Retirement & Financial Planning Report

From 1971 to 1989, international stocks significantly outperformed the S&P 500 Index, in U.S. dollar terms. However, from 1989 to …More

Stock market investors may do better in small-capitalization stocks (

If your teenage child has earned income, he or she can contribute up to $4,000 (or the total compensation income, …More

As your parents grow older, living independently might no longer be possible. Having someone come in to help probably will …More

Specialized mutual funds can provide ongoing exposure to the technology sector. Technology spending probably will grow faster than growth in …More

Section 1045 of the tax code is designed to encourage small-business investments. Under this provision, individual investors may elect to …More

If you or your spouse wants to start a business, help may be available. The Small Business Administration (SBA), for …More

If you name a minor as your IRA beneficiary, be careful. A minor cannot legally hold assets (including an IRA) …More

Gold now sells for over $400 per ounce, vs. a price around $250 back in 2001.

Oil prices are driving the stock market these days. Higher oil prices usually lead to higher inflation, and inflation has …More

You may have an attorney and an accountant and possibly a financial planner. If so, you might be getting good …More

To get tax benefits from a conservation easement, you donate property development rights to an appropriate charity, usually a local …More

Non-U.S. stocks seem to be regaining favor as an asset class, after a few years of superior performance. According to …More

For some municipal bonds, interest is exempt from regular income tax but subject to the alternative minimum tax (AMT). Thus, …More

Selling a fund with unrealized losses allows you to offset capital gains elsewhere in the portfolio. If you harvest losses …More

If you own a second home, you probably can deduct your outlays for mortgage interest and property taxes, just as …More

Revocable trusts can be revised or annulled, as the name suggests. In some areas, they

Just 50 large-company stocks represent 51 percent of the value of the Standard & Poor

Variable annuity costs are higher than mutual fund expense ratios. In return for the higher cost, investors receive some advantages …More

Today

In your will, you’ll name an executor to act as quarterback for your estate. In some states, an executor is …More

Most rental-car companies offer four forms of optional insurance: Loss/collision damage waiver. This provides a waiver of financial claims against …More

Foreclosure properties can be an excellent investment. However, they can be risky so a foreclosure purchase needs to be approached …More

If you

A Coverdell Education Savings Account (ESA) can be converted into a 529 college savings account for the same beneficiary. You …More

Since October 28, banks are allowed to use a new and faster process for clearing the paper checks written by …More

Look closely at any investment property that you

The corporate bond market is opening up to small investors. NASD has launched its quote system, TRACE, with more than …More

If you

The average rate for a private room in a nursing home is $192 a day, or about $70,000 a year, …More