Retirement & Financial Planning Report

Increasingly popular exchange-traded funds (ETFs) offer low expenses, tax efficiency, transparency, and trading flexibility. ETFs generally fall into one of …More

After at least two years of living in a house, you’re entitled to exclude up to $250,000 worth of capital …More

If you have a life insurance policy you no longer want, one option is to donate it to charity. For …More

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

Contrarians buy low and sell high so they wind up with winning investments. What are some out-of-favor plays now? * …More

Equity-indexed annuities (EIAs) allow you to invest retirement funds in the stock market, tax-deferred. Thus, you have the potential for …More

Tax-exempt money funds may not be suitable for many people. According to www.imoneynet.com, the average seven-day compound yield among taxable …More

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

Vanguard just announced the 30th birthday of what it calls the first index fund for individual investors: First Investment Trust. …More

The average yield on one-year bank certificates of deposit (CDs) is now over 5 percent, according to www.bankrate.com. With a …More

The Pension Protection Act of 2006 includes a provision allowing some people to make charitable donations from their IRAs. You …More

The new Pension Protection Act of 2006 contains an important change for charitable contributions. Effective immediately, all tax deductions for …More

The new Pension Protection Act of 2006 not only affects pensions, it also involves long-term care (LTC) insurance. In the …More

Section 529 plans (named after a section of the tax code) were enhanced by the Pension Protection Act of 2006. …More

The new law permits charitable donations to be made from an IRA if the IRA owner is at least 70 …More

Converting your hobby into a business can pay off, even if you lose money. The tax code permits you to …More

You can take withdrawals from your IRA before age 59 1/2, penalty-free, via a series of substantially equal payments. The …More

If you are investing in Treasury Inflation-Protected Securities (TIPS), consider using a mutual fund such as PIMCO Real Return Bond …More

Do you have a student away at college this fall? Make sure they know these points about money matters: Bank …More

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

If you’re considering a speculative investment, do it outside of your IRA. On the outside, any losses can result in …More

If you’re sending a child or children to college, needs-based financial aid may be vital. To increase your family’s eligibility, …More

Buying a fixer-upper home can be a profitable investment. Such properties are generally available at prices well under market value. …More

A “springing” power of attorney won’t take effect until a certain events occur. For example, a doctor might be required …More

Many tax-deferred fixed annuities offer you a guaranteed yield for a certain number of years. But what can you do …More

Many areas of the U.S. have been flooded recently and more water damage may be on the way. However, most …More

The tax treatment of Treasury Inflation-Protected Securities (TIPS) can be daunting. With these bonds, the principal is increased to reflect …More

Rather than try to time the market, work with a basic asset allocation. Then sell the asset classes that are …More

Flood insurance available through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) can cover your home for up to $250,000 and the …More

After years of interest rate increases by the Federal Reserve, yields to savers have rising sharply. Now you may be …More