Media

Did you know -card skimming

Did you know - IRA

Finding afinancial advisor

Find the best bank for you

Successful ways to stretch retirement savings

Mortgage terms to know

What to look for in an

investment property

How to easily growyour savings

Make the most of your next shopping trip

How to create your household budget

Money-saving tips for working professionals

All content supplied by Metro Creative Connection

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Did you know?Skimming, sometimes referred to as “card skimming,” is a type of fi nancial fraud in which information is illegally copied from the magnetic strip of a debit or credit card. Once a card has been skimmed, the criminals perpetrating the fraud can then clone the card and use it to make false purchases and/or steal the card holder’s identity. Account holders may be surprised to learn that their cards can be skimmed at their own banks, where criminals may place skimming devices over card slots at ATM machines. Unsuspecting customers

will then swipe their cards and won’t notice anything out of the ordinary while completing their transactions. Men and women concerned about skimming should avoid outdoor ATMs that are not under bank supervision and surveillance, as well as those machines that well off the beaten path where a criminal won’t attract attention while attaching a skimming device. Concerned account holders also can closely examine their bank accounts online and examine ATMs before swiping their cards.

An individual retirement account, or IRA, is a type of account men and women who meet certain eligibility requirements can open to save money for their retirement. Unlike a 401(k), a type of retirement account that is provided by an employer, an IRA must be opened by an individual. Another difference between a 401(k) and an IRA is that men and women can withdraw money from their IRAs before they reach retirement age to

pay medical expenses without incurring the penalties that apply when 401(k) account holders prematurely withdraw money from these accounts. One similarity between 401(k) accounts and traditional IRAs concerns taxation. Account holders of both types of accounts do not pay taxes on their contributions to those accounts until they begin to withdraw money in retirement (prematurely withdrawing money from a 401(k) will incur taxes and fees). But men and women who open a Roth IRA pay their taxes up front, meaning they won’t be paying taxes down the road when they withdraw money in retirement. Each type of IRA comes with its own set of rules and restrictions, including contribution limits and eligibility requirements based on earned income. In addition, men and women with a traditional IRA must begin to withdraw their money by the time they reach age 70.5, while those with a Roth IRA can leave their money in their accounts as long as they please.

Did you know?

PAGE 4 Money Matters Sauk Valley Media • January 21, 2015

The financial industry has changed over the last half decade, and middle class men and women

looking to grow their money have no doubt experienced that change firsthand. Unlike in years past when large financial firms welcomed middle class investors with open arms, many firms now take no such approach, offering little to no incentives to their own brokers for accounts that are not in excess of half a million dollars or more.

Much of this shift can be traced to heightened scrutiny of the financial industry in response to the economic downturn that began in 2008. More regulations and higher costs have made it less cost-effective for financial firms to cater to middle class investors, many of whom are in the dark about the best ways to grow their money. But even though the industry has changed, men and women can still find financial advisors who can help them plan their financial futures.

Recommendations: Arguably the best way to find a financial advisor is to seek recommendations from family and friends, ideally those in similar financial shape as you. Though larger firms may prefer to ignore middle class investors, some firms make a point of catering to this oft-underserved market. When asking friends and family for recommendations, try to determine if any of the people you speak with have their own broker or simply speak with customer representatives when issues arises. Companies that provide

you with your own broker may be easier to work with and more likely to listen to your concerns than those that do not assign you your own broker.

Fees: When on the lookout for a financial advisor, inquire about the fees you would have to pay if you chose a particular firm. Annual fees

typically hover around 1 percent, but some firms willing to take smaller investors may charge nearly double that, knowing that middle class investors have few other options at their disposal. Determine the fees a firm will charge before making your final decision. When asking about fees, ask the representative to explain the details of each fee, noting if the firm

will earn a specific amount if they sell you a particular product. If they will, they may be incentivized to sell you a certain product even if that is not necessarily in your best interest.

Services: It’s also important to distinguish between the services each firm provides. Some will only sell you advice, while others offer comprehensive planning that can help you in various areas, including retirement, estate planning and tax planning. Choose the firm whose offerings best match your needs.

Approach: Many investors find it’s best to work with financial advisors whose approach to investing and financial planning matches their own. If you’re risk averse, then you likely won’t be comfortable working with a financial planner whose approach is aggressive. Likewise, if your goal is to make as much money as possible and you don’t mind taking risks, then a more conservative planner likely won’t be able to yield the types of results you’re looking for. Identify your own approach to investing and planning, and then look for a planner who shares that philosophy.

Upon looking for a financial advisor, smaller investors may no longer find an industry that’s waiting to welcome them with open arms. But there are ways for middle class investors to find financial planners who are willing and capable of managing their money.

Finding a financial advisor

Find the best bank for you

Some people may not give much thought to where they do their banking, but much like no two account holders are the same, no two banks are the same, either. That reality only highlights the importance men and women must

place on finding a bank that best suits their particular needs.In banking, what’s good for the goose is not necessarily good for the gander. Individuals hoping to find the best bank for their needs can consider a host of factors before deciding just where it is they will be depositing their money in the years to come.

PAGE 5Money MattersJanuary 21, 2015 • Sauk Valley Media

Accessibility: Accessibility is many individuals’ biggest priority when it comes to finding a bank. Large banks tend to have more local branches and ATMs, and such banks tend to be in more regions of the country as well. Men and women who travel for business or even young people who go to school away from home may want to find a bank with a more national presence, as that can make it easier to deposit and withdraw money. If you don’t travel much and only seem to withdraw money within your community, then a smaller, local bank, which should be able to offer the same direct deposit services as its larger competitors, may be what you’re looking for.

Capability: Some people prefer to have all of their financial needs catered to by the same bank. This means a bank that can manage your investments, provide a line of credit and secure home, vehicle or education loans. Larger banks tend to offer the widest array of services, and such banks also may have more advanced technology that makes it easier to manage all of your accounts. Smaller banks may be just as versatile with regard to their capabilities, so don’t judge a book by its cover.

Balances: Banks typically require account holders maintain a minimum balance on both their checking and savings accounts. If you think it may be difficult for you to maintain a higher balance, find a bank that offers accounts with a low minimum balance so you don’t end up paying penalties just to spend your own money.

Fees: Even accounts that are advertised as “free” tend to come with fees that are listed in the fine print. For example, a “free” checking account may only be free if account holders maintain a minimum balance of $1,000 or more. Should that balance dip below the predetermined minimum, account holders are then subject to costly fees. Overdraft fees, in which account holders are charged a substantial fee if they do not have enough money in their accounts to cover their purchases, are another potentially costly problem for men and women who are not

accustomed to monitoring their balances closely

Before opening an account, learn if there are any fees associated with it, and what’s the best way to avoid paying those fees, such as using only ATMs affiliated with your bank or purchasing overdraft

protection that covers you in the case of an overdraft.

Choosing a bank is an important decision, and identifying your needs is a great way to make the best decision possible.

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PAGE 6 Money Matters Sauk Valley Media • January 21, 2015

Successful ways to stretch retirement savings

Many budding retirees plan to travel, relax and enjoy the company of their spouses

when they officially stop working. But such plans only are possible if men and women take steps to secure their financial futures in retirement.

According to a recent survey by the personal finance education site MoneyTips.com, roughly one-third of Baby Boomers have no retirement plan. The reason some may have no plan is they have misconceptions about

how much money they will need in retirement. Successful retireesunderstand the steps to take and how to live on a budget.

Have a plan. Many people simply fail to plan for retirement. Even men and women who invest in an employer-sponsored retirement program, such as a 401(k), should not make that the only retirement planning they do. Speak with a financial advisor who can help you develop a plan that ensures you don’t outlive your assets.

Set reasonable goals. Retirement nest eggs do not need to be enormous. Many retirees have a net worth of less than $1 million, and many people live comfortably on less than $100,000 annually. When planning for retirement, don’t be dissuaded because you won’t be buying a vineyard or villa in Europe. Set reasonable goals for your retirement and make sure you meet those goals.

Recognize there is no magic wealth-building plan. Saving comes down to formulating a plan specific to your goals, resources, abilities, and skills. Make saving a priority and take advantage of employer-sponsored retirement programs if they are offered.

Don’t underestimate spending. You will need money in retirement, and it’s best that you don’t underestimate just

how much you’re going to need. No one wants to be stuck at home during retirement, when people typically want to enjoy themselves and the freedom that comes with retirement. Speak to a financial planner to develop a reasonable estimate of your living expenses when you plan to retire.

Pay down or avoid debt while you can. Retiring with debt is a big risk. Try to eliminate all of your debts before you retire and, once you have, focus your energy on growing your investments and/or saving money for retirement. Start early on retirement saving. It’s never too early to begin saving for retirement. Although few twenty-somethings are thinking about retirement, the earlier you begin to invest the more time you have to grow your money. Enroll in a retirement plan now so you have a larger nest egg when you reach retirement age.

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PAGE 7Money MattersJanuary 21, 2015 • Sauk Valley Media

Mortgageterms to know

Buying a home is simultaneously exciting and stressful. Owning a home is still a dream for many

people, but first-time buyers often find that their unfamiliarity with the home buying process is a source of stress. Part of that stress stems from the terminology associated with home mortgages. Many terms may raise an eyebrow among first-time buyers, so the following are a few mortgage terms buyers can familiarize themselves with to facilitate the process of buying their own homes.

Closing costs: Buying a home is expensive, and part of that expense is the closing costs. Any time a real estate transaction occurs, that transaction is accompanied by certain expenses, which are known as the closing costs. Closing costs may include attorney fees, loan origination fees, title insurance and escrow payments. Buyers can sometimes negotiate with the seller so the seller will agree to pay the closing costs, or the costs can be shared by the buyer and the seller. But buyers may also pay the closing costs in their entirety on their own.

Escrow: Escrow is a bond, deed, document or money kept in the custody of a third party until a real estate transaction has been completed. In addition, escrow accounts are used to hold the property tax and insurance fees that are collected via your monthly mortgage payment.

Fixed-rate mortgage: A fixed-rate mortgage, unlike an adjustable rate mortgage, is one in which the interest rate on the mortgage remains the same for the life of the loan. Buyers typically

prefer a fixed-rate mortgage because they know exactly what they will be paying for their home each month. An adjustable rate mortgage, often referred to as an ARM loan, is one that typically comes with a lower interest rate than a fixed-rate mortgage, but that lower rate is usually only locked in for a relatively brief period of time, such as one year.

Once that initial time period is over, the interest rate will then increase and may increase several times thereafter over the life of the loan.PMI: PMI, which stands for private mortgage insurance, must be purchased by home buyers who are financing more than 80 percent of their homes. The standard down payment when purchasing a home is 20 percent, but some buyers cannot afford such a down payment. As a result, the lender then mandates that such buyers purchase PMI, which protects the lenders if the borrower defaults on the loan. The cost of PMI will be added to your mortgage payment, and once you have 20 percent equity in your home you can cancel PMI, at which time your monthly mortgage payment will decrease.

Title insurance: Title insurance is a tool that protects both the buyer and the seller against legal issues that may arise as a result of the home’s title. Title insurance protects buyers and the lender from the possibility that the seller was not legally permitted to transfer ownership of the property to the buyer. Title insurance may also protect sellers from any issues that may arise that threaten his or her ability to sell the home.

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PAGE 8 Money Matters Sauk Valley Media • January 21, 2015

What to look for in an investment property

Historically, the appreciation rate for real estate is very strong. Even when the housing market declines, long-term

investors in real estate can rest easy knowing that property values tend to rebound rather quickly, rewarding patient investors in the process.Looking at real estate as a long-term investment is just one way approach a potential investment property. The following are a few additional considerations prospective investors should contemplate before buying an investment property.

LocationMany people are familiar with the real estate industry axiom, “location, location, location!” When buying an investment property, location is everything. A great location should outweigh your own personal feelings about the home, especially if you do not intend to live at the property. You will likely define a great location for an investment property differently than you would a property

you intend to live in, so don’t let your own desires in a home cloud your judgement when choosing an investment property. Properties in safe neighborhoods that

boast good schools and offer easy access to public transportation tend to make great investment properties.

DécorDécor is another thing to consider when looking for an investment property. If you don’t plan to reside in the property, your opinion of the décor should not carry much weight. When viewing a property, try to imagine how much it might appeal to prospective tenants. Quirky properties typically do not appeal to as many prospective tenants as properties whose décor are similar to other homes in the area. Though you might find a tenant who prefers properties with unique interiors, a property that appeals to as many prospective tenants as possible often makes for a better investment and a lot less stress when the time comes to find tenants.

ConditionThe condition of the property also must be considered before buying an investment property. Some investors want a fixer-upper, while others prefer turnkey properties that won’t require any elbow grease. The former type of property likely won’t cost as much as a fully renovated property, but those cost savings might be lost when it’s time to renovate.

Continued on page 11

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PAGE 9Money MattersJanuary 21, 2015 • Sauk Valley Media

How to easily grow your savings

One of the keys to successfully managing money is to save money. Conventional financial

wisdom recommends men and women have between three and four month’s worth of earnings in their savings accounts to cover themselves in case of an emergency. But many people live paycheck to paycheck, while others are mired in debt.

A 2013 survey from BankRate.com found roughly three-quarters of Americans have little emergency savings. Many working professionals find it hard to save any money once they have paid their monthly bills, including home expenses, child care and other common expenses.

Although many Canadians are not saving enough, there seems to be a silver lining with regard to money management in that part of North America. The percentage of people who claimed they could not save dropped from 28 percent in 2012 to 17 percent in 2013, according to a BMO Financial Group report on household savings. Statistics Canada reported that the household saving rate rose to 5.4 percent in the third quarter of 2013, which is up from 5 percent in 2012.

Financial analysts point to consumer trends among younger generations as one possible cause of the dwindling emphasis on saving money. Previous generations were taught the benefits of saving and being frugal, but nowadays many people struggle to distinguish between necessities and luxuries. More readily available access to credit and a more materialistic culture may also be contributing to fewer dollars being saved.

While saving may seem like an uphill battle, a little saving can go a long way. Explore these relatively painless ways to cut back and save more money.

Do it yourself. Make a list of all the service providers used — from manicurists to hair stylists to lawncare professionals — and figure out where cuts can be made. Doing all or a portion of the work yourself can save a considerable amount of money. Do your own weeding and edging, only paying a landscaper to perform the more time consuming task of mowing the lawn. Skip an in-salon coloring treatment for an at-home application.

Spend a day preparing meals for the week and eliminate much of your

dining out expenses or fast food excursions.

Review your shopping cart. Impulse buys can bust budgets. When grocery shopping, take some time before getting in line to review your potential purchases. Compare items against your list and figure out if any items can go back on the shelf. Do the same when shopping online. Before you proceed to checkout, review items in your cart. Chances are you can delete one or two from the list.

Consider new stores. If you find yourself spending more than you feel is necessary when shopping, look for new stores. Smaller markets may offer produce and other items at a fraction of the cost of large chain stores. Instead of doing all of your shopping in one place, shop around and buy items where they are the least expensive. For example, you may find paper products are more affordable at a pharmacy than at the supermarket.

Learn to coupon effectively. Although you need not go to extremes, use coupons when shopping and learn how to pair sales with coupons to earn even greater discounts. Many blogs and websites help make the process easier, telling you when and where to clip coupons. Sometimes you can print coupons directly online or load discounts to a shopper loyalty card.

Scale back on certain services. Assess your lifestyle to determine which services you can live without. If you rarely watch television, you may be able to reduce your cable or satellite package. Figure out if bundling services really does save you money.

Add up how many minutes you use on mobile phone plans as well as the amount of data. You might find that you do not need the biggest phone plan after all.

Saving does not have to be challenging. Opportunities to save money present themselves at every turn. Master the little ways to shave off expenses and grow your savings.

Some simple strategies can save you a substantial amount of money each year.

PAGE 10 Money Matters Sauk Valley Media • January 21, 2015

Make the most of your next shopping trip

With the economy on the rebound, shopping trips are once again becoming an

indulgence for men and women alike. Responsible shoppers know to spend within their means, but shopping excursions can still be enjoyable even for those shoppers with limited budgets. The following are a handful of ways shoppers can make the most of their next shopping trips.

Employ the buddy system. Most activities are made more enjoyable when friends are along for the ride, and shopping is no exception. Shopping with friends can make the trip more fun, and friends can offer their opinions on everything from clothing to appliances. In addition, friends can discourage one another from spending beyond their means.

Comparison shop. Many shoppers feel that finding a good deal is the most fun part of shopping. Anyone can walk in off the street and pay full price for an item, but savvy shoppers pride themselves on finding the best deals. Shoppers can start their comparison shopping even before they visit their favorite retailers, comparing online prices with the prices they are likely to pay in-store.

Such research may also unearth sales that are not heavily advertised, netting shoppers even more savings. Shoppers who find items at heavy discounts online may even be able to find retailers who will match those discounts in-store. But

that requires shoppers do their homework first.

Take advantage of retailer apps. Many retailers now have their own smartphone apps, which can net shoppers even more savings. Before heading downtown to shop till they drop, shoppers should download apps from their favorite retailers. Such apps can alert shoppers to any sales and may even make them eligible for special discounts available only to the smartphone users who have downloaded the store app. In addition to retailer-specific apps, shoppers may be able to take advantage of coupon apps that collect information on various in-store and online promotions and alert customers to such deals when they are within spitting distance of the stores. Such apps are typically free and can save shoppers substantial amounts of money.

Develop a plan. Once they have set aside a day for some retail therapy, shoppers should plan where they want to shop and make a list of what they need. Shoppers can still make some time for window shopping, but spending too much time gazing into store windows can cost shoppers time to purchase those things they truly need. Make a list of stores anyone going on the trip wants to visit, and then allow yourselves ample time to get what you need and gaze at what you want.Many shoppers find their shopping trips are now few and far between. But there are ways that savvy shoppers can still visit their favorite retailers without busting their budgets.

How to create your household budget

Establishing a household budget is a great way for men and women to control their money and secure

their financial futures. Without a carefully designed budget, families can easily overspend and eventually find themselves facing financial peril.

Building a household budget can be intimidating. Men and women do not always enjoy facing their finances head-on, but creating a household budget does not have to be an unwelcomed experience.

Discuss your goals. Men and women working together to create their household budgets should use their goals as the foundation for their budgets. Recently married couples who want to one day start a family will have different financial priorities than couples who have no intention of having a family. In addition to goals regarding a potential family, discuss your goals about retirement.

Distinguishing between short-term goals, such as eliminating credit card debt, and long-term goals, such as saving for retirement, is an important step to establishing a budget. Once your goals have been discussed and set, you can then begin to formulate a budget that makes achieving those goals possible.

Assess your financial situation. After you have set your goals, examine your financial situation. Identify your net income and then make a list of your outstanding debts and monthly expenses. When establishing your budget, prioritize eliminating your debts. Getting out of debt, especially consumer debt, should take precedence over saving for retirement. Once you have eliminated your debt, you can then allocate more funds to saving for retirement. An honest assessment of your financial situation should provide you with a solid understanding of how you’re spending your money, and which areas, if any, you can spend less in an effort to save more each month.

Put your plan in motion. Once you have identified your net income and monthly expenses, you can put your plan in motion. If you have prioritized eliminating debt, then devote as much of your monthly budget to paying down

your debts as possible. Resolve to pay at least ‘X’ amount of money to pay down debt each month, paying more if possible, until you are debt-free. You may need to adjust this plan as unforeseen circumstances arise, but try to stick to your initial plan as closely as possible, especially if you find it’s working.

Continue to monitor your spending. An effective household budget should free up some of your funds, but it’s important that you continue to monitor your spending even if your budget is affording you some financial freedom. Frivolous spending may have landed you in financial hot water to begin with, so don’t allow it to jeopardize your finances once again. As you monitor your spending, look for ways to spend less. Spending less now can make it easier to realize your long-term financial goals.

Discuss your budget each month. A household budget is a fluid thing, so together with your spouse or partner examine your budget each month. Discuss what’s working, what’s not working and any potential changes you can make to increase the likelihood that you realize your financial goals. Make an effort to have this discussion each month, as the longer you ignore your finances the more time issues will have to fester.

PAGE 11Money MattersJanuary 21, 2015 • Sauk Valley Media

Money-saving tips for working professionals

Working professionals know that going to work every day can be costly. From commuting costs to the expenses

necessary to maintain a professional wardrobe, going to work can be hard on the pocketbook. The following are a few ways workers can save some cash.

Embrace direct deposit. If your company offers direct deposit, take advantage of that offering. Having your paycheck directly deposited into your savings or checking account can eliminate some unnecessary spending, and yourbank may even waive monthly fees if you have a certain amount ofmoney directly deposited into your account each month.

Get creative with kid care. According to a report by the National Conference of State Legislatures, concerns about child care cause more problems in the workplace than any other family-related issue. Child care can be quite expensive. If your employer does not offer on-site child care, find out if a parent or another family member can care for your child at no cost.Bring your lunch. Bringing your lunch to work each day can save you a considerable amount of money. Limit lunches out to one day per week.

Enroll in pre-tax savings plans. Explore the various programs that enable you to set aside pre-tax dollars for expenses like child care, medical expenses or commuting costs. A certain portion of your paycheck is withdrawn before it is taxed, saving you money when it comes time to file your income tax.Share your commute. Carpooling is an easy and economical way to get to work. Split the expenses with your coworkers who live nearby.

A company carpool can save you money on fuel and add years to the life of each participant’s automobile.

Shop smart. Take advantage of sales or shop consignment stores when supplementing your work wardrobe.

Continued from page 8

Find a property that’s in the type of condition you’re comfortable with. If you decide to go with a fixer-upper, learn the cost of your potential projects before submitting an offer.

CostReal estate makes a great investment, but don’t go overboard when buying an investment property. Before making an offer on a property, research rents in the area and the cost of insurance in that particular neighborhood. You want a property that essentially pays for itself, so make sure the rent you’re likely to collect is enough to cover your monthly costs, including the mortgage on the property, insurance and the costs associated with managing and maintaining the property.

Real estate investors often reap great rewards when selling their properties. But it’s still important for potential investors to consider a host of factors before investing in a property.

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PAGE 12 Money Matters Sauk Valley Media • January 21, 2015

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