Personal Finance Web Resources
There are many personal finance Web sites taking slightly different slants on the same basic topics. However, a variety of calculators and other online tools, plus the volume of material, ease of navigation, quality of research, and up-to-date information differentiate the better Web sites from the rest of the pack.
Reputation in the financial field, along with a lack of pop-ups, passwords, and logins, help entice visitors to certain Web pages. Most of the larger, comprehensive financial sites, including The Wall Street Journal and Kiplingers, include personal finance sections.
When looking at less familiar sites, be careful to differentiate which sites are providing financial information and which sites are simply trying to sell you their products. Usually this is not difficult to do.
Some of the best personal finance Web resources include the following:
Kiplinger: From the magazine that has been providing financial advice for 80 years, this comprehensive site covers money management, investing, money-saving tips, and a wide range of articles on everything dealing with finance. Go to the Planning section to find information on retirement, college, budgeting, and estate planning.
Smart Money: While the emphasis is on investing and corporate news, the personal finance section has a navigation center that offers a wide range of articles plus worksheets for personal financial needs on autos, college planning, debt management, estate planning, real estate, and retirement.
CNN/Money: Once you get past the pop-ups and navigate around the ads, you’ll find some good articles, calculators, and financial-planning advice on most of the typical personal finance topics such as retirement planning and insurance. One nice feature is a Money 101 section with lessons in more than 20 areas relating to personal finance.
Morningstar: You’ll find general personal finance articles and a long list of subsections, some of which require membership. A learning center provides online seminars and an investing classroom.
Money Advice: A user-friendly site, Money Advice is not about business but focuses directly on household and personal financing. Worksheets, budget spreadsheets, articles, and basics on insurance, mortgage quotes, and so on, provide straightforward information.
MSN Money: This site from CNBC features up-to-date articles on the latest in financial news and trends by experts, along with categories offering sound advice. The Banking & Loans and Planning sections are particularly useful resources for personal finance advice and information.
While some personal finance information, such as how to set up a retirement portfolio, will not change on a weekly basis, it is advisable to find a site that you like and check in frequently to see what trends are emerging and what new ideas, hints, or tips can benefit your personal financial situation.
