• A One-Year Checklist to Retirement
    01/14/2011 - 03:00

    One of the biggest lessons of the recent economy is that many people who thought they were financially ready for retirement…weren’t.
    The amount of money, investments and government support you’ll need to retire comfortably is as individual as you are. Some people plan to work in retirement. Others have health issues or other financial responsibilities – kids’ college bills, financial support for a senior relative -- to juggle with the everyday living expenses they’ll face in retirement.

  • Buying Used is Smart in Any Economy
    01/14/2011 - 03:00

    Even with hopes for a better economy in 2011, some habits learned in tough times could stand to become permanent ones. A good one might be continuing – or starting – to buy particular categories of merchandise that are used but still in good condition.
    If it makes you feel better to use the term “pre-owned,” by all means do so. Expertise in a particular product category can matter a little or a lot. But here are some types of merchandise where buying used can be a very good idea:

  • If Rates Are Heading Up, Should You Refinance Now?
    01/14/2011 - 03:00

    As the economy recovers, homeowners are faced with the good news/bad news prospect of a better real estate market with the likelihood of higher mortgage interest rates. For many, that leaves three choices – sell, refinance or sit tight with the mortgage they have now.
    Despite the average 30-year mortgage rate that stood at 4.8 percent in late December, the decision to refinance isn’t always a great idea. In fact, it should be considered as part of an overall financial plan that is as individual as you are.

  • Tax Planning for 2010 Down to the Wire
    12/17/2010 - 03:00

    As a changing power base in Washington wrangles over tax policy in the waning days of Congress’ lame duck session, millions of families and investors are reluctantly awaiting the return of the estate tax and presumably much more stringent rules on gifting.

  • Getting Ready to Sell Your House
    12/17/2010 - 03:00

    While most experts see little good news in 2011’s housing market, economic downturn is no reason to neglect maintenance on a home or lose sight of future plans to relocate.

  • With Premiums Increasing and a Major Carrier Exiting the Market,
    12/17/2010 - 03:00

    On Nov. 11, insurance giant MetLife said it would sell no new long-term care (LTC) insurance policies after Dec. 30 though it would continue to service its 600,000 insured customers. The reason? “Financial challenges” in the long-term care insurance industry.
    What does that mean?

  • What’s Your Risk Tolerance?
    12/17/2010 - 03:00

    Going into a New Year with hopefully better economic and market prospects, it’s a good time to start researching investments. With that, it’s also a good time to review how much risk you’re willing to take on when making those critical decisions. It’s reasonable to assume your risk tolerance has changed in recent years.

  • Is Paying Extra on Your Monthly Mortgage Always a Good Idea?
    11/11/2010 - 03:00

    As Americans become more conscious about the damage debt can do to their finances, there’s always a question of whether it makes sense to pay down first mortgages and home equity lines so they can direct more money to retirement or other goals.

  • 10 Things You Must Do to Baby-Proof Your Finances
    11/11/2010 - 03:00

    For most prospective parents, financial issues come fairly far down the list of wishes and hopes for their new baby. Health and happiness typically comes first, and by the time the subject turns to money, the discussion often begins and ends at saving for the baby’s education.
    That’s where most families go wrong.

  • Ten Things to Know – and Ask -- About Long-Term Care Insurance
    11/11/2010 - 03:00

    For Americans over the age of 50, the time to consider long-term care coverage is now. Whether to buy it is a separate question that’s as individual as you are.
    Long-term care insurance (LTC) is generally recommended to anyone who has suitable income to pay premiums, significant assets (i.e. a home and assets valued at $70-100K minimum to multi-millions) to protect in the event of a chronic illness, a desire to maintain independence and personal choices of care in their senior years, as well as the peace of mind that might come from owning such a policy that fits their needs.

Market Snapshot

SymbolLastChange
^DJI
10,340.70
-107.24
^GSPC
1,229.05
-25.14
^IXIC
2,638.42
-61.02
TYX-X.W
0.00
0.00