Money Crashers: Four new articles

Four more of my articles have just popped up on Money Crashers. They're not particularly connected to ecofrugality, but they might have some interest to some of you.

The first piece is for you if you've never had a 401(k) plan — or if you have one but don't really understand how it works. It explains the tax benefits of a 401(k), its limitations, and the advantages and disadvantages of using it for your investments. (Spoiler: Yes, you should definitely invest some money in a 401(k) if you have one, and no, you definitely shouldn't do all your investing this way.)

What Is a 401(k) Plan and How Does It Work? – Limits, Rules & Benefits

The second piece is about something pretty much everyone has these days: a credit report. And if you have a credit report, you could have errors on it that you don't know about. In a In a 2012 study, about 1 out of 4 Americans found inaccuracies on their credit report that could affect their credit scores. Luckily, most of the affected consumers were able to correct the errors and improve their scores as a result. Here's what you need to know about how credit report errors occur, how they can hurt you, and how to fix them.

How to Fix Errors on Your Credit Report for Free

Many families look to health care sharing ministries (HCSMs), such as Medi-Share, as an affordable alternative to traditional health insurance. HCSMs work on the same principle as insurance, collecting premiums ("shares") from all members and using the money to pay for the health care costs of those who need help. But make no mistake: HCSMs aren't insurance, and they don't offer the same benefits. This piece explores how HCSMs work, what they cost, how they differ from a regular insurance plan, their pros and cons, and when they can be worthwhile. (Spoiler alert: if there's any way at all you can afford a real insurance policy, choose that instead.)

Health Care Sharing Ministries: A Good Alternative to Health Insurance?

And now for something completely different: Academy Award parties. Many movie lovers delight in throwing Hollywood-style Oscar night parties, complete with real red carpets, signature cocktails, and lavish swag bags for guests. But what if you don't happen to have a Hollywood-style budget? No worries: just substitute planning and creativity for money. This article explains how to plan a truly fabulous Oscar extravaganza on a budget, including Oscar-worthy invitations, glam decorations, red-carpet attire, fabulous food and drink, award-related party games, and your own fabulous swag bags.

How to Throw an Oscar Viewing Party on a Budget