Retirement & Financial Planning Report

Many parents and students are unrealistic about college debt. Often, they think that a child will get an undergraduate degree …More

Bonds usually are issued at “par value.” Often, that’s $1,000 per bond. After they are issued, bonds are bought and …More

If you’re thinking about investing in real estate now that prices have dropped from peak levels, you also should think …More

In recent years, IRA owners 70 1/2 and older have been able to contribute up to $100,000 a year from …More

Many Baby Boomers have not saved adequately for college. Consequently, either the parents or the student may have to borrow …More

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

When you’re shopping for a home, a real estate agent who represents the seller may not have your best interests …More

While school is out, many families must find care for their young children. Often, that means day care or camp. …More

If you’re a landlord, you should be very cautious about selecting tenants. No matter how carefully you screen prospective tenants, …More

The debt crisis in Greece has hurt European stock markets severely. For example: * The trading price of iShares S&P …More

After you reach age 70 1/2, you must take required minimum distributions (RMDs) from your IRA. Suppose Paula Williams, age …More

Miscellaneous itemized expenses are deductible to the extent they exceed 2% of your adjusted gross income (AGI). If your AGI …More

In your investment portfolio, you may want to include some taxable bonds: Treasuries, corporates, mortgage-backed securities. If that’s the case, …More

If you would like to make a substantial charitable donation, consider a gift that involves life insurance. * Such transactions …More

In 2010, a child’s income over $1,900 will be taxed at the parents’ rate. Even if a child is subject …More

Municipal bonds offer tax-exempt income but they have risks, too. * Issuers face financial stress. Many states, cities, and other …More

If you have a traditional IRA, you can convert to a Roth IRA. You’ll owe tax on the conversion but …More

An immediate annuity can provide you with guaranteed cash flow for life. However, annuity payout rates are based on current …More

Do you want to help your children who are just starting their careers? One way to provide this help, without …More

Parents of college students generally will be able to borrow from the federal government at a 7.9% fixed interest rate, …More

As stock market volatility increases, utility shares and utility funds may be relatively safe places for your money. They offer: …More

Whether you’re buying or selling a home or refinancing a mortgage, appraisals are crucial. Lenders have gotten serious about basing …More

For death occurring in 2010, the traditional step-up in basis rule has been partially repealed. However, the full basis step-up …More

If you convert a traditional IRA to a Roth IRA, you should try to pay the resulting income tax with …More

If you include a trust in your estate plan, the trust document should spell out how the trustee will distribute …More

Parents and graduate students can take out PLUS federal education loans. With PLUS loans, borrowers can receive the difference between …More

Many consumer advocates say that buying a car is better than owning it. When you buy a car, you own …More

The Federal Reserve has kept short-term interest rates low to combat the financial crisis. Now that things seem to have …More

The new health insurance laws contain a major change for student loans. Starting July 1, all federally guaranteed loans will …More

Home buyers and investors probably can get a good price on REO property: a home owned by the lender after …More