Finance

Throughout history humans have specialized in producing goods and figuring out ways to pay for them. This infographic shows how we began by bartering goods with each other, moved on to more sophisticated methods of payment like metal and paper currency, and finally, today, to making payments with credit cards and smartphones.

We all know that the true cost of a car doesn't end at it's purchase price but most people don't really know what the annual cost will actually amount to. The next time you are shopping for a car consider these additional costs.

There is a lot of debate these days about the extent at which the "rich" among us should be taxed. That is an argument that no one is going to win but the findings of a study comparing the tax rates of such individuals on a comparative basis by country is most enlightening. Take a look to see how your country's tax rates on the "rich" compare with other countries. Some of you will read this article and be quite displeased while the majority of you should realize that you have nothing to complain about (relatively speaking, that is). Words: 455

The notion of government raiding personal retirement accounts for funds may seem extreme...but other governments have done it. Argentina did in 2008, Ireland has indicated it might [and the U.S. might well do so as it's] financial crisis worsens. This article puts forth reasons why it is possible they would undertake such a grab or 'confiscation' of your retirement accounts and how they likely would go about implementing such an event. Words: 700

Innovative and rewarding gold parties are popping up all over northern Colorado these days. [Could they be coming your way in the near future? Better yet, why don't you make arrangements to have your very own! Here's how.] Words: 460

If you have been on the fence trying to decide if you should rent or buy, the market may be in your favor. According to Trulia's Winter 2012 Rent vs. Buy Index it is now cheaper to buy a home rather than rent in 98 of the 100 largest U.S. metropolitan areas. How can that be? Take a look!

Studies have shown that identity fraud has risen 13% since 2010 which can be attributed, in part, to the growing popularity of 'smart' cell phones. This infographic illustrates just what our phones reveal about us and offers precautionary tips to keep your phone safe from prying eyes and what to do if your phone is lost, stolen or misplaced.

The rising cost of college tuition translates into many students re-evaluating higher education, their future professional careers as well as other major life decisions. Find out more in our very enlightening infographic on The Surprising Side Effects of Rising College Costs.

We all live extremely busy lives and often fail to keep up with the most informative articles posted on the internet. Below are links, with introductory paragraphs, to 20 very informative articles as posted on www.FinancialArticleSummariesToday.com (an associate site). The articles are related to Investing (gold/silver, the stock market, crude oil), the Economy (global/US, unemployment, debt and the money system) and Personal Finance (retirement, extra income and employment opportunities). You’re busy so just click on the title of the articles of interest to read them in their entirety.

Though unemployment has been wide-reaching across industries...[some] jobs, against all odds, are on the rise - a steep rise...So if you’re sick of your job and craving a new profession, now might be the time to head back to school and get that secondary degree in one of these 10 specializations.