Planning for retirement might not be the most exciting way to occupy your time. But since the prospects of Social Security are pretty grim, it's important to do your own retirement planning and saving to ensure there's money for you to spend when you can no longer work for a living. When it comes time to choose what investments comprise your IRA, you might be perplexed. In most cases, it's best to have a variety of investments in your portfolio -- and one of those investments should be in gold.

Summer is here and everyone you know is heading away for vacation. If you're collecting workers compensation due to a work-related injury right now, you might be worried about jeopardizing your claim. If you're avoiding a vacation because you're worried about how it will affect your workers compensation claim, you can relax. Going on vacation is perfectly acceptable, as long as you take a few precautions. Here are four crucial steps you should take when going on vacation while collecting workers compensation.

It has been said that buying a home is the largest purchase you can make in your life and for many people, that is true. Finding the home is just a small part of the process and understanding the financial part of the process can be tough. With interest rates changing all the time and other costs added to your home's mortgage, it is important that you are clear about what you are spending and why.

Have you always tossed mail in the trash if it contained credit card offers? If you view having credit cards as a way to fall into debt, you might want to reconsider giving them a try. The reason why is because there are actually numerous advantages that comes along with having one or more credit cards. If you want to apply for a card to give it a try, it can be done by filling out an application online to see if you can get approved.

If you've been looking for a new bank because your current bank has gone to video banking, you should reconsider. While it might seem odd, and somewhat impersonal do conduct your banking through a video screen, there are actually quite a few benefits to the process. Before you jump ship in favor of live tellers, take a look at three of the benefits video banking will offer you. Access to Longer Banking Hours

Buying a car can be a tedious process. Not only do you need to research the different makes and models, but you will also need to determine how you will pay for this new vehicle. Cash is ideal because you will not need to worry about long term payments and interest charges that quickly add up. If you are like most people who do not have the cash available, financing is the next best solution.

Debt consolidation can seem like an appealing way to make managing your debt less complicated, but it comes with many risks, and it's not for everyone. Before you take out a loan, make sure that it will benefit you in the long run and that you are prepared to follow through. Where Is Your Debt? Debt consolidation works best when you have unsecured debt, like credit card debt and small loans.

If a judge or justice convicts you of a crime, it's important to know that you may still have options that can help you avoid a prison sentence. In many states, a judge will now consider an application for post-conviction bail, which, if successful, will normally result in a bail bond. Learn more about the benefits of a post-conviction bail bond, and find out what this option could mean for you if a court convicts you of a crime.

Whether you're struggling to pay off debt you owe or just trying to figure out a financial plan for the future, a visit to a financial guidance center could be a beneficial step to take. Financial guidance centers are there to help people with all types of financial problems, questions, or assistance. While these centers may specialize only in certain financial areas, here are two common services available at most financial guidance centers.

A couple of the most important aspects of successfully earning a living by flipping homes are purchasing these homes for low prices and having the ability to sell them quickly after the renovations are complete. The downside to getting into this industry for many people is financing. If you want to begin flipping homes and are having trouble finding a way to finance your first project, you may want to consider looking into a hard money loan from companies like Lima One Capital.