Retirement & Financial Planning Report

Before year-end, take capital losses now for tax savings you can claim on your 2003 return and perhaps in future …More

After taking investment losses, you must reinvest with care. If you sell a stock and buy it back too soon, …More

The holiday season can raise consciousness of long-term care needs. People visit their parents and may suddenly discover that Mom …More

Disability insurance, also known as disability income (DI) insurance, can be vital. If you are unable to work, this coverage …More

If you own rental property away from home, you may be able to take a tax-deductible vacation. Say you live …More

A recent survey by the Consumer Federation of America shows that homeowner’s insurance costs have risen 4 percent in 2000, …More

Savings Bonds (EE and I-Bonds) offer competitive yields these days, along with provisions for higher yields if interest rates rise. …More

Since October 1989, the risk-adjusted return for bank loans has exceeded that of stocks or bonds. From 1992 through 2002, …More

If your children or grandchildren are still in school, with a part-time or seasonal job, they should put their earnings …More

One spouse can receive a modest Social Security benefit at age 62, then switch to a greater spousal benefit at …More

Corporate executives, directors, and large investors are all deemed insiders by regulators, and have to file their trades with the …More

Credit-card solicitations may promise something like “zero percent interest for the life of the loan.” Before you switch your balances …More

With a charitable remainder annuity trust, you make a large donation and then certain “income beneficiaries” (often, you and your …More

Do you earn income from a sideline business, such as consulting or writing? You might want to form a limited …More

In 2003, some closed-end funds (that is, funds that are publicly-traded, like stocks) have been launched that include preferred stocks …More

Some mutual fund families are bringing out so-called “target-timeline” funds that will become more conservative as a target retirement date …More

The traditional immediate annuity is now called a “payout annuity,” by some insurance companies. By any name, such annuities can …More

Currently, the average municipal bond fund yields around 4 percent. If you want to stretch for higher yields, consider leveraged …More

World bond funds were up 4.25 percent for the year-to-date, through August, way ahead of a 2.7 percent loss for …More

If you inherit an IRA, for maximum tax deferral, you should: Check that the beneficiary forms and related paperwork are …More

Many investors have put their money into funds designed to match the performance of a stock market index such as …More

A federal law signed in 1996 prevents states from taxing IRA distributions taken by a former resident who is now …More

Under federal law, a person may establish a 529 savings account for himself (although not all state programs permit it). …More

Mutual fund investors should try these tax-wise tactics: Sell the funds where you have a paper loss. Realized capital losses …More

Some of your loved ones may have emotional or physical handicaps. If they are younger than you are, and likely …More

If you create a trust that will be binding on your descendants, it’s important to build flexibility into the trust, …More

You may be able to claim a parent as a dependent if you and one or more siblings provide over …More

So-called 529 college savings plans really are investment plans because your account will grow (or shrink) depending on how specified …More

Charitable remainder unitrusts (CRUTs) are popular because they offer major tax benefits, such as upfront income tax deductions, estate tax …More

The Federal Trade Commission lists the following red flags before hiring a home improvement contractor. Don’t hire a contractor who: …More