February, 2012
In Volatile Markets, Investors May Find Comfort in Dividends
As uncertainty at home and abroad roils the financial markets, income-minded investors seeking protection from the bumpy road ahead may find dividend-paying stocks offer an attractive mix of features and warrant a place in their equity portfolios.
January, 2012
Make a Plan to Reduce Your Debt
The recession -- and subsequent slow recovery -- has caused millions of Americans to focus even more closely on living within their means. If you are ready to face up to your own financial realities, one crucial step is to set out a plan of action.
January, 2012
Strategies for Smart Retirement Planning
Some factors that influence your retirement savings results, such as the types of investments available to you through your plan and the performance of the financial markets, can't always be controlled. But there are some factors you can influence that can help keep your portfolio on track.
January, 2012
As Stocks Continue to Roil, Alternative Investments Gain Appeal
Prolonged stock market volatility has prompted many investors to look for alternatives to equities as they build a portfolio. Alternative investments -- such as real estate investment trusts, commodities, private equity, and hedge funds -- may have appeal for certain individuals.
January, 2012
Market Volatility Could Make Roth IRA Conversion Appealing
Prolonged market volatility has left many investors, especially those investing for retirement, searching for strategies to cope with the situation. If you have a traditional IRA, you may want to consider converting to a Roth IRA.
January, 2012
FAQs for Near-Retirees
The following frequently asked questions about retirement income should help those nearing retirement know if they are on track to meet their income needs.
December, 2011
Searching for Value in a Down Market
Buying on the dips is a favorite strategy of committed stock investors. But when looking for investment bargains, it's important to avoid a value trap.
December, 2011
How Much Will That Little Bundle of Joy Cost You? Try $163,000
It certainly comes as no surprise to parents that raising a child can be expensive. But just how expensive?
December, 2011
Getting Ready for Tax Season: Changes for 2012
The IRS has issued cost-of-living adjustments for the 2012 tax year that modify brackets, deductions, and other thresholds for inflation.
November, 2011
“Full Nest” Finances: Considerations When Supporting Adult Children
As more and more adult children opt to stay at home longer, parents can face new challenges in making ends meet.
November, 2011
How Closely Correlated Is Your Portfolio?
Asset allocation is a concept many investors are familiar with, but less familiar is the concept of correlation. Find out what correlation is and how it can impact your portfolio.
November, 2011
Stay or Roll Over? What to Do With Your Old Retirement Accounts?
If you've changed jobs a few times over the years, you could have several accounts housed in different employers' plans. While it is certainly acceptable to leave money in an old plan, in some instances it may be a better idea to consolidate your assets.
November, 2011
Does It Pay to Pay Off Your Mortgage?
Reducing debt is a good thing, we are told. But paying off your mortgage as you grow older may not be in your best interest.
October, 2011
Heightened Volatility: The New Normal?
The U.S. economy can't find its footing -- and every piece of bad news, whether at home or abroad, has the potential to send the markets reeling. All that volatility can make it tough on investors to stay the course.
October, 2011
What You Need to Know About Currency Risk
Given the current weakness of the U.S. dollar, it is critical that U.S. investors understand the risks (and potential rewards) involved in foreign currency diversification -- and take steps to protect their portfolios.
October, 2011
The Pros and Cons of Health Savings Accounts
As health care costs continue to rise, consumers must find ways to ensure that they have the funds to pay for medical expenses not covered through their insurance. One way to save specifically for health care costs is to fund a health savings account, or HSA.
October, 2011
Do You Have Enough Disability Insurance?
Nearly one-in-three Americans will become disabled for more than 90 days at some point during their working careers. Yet most workers don't give a second thought to the need for disability insurance.
September, 2011
Three Keys to Surviving Market Turbulence
All too often, investors react to a sharp drop in prices by panic selling or digging in their heels despite deteriorating fundamentals. But more thoughtful investors see a correction or downturn as an opportunity to review the risks in their portfolios and make adjustments where necessary.
September, 2011
When Should You Collect Social Security?
When should you begin collecting Social Security? The answer depends, in part, on how long you think you'll be around to collect it.
September, 2011
Understanding Employee Stock Option Plans
The boom days of the 1990s may be over, but stock option programs continue to be popular with public and private companies. Employees certainly can benefit from them, if they take some time to learn the basics.
September, 2011
How Do You Know When It’s Time to Sell?
Few investors have a tried-and-true process for selling an investment. Yet knowing when to sell can be every bit as important as knowing what to buy.
August, 2011
The Three-Step Retirement Plan Tune-Up
Even if your personal outlook hasn't changed, keep in mind that uneven returns provided by different investments may have caused your portfolio to shift from your intended asset allocation.
August, 2011
How to Be a Good Financial Role Model for Your Child
A greater number of parents say they are more prepared to talk about drugs and alcohol or sex and dating than money and finances.
August, 2011
A New World Order: Investing Internationally
As the United States economy continues to sputter, investors in search of better returns and greater diversification are casting their nets elsewhere around the world. Looking for growth abroad could be a smart move: Foreign markets currently represent nearly 60% of the world's investment opportunities -- and that number is only expected to grow.
July, 2011
Taking Required Distributions From Your Retirement Plan
You will not receive any notification of your required beginning date or your required minimum distribution. It's up to you to know the rules and comply.