April, 2013
The Tax-Free Income Potential of Municipal Bonds
Municipal bonds can potentially help you lower your tax bill and keep more of what you earn.
April, 2013
Investing Overseas: A World Awaits
A look at the potential risks and benefits of international investing for long-term growth and diversification.
April, 2013
Thinking of Retiring Overseas? Considerations to Keep in Mind
While many Americans dream of retiring in a foreign country, the key to a successful transition is rooted in careful financial planning. This article reviews several of the most important considerations for anyone planning to retire abroad.
April, 2013
Restricted Stock: Understanding Your Options
If you've recently gotten a promotion or new job that grants you access to restricted stock or restricted stock units (RSUs), you'll need to understand how they work.
March, 2013
The Estate Planning Benefits of Life Insurance
Life insurance typically is an important part of a well-crafted estate plan. It may increase the amount of wealth bequeathed to heirs and provide a ready source of cash for financial obligations.
March, 2013
Seeking Income? Consider Dividend-Paying Stocks
Income-minded investors seeking protection from the volatile markets may find that dividend-paying stocks offer an attractive mix of features and warrant a place in their equity portfolios.
March, 2013
Why You Need a Health Care Proxy
Who will make critical decisions regarding your health care if you are unable to do so? This article discusses the legal mechanisms and issues that can help you answer this question.
March, 2013
Preferred Stock: A Hybrid Investment
Investors searching far and wide for better income-generating returns might find value in preferred stock, a hybrid equity-bond investment.
September, 2012
Most Americans Unprepared for Disability
The majority of Americans lack basic knowledge about the likelihood of a disability and are unprepared to cope with this type of life-altering event. Women across all age groups are at higher risk than men of becoming disabled at some point during their working lives.
September, 2012
Getting Smarter About Your Credit Scores
Over the past year, consumers' knowledge about credit scores and what they can mean to their overall financial outlook has improved significantly, but there is still much room for improvement.
May, 2012
Plan Sponsors: Young Workers Need Different Messages
When communicating about retirement savings, frame your message differently for various age groups.
May, 2012
Near-Zero Interest Rates: Trade-Offs for Investors
The Federal Reserve's policy of low short-term interest rates presents potential plusses and minuses for investors.
May, 2012
Writing a Business Plan
Creating a business plan forces you to take an objective look at your chances for success.
May, 2012
Bond Market Outlook: Points to Ponder
It's helpful to weigh both the benefits and risks associated with bonds and other investments.
April, 2012
Tactical Asset Allocation: Fine Tuning a Longer-Term Strategy
Tactical asset allocation adjusts a target investment mix to capitalize on near-term opportunities.
April, 2012
Buying Decisions: Assessing a Business’ Worth
When assessing a potential acquisition, review why the current owner is selling, the history of the firm, and its internal structure.
April, 2012
Identifying Compliance Errors in a 401(k)
Compliance errors within 401(k) plans frequently can be corrected without incurring significant fines.
April, 2012
Are Recent Stock Market Advances Sustainable?
U.S. investors are riding a wave of mostly good news, but many risks remain.
April, 2012
Tax Tips for 2012
Federal tax rules relating to capital gains, dividends, income tax rates, and other issues are scheduled to expire after December 31, 2012. It's important to monitor developments in Washington to make sure you understand how tax legislation could affect your situation.
March, 2012
Finding Benefits Without an Employer
When working part time or in a temporary job, it is important to continue investing for retirement and maintaining health insurance coverage.
March, 2012
Strategies for Financing Your Business
Resources for financing a business may include company profits, your personal assets, help from family and friends, a loan from a bank or commercial finance company, and others.
March, 2012
Stocks in 2012: Look to the Consumer
Better-than-expected economic reports, actions by the European Central Bank, and easier monetary policy in certain corners of the globe have combined to fuel recent stock market gains.
February, 2012
Are Sector Funds Right for Your Portfolio?
Sector funds target specific industries and economic niches to seek above-average returns. With the opportunity for greater returns comes greater risk, as these funds typically are prone to fluctuate in value more than diversified, multisector funds.
February, 2012
Is Increased Inflation on the Horizon?
Worries about inflation have been cropping up more frequently lately, largely due to escalating commodity prices, which are pushing up consumer prices, both in the United States and abroad.
February, 2012
Understanding Your Fiduciary Responsibilities: An ERISA Primer
For those newly stepping into a role of retirement plan governance or for those who need a refresher on how their plan should be administered, this article provides an overview of key considerations.