Retirement & Financial Planning Report

The Federal Employees Career Transition Handbook Just Published! https://www.fedweek.com/Publications/default.asp NOTE FROM THE PUBLISHER, DON MACE Dear Federal Employee: We can’t …More

If you own investment property, chances are that a sale would trigger a large capital gain. Instead, exchange this property …More

Many life insurance policies have been sold as backup retirement plans. That is, you put money into permanent, or cash …More

Did you incur a great deal of interest last year? Some deductible and some nondeductible? While you get your records …More

Medicare provides health insurance for those over 65 but it won’t cover everything. From 1998 to 2003, the estimated out-of-pocket …More

If you inherit an IRA, you’ll be able to extend tax deferral over your life expectancy. However, if you share …More

Rates for auto insurance are jumping faster than they have in a decade, the Wall Street Journal reported at the …More

Under a “Buy Direct” program, you can purchase Treasury securities with a toll-free phone call (800/943-6864) or at the Bureau …More

Mutual funds aren’t for everyone. Some investors are upset about being stuck with unexpected tax bills from their mutual funds …More

There are 10 standard Medicare supplement (“Medigap”) policies, labeled A through J. Each Plan A, B, C, etc., must offer …More

If you pay a household employee such as a nanny or a home health care aide $1,300 or more in …More

If you are among multiple heirs inheriting an IRA, you’ll gain flexibility and perhaps tax advantage by dividing the accounts. …More

If you plan to lease a car, ask if the lease contract will include “gap insurance.” If not, you’ll need …More

Keeping the tax code in mind will help you refinance “bad” debt with “good” debt. You might, for example, borrow …More

Tax-cutting opportunities likely can be found among your investment records. Remember reinvestments. When you determine the cost of securities you …More

According to Lipper Inc., a mutual fund tracking company based in New York, smaller funds (those with assets of $1 …More

Even though it’s 2003, there is still time to cut your tax bill for 2002. Here are some options to …More

In late 2002, the Office of Federal Housing Enterprise Oversight reported that home prices were up 6.2 percent, year over …More

How much wealth do you need in order to retire? Probably more than you think. Most retirees spend anywhere from …More

When you plan your next vacation, be businesslike. With some advance planning, you can get the IRS to foot part …More

Term life insurance started as a type of coverage that people bought from year to year. Recently, multi-year policies have …More

Should you buy or lease your next car? Arguments for leasing. Some drivers feel more comfortable leasing a car. They …More

What mistakes should you avoid as you prepare your 2002 tax return? Mortgage points. If you refinanced your mortgage last …More

Do you own investment property that has appreciated sharply in recent years? Chances are, if you sold this property you’d …More

You need to name beneficiaries for your IRAs, life insurance policies, annuities, trusts, etc. Here’s how to do it. Think …More

A few years ago, the federal government unveiled a “Medicare+Choice” program with great fanfare. In addition to traditional Medicare, participants …More

If you lease a car, be aware that there are two basic types: Open-end leases. Here, you take the risk …More

As you prepare your 2002 tax return, make sure you claim all legitimate deductions. Charitable contributions. Don’t limit your deductions …More

The stock market had its worst year in three decades in 2002, with the average U.S. diversified stock fund losing …More

Financially, it may make sense to sell high (an appreciated residence) and buy low (stocks that have been clawed by …More