Estate planning when it’s just the two of you
Planning for the future can take a different shape when children aren’t involved. With no braces to pay for or tuition bills to finance, couples don’t have many of the financial obligations that...
View ArticleMaking the most of your bonus or raise
If you’re receiving a raise or a bonus this year, you may feel a little bit wealthier when you see your suddenly inflated bank account or paycheck. But it’s no secret that this money can disappear...
View ArticleMaking the most of your bonus or raise
If you’re receiving a raise or a bonus this year, you may feel a little bit wealthier when you see your suddenly inflated bank account or paycheck. But it’s no secret that this money can disappear...
View ArticleNew tax laws and your giving intentions
Most people have an organization or cause they’re passionate about, and contributing financially to nonprofit organizations may be a part of many peoples’ annual financial plans. In planning for 2013,...
View ArticleSocially responsible investing
As the global climate change discussions heat up in Washington, many investors are paying attention to the impact of their investments on the environment and the well being of people around the world....
View ArticleCalculating the real retirement number
The “million dollar” question many of those preparing for retirement ask themselves is simply stated but not necessarily easy to answer — “how much money do I need to save to secure a comfortable...
View ArticleRetirement derailed: How economic and life events affect savings
Recent research from various sources has uncovered an upsetting trend in financial planning in America: Many Americans nearing retirement are underprepared. But less studied are the reasons why...
View ArticleStay on top of your finances with a mid-year check up
If you want to improve your finances, it’s important to be alert and engaged in your money habits throughout the year. In addition to monitoring your account balances and keeping up with your bills and...
View ArticlePreparing for a confident retirement
The Retirement Check-In® study found that on average, Americans nearing retirement report a gap of nearly $200,000 between what they have saved, and what they believe they will actually need to live...
View ArticleRetirement income strategies in a low-interest rate environment
It’s no secret that generating income in retirement is not as easy as it used to be. We’ve experienced a dramatic decline in interest rates over the past 30 years. According to data published by the...
View ArticleHow much life insurance do you need?
Chances are you recognize the importance of life insurance. If you have dependents that rely on the income you generate, there is little question they need the protection life insurance can provide....
View ArticleWhat to consider in determining when to receive Social Security benefits
Over the course of your working lifetime, with every paycheck you’ve dutifully paid taxes toward Social Security. When the time comes to retire, will you file for your benefits as soon as possible —...
View ArticleHow to convert your workplace savings to a Roth
If you are like many people, the majority of the money you’ve set aside for retirement is held in your workplace savings plan, such as a 401(k) or 403(b). When the time comes to draw income from this...
View ArticleBegin your child’s college education with a lesson in finance
Managing finances as a college freshman can be an even bigger challenge than navigating an unfamiliar campus or acing a calculus test, but parents can help new students get off to a good start. You may...
View ArticleSix costly beneficiary mistakes to avoid
If you’ve ever spent time working through your estate plan with a professional, you know how important it is to update your beneficiaries. Failing to do so can result in costly mistakes — for you and...
View ArticleSix costly beneficiary mistakes to avoid
Six costly beneficiary mistakes to avoid If you’ve ever spent time working through your estate plan with a professional, you know how important it is to update your beneficiaries. Failing to do so can...
View ArticleSaving for your kids’ education? The sooner the better
If you’re a young parent, one of the greatest challenges you will likely face in building a brighter future for your children is to find a way to help them afford higher education. One of the best...
View ArticleDon’t let sibling rivalry affect caring for aging parents
As the parents of baby boomers age, helping to care for them can become a source of financial and emotional stress among families, especially between boomer-age siblings. As sisters and brothers...
View ArticleInvesting ‘for fun’
Some investors wonder if it makes sense for them to invest in a company because they like the products or services it offers. This question often stems from their familiarity with the famous investment...
View ArticleWhat every woman should know about healthcare costs in retirement
On average, women live longer than men and face distinctly different challenges in maintaining their health. Perhaps as a result, women tend to spend more than men on out-of-pocket medical expenses in...
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