Retirement & Financial Planning Report

According to the Insurance Information Institute, the national average auto insurance premium is about $850 per year. If that’s the …More

In 2011, taxpayers received an average refund of $2,913. If you get a refund this year, you can use the …More

In your retirement planning, remember that Medicare eligibility begins at age 65. Medicare Part A provides coverage if you stay …More

When you sit down with your tax preparer to discuss your 2011 tax return, be sure to reveal any transaction …More

As online shopping gains popularity, sales tax collections are becoming an important issue. Some Internet sales are subject to sales …More

The price of oil shot up in the fourth quarter of 2011 and now stands at about $106 a barrel. …More

Investors’ key concerns may be described as the "Three Ds": * Debt. The U.S., the European Union and Japan account …More

Going back nearly 90 years (that’s how long good records are available), the broad U.S. stock market has returned about …More

Most financial advisors recommend keeping a certain amount of money in reserve. If you need ready cash for some purpose, …More

People are living longer, on average, so providing for income far in the future may be a concern. Possible tactics: …More

Many seniors expect to sell their house after they retire and pocket some untaxed cash. (Taxpayers don’t owe tax on …More

Among basic investment strategies, dollar-cost averaging has a well-deserved role. The idea is simple: invest a certain amount at regular …More

When a loved one dies, one task that’s up to the executor and the decedent’s heirs is notifying the issuer …More

Most people will use the IRS Uniform Lifetime Table for calculating required minimum distributions (RMDs) from their IRAs after age …More

Some Social Security recipients have income so low that their benefits won’t be taxed. Others have so much income that …More

In 2012, the federal estate tax exemption is $5.12 million. Married couples now can use two exclusions, no matter which …More

Some youngsters are treated as "kiddies," for tax purposes, so they have limits on investment income. Over the limits, any …More

Form 1099-B is the form that brokerage firms use to report securities trades to the IRS. Investors also get a …More

Where can you turn for investment yields in these low-interest-rate times? To dividend-paying stocks. Stocks in the broad Standard & …More

For estate tax planning, 529 college savings plans can be valuable. If your parents would like to get some estate …More

Revocable trusts, also known as living trusts, are increasingly popular. They can serve two main purposes: * Probate avoidance. Assets …More

When one spouse dies and the surviving spouse is the beneficiary, the survivor has unique opportunities. She can roll over …More

When you sell investment property, you probably will owe a steep tax bill. That’s true even if the selling price …More

When an IRA owner dies and the account passes to the beneficiary, the best choice usually is to leave the …More

At this time of the year, you’re probably getting records together so you can file your tax returns for 2011. …More

When you shop for a car, you almost certainly will look at the sticker price. You’ll probably look at the …More

Taking an IRA distribution before age 59-1/2 usually results in a 10% penalty. That’s in addition to ordinary income tax …More

When it comes to saving money for higher education, 529 plans are a popular choice. Inside these plans, investment earnings …More

Although some politicians are talking about changes to Social Security, for now you must deal with the current system. A …More

If you (or a grown son or daughter) are about to buy a house, you should know how the mortgage …More