Retirement & Financial Planning Report

If you own rental property, you may be able to pocket tax-free cash. Suppose you buy a rental property for …More

There are a dozen real estate investment trusts (REITs) that specialize in health care properties such as independent living and …More

When you purchase an immediate annuity (also known as a payout annuity or an income annuity), you buy yourself a …More

When you get a margin loan from your broker, you’re gaining access to a low-interest line of credit secured by …More

A change in federal law encourages donations of conservation easements to local nonprofit groups. With such easements, you agree to …More

The Pension Protection Act of 2006 included a provision that can pay off if you inherit an account in an …More

Among the largest tax breaks in the Internal Revenue Code is the $250,000 exclusion on sale of a principal residence. …More

Ibbotson, a division of Morningstar, reports that consumer prices rose an estimated 2.03 percent in 2006, which is lower than …More

If you’re facing ever-steeper property tax bills, consider appealing. Your home might be overvalued and an appeal could save you …More

Should you select a 529 college savings plan on your own or should you use a financial professional? There are …More

Miscellaneous itemized deductions are deductible to the extent they exceed 2 percent of your adjusted gross income (AGI). Some people …More

Many retirees will have a taxable investment portfolio as well as money in a tax-deferred account such as an IRA. …More

Every November and December, investors are advised to take losses on securities such as stocks and stock funds. However, this …More

Before you name a disabled individual as beneficiary of your IRA, proceed with care. If the intended beneficiary participates in …More

Beginning with 2006 tax returns (filed in 2007), taxpayers receiving a refund can request that it be split among two …More

On Schedule A of your federal income tax return (Form 1040), where you itemize deductions, you’ll find a "miscellaneous" category. …More

Before investing in real estate, look around. Find out if there are owners as well as renters in the neighborhood, …More

If the high price of gasoline has you thinking about cutting costs, hold onto your current auto. The least expensive …More

From 62 until the year you reach "full retirement age," there is a severe penalty for earning income while collecting …More

Under the letter of current law, money in 529 college savings plans and prepaid tuition plans aren’t counted on the …More

Life insurance policies and annuities that also offer long-term care (LTC) benefits may work well for seniors who have more …More

There are three ways to acquire vehicles for your personal use: Pay cash. This choice makes the most sense if …More

Variable annuities offer a way to invest in stock funds, tax-deferred, but there is no certainty that stocks will provide …More

When you set up a trust, it’s a common to name a friend or family member as trustee. This is …More

To protect yourself from identity theft, consider these safeguards: * Don’t give out your credit card or Social Security numbers. …More

Spending a few dollars less and saving a few dollars more can make a huge difference. Suppose you decide to …More

Getting ready to retire and move to warmer climes? You might not wish to keep managing any investment property you …More

In some situations, big banks offer good deals. You’re more likely to find free checking at a big bank than …More

Mutual funds holding small-company stocks enjoyed another solid year in 2006; similarly, funds focusing on “value” stocks (those selling at …More

Domestic equity funds have annualized returns of less than 7 percent for the past five years, through 2006. That’s far …More