Retirement & Financial Planning Report

The new tax law also extends special tax treatment for taxpayers in the two lowest federal income tax brackets (10 …More

The Tax Increase Prevention and Reconciliation Act (TIPRA) has just been signed into law. As its name reveals, its main …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

Since the 1980s, many banks have bought other banks. According to the Federal Reserve, large banks often charge higher fees …More

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

To save thousands of dollars of mortgage interest, divide your monthly mortgage bill by two and pay that amount every …More

In order to reduce the tax you pay on mutual funds held outside of your IRA, in a taxable account, …More

At year-end 2005, the Global Insight/National City Housing Valuation Analysis found that 71 percent of the top 299 metro housing …More

Although it is not possible to convert an existing custodial account to a 529 college savings account, it is possible …More

Some mutual funds have the word “dividend” in their name, indicating that they invest in the stocks of companies that …More

Credit-card solicitations may promise something like “zero percent interest for the life of the loan.” Before you switch your balances …More

The traditional immediate annuity is now called a “payout annuity,” by some insurance companies. By any name, such annuities can …More

A recent Supreme Court decision in former model Anna Nicole Smith’s battle for a share in her late husband’s estate …More

Selling an unwanted life insurance policy might be a better deal than letting it lapse. Suppose that your uncle, age …More

In 2006, total contributions to a traditional IRA or a Roth IRA (or both combined) can be as much as …More

When you buy stocks, you should set a “stop-loss” point. If you by a stock for $80 a share, for …More

Holding property jointly, with right of survivorship, appeals to many married couples. After the death of one spouse, ownership will …More

As summer draws near, parents of young children may have to make arrangements for day care while school is out. …More

If you received a filing extension for your 2005 tax return, you may be able to reduce last year’s tax …More

The IRS (and perhaps a state tax collector) will share the income you receive in each paycheck. If you wish, …More

If you own rental property away from home, you may be able to take a tax-deductible vacation. Say you live …More

According to Lipper, an investment research company, mutual fund investors paid over $15 billion in federal income taxes as a …More

Families going through the college application process often make a significant mistake. They don’t fill out the standard financial aid …More

When a student applies to college, his or her family is assigned an “expected family contribution” (EFC), based on income …More

You (or an elderly parent) may have a life insurance policy that’s no longer needed nor wanted. In many cases, …More

To make the best decisions about Social Security, you should understand the concept of your “normal retirement age” (also called …More

If you own two homes, the time may come when it makes sense to sell your primary residence and move …More

As the price of oil increases, you might want to invest directly in this commodity. One new option is the …More

After taking investment losses, you must reinvest with care. If you sell a stock and buy it back too soon, …More

Among so-called “rewards” credit cards are several that are tied to 529 college savings plans. If you use one of …More