Inheriting money is typically a gift from someone close to you that deserves to be cherished and put to good use. If managed well, the benefit to you can far exceed what even the best-intentioned benefactor might have imagined. If you are like many baby boomers, you either have or [...]
If retirement is in your plans during the next two-to-three years, it is clear that the dramatic market downturn that started in late 2008 could not have come at a worse time. Like many in this situation, you may have found that your retirement nest egg is worth less than [...]
There’s nothing like a troubled economy to inspire dreams of a vacation far from the daily grind. If you’re thinking of getting away, but feeling pinched in your pocketbook by the recession, don’t despair. There are a number of affordable travel options out there if you’re willing to put a [...]
The challenging investment environment of 2008 taught many of us a painful but valuable lesson — it pays to know where you invest your money and whether that strategy is suitable for your circumstances. Many people rely on mutual funds, preferring that professional managers make day-to-day trading decisions. While this [...]
Today’s challenging economic environment can create a cash crunch, as some people may face huge expenses, such as unanticipated medical costs or the possibility of a home foreclosure. In many cases, credit card debt limits have been reached, and with declining home values, home equity loans may not be an [...]
The challenging investment environment of 2008 taught many of us a painful but valuable lesson — it pays to know where you invest your money and whether that strategy is suitable for your circumstances. Many people rely on mutual funds, preferring that professional managers make day-to-day trading decisions. While this [...]
Within the next five years, 46 million Americans are expected to retire, according to data from the National Institute of Aging at the University of Michigan. The transition to retirement results in a major shift in financial priorities — from asset accumulation to income management and wealth preservation. In the [...]
Experts may disagree about whether our economy is in a recession, but most agree we are facing the worst financial crisis in recent history. Wild stock market swings, widespread home foreclosures, business bankruptcies, growing job losses and rising consumer prices are affecting the financial stability of Americans. Fortunately, recent interventions [...]
Given the market’s recent volatility, it is natural for most investors to wonder when to invest in the markets. The answer is anytime, provided you do it on a systematic basis using a time-tested strategy — dollar-cost averaging. After all, it’s not about timing the market, it’s about time in [...]
Online Exclusive Most of us want to make holidays and birthdays a special time for our family and friends. In these challenging economic times, however, this may require a different approach in order to keep expenses down. If you don’t feel like you can “go all out” and spend a [...]
The markets are unpredictable — rising and falling. In any election year, an additional element of uncertainty is added to the investment mix. Investors can only speculate as to the outcome of the presidential election in November. The question then becomes what to make of the results from an investment [...]
College costs are going through the roof, outpacing inflation and creating a huge financial hurdle for prospective students and their families. Many factors are contributing to escalating college costs, many of which are beyond the control of those affected most. Parents who provide students with financial support will need deep [...]
Everyone hopes their trip of a lifetime doesn’t turn into a disaster, but life has a way of throwing curveballs. Travelers can minimize the damage of a last-minute illness, lost baggage or a bankrupt cruise line by purchasing travel insurance. Coverage that also includes medical and dental emergencies, and even [...]
This is the time of year when many taxpayers rejoice. Those are the ones who have just received or are about to receive a refund check from the IRS. For many, it feels like a bonus. After all, in a sense it is “found money” that can be used any [...]
We commonly read about wealthy celebrities having vacation homes in the mountains of Colorado, on a tropical island or in the French Riviera. Who doesn’t dream of owning a little slice of vacation luxury? It is a wonderful ideal to aim for, but your heart can overrule your head. More [...]
