Mecklenburg Times: News for Mecklenburg, Union and Iredell counties Real Estate, Development, Construction, and Community News in the Charlotte area and throughout Mecklenburg, Union and Iredell counties

Dear readers: Today I’m departing from my usual format to share with you my greatest wish for the new year and the next decade: that as a nation, we will come together to unleash the tremendous power of financial literacy. ...

Tagged with: financial literacy

Dear Readers: If I were to ask couples to name the top three things that keep them together, I don’t imagine that shared knowledge and interest in their finances would make the list. Yet money is often cited as one ...

Tagged with: financial literacy

Dear Readers: It’s hard to believe we’re already in 2020. But rather than lament the passing of time, I like to think of a new decade as a time of renewal — a chance to look at what you’ve accomplished ...

Tagged with: finances

Dear Readers, at the beginning of each new year, I’m filled with a sense of new direction. At the same time, I like to look back at the previous year, evaluate what worked and make a fresh commitment to keep ...

Tagged with: Schwab

Dear Readers: What do dinosaurs and virtual reality have to do with financial education? A lot, according to teachers who responded to the most recent financial education Innovation Challenge sponsored by the Charles Schwab Foundation in partnership with DonorsChoose. The ...

Tagged with: Education

Dear Carrie: From what I’ve read, if a married couple has annual withdrawals from 401(k) plans, individual retirement accounts or pensions that exceed a certain amount, the couple’s Social Security benefits may be taxed. Is that true? — A Reader ...

Tagged with: Social Security

Dear Carrie: I’d like to set up an educational fund for my new grandchild. I understand the tax benefits of a 529 account but am also interested in gifting appreciated stock. What are your thoughts? — A Reader  Dear Reader: ...

Tagged with: GoFundMe

Dear Carrie: For the past three years, my 29-year-old daughter has been working for a good company that offers a 401(k), but she still hasn’t started to contribute. She says she can’t afford it. How can I convince her to ...

Tagged with: retirement

Dear Carrie: Despite our many advances, it seems like women still fall behind men when it comes to money. Is that true? And what can we do to catch up? — A Reader Dear Reader: Your question is spot on ...

Tagged with: finances

Dear Reader: It seems we hear the word “gratitude” a lot these days. In spite of being faced with all kinds of challenges, the idea of being grateful for what you have — whether it’s family, friends, financial security or ...

Tagged with: giving