Retirement & Financial Planning Report

One way to increase Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. (FDIC) coverage for your bank accounts is to set up a trust …More

The so-called bailout bill that was just signed into law raised the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. (FDIC) insurance ceiling from …More

Did you inherit some assets recently from an estate subject to federal estate tax? If so, the stock market crash …More

In 2009, the federal estate tax exemption will rise from $2 million to $3.5 million. This might create a dilemma: …More

The Pension Protection of 2006 permitted an IRA charitable rollover for some taxpayers in 2006 and 2007. When the so-called …More

If you have a loss in a 529 college savings plan because of the stock market meltdown, what can you …More

If you sell stocks or bonds or funds at a loss, you’re entitled to valuable tax breaks. However, your capital …More

If your estate plan includes charitable contributions, you should make such bequests from your IRA. Such a strategy delivers tax …More

Now that asset values are down, a grantor retained annuity trust (GRAT) may save estate tax. You, the grantor of …More

If you receive a lump-sum from an inheritance, perhaps, or from a property sale, should you invest all at once …More

When steaks or shoes go on sale, more people want to buy. However, when stock prices go down, many investors …More

If your IRA is worth less now than it was a year ago because of the stock market slump, you …More

With stocks down sharply in 2008, you should realize capital losses by selling securities held in taxable accounts by year-end. …More

If you own a valuable home in a desirable neighborhood, you may want to donate that house to charity yet …More

You may want to make a change regarding your IRA. If so, keep this distinction in mind: * An IRA …More

Many people prefer to hold assets outright. Barbara Black, for example, might invest in mutual funds in her own name. …More

Many grandparents give cash, mutual funds, U.S. Savings Bonds, etc., to their grandchildren. However, such gifts might hurt the children’s …More

Regardless of whether oil prices move up or down from current levels, the trading range probably will be much higher …More

Donating a conservation easement to a group such as a local land trust can provide a significant income tax deduction …More

Investing in real estate can be extremely rewarding. However, there are risks involved so you should proceed with care. Points …More

If you decide to remodel your house, consider these improvements to make the house more appealing to elderly buyers–or more …More

The National Flood Insurance program (NFIP) offers coverage through private insurance companies. You can cover your home for up to …More

In 2006, Congress raised the federal deposit insurance limit for retirement accounts from $100,000 to $250,000 per bank. This coverage …More

When you create an IRA you’ll either use the beneficiary form that’s provided or create a customized form. That’s only …More

With a charitable gift annuity, you make a gift to a charity and receive a stream of income that can …More

Joint ownership might be the most common form of incapacity planning. If your elderly Aunt Mary fears that her health …More

You may need appraisals for various purposes, such as substantiating a charitable contribution or determining how much an inherited asset …More

For elderly homeowners, a reverse mortgage might increase the money available for retirement spending. With a reverse mortgage, you get …More

Many couples think that they are doing well if they live within their means. In reality, it’s vital that a …More

Under the federal financial aid formula, parent-owned accounts in a 529 savings program have very little impact on student eligibility …More