W ho knows where the time goes? Although 2015 is almost in the books, you can still make some year-end investment and financial moves that may help you get off to a good start in 2016. Here are a few suggestions:     Boost your 401(k) contributions. Ask your employer if you still have time to add mo...

D uring this holiday season, you’ll likely be spending money, in various amounts and in various ways. And you can use this experience to teach your children about money management.    Here are a few ideas for doing just that:  Stick to a budget. T ell your children you’ve set aside a certain amount ...

W hen will the Federal Reserve raise interest rates? This question has been on the minds of economists and financial market prognosticators for quite some time now. But what does it mean to you, as an individual investor?  First of all, it’s important to understand just what is meant by “raising rat...

N ow that we’re well into autumn, the days are getting noticeably shorter. The change in seasons reminds us that time is passing – and it’s important to use that time wisely. When used well, in fact, time can be your greatest gift in many walks of life – and that’s certainly true when you invest.  T...

N ovember is National Adoption Awareness Month. If you’re considering adoption, you know that it will change your life in many ways. And you’ll need to prepare for many of these changes – including the financial ones, because adoption can be expensive. The average U.S. adoption costs between $8,000 ...

I n just a few days, witches, zombies and vampires will be converging on your house, asking for candy. As is the case every Halloween, you’ll likely be merely amused over the sight of these costumed characters. But in other areas of life, such as the investment world, you may need to watch out for s...

N ational Save for Retirement Week is observed Oct. 18 – 24 this year. And this week has some weight behind it, as it is recognized by the U.S. Senate for its importance in encouraging Americans to prepare themselves financially for retirement. Are you doing all you can? Many of your peers aren’t. A...

I n recent months, stocks have fallen sharply from their record highs, with one-day drops that can rightfully be called “dizzying.” As an investor, what are you to make of this volatility? For one thing, you’ll find it useful to know the probable causes of the market gyrations. Most experts cite glo...

M any people look for the “secrets” to investment success. Is it timing the market just right? Is it finding those hot stocks or getting in on the “ground floor” of the next big thing? Actually, these types of moves have little relevance to the vast majority of investors – even the most successful o...

C ontributing to an IRA can help you build some of the resources you will need to enjoy a comfortable retirement. But what happens to your IRA if you don’t use it up in your lifetime? You can still put the IRA’s assets to good use – as long as you’ve made the right moves and communicated your wishes...