Highlights for Saturday January 3 Your Safe Money Show

I have Dr. Troy Mork in studio this week talking about eye health and aging and what we need to "watch" for as we get older. (Eye pun...couldn't resist!)

Holiday Hours for Sjoberg & Holmstrom

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and yours! Sjoberg & Holmstrom Financial Services will be closed Wednesday December 24th to Sunday January 4th. We will reopen Monday January 5th at 8 a.m. We will be monitoring messages and e-mails so if you need assistance please leave a phone message at 817-812-0259 or e-mail todd@sjobergholmstrom.com.

Highlights for Saturday December 27th Your Safe Money Show

You really don't know how far you've come until you look back at where you've been. That's the premise of Saturday December 27 Your Safe Money Show. I look at amazing facts about everything from cell phones to crayons and I also have a message for the New Year. 

Stores count on procrastinators as sales for holiday season show modest growth so far

Modest growth so far with holiday season

Highlights for Saturday December 20 Your Safe Money Show

With a New Year right around the corner this Saturday's Your Safe Money Show looks at retirement benefit changes for 2015. Women have different concerns in retirement than men do, I'll be going over some of those concerns and what can be done to allay those fears.

Tax breaks for banks, commuters, teachers and more are renewed in final 2014 push by Congress

Tax breaks

MNsure extends enrollment deadline to Saturday; website vexes some

MnSure deadline extended

Monday's deadline for obtaining coverage by Jan. 1 is big test for revamped HealthCare.gov

Monday deadline for healthcare

Highlight's for Saturday December 13 Your Safe Money Show

When we go shopping at the grocery store on some level we are being manipulated. On this Saturday's Your Safe Money Show I explain what some stores do to get you to buy more. A recent survey on financial literacy might surprise you. 

Major policy, funding provisions of $1.1 trillion omnibus spending bill

Omnibus provisions

How to get the best prices on holiday gifts everytime

Best prices everytime

U.S. could see strongest growth in a decade in 2015.

Economist think 2015 will see strong growth

Highlights for Saturday December 6 Your Safe Money Show

We all know a will is really important but a letter of instruction can be a more detailed list of what you want to have happen after you're gone. On Your Safe Money Show this Saturday I'll go into detail about a letter of instruction and I'll also have questions to consider when preparing a living will. 

U.S. growth slows in final months of 2014.

Lackluster spending slows U.S. growth

Happy Thanksgiving!

All of us at Sjoberg & Holmstrom and Your Safe Money Show want to wish you and your family a Happy Thanksgiving. Our office will be closed both Thursday and Friday the 27th and 28th and will reopen Monday December 1st at 8 a.m. We will be monitoring e-mails and phone messages.

Highlights for Saturday November 29th Your Safe Money Show

Since were heading into the busiest time of the year for "shopping" I thought it would be a good idea to share ways to protect your identity while shopping on-line. Predictions are that Cyber Monday will generate $2.60 billion dollars in sales...a record! So I know you'll be shopping but tune in to Your Safe Money Show Saturday and find out how to keep yourself safe from scammers.

Gas is more affordable: Why?

Cheap oil

Census Bureau changes

Census Bureau wants to stop collecting marriage and divorce data

Minnesota ranks 9th in nation for being business-friendly

Minnesota ranks 9th in nation for being business friendly

Highlights for Saturday November 15th Your Safe Money Show

I hear especially from younger workers that they wonder if Social Security benefits will be there for them when they retire. Well Congress is working on that with the "2100 Act". I'll have three proposals from the 2100 Act and I'll talk about ways you may be reducing your Social Security benefits. Since one third of all Americans count on Social Security as their only form of income in retirement this show is especially important. 

Highlights for Saturday November 8th Your Safe Money Show

We're going into the "holiday" time period where we use our credit and debit cards more than ever. There are fees associated with credit cards and I have ways to avoid those. Coming in October 2015 the U.S. will be using EMV cards , what are the good and bad points to going to this system? Take your radio to the deer stand this Saturday or catch the show Monday at the website. 

Great article from Chris Farrel on economic opportunities in retirement

http://www.startribune.com/business/yourmoney/281115322.html

U.S. companies added jobs in October

http://www.startribune.com/business/281603971.html

Saturday November 1st highlights for Your Safe Money Show

How does spending your retirement in an RV traveling the country sound to you? Well more and more retiree's are doing just that, their called "work campers", I'll tell you more on Saturday's Your Safe Money Show. I also have some tips to get your budget ready for the end of the year.

New option to power electric cars

http://www.startribune.com/lifestyle/homegarden/280646232.html

Refinancing your mortgage will it off set loan costs?

Finding ways to "save" money is a focus for me and this article on refinancing has some points to consider depending on your current situation.

http://tinyurl.com/kghvmyf

Bakken's next phase: Natural gas

We talked about Williston North Dakota and all the growth there on a previous Your Safe Money Show. Here is a continuing story on what's happening in that area today.

http://tinyurl.com/kt8ekr4

Show highlights for Saturday October 25

There's a new surprise threat to your retirement. Whether you own your home, are still paying a mortgage or if you're renting can make a difference in how much income you have in retirement. There's new longevity figures out and were living longer than ever before, will you have enough to last 20, 30 or more years?

State sought lower MNsure rates from PreferredOne

http://www.startribune.com/business/280128612.html

Social Security benefits go up by 1.7%

http://www.startribune.com/politics/national/280018612.html

National Save for Retirement Week starts Sunday

On this week's Your Safe Money Show I have tips on how to save for retirement in recognition of National Save for Retirement Week starting Sunday October the 19th through the 25th. FICO has a new scoring model that adjusts for medical debt and that can really make a difference for those dealing with this. I have details on the new FICO 9 on the show this Saturday October 18th.

Oil prices are down

The global price of oil is near $83 per barrel, down about $32, or 28 percent, from its high point for the year.
In general the plunge in prices is good for those who have to buy fuel, and bad for those who sell it. But it has far wider and more complex effects on economies around the globe that are only starting to be felt.
Read more here:http://www.startribune.com/politics/national/279390202.html

U.S. stocks down sharply in morning trading

http://tinyurl.com/omjrn25

Is it time to get your money "safe"?

For the first time since the 1950's, the U.S. will produce more pork than beef.

http://www.startribune.com/business/278831711.html

What to expect on Saturday October 11th Your Safe Money Show

We all know taxes are inevitable, but in retirement you can decide where you want to live and some states have better tax rates than others. This week on Your Safe Money Show I'll look at the best places to live when it comes to taxes AND when you leave a job what do you do with your 401(k)? I'll have those options explained this Saturday tune in.

Unemployment numbers looking better

http://tinyurl.com/pne45wj

Will this winter be warmer than last year?

http://tinyurl.com/nx4mr68

You can really save by comparison shopping.

http://tinyurl.com/o6hdgew

U.S. job growth is a little better than average for the last 50 years.

http://www.startribune.com/blogs/278028441.html

What's coming up on this Saturday's Your Safe Money Show?

Did you know that when buying say a car the best month to do that is October? Find out what each month has to offer as far as good deals go on Saturday's Your Safe Money Show. I'll also touch on Medicare open enrollment, COLA with Social Security, newest information concerning Social Security statements and annual gift tax exclusion and lifetime gift tax exclusion.

General Mills to cut 700 to 800 more jobs

http://tinyurl.com/ow2tl68

ATM fees continue to rise

http://tinyurl.com/koy2f8k

Cheaper energy, grain signals tame U.S. inflation

http://tinyurl.com/kpxlaht

What to look forward to on Saturday September 27 Your Safe Money Show

Do you understand the difference between "tax credit" and "tax deduction" and how to utilize them when doing your taxes? Saturday's Your Safe Money Show looks at those "tax" options, plus are you prepared for the "unexpected"? Having money saved for unforeseen expenses can be a huge help. I'll tell you how much to save just in case. 

Apple stopped providing update to ios8 software

http://www.startribune.com/lifestyle/276973731.html

Bottled water hot verses cold

http://tinyurl.com/l432bop

Amazon will start collection Minnesota sales tax Oct. 1st

http://tinyurl.com/kaw5h6w

U.S. Treasury rates drop

http://tinyurl.com/k5qfxcc

Data breaches continue to be a worry, what can you do to help yourself

http://tinyurl.com/kf3c55u

Highlights for this Saturday's September 20, Your Safe Money Show

Roth 401(k)'s are being offered more and more and what are the benefits for you along with the tax implications? You can find out on Saturday's Your Safe Money Show, along with finding out the #1 key to a happy retirement.

Money is still a huge worry for Americans

One in three Americans are constantly worried about... money. A new survey found we are still feeling nervous from the recent recession and housing crisis. We are in constant fear of losing what we have today. More people are worried about finances than death or losing a family member. Our main worries when it comes to money is living paycheck-to-paycheck and falling into serious debt.
I can help you plan a budget and if you're nearing retirement I have strategies that can act like a pension and fill the gaps that Social Security might not cover. Call for an appointment toll free 877-812-0259.

When new cell phones come out what do you do with your old phone?

http://www.startribune.com/business/yourmoney/274918761.html

American brands that are "fancier" in China

http://tinyurl.com/mueyduc

Highlights for Saturday September 13 Your Safe Money Show

I have two topics for Your Safe Money Show this week, I feel passionate about. One is sharing your life story, or getting memories from Grandparents and Parents so future generations really understand their heritage. The other is "how safe are safe money strategies"? I promise you'll learn "something" this week by tuning in.

Remembering 911.

Today in 2001: Coordinated attacks resulted in the collapse of the World Trade Center in New York City, destruction of the western portion of The Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia, and a passenger airliner crash in Shanksville, Pennsylvania. In total, 2,974 people were killed in the September 11, 2001 attacks.


                                                                                       

Millennials invest differently than other groups

Millennials invest in themselves

First annual "customer appreciation" event a huge success!

I just wanted to send out a big "thank you" for all those who attended our "customer appreciation" event on Friday. Thanks to Peter Methven for the use of his beautiful space at Dresser Methven Funeral Home. It worked out so well and we're planning on making this an annual event! Thanks also to my staff, Sheila for the food it was delicious, Cindy, Kristin and Robin for all your hard work and planning. Pictures are on the way!

Highlight's for Saturday September 6 Your Safe Money Show

New federal tax rules were published in July in regards to longevity annuities, I'll tell you what they are on Saturday's Your Safe Money Show. Also with kids back to school, do you think our children should learn more about finances and how they work? I sure do.

Fed says U.S. consumers are "hoarding" money

hoarding money

Regulators require more high-quality assets at banks to help avoid another market crisis

Quality assets at big banks

Is the auto industry returning to bad habits?

Bad habits and the auto industry

Have a great Labor Day!

Everyone at Sjoberg & Holmstrom Financial Services and Your Safe Money Show wish you a safe and happy Labor Day! The office will be closed, you can leave a message and we'll return calls Tuesday morning. Remember Americans everywhere work hard and in honor of Labor Day SpareFoot.com crunched some numbers and found the metro areas where the hardest-working Americans live. 1) Minneapolis-St. Paul. 2) Madison, Wisconsin. 3) Omaha, Nebraska.

Highlights for Saturday August 30 Your Safe Money Show

There are new rules affecting U.S. government employees that gives them the option of continuing to work part-time while getting part of their retirement pay. Sounds good, can this happen in the private sector? In the 1960's there were things women couldn't do that may shock you, how are things different today? I know it's a holiday weekend but I am hoping you can take time this Saturday morning for Your Safe Money Show.

Shipping problems continue for Minnesota farmers and Governor Dayton is asking the railroads for answers

Farmers/grain/shipping

I always suspected Minnesotan's were hard workers, here's proof!

Americans everywhere work hard and in honor of Labor Day SpareFoot.com crunched some numbers and found the metro areas where the hardest-working Americans live. 1) Minneapolis-St. Paul. 2) Madison, Wisconsin. 3) Omaha, Nebraska.

Hotels collecting record amounts in fees

If you're traveling this holiday weekend, and staying at a hotel, you might want to read this article.

hotel fees

Study says house calls save Medicare money

Study says house calls save money

S & P 500 trades above 2000

S & P Trading above 2,000

Highlights for Your Safe Money Show this Saturday August 23

Your Safe Money Show is on 4 stations on Saturday mornings. Because of a format change on WCMP AM the show has moved to WCMP FM 100.9 still starts at 10:05. So this week I go into detail about red & green money and answer listeners questions. I promise you'll learn something.

As Yellen prepares to detail her economic outlook, 6-month Fed honeymoon is likely to end soon

Are changes on the way?

Solar power doing well in Minnesota

Solar power

Highlights for Saturday August 16 Your Safe Money Show

Getting the kids back to school can be expensive these days. I have some great saving ideas for you. Next time you go to the dentist you might see some new technology that will make your visit less invasive and time consuming. Find out more by listening to Your Safe Money Show.

30 year mortgage rate drops

What does this drop mean for you if your buying or selling a home?

Rates drop

It's been a tough year for farmers, hopefully this will help.

Help for Minnesota farmers

You'll have to check this out at the Minnesota State Fair

Reducing waste

Moving Your Safe Money Show from WCMP AM to FM

Your Safe Money Show is broadcast on four stations on Saturday mornings. Starting this Saturday Aug. 9th the show will move from AM 1350 WCMP to the FM side to 100.9. The show will be on at 10:05 just like on the AM side. We made this decision because of the format change and feel this will work better for the show and the listeners.

WCMP-AM 1350 Pine City has officially made the switch to “RedZone Sports Radio”, a new look at regional sports programming. WCMP-AM will form one-sixth of the new network, which includes other AM-stations from Minnesota & Wisconsin.

Highlights for Saturday August 9, Your Safe Money Show

Executing a will is no easy task, there's a lot to do and can get costly. I have some helpful information on what to do if your ever put in the position of being an executor for someone.

Are you buying or selling a home?

current housing info.

Hackers steal 1.2 billion passwords

1.2 billion passwords stolen

Moving Your Safe Money Show from WCMP AM to FM

Your Safe Money Show is broadcast on four stations on Saturday mornings. Starting this Saturday Aug. 9th the show will move from AM 1350 WCMP to the FM side to 100.9. The show will be on at 10:05 just like on the AM side. We made this decision because of the format change and feel this will work better for the show and the listeners.

WCMP-AM 1350 Pine City has officially made the switch to “RedZone Sports Radio”, a new look at regional sports programming. WCMP-AM will form one-sixth of the new network, which includes other AM-stations from Minnesota & Wisconsin.

Where prices are at for farmers in Minnesota and South Dakota

Farm price gains slow down in Minnesota and South Dakota

Ag tourism works

Being willing to look at different ways to do things can make a big difference, this article is a good example of that.


Ag tourism

Highlights for Saturday August 2 Your Safe Money Show.

Are you planning on renting a car this summer? I have mistakes to avoid when renting a car that could save you money. Speaking of saving money generic drugs vrs. name brand and store brand products compared to name brand, how much can you save and what do you lose? Find out on Saturday's Your Safe Money Show. 

Mnsure spends $3.2 million on website

Mnsure adds $3.2 million to the tab of its website

U.S. companies added more jobs, is this a trend?

job numbers rising

Who gets child tax credit?

Does this affect you?
Who gets child tax credit?

Varying estimates of health care premium subsidies leave some consumers wary of higher bills

Questions continue over health care coverage.
Varying health care premium's

Highlight's for this Saturday's Your Safe Money Show

In life we have milestones, like graduation, marriage, birth of a child, well there's also milestones as we head toward retirement that can make a big difference regarding your income.

Roommates for seniors can help with cost-sharing and companionship

This is an interesting article that offers a way for seniors to stay in their homes and still afford rent/mortgage and provide companionship too.

Golden age roommates

Debt free woman harassed by debt collectors for years

There are protections in place for consumers. If you need help go to the home page and at the bottom is John MacKey's information, he is a credit specialist.

Debt free woman harassed by debt collectors

Cargill reduces antibiotic use in Turkeys

http://www.startribune.com/blogs/267582501.html

Highlights for Saturday July 19 Your Safe Money Show

If you have a 401 (k) plan this Saturday's Your Safe Money Show is for you. There are mistakes people make with the plans and I will give you the heads up how to avoid these mistakes. Also a government watchdog group said an estimated $106 billion dollars in payments were made in error last year, I'll tell you more about this on Saturday's show.

If you use propane you'll want to read this

Awash in propane

Highlight's for Saturday July 12 Your Safe Money Show

We hear about death and taxes well this week on Your Safe Money Show were talking about inflation and divorce. Inflation has been low for a while now but when planning for retirement you have to factor in inflation. Divorce is difficult at any age but "gray" divorces are on the rise and divorce close to your retirement can throw your retirement plans for a whirl. I have ideas on both these topics. 

Dogs can be man's best friend at any age

Best dogs for your golden years

Public versus private college survey

http://www.startribune.com/politics/national/266162251.html

Credit is such a big issue

Over the long holiday weekend I had a chance to talk with friends who had some questions on credit ratings and how they work and how important they are to us as we pay for insurance, mortgages and more. I found a good article on credit and if you have credit concerns John MacKay at www.mastercreditsolutions.com is a great resource .

Is an old debt haunting you?

Happy 4th of July

Happy 4th of July from everyone at Sjoberg & Holmstrom Financial Services and Your Safe Money Show.

Highlights for Saturday July 5th Your Safe Money Show

I am really looking forward to this Saturday's Your Safe Money Show. We pay tribute to what the 4th is all about and we're looking at headlines about the closing of dozens of Social Security field houses, prices going up at the grocery store for pork, beef and vegetables, savings bonds are going by the wayside, IRA's have some recent changes via the Supreme Court and we look at the cost of weddings today.

The New Debt Collection Scam: Calling Your Mom

Another debt collection scam

Consumer recalls this week.

Consumer recalls

Sjoberg & Holmstrom will be closed on Friday July 4th.

If you need assistance we will be checking messages and e-mails.

Highlights for Saturday June 28th Your Safe Money Show

This Saturday on Your Safe Money Show I talk about my trip to Ireland and Scotland and look at the value of our Dollar to the Euro and the Pound. We also compare retirement plans in other countries.
                                                                                     

U.S. economy contracts sharply,

Consumer spending revised down

Ways Women can close retirement income gap

Retirement income gap for Women

Highlight's for Saturday June 21 Your Safe Money Show

This Saturday is the first "official" day of summer. I sure hope you can take time to listen to Your Safe Money Show. Robin and I did an interview in April at KASM in Albany and Brad asked some great questions and listener's also, so we decided to share that interview again for KASM listener's and for the other station's we broadcast on.

Prices are up on food, gasoline and electricity.

Consumer prices

Inherited IRAs are not retirement accounts: Supreme Court

Inherited IRA's treated differently now

Highlight's for Saturday June 14 Your Safe Money Show

Before you file for Social Security you'll want to hear this Saturday's (June 14) Your Safe Money Show. I look at how you can maximize your Social Security benefits. I can run your information through the maximization software (at no charge to you) so you'll know what your best options are in filing for Social Security.

Highlights for Saturday June 7 Your Safe Money Show

Congratulations to those graduating from High School and College. On Saturday's Your Safe Money Show I have some "real world" tips for graduates and a story about a guy who paid off $74,000 in student loans in two years.                                 

Enjoy that cup of coffee today it might cost you more tomorrow.

Consumers are likely to see their coffee prices climb in the coming months. Even after their recent slide, futures are up 55% this year.


http://finance.yahoo.com/news/coffee-futures-run-makes-way-223800267.html

91-Year-Old Woman Breaks Marathon Record

Recent studies find that the fastest growing segment of the U.S. population is persons over the age of 90. Read this story and see what the new "90" looks like.

http://www.npr.org/blogs/thetwo-way/2014/06/02/318238155/91-year-old-woman-breaks-marathon-record

Highlights for this Saturday May 31 Your Safe Money Show

So you're planning to travel this summer. Well before you head out listen to Your Safe Money Show this Saturday as I have tips to keep your identity safe while traveling. Plus: those paper Social Security benefit statements the government stopped mailing out to save money will be back in September for workers older than 25 who haven't signed up on line already. I will go over what to look for on the statements and how to correct them if need be.
                                                                                    

Mosquito's are back!

http://tinyurl.com/mt4ps5y

Highlights for Saturday May 24 Your Safe Money Show

I know what a busy weekend this will be but if possible please take time to listen to Your Safe Money Show Saturday morning. Listening to loud music, working around loud noises without ear protection can lead to hearing loss. I look at what you can do if you have a hearing loss. Married couples have retirement benefits that singles don't find out what those are.

                                                                 

What does the AT&T merger with DirecTV mean for consumers?

http://www.startribune.com/business/259878981.html

Armed Forces Day May 17th

Please thank the men and women who serve, or have served, in our military as the country celebrates all branches on May 17th.