Blog
On the Events in Boston
The heartbreaking events in Boston on Monday are a sobering reminder that tragedy can strike when we least expect it. Our hearts go out to the victims and their families.
Credit Card Basics
Credit cards are magic little pieces of plastic that allow you to use money without having it, right? Wrong. The reality is that credit cards are magic little pieces of
Protecting Seniors From Scams
Financial scams that target seniors are all too common—and they often end tragically. In one of the most recent examples, the Securities and Exchange Commission is charging a couple in
Bleak Picture
Bleak Picture. The Employee Benefit Research Institute (EBRI) is an organization founded in 1978 with the mission of encouraging and contributing to the development of sound employee-benefit programs. Every year,
The Importance of Consistent Contributions
Imagine you’re walking down the street when you spot an obviously inebriated fellow—maybe he’s celebrated a promotion a little too heartily—who is swerving along, chuckling to himself, and headed in
Retiring Soon? Should You Pay Off Your Mortgage?
The decision to pay off a mortgage or invest in the market is far from black and white. For those who are close to retirement and already have plenty of
Finally, Taxes Come into Focus
Washington’s agreement early this month on tax legislation brought good news for some and bad news for others. But from an investing and financial planning perspective, the agreement replaced a
Fiscal Cliff Decision Reached
Congress passed the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 on January 1st, 2013, providing taxpayers with clearer expectations about what lies ahead. Social Security Payroll Tax Reverts to 6.2% from
Is Cash Really a Safe Choice?
If you see storm clouds hovering ominously over the markets, it’s only natural to seek a safe harbor. Right now, many people do fear that turbulent times are ahead, whether
The Ins and Outs of the 5-Year Rule for Roth IRAs
If you want to take a tax- and penalty-free withdrawal of the portion of a Roth that consists of investment earnings (amount above your initial contribution), you need to be
“Cliff”-hanger? Or Hype?
For months, Americans have been hearing about the “fiscal cliff.” Washington gridlock, we’re told, is driving the country toward that cliff—and plunging over it would mean catastrophe for the economy
The Do-It-Yourself Health Savings Account
When deciding how much to set aside for an emergency fund, there is a growing category of expenses most people tend to overlook: potential out-of-pocket health-care costs. Even if you