Retirement & Financial Planning Report

As the cost of higher education soars, parents should consider various strategies to make college affordable: * Apply to schools …More

Everyone "knows" that affluent investors have an edge because they can invest in hedge funds, run by smart people with …More

The investment world is moving from an emphasis on sales commissions to an emphasis on fees. Old way: You’d deal …More

When you take money from an IRA or some other type of tax-favored retirement plan, you’ll usually owe income tax. …More

Many types of assets ask you to name a beneficiary. They include IRAs, life insurance policies, annuities, payable on death …More

With more workers working longer, an important element of their status in the workplace involves how the employer perceives them …More

If you have any luck at a casino, race track, etc, you must report those winnings as taxable income on …More

Topretirements.com recently graded all the states on these key issues: income tax, taxation of Social Security, taxation of pensions, property …More

If you have a life insurance policy you no longer want or need, one option is to cash it in …More

As of this writing, the fate of the federal estate tax is uncertain* In 2012, only estates worth more than …More

The initial public offering of Facebook stock was perhaps the most widely publicized IPO in history* With the company valued …More

You must withdraw at least a certain amount from your traditional IRA each year after you reach age 70 1/2. …More

The "lump-sum option"—also called the "alternative form of annuity"–remains one of the most misunderstood aspects of federal retirement policy. Many …More

While long life generally is viewed as a positive thing, it has implications for retirement including additional financial costs especially …More

In 2012, you can give up to $13,000 of assets to any number of recipients. You can give $13,000 to …More

Investing in bonds is challenging now. Interest rates are low, so bonds pay scant yields. Moreover, interest rates may rise …More

Most people invest IRA money in stocks, bonds, funds, and bank accounts. However, you don’t have to use such vehicles. …More

Whenever you donate $250 or more to charity, you need paperwork to back up your donations. * You must get …More

According to a survey from Ameriprise Financial, 93% of all Baby Boomers (those from age 47 to 65) help to …More

If you have made deductible contributions to a traditional IRA, that money will have to come out eventually. You’ll owe …More

Federal law requires each of the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion) to provide you with a free copy …More

The maximum tax on long-term capital gains is now 15%. That could change in 2013: * Unless Congress acts, the …More

From 2001 through 2010, the price of gold reached new heights. Morningstar’s category of precious metals funds, which invest most …More

Seniors who are dissatisfied with low investment yields might want to consider an immediate annuity. You give money to an …More

Many parents create custodial accounts for their children under the Uniform Transfers to Minors Act (UTMA) or the Uniform Gifts …More

Some families may benefit by transferring assets from adult workers to retired parents. In particular, it may make sense to …More

If you’re considering buying a policy under the Federal Long Term Care Insurance Program—you can enroll anytime—one major issue will …More

It is "difficult" to compare the FEHB program to other plans because of its status as the largest employer-sponsored health …More

When you receive Social Security benefits, are they subject to income tax? Maybe, or maybe not, or maybe just in …More

As of this writing, 10-year Treasury bonds yield around 1.7%, which is near historic lows. Most experts believe that interest …More