Planning & Retirement

Prepare for financial milestones and events

Financial planning

Mortgages

Understanding Mortgage Rates

Why aren't mortgage rates falling more quickly? Learn how different interest rates work and the various factors that impact the interest rates we pay on mortgages.

April 18, 2025

Security Based Loans

Securities-Based Lending

A credit line backed by securities in your nonretirement portfolio can offer a powerful, flexible source of liquidity to help meet your goals.

April 18, 2025

Retirement Income

Beyond the 4% Rule

How much can you spend without running out of money? The 4% rule is a popular rule of thumb, but you can do better. Here are guidelines for finding your personalized spending rate.

April 15, 2025

College and education

Education

Education Savings Accounts

You have a variety of choices when it comes to saving for your child's education: 529 plans, Coverdell ESAs, and custodial accounts. Let's review your choices.

April 10, 2025

Education

Help Heirs Pay for College

Superfunding a 529 or making direct tuition payments to a university can offer tax advantages, but the key to any strategy is planning.

April 04, 2025

Education

Costly College-Saving Mistakes

A 529 college savings plan offers many advantages, but it can come with some potential pitfalls. Here are five mistakes to avoid.

March 14, 2025

Estate planning

Estate Planning

3 Ways to Pass Down a Home

The pros and cons of different methods for leaving a home to your heirs.

April 15, 2025

Education

Help Heirs Pay for College

Superfunding a 529 or making direct tuition payments to a university can offer tax advantages, but the key to any strategy is planning.

April 04, 2025

Estate Planning

Beneficiary Basics

Designating beneficiaries is a simple way to help protect your estate and avoid probate.

March 28, 2025

Saving for retirement

Retirement

4 Retirement Risks to Avoid

The five years before and after retirement are among the most important—and vulnerable—for your savings. Make the most of your later years by getting ahead of the potential risks.

April 16, 2025

Retirement

Saving Plans: IRA vs. 401(k)

We break down which retirement accounts—IRAs or 401(k)s—may be right for you.

March 28, 2025

IRA

IRA Rules: 8 Things to Know

Knowing about different IRA rules can help you make better decisions about which type of retirement account best suits your situation.

March 26, 2025

In retirement

Retirement

4 Retirement Risks to Avoid

The five years before and after retirement are among the most important—and vulnerable—for your savings. Make the most of your later years by getting ahead of the potential risks.

April 16, 2025

Stocks

How To Evaluate Dividend Stocks

Dividend stocks can provide income and boost portfolio growth. But don't be blinded by the yield they offer. We'll show you other metrics you might use to evaluate income stocks.

April 15, 2025

Retirement Income

3 Retirement Income Mistakes

Avoiding simple mistakes can extend the life of your portfolio. Here are three common mistakes retirees make with their retirement income.

April 11, 2025

Tax planning

Estate Planning

3 Ways to Pass Down a Home

The pros and cons of different methods for leaving a home to your heirs.

April 15, 2025

Tax Planning

Tax-Efficient Investing Plan

Making tax-efficiency part of your investing strategy can help lower your tax bill.

April 09, 2025

Tax Planning

Taxes in Retirement

As you approach and enter your golden years, calculating your tax obligations could be tricky.

March 14, 2025

Explore more topics

Retirement IRA 401(k) Taxes Financial Planning Budgeting Education Estate Planning Health Care Wills

The information provided here is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered an individualized recommendation or personalized investment advice. The investment strategies mentioned here may not be suitable for everyone. Each investor needs to review an investment strategy for his or her own particular situation before making any investment decision.

Investing involves risk, including loss of principal.

Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

All expressions of opinion are subject to change without notice in reaction to shifting market conditions. Data contained herein from third-party providers is obtained from what are considered reliable sources. However, its accuracy, completeness or reliability cannot be guaranteed.

Examples provided are for illustrative purposes only and not intended to be reflective of results you can expect to achieve.

The information provided here is for general informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for specific individualized tax, legal or investment planning advice. Where specific advice is necessary or appropriate, consult with a qualified tax advisor, CPA, financial planner or investment manager.

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