Are You Saving Enough for Retirement? Only You Can Decide.

November 18, 2009

Are you saving enough for retirement? It's not just about numbers. It's about the kind of life you want to lead.

Payday Loans Out of Control? Get Help Now.

November 11, 2009

If you're at the point of needing a payday loan, stop right there—and start getting real help right away.
 

Is Your IRA an Emergency Fund? Possibly—but Don't Touch It If You Don't Have To

November 4, 2009

You can tap your IRA penalty-free when you reach the age of 59 ½—but it's best to wait as long as possible to ensure that asset last as long as you need it.

Maxing Out Your Tax-Deductible IRA

October 21, 2009

IRA deductibility rules are complicated, but worth understanding so you maximize your tax advantage and boost your retirement portfolio. 
 

How Much Should You Be Saving

October 14, 2009

Everyone knows it's important to save. But how much should be saved? That depends on your goals and how long you have to reach them. 
 

Life Insurance: When It Makes Sense (and When It Doesn't)

September 23, 2009

Virtually everyone needs insurance to protect themselves against catastrophic loss—but not everyone needs life insurance.
 

How to Plan for a Shorter Retirement

September 16, 2009

The typical retirement planning scenario assumes you'll need an income for 30 years. But if your timeframe is shorter, how do you adjust your income projections? 
 

Suddenly Alone—Where Can You Turn for Help?

September 9, 2009

Managing your financial life after losing a spouse is difficult. But there are resources you can turn to for practical help and support.

LTC Insurance: Do You Need It?

August 12, 2009

What’s the right age to consider long-term care insurance? While you may not need to buy it yet, it’s never too soon to learn about it.
 

Social Security Benefits: Timing Can Make a Difference

August 5, 2009

How does earned income affect your Social Security benefits? That depends on when you start taking benefits and how much you make. 
 

How to Build a Credit Rating—and Keep It High

July 29, 2009

Your credit rating plays a huge role in your ability to get credit—and the rate you’ll pay for credit—and that’s why it’s important to make your credit rating as high as possible.
 

Does It Make Sense to Pay Off Your Mortgage?

July 15, 2009

You have the cash to pay off your mortgage early. Should you? It’s a balance of practical considerations and your peace of mind.
 

Retirement Can Last a Very Long Time: Will Your Money Last as Long as You Do?

July 8, 2009

One of your primary retirement planning goals should be to ensure your money last for the duration of your retirement. Here are some ways to understand how long your capital could last. 
 

You Want to Buy a House—Can Your Roth IRA Help Make That Dream Come True?

May 7, 2009

Many Roth IRA investors can access their account to help with a down payment on a first home without triggering taxes or penalties—but does that make it a good idea?
 

Investing for College: 529s Are Still a Good Idea

April 23, 2009

Given the turmoil in the markets, is the 529 plan still a viable option for college savings? 
 

Helping Young Adults Means More Than Writing a Check

April 9, 2009

Can you help your kids financially without weakening their motivation? Yes, but you have to be selective about the type of help you give.
 

Nonworking Spouses Can Save for Retirement, Too.

March 26, 2009

Even if your spouse has no earned income, he or she can still contribute to a Spousal IRA, effectively doubling your retirement savings power.
 

Borrowing from Your 401(k): Is It Ever a Good Idea?

March 12, 2009

If you’re drowning in a sea of credit card debt, should you raid your 401(k) plan?
 

Taking the Long View: Define, Save, Invest, & Measure

February 12, 2009

Saving and investing are obviously important to your future. But it’s also important to know how much you’re going to need and when you’re going to need it.
 

Financial Aid and Personal Assets: Is There an Optimal Strategy?

January 29, 2009
 
What do college financial aid programs consider when determining eligibility?
 

Answering the Question: "Do I Have Enough Money for Retirement?"

January 15, 2009

How do you know if you're really prepared for a comfortable retirement?
 

Re-entering the Workforce: Retirement Saving in Retirement

December 18, 2008

You can contribute to a 401(k) if you’re still working in your 70s, but the real question is this: “Should you?”
 

Juggling Financial Priorities

November 20, 2008
 
How can a young couple with four pre-school age kids save for both college and retirement?
 

Take the Long-Term View…But Don’t Forget About Today’s Realities

November 6, 2008

With decades to go before retirement, is it right to be heavily exposed to the equity markets? And what else do you need to plan for?
 

Fitting Grad School Plans into Your Financial Picture

October 23, 2008

Working and saving for graduate school at the same time? Set your priorities now to give yourself options later. 
 

Don't Be Derailed by High-Interest Debt

August 28, 2008

High-interest consumer debt can put a strain on even the most well thought out financial plan. Here are some ideas to help lessen your burden and get on a smart savings track.
 

Does Your Emergency Fund Have to Be Cash?

August 14, 2008

There are different ways to manage an emergency fund, but when the worst happens the bottom line is still safety and accessibility.
 

Does It Make Sense to Consolidate?

July 31, 2008

Having all your retirement accounts in one place can mean smarter investment decisions with less effort.
 

Starting Late—Catching Up

July 17, 2008

Are you behind on your retirement savings? Don’t despair. With some self-discipline now, you can make up for lost time.
 

Retirement Planning: Progress & Confidence

June 19, 2008

You're planning, saving, and investing--but are you confident you'll be ready for retirement?
 

Reverse Mortgages—Get the Facts First

June 5, 2008

While on the surface a reverse mortgage can seem like a risk-free way to boost retirement income, this is a real “buyer beware” scenario. It may seem like free money but the costs can be considerable.
 

Too Many Balls in the Air: A Young Man Struggling to Buy a Home

May 8, 2008

When buying a home may not be the best route for your financial future 

Solving the Debt Dilemma

March 13, 2008

Struggling to get out of debt? Here’s why you should pay off those high interest credit cards and start saving now.
 

Retiring Later But Planning Now

February 28, 2008

Not ready to retire? Some practical tips for keeping your finances on track.
 

Beyond Your 401(k): Matching Your Money to Your Goals

January 17, 2008

Is it possible to save too much?  
 

For Retirement Planning, Save—and Invest—Aggressively

January 3, 2008

CDs may feel safe and low-risk, but they may not be appropriate for long-term investors. If you want to build wealth, you need to think more aggressively.  
 

Questions About Retiring: Market Volatility & When

December 20, 2007

If market volatility keeps you up at night (or worried during the daytime), what should you do? And when is the best time to tap Social Security? 
 

"House Rich and Cash Poor": Don't Rely on Real Estate for Retirement Income

August 2, 2007

Some people use their discretionary income to invest in real estate, but they may find that as retirement nears, they need more financial assets. 
 

Getting Going On Retirement Investing (Even If You're Starting Late)

July 5, 2007

When it comes to retirement investing, an early start is a valuable thing. But if you're behind the curve, what can you do?
 

Where to Invest After You've Maxed Out Your 401(k)

June 21, 2007

Taxable accounts can be a valuable adjunct to tax-deferred accounts when it comes to retirement investing.
 

Should a 20-Something Invest for Retirement?

January 18, 2007

You know that an early start to retirement investing is critical. But how can you convince your child to start today?
 

Should You Convert? The New Law for Roths

September 14, 2006

The rules governing Roth IRA conversions have changed, opening the doors of eligibility considerably wider. But does the conversion make sense for you?
 

What's the Deal With Health Savings Accounts?

July 27, 2006
 
You've probably read about health savings accounts. Should you be considering one?
 

You've Paid Off Your Mortgage! Now What?

July 13, 2006

Your house is just paid off, and with no mortgage to pay, you'll have a lot more disposable income. What should you consider doing with your windfall? 
 

Raiding Your IRA to Buy Your First House

July 6, 2006
 
Purchasing a first home and considering using IRA funds to make the down payment? The pros and cons of tapping your IRA. 
 

Accelerating Your Retirement Savings

June 29, 2006
 
You may be maxing out your retirement account contributions. But will it be enough? And if not, how are you going to catch up?
 

Creating Your Retirement "Paycheck"

June 22, 2006
 
How do you turn retirement wealth into a "paycheck" for your mortgage, for your bills, for traveling—for living?
 

Think Before You Tap That 401(k)

May 25, 2006
 
Changing jobs and wondering what to do with your 401(k)? Ways to handle your retirement money.
 

Long-term Care Insurance: A Good Investment?

May 18, 2006
 
Worried about the risk of needing long-term care? What you should consider and ways to open the conversation with loved ones.
 

Planning for Early Retirement: Are You Prepared?

March 2, 2006
 
Is early retirement one of your goals? Is it realistic given your assets? Time to get serious about retirement planning.
 

Giving Your Wealth a Mission

February 15, 2006
 
Want your wealth to make a difference? Create a "strategic giving" plan to turn your passions into reality. 
 

From Breadwinner to Retiree

February 2, 2006

The transition to retirement is challenging—perhaps doubly so when one half of a couple remains in the work force. This situation calls for discussions and decisions.
 

To Sell or Not to Sell: Universal Life Policies

January 12, 2006

Do you own a universal life policy? You have several choices about how to deal with this asset.