Retirement & Financial Planning Report

Home buyers must avoid certain abuses when they take out home loans. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) warns about: Equity …More

Among variable annuities, “bonus” annuities are gaining ground. They give you an extra 3 percent-5 percent for investing. For example, …More

Borrowing from a tax-deferred retirement plan has some advantages. There are no credit checks or lengthy applications to fill out; …More

According to the tax code, any disability insurance benefit you receive is tax-free, as long as you pay the premiums …More

If you own a vacation home, you can rent it for up to 14 days per year and have no …More

Be concerned about personal security whenever you hire a nanny or other household help. For a modest fee, you can …More

You should review your homeowner’s insurance policy to see that you have true replacement-cost coverage. Today’s “guaranteed replacement cost” coverage …More

If you decide to invest in collectibles, keep these points in mind: Focus on what you enjoy and do some …More

Loans from tax-deferred retirement plans must bear a reasonable rate of interest, similar to commercial lending rates. Often, retirement plans …More

According to Morningstar Inc., Chicago, precious metals funds have gained nearly 20 percent a year for the past three years, …More

If you’re planning to move in retirement, take lifestyle changes as well as lower costs into consideration. Someone who has …More

If you have a tax-deferred retirement account (such as an IRA) as well as investments in a taxable portfolio, which …More

Have you inherited an IRA? Was the decedent’s estate subject to estate tax? If the answer to both questions is …More

Before a remarriage, some conflicts over money can be headed off ahead of time if the parties sign a prenuptial …More

About half of all states allow residents to take state income tax deductions for contributions to 529 plans. Thus, if …More

A full-service retirement community may be ideal for your golden years. Ideally, you’ll be surrounded by like-minded contemporaries, free to …More

If you plan to give your youngster a car as a gift, consider registering the new car to be used …More

Not all long-term care (LTC) insurance policies cover assisted living facilities. You should review your policy, especially if it’s a …More

Investors should pay just as much attention to a company’s fundamentals after they buy a stock as they do beforehand. …More

Nearly all 529 college savings plans permit investors to set up accounts for themselves. This “solo 529” opportunity makes sense …More

With a fixed annuity, you are guaranteed a certain yield for a certain period of time, after which the yield …More

If the bear market has you in the market for a financial advisor, interview a few before making any commitments. …More

The so-called “marriage penalty” affects couples whose incomes are roughly equal, or those where both spouses are in the upper …More

The IRA distribution tables are based on the age you reach on your birthday during the calendar year. Say you …More

If the Lifetime Savings Accounts (LSAs) that President Bush has proposed are enacted into law, 529 college savings plans may …More

What should you while waiting to see how Congress reacts to President Bush’s proposals to create new tax-free investment accounts? …More

Usually, IRA withdrawals before age 59 1/2 are subject to a 10 percent penalty tax in addition to regular income …More

“Wrap” programs offered by brokers, financial planners, and investment advisors promise to help you to put together an investment portfolio, …More

As your parents age, they may need support that’s not available from family or friends. If home care is not …More

Ironically, investors hoping to cash in on proposed tax breaks for dividends may do well by buying low-dividend growth stocks. …More