  Be Creative When Withdrawing from Retirement AccountsKeeping in mind that the withdrawals are generally fully taxable at your personal income tax rate, are there some particularly smart ways in which you can use the money to help your family or, possibly, a charitable organization?  It's Not Too Soon for End-of-Year Financial MovesIn fact, it may be a good idea to take some of these steps sooner rather than later.  How to Become a Long-term InvestorTo begin with, you need to understand that long-term investing involves accepting inevitable short-term price swings. You may not like seeing those sharp price drops, but it will help your outlook greatly if you can keep them in perspective.  How Can You Make Your Money Last During Retirement?It's probably safe to say that many of us are concerned about having enough money to cover our retirement years. In fact, some surveys have shown that we are more frightened of running out of money than we are of dying. What can you do to help alleviate these fears?  Can 'AI' Help You Become a Better Investor?Yet, you are more than just the sum of your answers to a robo-advisor's online questionnaire. Investing is a highly personal matter, which means that you may well benefit from some human intelligence.  What Can a Financial Advisor Do for You?To work toward all your goals, such as a comfortable retirement, you need a comprehensive financial strategy. And for that, you might need to work with a personal financial advisor.  Leaving Your Job? What Happens to Your 401(k)?Of course, you wouldn't really forget about your 401(k). (It does happen, however – over the period from 2004 through 2013, more than 25 million people left at least one 401(k) or similar plan behind when they left their job, according to the U.S. Government Accountability Office.) But you will have to do something with your account.  Interested in Fixed Annuities? Beware of Common MisconceptionsBut you may be nervous about investing in annuities because of some negative things you have heard about them. How concerned should you be?  Be Alert for Opportunities When Preparing for College CostsBut if you would like to send your kids (or grandkids) to college someday, you need to plan far ahead to meet the financial demands. And, as part of your planning, you also need to be on the lookout for all opportunities to help pay those sizable college bills.  Business Owners: You Need Your Own Retirement PlanOf course, you might think that, one day, you will simply sell your business and live off the proceeds. But selling a business isn't always simple, and there's no guarantee you will receive enough to pay for a comfortable retirement – which is why you should strongly consider creating a retirement plan now.  How Does Social Security Fit Into Your Retirement Income Strategy?While Social Security benefits, by themselves, probably aren't enough to enable you to retire comfortably, they can be a key part of your overall retirement income strategy – if you use them wisely.  Welcoming a New Child? Consider These Financial MovesIf a new child has entered your life, you are no doubt full of joy today and hopes for the future.  Don't Chase Last Year's Mutual Fund Category WinnersOne way to start is by considering the various categories of mutual funds – and there are quite a few of them: Small Cap Growth, Large Cap Growth, Large Cap Value, Diversified Emerging Markets, Foreign Large Cap Blend and more – the list is extensive, and for many people, confusing.  Estate Plans Can Help You Answer Questions About the FutureIn reality, though, if you have a family, you can probably benefit from estate planning, whatever your asset level.  Life Events Can Lead You to See a Financial AdvisorThat’s why you may want to seek the guidance of a financial professional.  Work Toward Your Own Financial Independence DayFor starters, you'll want to determine what financial independence means to you. Is it the liberty to meet all your cash flow needs? The freedom to retire comfortably, at the age you choose? The ability to set up the kind of legacy you'd like to leave?  Investment Strategy Can Be Your GPS as You Travel Toward GoalsDuring your life, you may take many journeys – one of which is the long road you will travel toward your financial goals. But even on this path you can benefit from a "GPS" in the form of your goal-oriented, personalized strategy.  Smart Financial Moves for 'Gig' Economy WorkersAbout 36 percent of U.S. workers are now gig workers, according to a study from the Gallup organization, which defines the gig economy as one made up of a variety of arrangements – independent contractors, online platform workers, contract workers, on-call workers, temporary workers and freelancers.  Tools Are Great for Father's Day – and for InvestorsIn fact, the construction process is valuable for anyone to learn – and the same skills that go in to creating and mending physical objects also can be applied to financial projects – such as working toward a comfortable retirement.  Do You Have a Business Succession Strategy?But if and when that day arrives, you'll want to be prepared – which means you need a business succession plan.  Are Women Better Investors Than Men?However, here's an interesting question: Do women possess attributes that may make them better investors? Some evidence suggests this may indeed be the case.  Take a Closer Look at Myths Surrounding 529 PlansYet, you may have heard some things about 529 plans that are keeping you from investing in one. However, these concerns may be more myth than reality, so let's take a look at a few of them.  Time to ‘Cycle’ through Some Investment IdeasOf course, bicycling is good exercise and an environmentally friendly method of transportation, but it can also teach us some lessons about investing.  Why Should Recent Graduates Care About Retirement Planning?First of all, by contributing to your 401(k), you can get into the habit of regular investing. And since you invest in your 401(k) through regular payroll deductions, it's an easy way to invest.  Should You Borrow from Your 401(k)?To begin with, you need to determine if a loan is even available. You can only borrow from your 401(k) if you're still working for the company that offers the plan, but even so, you’ll have to check with your human resources area to determine if loans are allowed. If they are, you’ll want to weigh the pros and cons before taking action. |
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