Retirement & Financial Planning Report

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

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

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

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

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

Last year was an excellent year for stock funds but some specialized categories performed much better than the broad market. …More

The Dow Jones Industrial Average may have reached record levels in 2006 but the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite Index has lost …More

When you get your records together in order to prepare your 2006 tax return, be sure to track the cost …More

Legislation passed at year-end 2006 restored the tax deduction for college tuition and fees, which had expired. Therefore, you can …More

Taking the deduction for sales taxes paid last year makes sense if: * You itemize deductions on Schedule A of …More

For the past few years, taxpayers have had the option of deducting either: * State and local income taxes; or …More

Doing some homework in advance can help you get the most from your tax preparer this year, at the least …More

Should you do your own 2006 tax return or should you hire a preparer? Working with a professional may be …More

Assisted living facilities can help your parents stay out of a nursing home when they no longer can live independently. …More

If you’re thinking about buying a second home, for your own use and for rental income, do some real home-work: …More

You must transfer assets into any trust in order to realize the benefits of having a trust. To reduce the …More