Tough topics — such as advance directives and saving for retirement — are best approached face to face. The holiday season is often the time when families gather together. Here’s a suggestion: Why not take this opportunity to engage in a meaningful conversation with your family members about how you’d like them to be as […]
Why Honeywell Stock Is Particularly Attractive Now
Ignore the doom and gloom. Keep your eye on stock fundamentals. It was only two years ago that David Fish, Moneypaper executive editor, observed that “(m)ost of the ‘noise’ coming out of Wall Street focuses on how high the major indexes have risen and whether the new highs represent a peak.” His point? The market […]
Advice to the Sandwich Generation: Make Sure Your Financial Plan Is Sound
Taking care of others can be a wonderful thing. But to eliminate the stress, you must be both smart and financially wise. It’s important to help your parents plan. See Also: Great Places to Retire in Every State I’m speaking from personal experience here. My dad recently passed away after his nine-year struggle with Parkinson’s […]
7 Smart Ways to Lower Your Taxable Income
Reducing your taxable income is one of the most effective ways to lower your taxes, with some moves doing double duty as both deductions themselves…
28 Best Funds for Your Retirement Savings
Saving for retirement in a company 401(k) plan is a smart choice. Not only can you put away thousands of dollars of your own pre-tax…
Giving to Charity? Learn the Ins and Outs of Donor-Advised Funds
These simple, low-cost vehicles tend to be the most efficient and effective ways to engage in charitable giving. According to the National Philanthropic Trust, Americans gave $358.38 billion to charities in 2014, a 7.1% uptick from the previous year. And with the deadline for deducting charitable contributions approaching on Dec. 31, now is a good […]
The Folly of Market Timing
Market timing for fun and profit! Now that sounds good, right? Who wouldn’t want to have fun while making a profit? In the investment world, that’s the siren song of the market timer. They ask the obvious question, “Why would you want to invest in the market when it’s going down?” Of course no one […]
The High Cost of Emotion in Personal Finance
Our rational side knows market timing is a fool’s game. Yet, short-term trends sometimes drive our decisions. Humans are hard-wired in ways that helped our ancestors survive over thousands of years. Investing in markets is a recent concept – the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) was founded in 1817. Unfortunately, the cognitive processes that aided […]
Tips for an Effective Mid-Year Financial Check-Up
Sitting down to review the past six months’ worth of activity can do wonders for achieving your financial goals by year-end. Call it a financial checkpoint or a mid-year review: July is a great time to slow down and take a look at your to-date financial progress. How are you tracking against those goals set […]
The Value of A Holistic Approach to Financial Planning
New research shows a comprehensive approach can boost investment return over the long term. Since our start in 1985, Mercer Advisors has firmly believed that investors have the most to gain by looking at their financial lives holistically – a mixture of investment advice, comprehensive planning, and life-driven goals. Recent research has put a value […]
Why Google and Facebook Get No Love from the Big Money
Neither company has been particularly friendly to dividend investors. And managers and activists know their votes hardly matter. Big institutional money managers tend to be the conventional sort, though I’m not talking about their blue power suits or country club memberships. I’m talking about their stock holdings. Managers tend to pile into the same set […]
This Market Indicator Suggests a Continued Bull Market
There’s not a lot of enthusiasm for trading with borrowed money, despite low interest rates. That’s a contrarian bullish sign. Thinkstock By Charles Lewis Sizemore, CFA, Chief Investment Officer | Sizemore Capital ManagementJune 2015Contact Me The current bull market, which started in early 2009, has been called “the most hated bull market in history.” It […]
8 Stocks Under $10 Worth Buying
Investors have a love-hate relationship with low-priced stocks. Most institutions avoid stocks that sell in the single digits, mainly because they are hard to trade…
Warning Signs of Too Much Debt
You’re headed for trouble if you pick up these distress signals. iStockphoto By the editors of Kiplinger’s Personal FinanceUpdated January 2015 A long-standing rule of thumb holds that monthly payments on debts (not including a home mortgage, which is really more of an investment) shouldn’t exceed 20% of take-home pay. The closer you get to […]
Find the Best Credit Card Deals
The latest and greatest deals by category as tracked by Bankrate.com. iStockphoto By the editors of Kiplinger’s Personal FinanceUpdated January 2015 It can be tricky to choose the right credit card for you, especially considering the range of card types and deals out there. This tool takes out the guesswork. Kiplinger.com and Bankrate.com have teamed […]
7 Smart Ways to Lower Your Taxable Income
Reducing your taxable income is one of the most effective ways to lower your taxes, with some moves doing double duty as both deductions themselves…
7 Stocks Under $10 Worth Buying
When a stock costs less than dinner at a fast-food joint, there’s almost always a reason. The company may be losing money, experimenting with unproven…
3 Great Tablet/Laptop Computer Hybrids
Second-generation Windows 8 devices give you the best of both touch-screen and desktop computers. By Jeff Bertolucci, Contributing Writer From Kiplinger’s Personal Finance, May 2014 Courtesy of Microsoft If you’ve yearned for a device that’s light like a tablet but allows you hassle-free access to traditional Windows programs such as Word and Excel, one of […]
10 Best Cities for Early Retirement
Alexandria Convention & Visitors Association City population: 146,294 Percentage of population age 45 to 64: 24.6% Crime rate: 2.45 crimes per 100 residents Cost of living: 21% above the national average State’s retiree tax picture: Mixed Government shutdowns aside, Uncle Sam is a stable employer, buoying the local economies of the nation’s capital and its […]
2014 Economic Outlook, State by State
Kiplinger forecasts a 2.6% growth rate nationally next year, after a projected 2% gain in 2013. Here are our growth forecasts for all 50 states for 2014. By Gillian B. White, Reporter October 11, 2013 After a disappointing year of economic growth in 2013, things are looking up for next year at both the national […]
The Power of Boosting 401(k) Contributions
Use this calculator to see how additional contributions to your 401(k) plan can add up over time. Use this calculator to see how additional contributions to your 401(k) plan can add up over time. Enter the additional monthly contribution and select your tax bracket, matching employer contribution. Source: Kiplinger The Power of Boosting 401(k) Contributions
Where to Find Jobs in the U.S.
By Caitlin Dewey, Online Associate Editor January 9, 2012 With the national unemployment rate at 8.5%, any job search can seem daunting. But there are actually some U.S. cities where high-paying jobs abound. SEE ALSO: The 12 Best Cities for High-Paying Jobs Take, for instance, Manchester, N.H., where the ratio of job-seekers to high-paying job […]
Map: Who Will Save the Most with Generic Lipitor
We plotted the cost of Lipitor in more than 300 cities to see who will benefit most from the drug’s generic version. By Caitlin Dewey, Online Associate Editor November 30, 2011 Pfizer lost its patent on the cholesterol-lowering drug Lipitor on November 30 — which spells big savings for many of the 8.7 million Americans […]
10 Great Movie Rentals That Will Pay You Back
Here are some timeless classics from which we all can learn valuable personal-finance lessons Editor’s Note: This is an updated version of a story that first appeared on Kiplinger.com in January 2010. Enjoy Oscar night — and please pass the popcorn! The stage is set for the 82nd Academy Awards Sunday, March 7. So let’s […]
How to Dig Out of Debt
By Cameron Huddleston, Online Editor August 12, 2009 I got a press release today with the headline “Consumer Debt Decreases in July,” which seemed encouraging until I took a closer look at the numbers. Unfortunately, the decrease is pretty small and the average credit-card debt still is pretty large. According to Credit Karma’s U.S. Credit […]
Get Your Freshman Financially Ready for College
By Cameron Huddleston, Online Editor August 3, 2009 My daughter starts kindergarten August 6, which is a big step for any child — and parent. As difficult as it may be to send my child to school for the first time, I have it easy compared with parents who are sending kids off to college […]
Job-Search Survival Kit
By Cameron Huddleston, Online Editor July 29, 2009 An attorney friend told me recently that her attempt to hire a new receptionist had been frustrating. Because of the recession, she expected to receive several qualified applicants but the résumés that had trickled in had been disappointing. She laughed as she recalled one candidate who filled […]
Women: Take Charge of Your Retirement Savings
By Cameron Huddleston, Online Editor July 22, 2009 Perhaps a silver lining to the recession is that women now are as likely as men to contribute to a workplace retirement savings plan. That wasn’t the case two years ago before the economic downturn began. According to the Employee Benefit Research Institute’s 2009 Retirement Confidence Survey, […]
How to Pick a Mutual Fund
May 21, 2009 Get a two-minute primer on mutual funds. In this Kip Tip video, Manny Schiffres reviews three key factors the pros look for when picking a mutual fund. Find out how to use historical returns to your advantage and when to bet on a fund manger. //services.brightcove.com/services/viewer/ See funds we’re talking about at […]
Looking for Cash? The Real Value of Your Gold Jewelry
May 5, 2009 Who couldn’t use a little extra cash these days, but is selling that old gold jewelry a good option? And will you get a fair price? Liz Crenshaw, senior consumer reporter for NBC’s Washington DC station, recently bought $163 of 14k gold jewelry at retail price and then solicited offers on the […]
Cash In on Your Clutter
April 29, 2009 Have started your spring cleaning yet? Tackled the clutter in the garage? Kipliner’s Editor, Janet Bodnar, has tips to help you turn that pile of unwanted wares into extra cash, just in time to pay for summer camp or top off your vacation fund. Watch her video below: //c.brightcove.com/services/viewer/ You can find […]
Here's an Inside Look at McCain's Economic Advisers
Follow Kiplinger <!– –> 1100 13th Street, NW, Suite 750Washington, DC 20005202.887.6400 Toll-free: 800.544.0155 Source: Kiplinger Here's an Inside Look at McCain's Economic Advisers
HISTORIC HOME MAKEOVERS, SOUTHEAST
Last week we began our tour of historic home makeovers around the nation with a look at renovations in the Northeast. This week we explore…
The Case for Investing in Industrial Stocks
Tax cuts passed late last year are among the factors that will juice returns for industrials in 2018.
Fidelity's Stock-Picking Culture Is Alive and Well
The fund company has diversified into new businesses, but it is not abandoning its stock-picking roots.
Commodities: A "Golden" Way to Play the Improving Economy
If you don’t own commodities, add them. If you do … add a little more.
New Tax Law: 8 Smart Tax Strategies for Retirees
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How I Bought My First Home
Millennials came of age as the housing bubble burst and lenders put credit in a vise. Now we make up the largest group of home…
How to Cash In on Corporate Tax Cuts
Investors can expect higher earnings and more generous dividends.
Protect Your Retirement in a Volatile Stock Market
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E-mails From the IRS — and Other Signs of a Tax Scam
Identity thieves are getting more sophisticated at tricking taxpayers into revealing their personal information. Here are some scams you may encounter this tax season and…
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Mutual Fund Rankings, 2018
U.S. stocks posted stellar results, but foreign stocks did even better.
What to Do if Your Flight Is Canceled or Delayed
Knowing what your rights are and what airlines typically offer to keep customers happy can help get you on your way sooner.
Economy Is Fine: Reasons Investors Shouldn't Panic
Permalink — https://www.kiplinger.com/slideshow/investing/T019-S010-economy-is-fine-reasons-investors-shouldn-t-panic/index.html URL of source article. Date — January 1, 1970 12:00 am Publish date of source article. Source — http://www.kiplinger.com/about/rss/kiplinger.rss URL of RSS feed.
How to Build a Side Business While Keeping Your Day Job
It’s a delicate dance amping up a side hustle while staying true to your current employer.
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Get a Deal on a New Car in 2018
Cars cost more, but automakers are offering generous incentives to lure you into the showroom.
4 Closed-End Funds with Sky-High Yields
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Dow Charges Out of Slump on Volatile Tuesday for Stocks
Following a brutal two-day plunge, the Dow Jones industrial average regained ground on Tuesday to the delight of stock market bulls.
Retirement Planning Mistakes You'll Regret Forever
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8 Stocks That Will Hit All-Time Highs in 2018
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New Ways to Foil Hackers and Protect Your Identity
These tools guard your smart gadgets and your identity.
How My Portfolio Performed in 2017
The market ran so fast that the relatively conservative portfolio of Kiplinger’s Practical Investor simply couldn’t keep up.
5 Stocks to Sell in This Unsure Market
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New Tax Law 2018: Test Your Tax Smarts
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We Welcome Your Feedback
Tell us your thoughts — we are listening.
Why Homeowners Are Richer Than Renters
The reason: You can’t help but build savings as you pay down a mortgage.
Earn Up to 9% With These Closed-End Funds
Closed-end funds are complicated, but their yields make them worth a look.
Support Groups for Retired Men
Bonding over books or bocce can spark important conversations and help stave off depression in retirement.
How Hidden Commissions Can Damage Non-traded REITs and DSTs
Depending on how you got into a passive real estate investment, such as a real estate investment trust or a Delaware Statutory Trust, you may…
When will the DOW hit 50,000?
The freight train ride that stocks have taken investors on has many wondering.
New Tax Law Makes Roth IRA More Appealing to Savers
As the Roth turns 20, the new tax law gives it an edge for savers.
Driving a Hard Bargain on a New 2018 Car
Our tips on negotiating strategies and getting a new ride that will hold its value well.
20 Financial Pros' Advice for a Crazy Market
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The Myth of the Magic Retirement Number
There are plenty of formulas you could try to see if you’re on track, but before you start plugging in numbers, it’s helpful to look…
Do You Need a Financial Planner? – Quiz
Permalink — https://www.kiplinger.com/quiz/investing/T023-S001-do-you-need-a-financial-planner-quiz/index.html URL of source article. Date — January 1, 1970 12:00 am Publish date of source article. Source — http://www.kiplinger.com/about/rss/kiplinger.rss URL of RSS feed.
Thrift Savings Plan Withdrawals to Get Easier for Federal Retirees
New rules make it easier to leave money in the low-cost Thrift Savings Plan.
The Perils of Investing in Index Funds
Index funds have been the stars of the bull market. But investors may get a nasty surprise in the next bear market.
What Do You Know About the New Tax Brackets?
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Look to Small-Cap Dividend Payers in Retirement
Smaller stocks paying dividends are generally more mature and profitable, a welcome find for retirees in search of new sources of investing income in retirement.
What the New Tax Law Means for Students
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How to Post on Social Media Without Crossing the Line at Work
Remember that everything you post on social media is public, no matter what your privacy settings.
Boost Your Nest Egg in the Retirement Homestretch
All is not lost for those who start saving fiercely later in life.
Under the New Tax Law, Is My Alimony Tax-Free?
The new policy goes into effect in 2019. Older divorces can be modified to follow the new rules–if both parties agree.
Put More Money in Your Pocket in 2018 with a Basic Employee Benefit Checkup
It’s easy to overlook some bountiful opportunities, so take a moment to investigate all your company has to offer.
How Women Approach Investing
Liz Ann Sonders, chief investment strategist at Charles Schwab, says women know who they are as investors — for example, whether they’re aggressive or risk-averse.
3 Upsides of Rising Interest Rates
The Federal Reserve is slowly turning the volume back up on interest rates. For some, there’s a silver lining.
How Can I Deduct Home-Equity Interest Under the New Tax Law?
Still want to tap your home equity and deduct the interest? Options remain.
How to Take Control of Your Retirement
From smart income generation to Social Security benefits to taxes, here are three things a solid plan can help every retiree take charge of.
Did You Freeze Your Credit? Watch Out for These Pitfalls
If you put your credit reports on ice, watch out for these slippery spots.
Can Jeff Bezos and Warren Buffett Save Health Care?
Amazon, Berkshire Hathaway and JPMorgan have teamed up to provide more affordable health care for their employees. But little else is known about this new…
Capital Gains and the Kiddie Tax Under the New Tax Law
Those paying the kiddie tax are in for higher rates that kick in at lower levels — but capital gains are still favored.
7 Top Goldman Sachs Picks for 2018
Permalink — https://www.kiplinger.com/slideshow/investing/T052-S015-7-top-goldman-sachs-picks-for-2018/index.html URL of source article. Date — January 1, 1970 12:00 am Publish date of source article. Source — http://www.kiplinger.com/about/rss/kiplinger.rss URL of RSS feed.
We Do Personal Finance Advice, Not Politics
When it comes to recommendations for your finances, we strive to be staunchly nonpartisan.
Test Your Mutual Fund IQ
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The 3 Spending Stages of Your Retirement
Popular thinking is that you’ll spend less once you retire, but that’s not what I’ve seen in my own clients, at least in the first…
9 High-Yield Dividend Stocks to Buy on the Dip
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Is the Stock Market Dangerously High?
Warning signs are flashing, but no one has the slightest idea when a bull market — or a bear market, for that matter — will…
Don't Neglect Health Care in Your Retirement Planning
Unless you’ve covered your bases, the cost of health care and long-term care could break your retirement bank. But before you throw up your hands…
Money Lessons from Oscars and the Academy Awards
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10 Tech Funds That Give Your Portfolio Some FAANG
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3 Scenarios That Could Derail Your Retirement
Permalink — https://www.kiplinger.com/slideshow/retirement/T047-S003-3-scenarios-that-could-derail-your-retirement/index.html URL of source article. Date — January 1, 1970 12:00 am Publish date of source article. Source — http://www.kiplinger.com/about/rss/kiplinger.rss URL of RSS feed.
How to Save on Flowers for Valentine's Day
Permalink — https://www.kiplinger.com/slideshow/spending/T062-S001-how-to-save-on-flowers-for-valentine-s-day/index.html URL of source article. Date — January 1, 1970 12:00 am Publish date of source article. Source — http://www.kiplinger.com/about/rss/kiplinger.rss URL of RSS feed.
A Money Lesson for Newlyweds (and Other Lovers)
Roses on Valentine’s Day are a romantic classic, but what’s even better for a strong, happy marriage? Money harmony. And it all starts with an…
How to Use College Savings to Benefit Children with Special Needs
Under the new tax law, families with a 529 college-savings plan can now roll that money into a tax-friendly ABLE account to help a child…
How Can the Approval Process for New Drugs Be Speeded Up?
There are many reform proposals, including some from free-market think tanks.
5 Topics Couples Should Discuss Before They Retire
Taking the plunge into retirement is something that comes with a lot of different emotions and expectations. Make sure you and your spouse are on…
Volatile Stock Market's 10% Correction Stokes Investor Fears
But market corrections are surprisingly common and surprisingly short-lived. Bear markets are another story. Here’s what you need to know.
Dow Suffers Its Worst Day of 2018 on Health Sector Scare
Amazon, JPMorgan and Warren Buffett’s Berkshire threaten to disrupt health care — and disrupt the stocks market in the process on Tuesday.
Are You on Track to Retire?
How to tell if you’ve saved enough to retire when you want, and what to do if you haven’t.
Put a Student on the Path to Retirement Without Hurting Financial Aid
Contributing to a young worker’s Roth IRA can help a student start saving for retirement, although the timing of this gift could affect financial aid…
How Do You Really Know How You're Doing for Retirement?
It’s natural to try to compare the car you drive, the vacations you take and the home you live in to that of your neighbors,…