May, 2012
Bond Market Outlook: Points to Ponder
It's helpful to weigh both the benefits and risks associated with bonds and other investments.
April, 2012
Tactical Asset Allocation: Fine Tuning a Longer-Term Strategy
Tactical asset allocation adjusts a target investment mix to capitalize on near-term opportunities.
April, 2012
Buying Decisions: Assessing a Business’ Worth
When assessing a potential acquisition, review why the current owner is selling, the history of the firm, and its internal structure.
April, 2012
Identifying Compliance Errors in a 401(k)
Compliance errors within 401(k) plans frequently can be corrected without incurring significant fines.
April, 2012
Are Recent Stock Market Advances Sustainable?
U.S. investors are riding a wave of mostly good news, but many risks remain.
March, 2012
Tax Tips for 2012
Federal tax rules relating to capital gains, dividends, income tax rates, and other issues are scheduled to expire after December 31, 2012. It's important to monitor developments in Washington to make sure you understand how tax legislation could affect your situation.
March, 2012
Finding Benefits Without an Employer
When working part time or in a temporary job, it is important to continue investing for retirement and maintaining health insurance coverage.
March, 2012
Strategies for Financing Your Business
Resources for financing a business may include company profits, your personal assets, help from family and friends, a loan from a bank or commercial finance company, and others.
March, 2012
Stocks in 2012: Look to the Consumer
Better-than-expected economic reports, actions by the European Central Bank, and easier monetary policy in certain corners of the globe have combined to fuel recent stock market gains.
February, 2012
Are Sector Funds Right for Your Portfolio?
Sector funds target specific industries and economic niches to seek above-average returns. With the opportunity for greater returns comes greater risk, as these funds typically are prone to fluctuate in value more than diversified, multisector funds.
February, 2012
Is Increased Inflation on the Horizon?
Worries about inflation have been cropping up more frequently lately, largely due to escalating commodity prices, which are pushing up consumer prices, both in the United States and abroad.
February, 2012
Understanding Your Fiduciary Responsibilities: An ERISA Primer
For those newly stepping into a role of retirement plan governance or for those who need a refresher on how their plan should be administered, this article provides an overview of key considerations.
February, 2012
In Volatile Markets, Investors May Find Comfort in Dividends
As uncertainty at home and abroad roils the financial markets, income-minded investors seeking protection from the bumpy road ahead may find dividend-paying stocks offer an attractive mix of features and warrant a place in their equity portfolios.
January, 2012
Make a Plan to Reduce Your Debt
The recession -- and subsequent slow recovery -- has caused millions of Americans to focus even more closely on living within their means. If you are ready to face up to your own financial realities, one crucial step is to set out a plan of action.
January, 2012
Strategies for Smart Retirement Planning
Some factors that influence your retirement savings results, such as the types of investments available to you through your plan and the performance of the financial markets, can't always be controlled. But there are some factors you can influence that can help keep your portfolio on track.
January, 2012
As Stocks Continue to Roil, Alternative Investments Gain Appeal
Prolonged stock market volatility has prompted many investors to look for alternatives to equities as they build a portfolio. Alternative investments -- such as real estate investment trusts, commodities, private equity, and hedge funds -- may have appeal for certain individuals.
January, 2012
Market Volatility Could Make Roth IRA Conversion Appealing
Prolonged market volatility has left many investors, especially those investing for retirement, searching for strategies to cope with the situation. If you have a traditional IRA, you may want to consider converting to a Roth IRA.
December, 2011
FAQs for Near-Retirees
The following frequently asked questions about retirement income should help those nearing retirement know if they are on track to meet their income needs.
December, 2011
Searching for Value in a Down Market
Buying on the dips is a favorite strategy of committed stock investors. But when looking for investment bargains, it's important to avoid a value trap.
December, 2011
How Much Will That Little Bundle of Joy Cost You? Try $163,000
It certainly comes as no surprise to parents that raising a child can be expensive. But just how expensive?
December, 2011
Getting Ready for Tax Season: Changes for 2012
The IRS has issued cost-of-living adjustments for the 2012 tax year that modify brackets, deductions, and other thresholds for inflation.
November, 2011
“Full Nest” Finances: Considerations When Supporting Adult Children
As more and more adult children opt to stay at home longer, parents can face new challenges in making ends meet.
November, 2011
How Closely Correlated Is Your Portfolio?
Asset allocation is a concept many investors are familiar with, but less familiar is the concept of correlation. Find out what correlation is and how it can impact your portfolio.
November, 2011
Stay or Roll Over? What to Do With Your Old Retirement Accounts?
If you've changed jobs a few times over the years, you could have several accounts housed in different employers' plans. While it is certainly acceptable to leave money in an old plan, in some instances it may be a better idea to consolidate your assets.
November, 2011
Does It Pay to Pay Off Your Mortgage?
Reducing debt is a good thing, we are told. But paying off your mortgage as you grow older may not be in your best interest.
