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  • I've just completed my graduate program studies and landed a job. I'd like to reevaluate my budget, now that I'm not longer a student, but I want to find competitive, user-friendly budget software that is compatible with Mac and allows me to manage all accounts in one place (checking/credit/money market/ira). Any help would be greatly appreciated!

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  • I am thinking of selling my home to move to a new home in a better school district. I expect we will make a healthy profit off our existing home, but when we buy a new home, I don't know if we will be able to buy a home for the same amount we will sell our current home for. Does it make sense to sell now?

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  • This is going to be my first interview and it is tomorrow! I need some advice to calm my nerves, anything will be greatly appreciated. The company is Ocean Spray and it is for a junior engineering position.

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  • Hello, I would like some advice. I have been with my present employer for 11 years and have felt for some time that it is time for a change. My conundrum/opportunity is that I'm not certain about my next steps, whether I want to continue doing the same/similar work, or make a major (life) change. Consequently, I am thinking about resigning, taking a month or so to do a cross-country road trip and visit old friends and places I have wanted to for some time, and taking the time and mental freedom to really think of my next job, what I want out of my life, etc. After my road trip, I am thinking of volunteering with a company/NGO doing work which interests me in order to get a better understanding of future possibilities. I am a single 41 year old woman (with no dependents save my dog), have about $85,000 in my 401(k) savings, and an additional $20,000 in savings. Am incredibly fortunate in that I have no debts. Thank you.

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  • I had four life changing events happen over a lifetime which kept me either deferred or paying minimum payments. I have paid $30k on a$18 k loan and still owe $5k. I am 63 years old. I have a grand total of $44k saved — $5k in a roth and 39k in an ira. I am deferred yet again. I am NOT going to pay another dime… but am told I will have my wages garnished. What is crazy is this debt isn't even mine. It is a parent plus. What are they going to do follow me to the graveyard and demand payment from my heirs?

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  • My wife and I have been saving money in an HSA (along with the required HDHP) for the past 6 years or so. We've accumulated around $42,000 (we never take money out of it, instead use it for a long-term IRA-like savings vehicle). Is there a realistic risk of having too much money saved for healthcare down the road as we age into Medicare? We are both in our mid-40s.

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  • I teach high school. Although I am a science teacher, I assigned a personal finance project to my students. I was horrified to find out they didn't know what loan terms were or in some cases what interest rates were… Many objected to paying taxes, which I set at 30% for state, federal and Social Security combined. They didn't understand that there were some bills they HAD to pay each month, and a few didn't understand why they couldn't get everything they wanted and just spend as much as they wanted each month, even if it was more money than they made. My question: How do we teach kids these things — these kids are not learning at home — and in conversation, some of their parents may need the training, too. Are there (free- since K-12 schools have no money) programs to teach kids? I'm sure a program designed by a professional finance person would be better than the one I designed. Can you share you ideas what the kids need to know? Thanks, Judi

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