Retirement & Financial Planning Report

Did you make a personal loan that has become worthless? When such a non-business loan is uncollectible, you can count …More

If you sell stocks at a loss in a taxable account, you’ll get a capital loss than can provide tax …More

If you have opened a 529 college savings plan, it might be under water because stocks have dropped sharply. That …More

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, just signed by President Obama, can affect the way you pay for …More

Tax-favored 529 plans come in two varieties: College savings plans allow you to put your money into investment accounts. You …More

Among the various types of insurance policies sold online, auto insurance may be the most suitable for Internet purchases. Auto …More

If you are looking for investment property, consider real estate owned (REO) by a bank that has foreclosed on the …More

Now that stocks have lost value, you might be thinking of investing your IRA in real estate. If you buy …More

The Bernard Madoff case has been in the headlines for alleged securities fraud. Regardless of how that case is resolved, …More

Congress has suspended the required minimum distribution (RMD) rules for 2009. Generally, you must start RMDs from retirement accounts such …More

In a truly worst-case scenario, you or your spouse may some day wind up in a coma, on a feeding …More

Bond funds did much better than stock funds last year, which reinforces the idea that investors should have some bonds …More

According to Morningstar, Vanguard Intermediate-Term Tax-Exempt Bond Fund, which holds municipal bonds from around the nation, yields 4.04 percent, as …More

Normally, municipal bonds (which pay tax-exempt interest) have lower yields than Treasury bonds (which pay taxable interest). Today, though, high-quality …More

In 2009, there are no minimum required distributions from retirement accounts. Nevertheless, some taxpayers may come out ahead by taking …More

IRA charitable rollovers are less popular this year because distributions from IRAs aren’t required in 2009. Nevertheless, seniors in a …More

Mutual funds holding convertible bonds and convertible preferred stocks lost more than 33 percent last year, on average, the worst …More

Many financial advisors tell retirees who stop working around age 65 to start by taking 4 percent from their investment …More

Many people file their tax returns and get a refund. If that happens to you this year, you have made …More

If you paid someone last year to care for a child under age 13, you may be able to claim …More

With every new Presidential administration, it seems that the "Nanny tax" issue surfaces. Some potential appointees have withdrawn because they …More

The economy may be in a steep slide but life goes on for most people. Focusing on necessities may help …More

Before and after buying rental property, you should take precautions: * Before you buy, have the home inspected. Factor the …More

If you’re getting married to a mate who’s much older or much younger, keep these points in mind: * Plan …More

Corporate bond prices dropped last year as investors switched to super-safe Treasuries. Now, bonds from high-quality companies have yields in …More

Domestic stock funds lost about 38 percent of their value last year, according to Morningstar. Bond funds, especially government bond …More

Many (but not all) retirement plans allow larger retirement contributions is 2009: * IRAs, including Roth IRAs. Contribution limits remain …More

This year may be an excellent time for a Roth IRA conversion. With asset values down, you will owe less …More

If you have been saving money for a youngster’s college education in a custodial account, consider transferring the funds to …More

Financial abuse of seniors has become a growing concern. How can you help your parents? Try a direct approach. Suggest …More