May, 2008
Are Immediate Annuities A Good Way To Preserve Your Retirement Savings?
One day, the market is up 400 points. The next day it’s down 300. Stocks in 2008 haven’t won any points for stability. In periods of market uncertainty, you’ll hear a lot about safe harbor investments that will supposedly guarantee income for life. One of these alternatives is an immediate annuity.
April, 2008
A Long-term Care Insurance Primer
As millions of Baby Boomers head into their retirement years, it's surprising how few actually know that Medicare provides little more than a few weeks of financial support for home-based or nursing home care when the average person needs it for at least a year.
April, 2008
How Not To Go Broke If Your Kids Move Back After Graduation
If your children need to move back in with you after graduation, develop a plan so that you can help them without endangering your own retirement.
March, 2008
Many People Aren’t Adequately Insured for Disability
Think your employer’s coverage is enough? Think again. You may have whatever sick leave you have coming, and then if an employer offers short-term disability coverage, it generally doesn’t last more than 12 weeks. There are employers that offer long-term disability coverage, but if you’ve never checked the terms of that coverage, you should.
February, 2008
What Are Exchange-traded Funds and How Do They Work?
Exchange-traded funds (ETFs) can be a cost- and tax-efficient way to invest in stocks and other types of securities.
January, 2008
It’s Time to Start Thinking About the Estate Tax Again
It makes sense to have an estate plan that's sufficiently flexible to ride out changes in the estate tax system that are likely to arise in the next few years.
January, 2008
Pay Close Attention to So-Called Default Investments
Letting your investment savings flow unattended into your 401(k) plan's default investment options may not be the best strategy for your situation.
December, 2007
Here’s How to Prepare For Your Own Business
If you've ever fantasized about quitting your job and starting a business, you're certainly not alone. But it's definitely not something to do on a whim.
November, 2007
Will Your Kid’s Inheritance Make Her or Him a Monster? It Needn’t If You Plan Well
Inheritances, trust funds and other benefits from hard-earned family fortunes of any size can affect the children of wealthy individuals in incredibly positive and negative ways.
November, 2007
Here’s How to Protect Against Job Loss in your Financial Plan
Worried about your employer’s financial future? Start making plans to protect your own finances.
October, 2007
Thinking About Borrowing from Family or Friends? Do It The Right Way.
Often, there’s something very attractive about the idea of obtaining a loan from friends or family.
September, 2007
How Your Personality Affects Your Financial Decision-making
In order to be a successful long-term investor, you need to understand your own attitudes about money.
September, 2007
When Real Estate’s in Trouble, Spruce up Your Home and Finances
With real estate and credit markets in turmoil, what should a homeowner do to protect his or her investment?
August, 2007
Should You Consider an HSA?
The Tax Relief and Health Care Act of 2006 (TRHCA) that went into effect this year made it a bit easier for both employers and their workers and self-employees to obtain Health Savings Accounts.
August, 2007
Think it’s Time to Tap Your HELOC for an Investment? Get Some Advice First
Just because you qualify for a home equity line doesn’t mean you need to use it, and particularly not as a piggy bank for investment purposes.
August, 2007
Thinking About Going Back to College? Make a Plan First
You’re in your 40s or beyond and you’ve always dreamed of going back to school. The mid-career college plan should be very different from the one you and your parents had in place when you were 18 – and that’s probably a good thing.
July, 2007
An All-Weather Strategy for Real Estate Investing
Despite some positive stirrings in real estate in some parts of the country, it’s wise to take cautious steps when strolling back into an investment property market that was very overheated not too long ago.
June, 2007
Thinking About Private School for Your Kids? The Earlier You Start Planning, the Better
Considering private grammar and high school costs can be a parent’s introduction to a lifetime of saving for a child’s education.
June, 2007
Lenders May Give You a Break on Debt, But Uncle Sam Might Not Be So Forgiving
There’s a good news/bad news story if you’re a borrower in trouble with mortgage debt.
June, 2007
An Annual Insurance Checkup Can Save You Money Without Hurting Your Coverage
As we go through life, our insurance needs can change. It’s wise to review your coverage to make sure that it continues to fit your needs.
May, 2007
Market Volatility Shouldn’t Rattle a Good Financial Plan
2007 has seen tremendous ups and downs in the stock market, and a great deal of uncertainty remains as to the future direction of the economy and the markets. What's an investor to do?
May, 2007
Adopting a Child Requires a Specific Financial Plan
Adopting a child is a big decision, both emotionally and financially. Depending on your choice of adoption scenario, you're likely to need a financial plan.
April, 2007
Losing Your Inheritance to Uncle Sam – or Others
There are a number of ways for your estate to be lost to your intended heirs. Successful estate planning often requires the advice of a competent professional.
April, 2007
Getting your Kids Involved in Saving for College
The cost of a college education continues to rise. By planning early and involving your child in the process of saving for college, you can provide for their education and give them an opportunity to learn early about managing money.
March, 2007
Most Americans Need to Prepare for Financial Impact of Disability
The possibility of becoming disabled and unable to return to work is quite high for many Americans. One-fifth of this nation's population will become disabled for a year or more before reaching age 65, according to the Social Security Administration (SSA). To adequately protect your family against the risk of serious disability, make sure you understand your disability insurance coverage.