Retirement & Financial Planning Report

Unless you’re subject to the alternative minimum tax (AMT), miscellaneous itemized deductions in excess of 2% of your adjusted gross …More

If you’re getting ready to send in your 2008 income tax return, double-check that you haven’t made these common errors: …More

Many charities offer charitable gift annuities (CGAs). With these arrangements, you donate assets to charity in return for a stream …More

Now that the weather is warming up, you might be making travel plans. While you’re away, consider renting your house. …More

Congressional leaders have indicated that the current 15 percent tax on corporate dividends may expire in 2011. If that’s the …More

If you have young children, tax breaks may help make it more affordable to pay for their care. * Dependent …More

Do you live with someone who’s not your spouse? If your partner has little or no income, you might be …More

Many people have made non-deductible contributions to traditional IRAs, for tax-deferred buildup. After the recent market crash, those IRAs probably …More

Joint ownership comes in three varieties: 1. Joint tenancy with the right of survivorship. As the name suggests, if one …More

The tax rate on long-term capital gains would rise from 15 percent now to 20 percent in 2011, according to …More

Many seniors "downsize" into a smaller, more affordable home or apartment. After the purchase, they take out a reverse mortgage …More

Many people have created revocable living trusts to hold their assets. If you have such a trust, should you use …More

Credit insurance is insurance that is sold in conjunction with a loan or line of credit. If a job loss …More

n the first eight months of 2008, junk bond yields rose from about 300 basis points (three percentage points) above …More

Many seniors "downsize" into a smaller, more affordable home or apartment. After the purchase, they take out a reverse mortgage …More

Many people have created revocable living trusts to hold their assets. If you have such a trust, should you use …More

Credit insurance is insurance that is sold in conjunction with a loan or line of credit. If a job loss …More

Selling a stock at a loss can offer tax advantages. The loss may offset a capital gain or might be …More

Investors may wish to buy stocks on margin. If the stocks go up in price, the leverage will increase your …More

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 contains several tax breaks designed to promote alternative forms of energy. They …More

A disclaimer strategy can save estate tax. Suppose, for example, Dave Andrews has millions of dollars of assets while his …More

When you invest in a mutual fund now, look for a largest tax-loss carryforward from 2008. The information should be …More

If you’re considering investing in a stock fund for a possible rebound, ask the fund’s phone rep if it has …More

For buyers of long-term care insurance, it pays to act now rather than wait. As you grow older, your health …More

As stock prices sink, long-term care insurance may be more appealing. Such insurance can help you preserve your assets if …More

The new American Recovery and Reinvestment Act includes an income tax deduction for state or local sales or excise tax …More

Last year, Congress offered a tax credit for "first-time" homebuyers. Actually, this credit was offered to anyone buying a home …More

The new American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, meant to stimulate the American economy, includes a "Making Work Pay" …More

When you take out a mortgage, you can protect yourself from unexpected and unnecessary closing costs: * Research lenders’ fees …More

When you shop for a home now, you might be buying a home from someone who can’t keep making the …More