Seven Tips For Getting Financially Fit

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YOUR MONEY Seven Tips For Getting Financially Fit (NAPS)—The Internet is an increasingly valuable resource for consumers whostrive to become “financially fit’—whether they’re looking for tips on investment strategies, saving techniques or money management. MSN MoneyCentral (www. moneycentral.msn.com) is one Website that offers a wealth of services to help consumers manage their money and set reason- able financial goals. The site’s tools and services can help users: 1. Managedebt. First, determine how much moneyis needed each month to pay off debts and other obligations. The Debt Evalu- ation Calculator helps consumers figure out debt payments each month and whethertheir ratio of debt to incomeis acceptable or too high. There’s also a Managing Debt Guide to help consumers understand the psychology of spending, create a budget, reduce expenses, find a low-cost credit Financial Web sites can help makeit easier for consumers to stay on topof their money. can then track their holdings in the site’s Portfolio Manager. 5. Prepare for next year’s taxes.It’s never too early to begin tax planning. MoneyCentral pro- vides consumers with forms, arti- cles, tips and tables to help them get a handle on their individual tax situation. Consumers can even get answersto their specific tax questions from Jeff Schnepper, author of the best-selling book, card, connect with a debt counselor and work to repair bad credit. 2. Establish savings goals. How to Pay Zero Taxes. sumers create a plan for setting It is important to reassess life, The Savings Calculator helps con- aside money. Consumers simply enter their criteria to determine how muchthey want to save, how long they want to save and how much they can afford. The Sav- 6. Reassess insurance needs. health, auto and home insurance needs regularly to ensure sufficient coverage at a good price. Through the Insurance Planner tool, con- taxes and rate of return. 3. Create a retirement plan. sumers can find out in less than 15 minutes if they have the right kind of insurance—and find links to tools and articles, plus get direct out a plan. With the Create Your larly. The My MoneyCentraltool ings Calculator then factors in In order to reach goals for retirement, consumers must first map Plan step-by-step guide, Money- Central walks consumers through the process of identifying and establishing retirement goals. 4, Research and track in- vestments. To check out new investment opportunities, con- sumers can use the Investment Finder, which screens an in-depth database of 16,000 stocks and mutual funds, or the Research Wizard, which evaluates a stock’s fundamental data and explains key issues to consider. Consumers access to online quotes. 7. Monitor accounts regu- delivers a personalized Web page where consumerscaneasily review their financial account balances, including portfolios, checking, savings or credit card accounts. Essentially, this is the “mission control” center for managing personal finances—enabling consumers to see their entire financial picture in oneplace. Further information regarding these tools and other tips for getting financially fit is available at www.moneycentral.msn.com.