Kiara Ashanti
A lot of focus is placed on acquiring assets and security by advancing your career and making wise financial investments. However, what is often overlooked is how these assets are titled and the effect on your financial situation.
Unforeseen complications can arise when you have properties and assets titled in ways that create conflict within a family (who gets what or how much) or supersede provisions you make in your will. Also, significant tax benefits can be gained – or lost – depending on the characterization of your property.
In order to avoid complication, it’s prudent to be familiar with the different classifications of ownership.
While a 
As the country prepares for the presidential election, there is one talking point President Obama’s team may use often. During his term, the stock market has regained the losses endured at the end of Bush’s term. It is a good talking point because it is true: At the end of 2008, the 
Warren Buffett’s investing principles have earned him the moniker of the “world’s greatest investor.” It is a nickname that Buffett himself chuckles at, but when you are worth $36 billion, it is hard to dispute. However, it’s not the truth.
The gross domestic product, or GDP, is one of the most common measures on the state of the economy for any nation. Unfortunately, unless you took an Economics 101 class in college and managed to not fall asleep, you may not know exactly what the GDP is – or why it is important.
If you are one of the millions of Americans who are out of work, joining the ranks of those 
The U.S. could experience some rather drastic tax changes in the near future. For instance, if the so-called Buffett Rule passes, 
When it comes to estate planning, the focus usually rests on methods to 
There are few things as traumatic as dealing with the death of a parent, sibling, or spouse. It is a reality that we will all face at some point in our lives, and when we do, the pain experienced is often exacerbated by the legal issues death often brings. Dealing with insurance companies, locating and reading the will, and coming up with a fair process are a few of the draining but necessary things to handle. Add in money, assets, investments, and contentious family members, and it is no wonder that many families are overwhelmed by this life event. Looming over it all is the specter of probate, a process that few people understand but is crucial in the tying up of your loved ones’ affairs. 
When it comes to the tenets of proper investing and personal finance, some rules have been discussed so often that even non-experts know them: Do not get deep into debt, save money for a rainy day, buy life insurance, and do not try to day trade. There is one rule, however, that is considered the granddaddy of all investing maxims: 
In popular media, there is a fascination with the differences between everyday Americans and the wealthy. However, in reality, the rich and the average American often use their money in the same ways. The rich routinely give to charity, and while the amounts they give are high, as a group they do not give more than everyone else.
As a kid growing up in the frigid northern states, I eagerly awaited April and May when the days of shivering mornings, glove-covered hands, and general misery would be over. But these days, I dread the arrival of the warmer months. Spring and summer are when people take to the roads en masse, which means the price of gas is bound to skyrocket even higher than its current record rates. The average price of unleaded is above $5.00 a gallon and it’s not even May yet. June and July could mean higher prices than we have seen in decades. 
