Articles

There are five broad asset classes that you should take into consideration when constructing your investment portfolio.

The labels growth and value reflect different approaches that can be used when making investment decisions.

Asset allocation is a method used to help manage investment risk; it does not guarantee a profit or protect against investment loss.

Both fixed and variable annuities could be appropriate options for an individual interested in purchasing an annuity.

An important element to successful investing is to manage investment risk while maintaining the potential for growth.

It is important to understand how dividends (taxable payments to shareholders) fit with your long-term goals.

The difference between purchasing an individual stock versus shares in a mutual fund to potentially earn dividends.

ETFs have unique attributes and attempt to track all types of indexes, industries, or commodities.

There are several funding methods for a child's college education including mutual funds and Section 529 plans.

Historically, one of the best ways to fight the effects of inflation has been to utilize growth-oriented investments.

There are a number of savings alternatives that could help you earn a reasonable rate of return.

Before making investment decisions, it is helpful to determine the real rate of return on the investment.

Medicare is the federal health insurance program for those persons age 65 and over. But what does it cover?

When selecting a life insurance policy, examine all your options, as well as the positives and negatives of each type.

Biweekly mortgage payments can have a dramatic effect on the amount of interest homeowners have to pay.

There are numerous investment alternatives available to help provide liquidity.

The odds of needing long-term care increase as you age. Prior planning can help protect you from financial ruin.

Knowing the basics of a disability income insurance policy is a good first step toward protecting your family.

The Social Security Administration’s retirement estimator gives estimates of your future benefits based on your actual Social Security earnings record.

401(k) employer-sponsored retirement plans have many benefits, including that the funds accumulate tax-deferred.

There are a variety of retirement planning options that could help meet your needs. Here are some of the most popular.

Qualified Roth IRA distributions in retirement are free of federal income tax and aren’t included in gross income.

For the grantor, there are a few potential tax benefits that can come with setting up a charitable trust.

IRAs and employer-sponsored retirement plans are subject to annual contribution limits set by the federal government.

Consider a trustee-to-trustee transfer to an IRA versus a lump-sum distribution from a workplace retirement plan.

Changes to the tax code have left a few key deductions for itemizers, like medical, dental and some business expenses.

Capital gains are profits realized from the sale of assets; a tax is triggered only when an asset is sold, not held.

Required minimum distribution is the annual amount that must be withdrawn from a qualified retirement plan/account.

Everything you own, whatever the form of ownership, is subject to federal, and possibly state, estate taxes.

If you haven't taken steps already, consider planning now for the distribution of the assets of your estate.

Careful estate planning is still one of the most important ways to manage and protect your assets for your heirs.

Wills and trusts allow you to spell out how you would like your property distributed, but they also go beyond that.