Humberto Cruz
Personal finance columnist Humberto Cruz and his wife, Georgina, did what many people dream about but believe can't be done: Retire from full-time work in their 50s on middle-class salaries, buy a new home on the beach and still have a nest egg of $2 million left. In his personal finance column, "The Savings Game," syndicated by Tribune Media Services, Cruz explores common-sense ways to manage money and build wealth.
A native of Cuba who came to the United States with only $300 in his pocket, Cruz practices the basic rules he promotes through his down-to-earth, easy-to-understand columns: Spending less than you make, investing wisely for the long term, being savvy with credit and making tax-smart decisions. Cruz closely follows trends and draws on a national network of outstanding sources to provide the most up-to-date, useful information.
Cruz worked as a writer and an editor for the South Florida Sun-Sentinel for 30 years. "The Savings Game" began at the Sun-Sentinel in 1990 and now appears in newspapers across the country. Cruz also wrote a syndicated column "The Mutual Funds Wire" between 1997 and 2000 before retiring from full-time work. Together with Georgina, a nationally known travel writer and author, Humberto also wrote "Retire Smart," a syndicated column for savvy retirees and boomers on the road to retirement, from 2001 to 2007.
In 2006, Moneysmartz.com named Cruz one of its best personal finance columnists for financial planning, savings commentary and advice.
Humberto Cruz Samples
Automatic Saving Painless Way to Build Emergency, Retirement Funds
Start small if you must, but start. That's the message from more than 100 not-for-profit, government and business groups that participated in the recently concluded fourth annual America Saves Week campaign.
New Tax Provisions Make Filing More Complicated This Year
If you haven't started your 2009 tax return, get going -- and be ready to pay for help even if you haven't before.
New Credit Card Rules Triggering More, Higher Fees
What a shame. I'll tell you why, and what we can do. The new rules, part of the Credit Card Accountability, Responsibility and Disclosure Act passed by Congress last May, are intended to protect cardholders and end abusive industry practices.
Consumer Groups Push 'Fiduciary Standard' for Anyone Giving Investment Advice
On the Web site of the brokerage firm Edward Jones, under the information and accolades about the company and its investment insights, you'll find the words "Revenue Sharing Information" near the left-hand corner of the home page.
Standard Deduction Will be Higher For Many Taxpayers This Time Around
American taxpayers, if you believe in stereotypes, are scurrying around this time of year, rummaging shoeboxes for receipts and other paperwork to support itemized tax-deduction claims.
'Investment Rewards" Credit Cards Well Worth A Look
What an easy way to make $50. All I have to do is use my credit card for everyday purchases, earning reward points every time.
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