Karin Price Mueller

Karin Price Mueller

SecondAct columnist Karin Price Mueller is an award-winning personal finance and consumer writer. She offers guidance on topics such as planning vacations with retirement in mind; putting your recession-battered portfolio to the retirement budget test; and juggling the competing demands of saving for your kids’ college and your own retirement. Karin lives in New Jersey with her husband, three children and two guinea pigs. Whatever they don't eat goes into her retirement savings accounts.
Twitter: @KPMueller Email: feedback@secondact.com

Article Archive

Smart Money in Second Marriages

Here are 6 financial steps every couple should take before jumping in a second time.
January 30, 2012

15 Must-Visit Money Websites

Whether searching for deals or saving for college, let these sites help you make the right moves.
December 13, 2011

Should You Refinance...Again?

With mortgage rates nearing all-time lows, here are key points to consider as you weigh housing costs and retirement savings goals.
November 1, 2011

7 Ways to Save on Bank Fees

You don't have to passively accept rising bank costs. Here's how to fight back.
October 17, 2011

Deadline Looms for Roth Do-Overs

You have until Oct. 17 to convert your Roth back to a traditional IRA, a move that could help save on taxes.
October 11, 2011

How Much Should I Save For Retirement?

The answer depends on many factors and is different for everyone. Here are the key issues to consider when doing the math.
September 30, 2011

The Pros and Cons of a Self-Directed 401(k)

Ask yourself these 3 questions to gauge whether this type of retirement savings plan is right for you.
September 20, 2011

How to Create a Grab-and-Go Financial Kit For Disasters

Don't wait for a hurricane to strike to compile an emergency box that includes these important papers.
August 25, 2011

Don't Rely on Your Company to Take Care of You

Lawyer-turned-financial writer Deborah Jacobs says middle-aged workers need to harness entrepreneurial spirit to work through challenging economy.
August 24, 2011

The No. 1 Problem With the Economy Right Now Is...

13 boomer money experts share their biggest financial concerns.
August 15, 2011

How To Use Annuities to Create Your Own Pension

Today's new-and-improved annuities can be useful tools to beef up your retirement portfolio.
August 1, 2011

How I Did It: Buying a Foreclosure as an Investment Property

Thinking of snapping up a distressed property? A Florida financial planner's experience shows how to navigate the tricky foreclosure market.
July 18, 2011

Recession Lessons Learned

As the economy rebounds, don't forget these 6 lessons the downturn taught us.
June 20, 2011

What To Do With Your Old 401(k)

Leave it, roll it or withdraw it?
June 13, 2011

The 401(k)s They Are A-Changin'

Three key ways to make the best of your employer-sponsored retirement savings plan, even if it changes.
May 16, 2011

7 Smart Tax Moves

It may be too late to change your 2010 tax situation, but now is the time to plan ahead for valuable deductions on your 2011 returns.
April 11, 2011

In Case of Emergency, Your 401(k) or IRA Should Be Your Last Resort

How to safely navigate the penalties and strict rules governing early withdrawal of retirement funds (if you must)
March 9, 2011

Identity Theft Meets High-Tech

How to protect yourself from skimming, phishing, pharming and other electronic fraud.
February 28, 2011

Make Retirement Work for You

"What Color is Your Parachute?" author John Nelson discusses how he and others are deviating from traditional leisure-based retirement.
February 8, 2011

Should You Rent or Buy?

Consider these factors before you make a big move in 2011.
February 1, 2011

10 Smart Money Minds Divulge Their Resolutions

Commitments range from improving their homes' energy efficiency to tracking every penny to balancing portfolios.
January 10, 2011

Save Like a Financial Whiz

Keep your eyes on these 5 key areas to plan the savviest saving strategies this year.
January 6, 2011

More Boomerangers Return to Live With Parents

How to survive your college graduate kids moving back in
December 30, 2010

5 Steps to Rebuilding Your Credit

It's not too late. You can save your credit score and make a full financial recovery. Here's how.
December 2, 2010

10 Holiday Spending Tips

Shop early, stick to a budget and pay cash to avoid a financial hangover in January
November 24, 2010

Should You Add a Roth 401(k) to Your Portfolio?

What you need to know before you sign up at work.
November 16, 2010

6 Ways To Gift Money to Family

Here's how you can help relatives in need without handing over cash.
November 8, 2010

Eight Easy Ways to Save $5,000 a Year

Invest your savings, and 10 years from now, you could be $78,918 richer.
November 1, 2010

Do You Have Enough Insurance?

Experts say these five insurance policies are part of any smart financial plan.
October 19, 2010

The Return of the Estate Tax?

The federal estate tax law is set for dramatic change in 2011.
September 7, 2010

Why Roth IRAs Make Sense

The A to Zs on the little retirement account with the big (tax-free) bonus.
August 17, 2010

Cut Your Grocery Bill in Half (and Other Stories)

Best-selling author and CouponMom.com founder Stephanie Nelson offers her tips.
July 19, 2010

9 Investing Rules For a Rocky Market

Follow these guidelines to protect (and grow) your nest egg.
July 13, 2010

The Right Way to Say Goodbye to Credit

Avoid these mistakes when canceling credit cards.
June 29, 2010

Dave Ramsey on Destroying Your Debt

Financial guru offers strategies for creating a budget and fielding loan requests from family.
June 14, 2010

5 Smart Divorce Money Moves

Make sure the end of your marriage doesn't derail your financial future.
June 7, 2010

The 3-Step 401(k) Checkup

Here's how you can monitor your money to ensure a financially healthy retirement.
May 24, 2010

10 Things for Your "When I'm Dead" File

Keep loved ones in the know by creating one central place for all your important information.
May 9, 2010

Vacation With Retirement in Mind

It's never too soon to start auditioning potential retirement locales to find a match.
April 30, 2010

Time to Hire a Financial Advisor?

Here's a primer to help you decide.
April 15, 2010

Take The Retirement Budget Test

Take a good, long look at your finances before you leap into retirement.
April 15, 2010

Saving for College vs. Saving for Retirement

You don't have to choose just one. Heed these tips to tackle both successfully.
April 15, 2010

New Book Expounds on Frugal Life

Public radio editor Chris Farrell tells how to embrace post-recession saving and a green lifestyle.
April 11, 2010

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