Retirement & Financial Planning Report

The 2001 tax law reduces the likely impact of future estate taxes. The per-person exemption moves up to $1 million …More

Planning to work outside the United States? As long as you are an American citizen, all of your worldwide income …More

Although stocks fell for the second straight year in 2001, there were some bright spots. Small companies generally outperformed large …More

If you turned 70-1/2 in 2001, your first required distribution must be taken by April 1, 2002. The amount you …More

Throughout 2001, the Federal Reserve has cut interest rates to the lowest levels in years. That has spurred a tremendous …More

Investors who have soured on technology funds may want to move some cash into health care funds. The group is …More

Before you sell a stock at a profit, give the shares to a low-bracket child. You and your spouse can …More

Instead of writing checks, use appreciated securities to fulfill year-end charitable obligations. Suppose you generally give $1,000 to your alma …More

You asked for it, you got it: FEDweek has just posted a FREE 2002 interactive federal employee leave use tracker …More

Year-end tax tactics for homeowners include: Make your January mortgage payment. You probably can pick up an extra month’s worth …More

If you run a business or a sideline business, you can use the “Section 179″ (named after a portion of …More

As part of your year-end tax planning, look at your miscellaneous itemized deductions, which include items such as tax preparation, …More

If you sell a stock or mutual fund for a year-end tax loss, you can’t immediately buy back the same …More

In a late 2001 survey, over 80% of the economists polled by the National Association for Business Economics (NABE) were …More

The two-year bear market may yield tax advantages. For 2001, the best result is a $3,000 net capital loss–that is …More

A classic fraud has become the Internet’s most prevalent investment scam. First, the price of a thinly-priced stock is pumped …More

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

Should you choose an independent financial advisor or one who is affiliated with a large firm? Independents claim they can …More

If you can take home office deductions, the first step is to calculate the office portion of your home. By …More

The relatively new tax law has created a great deal of confusion among estate planners. To adapt, one proposed strategy …More

Market conditions probably have reduced the value of your IRA. If so, this may be a good time to convert …More

If you or your parents are interested in a retirement community, visit several that seem attractive. The most desirable communities …More

If you’re interested in municipal bonds, the first step is to determine whether you should buy taxable or tax-exempt bonds …More

Deferred annuities (fixed or variable) may be considered the opposite of life insurance because annuities can help you protect against …More

Converting a regular IRA to a Roth IRA can be expensive. When you convert a $300,000 IRA, for example, you’ll …More

According to Ibbotson Associates, large-company stocks have had a mean return of 11% per year, since 1925, and a standard …More

If you already have a home mortgage, this is an ideal time to refinance, with interest rates near record lows. …More

If you claim home office deductions you may have a nasty surprise when you sell your home. You might wind …More

Many financial advisors recommend that people with dependents have life insurance coverage of three to five times annual gross income. …More

The average interest rate on credit card debt is around 14%–and that’s 14% after tax, because interest on credit card …More