Personal Finance
Personal Finance
In this section, we'll focus on you and your money. Check in here to learn more about savings, mortgages, insurance, credit cards, banks, estate planning and taxes.
Personal Finance Article Archive

Will Insurance Keep Your Business Safe?
Skilled employees are the key to a successful business. Find out how to avoid a financial setback if they leave.

Are Return-Of-Premium Riders Worth It?
Find out if this policy coverage will add money to your pocket, or cost you in the long run.

Tired Of Banks? Try A Credit Union
These nonprofit organizations can provide a range of services for lower fees.

Get Emotional Spending Under Control
Follow these five simple steps to keep your spending under control.

Used Car Shopping: How To Avoid A Lemon
Being prepared before buying will save you thousands in the long run.

Steering Clear Of Medical Debt
Find out what you can do to avoid a financial meltdown when there's a medical emergency.

In A Cash Crunch? Hold A Yard Sale
Lighten your load for a heavier wallet. We'll provide helpful tips to ensure a successful sale.

Downshift To Simplify Your Life
Learn how to ditch the rat race with voluntary simple living.

Should You Incorporate Your Business?
Find out how becoming a corporation can protect and further your finances.

Insuring Against The Loss Of A Homemaker
Read on to uncover the hidden economic value of a stay-at-home parent.

Create A Pain-Free Postnuptial Agreement
This marital contract can underline your love for each other - not undermine it.

The Benefits And Pitfalls Of Joint Tenancy
This arrangement allows beneficiaries to access your account without having to go to court.

Hybrids: Financial Friends Or Foes?
Forget the planet for a minute - what really matters is whether these vehicles fit your budget.

To Invest Or To Reduce Debt, That's The Question
Find out how you can make use of that excess cash and improve your financial situation.

Payroll Deductions Pay Off
Find out how you can bypass or defer taxes on thousands of dollars each year.

Timeshares: Dream Vacation Or Money Pit?
This popular real estate product has its advantages, but don't expect to make a profit.

Five Ways To Save Without Trying
Saving money can be a chore, but these tricks put money in your pocket with no effort at all.

Special Trusts For Special Needs
If you or someone you love has a disability, these trusts can help ease the cost of care.

LTC Coverage Not A No-Brainer
Medical and financial health determine whether long-term care insurance will pay off.

Have A Princess Wedding On A Pauper Budget
Don't say "I do" to years of debt. We'll show you how to have fairy tale wedding on a frugal budget.

Vary Your Options With Variable Insurance
Find out how to get the customized insurance coverage you need and want.

Are You A Good Client?
Investing is a team sport in which the client and financial professional must work together.

How Do Your Finances Stack Up?
Although where you live affects your expenses, how you save is a personal choice.

What Does Medicare Cover?
Don't assume you're insured. Find out what you can expect from this healthcare program.

Six Steps To A Better Business Budget
This easy but essential process helps owners ensure that their businesses can stay afloat.

Beginners' Guide To Homeowners Insurance
Discover everything new homeowners need to know before they sign on the dotted line.

Winning The Jackpot: Dream Or Financial Nightmare?
Don't assume all prizes are free. Many come with enough costs to render them worthless.

Changing The Face Of Bankruptcy
A 2005 law attempts to unmask fraudulent debtors and still save those who are struggling. Will it affect you?

Will Your Home Sale Leave You With Tax Shock?
Learn how the newest tax laws apply to the proceeds you earn.

Crunch Numbers To Find The Ideal Accountant
The phone book isn't the best place to start your search. Learn some shopping tips here.

Capital Gains Tax Cuts For Middle Income Investors
Find out how TIPRA plans to slash taxes for those in the 10-15% tax bracket.

How To Qualify For The Home-Office Tax Deduction
Homebodies can save big on their tax bill. Learn how to get in on the action.

Different Needs, Different Loans
Find out what options are available when it comes to borrowing money.

What You Need To Know About Bankruptcy
Don't choose this last-resort option until you learn how it will affect your future.

Should You Pay In Cash?
Avoiding all forms of plastic payment can do wonders for your stress level and pocket book.

How To Read Loan And Credit Card Agreements
The devil is always in the details! Find out what you're signing yourself up for.

Take Control Of Your Credit Cards
The plastic in your wallet doesn't have to hurt your finances. Learn how to manage it responsibly.

The History Behind Insurance
The first written policy appeared in Hammurabi's Code. Find out how it evolved from there.

Got A Good Mortgage Rate? Lock It Up!
Rising rates mean rising profits for lenders, providing incentive to increase rates whenever possible.

Meeting Your Fiduciary Responsibility
These four steps will reduce your liability when managing other people's money.

Cover Your Company With Liability Insurance
Every business is susceptible to legal action. Find out how to protect yours.

Debt Consolidation Made Easy
Here's five steps that can make getting out of debt faster and easier than you think.

How Credit Cards Affect Your Credit Rating
The average American household has four cards, but does that mean more is better?

Consumer Credit Report: What's On It
A look at the various components and considerations of the personal and financial data that go into this dossier.

Credit, Debit And Charge: Sizing Up The Cards In Your Wallet
Not all plastic is equal! Learn the difference between the three kinds, and how each can affect your finances.

Did You Buy A Lemon?
Find out how to fix a sour deal on your car purchase.

Five Keys To Unlocking A Better Credit Score
Follow these tips and techniques to rebuild a ruined credit rating.

Check Your Credit Report
Make sure there are no errors holding you back from obtaining a loan.

Expert Tips For Cutting Credit Card Debt
Managing your debt could mean the difference between spending $45,000 or saving $184,000.

The Importance Of Your Credit Rating
Do you know how your borrowing activities affect your credit rating? Find out here.

Are You Living Too Close To The Edge?
If a missed paycheck will make your finances cave in, you must learn how to make proper supports.

Six Major Credit Card Mistakes
Avoid these pitfalls to keep your credit score healthy and your debt under control.

Life After Bankruptcy
Find out what you have to look forward to after filing for Chapter 7 or 13.

Seven Tips For The Do-It-Yourself Debt Manager
Hired gun not in your budget? Learn to be your own credit counselor.

How To Find A Credit Counselor
Paycheck to paycheck is no way to live. Learn how to find the help you need.

New Year's Resolutions To Improve Your Finances
Start the next year off on the right foot by evaluating your financial health.

Ensure Your Vacation Is Insured
Protect your holiday plans from ruin with a few simple policy additions.

Digging Out Of Personal Debt
Find out why good intentions can put consumers in an even bigger hole than before.

The Best Way To Borrow
There are many avenues from which to drum up funding. Find out the pros and cons of each.

Five Things Every Real Estate Investor Should Know
Stop chasing the market and start leading it.

The No.1 Reason Why Couples Fight
Learn how to resolve the financial and emotional issues surrounding a scarce commodity.

Pass On Wealth To Spread Holiday Cheer
Find out why money can sometimes be the perfect gift.

Still Time To Cut Your Tax Bill
Paying your bills early or giving an extra donation now can help you come tax time.

A Lifeline For Those Drowning In Debt
Don't wait to be saved, find out where the lifesaving devices are and hang on tight!

Should You Bite On Dental Insurance?
Don't pay for a plan that won't cover your pearly whites when you need it to.

The Beauty Of Budgeting
Make it to the end of the month, before you run out of money.

Sneaky Strategies That Fuel Overspending
Find out how to avoid six of the worst vender ploys this holiday shopping season.

Define Your Personal Debt Redline
Follow these five steps to manage debt without cutting up your credit cards.

Squeeze A Greenback Out Of Your Latte
Stick to your budget every day with these 15 simple tips.

Keep Holiday Debt From Snowballing
Holiday expenses can drown you in debt. Find out how to avoid this festivity hangover.

Say "I Do" To Financial Compatibility
Make a commitment to prevent finances from souring your relationship.

Top 5 Budgeting Questions Answered
You don't need a degree to understand your money, begin saving and pay down debt.

Break Out Of Annuity Prison
Annuities offer security but also lock up your cash. The secondary market could be your key.

Avoid Overspending This Holiday Season
Use these tips for a bountiful Yuletide on a Scrooge-like budget.

Foreclosure Opens Windows For Investors
Learn how to spot hot properties that you can turn around for a profit.

What's The Difference Between Medicare And Medicaid?
One program is for the poor; the other is for the elderly. Learn which is which.

Protect Your Company From Employee Lawsuits
Understanding employment practices liability insurance is easy, once you know the basics.

Preparing For Nature's Worst
Use these easy tips to protect your financial interests from natural disasters.

Less Trash For More Cash
Find out how to cut back on what you throw away to increase your disposable income.

Getting A Grip On The Cost Of Gas
Feeling overwhelmed by rising oil prices? We offer some tips that will save you money.

You Can't Live On Love
If your head is in the clouds, check out this down-to-earth financial advice for couples.

Outsmart Private Mortgage Insurance
Is using a second mortgage to avoid this fee in your best interest?

McMansion: A Closer Look At The Big House Trend
The average home size is now 2,500 square feet - how big should you go?

Will You Break Even On Your Home?
Calculate how much your property will need to appreciate to cover the costs of owning it.

This ARM Has Teeth
Find out how to avoid getting bitten when your mortgage rate resets.

Variety A Bitter Spice For Investors
Faced with too many choices? Find out how to cut the confusion and create a palatable portfolio.

Five Money-Saving Shopping Tips
Reducing the amount you spend is the easiest way to make your money grow.

Why Are Mortgage Rates Increasing?
Learn how the secondary mortgage market and investor demand affect the cost of home ownership.

Choose To Beat The Bank
From internet banking to credit unions, it's in your power to cut fees and maximize service.

Top 5 Must-Haves For Flipping Houses
Not everyone can make money in this field. Find out what you need before you buy in.

Put An End To Everyday Debt
Find out if leveraging your money is really the best financial plan.

The Disposable Society: An Expensive Place To Live
Resisting the trend toward consumption will boost your bottom line and bolster the environment.

Car Shopping: New Or Used?
Don't get taken for a ride. Learn the pros and cons before the salesperson makes a pitch.

Be Mortgage-Free Faster
Getting rid of this debt faster has bigger benefits than you might think.

Keep Your Financial Data Safe Online
Find out how to protect your personal information from phishers, scammers and thieves.

Pay For A College Education With Retirement Funds
These savings vehicles may be better than college saving funds for some families.

Invest In Your Education With An RESP
All Canadians should know the benefits of these flexible education savings plans.

Choose Your Monthly Mortgage Payments
Exotic mortgages allow you to decide how much to pay. Find out how much they really cost.

Does Condo Life Suit You?
Association fees and disputes with neighbors could spoil your move if you're unprepared.

A Multipurpose Future Planning Tool
Overfunded variable universal life insurance policies can be an all-in-one financial solution.

Talking To Aging Parents About Money
Addressing this difficult topic is crucial, but you must approach it with compassion.

Giving Families A Break
Canadians have a lot of advantages when it comes to family tax perks.

Building Green For Your House And Wallet
The earth-smart money is on these environmentally friendly housing projects.

How Your Annuity Company Determines Renewal Rates
Find the firm that's right for you by uncovering how it makes its investment choices.

Can You Trust Your Trustee?
Ignorance and incompetence can cost you money. Make sure your trustee is up to the task.

How Will The Subprime Mess Impact You?
The subprime collapse could mean doom and gloom for housing, equities and the overall economy.

Share The Wealth With Franchises
Skip the first step and build off of someone else's successful business model.

Buying A Condo
This real estate investment provides unique advantages - and challenges.

Find Fortune In Commercial Real Estate
Investing in big buildings means big money - and bigger risks.

Invest With A Thesis
Putting your goals in writing will help you achieve them more consistently.

Six Months To A Better Budget
Setting up a few good habits today can lead to a lifetime of financial well-being.

Relationship Money Matters
Whether married, single or somewhere in between, you'll face unique financial challenges.

Cut Your Tax Bill With Permanent Life Insurance
Learn how to lower your income tax and avoid estate tax - all while building wealth.

The Dark Side Of Bulk Buying
Find out why getting more for less isn't always a great deal.

Health-y Savings Accounts
HSAs can provide a new way to save for retirement and medical expenses.

Stop Keeping Up With The Joneses - They're Broke
Conspicuous consumption could be robbing you of future wealth.

Brains Don't Always Bring The Bucks
Common mistakes can prevent even the smartest investors from beating the market.

Broker Gone Bad? What To Do If You Have A Complaint
We show you how to resolve a problem without getting the lawyers involved.

Behind The Scenes Of Your Mortgage
Four major players slice and dice your mortgage in the secondary market.

Rid Yourself Of Unwanted Life Policies
With a life settlement you could cash in on your policy money now.

Does Your Investment Manager Measure Up?
These key stats will reveal whether your advisor is a league leader or a benchwarmer.

Six Estate Planning Must-Haves
A store-bought will might not cut it - learn what you need to have in yours.

Save Money The Scottish Way
Take a trip through history to learn from some (in)famously frugal Scots.

How To Create A Business Succession Plan
Make sure the business you built continues to thrive long after you've left the helm.

What's Your Debt-To-Income Ratio?
By keeping this number low, you can make your savings grow.

Don't Forget The Beneficiary Form
Lump sum or amortization? Learn the best way to distribute your inheritance.

Help Your Kids Understand Money
These simple tips will help you raise financially savvy kids.

Five Tricks For Lowering Your Property Tax
Find out what steps you can take to reduce your bill.

Getting What You Want
Learn the strategies that will help you to come out on top in any negotiation.

The Disability Insurance Policy: Now In English
Learn to translate this complicated policy so you can rest assured you're covered.

Six Reasons To Avoid Private Mortgage Insurance
This costly coverage protects your mortgage lender - not you.

Subprime Is Often Subpar
Proceed with caution when considering these short-term, high-interest mortgages.

Get Your Budget In Fighting Shape
Blood, sweat and tears should belong in the gym, but your money deserves some training time too.

Patience Pays For Consumers
The early bird may catch the worm, but in shopping, the worm will come to those who wait.

Saving Your Home From Foreclosure
Learn the tactics you can use to prevent your home from being repossessed.

Should You Consider An ESOP?
Use this plan to transfer your company's net worth to the next generation of entrepreneurs.

It Is Better To Give AND Receive
You give to benefit others, but there can be perks for you too.

Increase Your Disposable Income
Here are four quick and easy ways to up your spending money.

Avoiding Foreclosure Scams
If you want to save your home, avoid bogus offers and take matters into your own hands.

Wheels Of A Future Fortune
Buy a quality car without driving your expenses through the roof.

The Ins And Outs Of Bank Fees
These service charges could nickel and dime you right out of your nest egg.

Assess Your Investment Manager
Find out whether your funds are being managed according to your goals.

Financial Solutions For Young Women
Break through the stereotypes and find out how to manage your life to meet your needs.

Investing In A Vacation Home
If palm trees and exotic holiday locations excite you, these properties may be for you.

Get Through Divorce With Your Finances Intact
Find out how to split up amicably and financially sound.

Consider The Outcomes When Cutting An Income
Choosing to stay at home with the kids may not be your best option financially.

Profit With Real Estate Land Speculation
Uncover the next "hot spot" for development - before the boom hits.

Keep Your Pets' Trust
Find out how to protect and provide for your pet after you pass away.

Go Green With Socially Responsible Investing
Find out how morals and ethics can bring you a surprising return.

Let Life Insurance Riders Drive Your Coverage
Find out how these additional benefits can help you customize your policy.

Is Buying A Franchise Wise?
If you like being your own boss, this is not the job for you.

How Will Your Mortgage Rate?
Learn how interest rates affect the housing market and how you can keep up with changes.

Choose The Right Executor
Making a careful choice now can save your heirs from a lot of problems later.

Personalizing Risk Tolerance
Forget the clichés and uncover how much volatility you can really stand.

Being Genderous To Financial Issues
Uncover some very complex reasons for female gender biases in the finance world.

Mortgage Asset-Liability Management Made Easy
Should you refinance your mortgage to purchase other assets? Learn how to weigh your risk.

Permanent Life Policies: Whole Vs. Universal
If you're looking for life-long security, choosing between these two is the key.

Profit As Your Home's Price Changes
Learn how to make money off soaring or falling housing costs.

Don't Blame Your Broker
Tempting as it is to pass the buck for your losses, the true culprit may be closer to home.

Tax-Saving Tips For Canadian Taxpayers
Find out how to get a bigger return.

Words From The Wise On Active Management
Learn what those in the know have to say about managing a portfolio and beating the market.

Make A Risk-Based Mortgage Decision
Find out how to choose which mortgage style is right for you.

Non-Cash Contribution Rules Could Cut Returns
Higher standards for certain contributions could mean smaller deductions for you.

Avoiding An Audit
Don't make yourself a target - steer clear of these "red flag" actions.

Three Simple Steps To Building Wealth
Building wealth isn't easy. Learn how to take it one step at a time.

Five Insurance Policies Everyone Should Have
Some things shouldn't be left to chance. Find out more here.

Are Structured Retail Products Too Good To Be True?
Spot a rotten investment before you get seduced by its sweet promise of profit.

Why You Should Draft A Will
Don't trust the courts to follow your wishes - plan the distribution of your own assets.

Patience Is A Trader's Virtue
Waiting may be the biggest key to reeling in that trophy investment.

Opening Your Child's First Bank Account
Teach your children to save up to meet their spending - and saving - goals.

Insurance Tips For Homeowners
Use these simple ideas to save money and get better coverage for your house.

What Are You Teaching Your Kids About Money?
Your approach to your finances could determine your children's financial success.

Clearing Up Tax Confusion For College Savings Accounts
Put your kids through school without being hounded by the tax man.

The True Economics Of Refinancing A Mortgage
Will changing your current payment structure help you in the end?

Protect Your Kids And Pets With Custom Insurance
Find out how to protect those you love the most with specialized policies.

How Expanded Kiddie Tax Affects Families
Protect your child's income by working within these new limits.

Use Allowances To Create Financially Sound Kids
Discover which of these three reward techniques teaches the best lessons about money.

Fix It And Flip It: The Value of Remodeling
You think your updated house looks great. Will buyers feel the same way?

Variable Vs. Variable Universal Life Insurance
Do you know why you might need one policy versus the other? Read on to find out.

Extended Warranties: Should You Take The Bait?
Avoid shelling out for these policies and you could save hundreds of dollars.

Don't Take Broker Excuses At Their Word
Find out how some firms respond to a complaint.

American Dream Or Mortgage Nightmare?
Option adjustable rate mortgages could make or break your home-buying experience.

A Corporate Approach To Personal Finance
Run your financial life like a successful business.

Find The Right Financial Advisor
Learn how to weed out those who are just out to make a quick buck.

Revealing The Hidden Costs Of Weddings
Find out how to avoid paying more for your big day!

Teach Your Child About Investing
Find simple and easy instructions on how to introduce your kids to the stock market.

Fifteen Insurance Policies You Don't Need
Learn how to save money by saying "no" to unnecessary coverage.

Cut Your Alternative Minimum Tax
Save yourself money by lowering the amount of tax you owe.

Are You A Disciplined Investor?
Follow these steps to properly set up and allocate your assets.

Downsize Your Home To Downsize Expenses
Learn how to cut your mortgage, tax, gas and utilities bills.

Close The Bank Of Mom And Dad
Stop the cash flow and help your kids onto the road to financial security and freedom.

Tax Deductions For Rental Property Owners
Learn how fixing a few pipes can be more profitable tax-wise than adding a new roof.

How Risky Is Your Portfolio?
Find out how you could be subject to larger losses than you think.

Life Insurance Distribution And Benefits
Decide now who will inherit your policy and how.

Evaluating Your Broker
Make sure you're getting the best service by staying informed and involved.

Losing The Middle Class
Find out where your income and lifestyle place you in comparison to the national average.

Watch Your Back In The Annuity Game
Find out how to get the upper hand when dealing with this payout challenge.

Life Planning - More Than Just Money
Determine what you need to do now to make a drastic lifestyle change later.

Get A Short-Term Advantage In The Money Market
This investment vehicle is often the perfect stop-gap measure for growing your money.

Travel Tips For Keeping You And Your Money Safe
Take precautions to avoid being taken advantage of on your vacation.

Life Insurance Clauses Determine Your Coverage
Understanding these key parts of your policy will help you to ensure that your family will be covered.

How Much Life Insurance Should You Carry?
Learn how much - if any - insurance you really need.

Exploring Advanced Insurance Contract Fundamentals
Understanding your contract can help you protect our family's financial security.

Is Your Broker Acting In Your Best Interest?
Learn the clues you'll need to determine whether you've chosen a reputable professional.

Are Your Bank Deposits Insured?
Learn how the FDIC is helping to keep your money in your pockets.

Long-Term Investing: Hot Or Not?
Forget the latest craze - you're more likely to succeed with a buy-and-hold strategy.

Revive Your Portfolio
Increase your annual returns by rebalancing your investments now.

Understand Your Insurance Contract
Learn how to read one of the most important documents you own.

Tailoring Your Investment Plan
Start your own investing adventure with the help of some simple guidelines.

Mortgage Points - What's The Point?
Learn how to pay less for your home in the long run, or save in the short run.

Demographic Trends And The Implications For Investment
See how people's movements, ages, deaths and buying patterns affect portfolios worldwide.

The Generation Gap
Studies suggest that young workers may not be able to retire comfortably - or at all.

Overcoming Financial Phobia
If your investment strategy is avoidance, the consequences can be scary.

Extreme Commuting: Is It For You?
Americans are spending more time behind the wheel - find out what's driving this trend.

Complicated Deferred Annuity Designations
Discover some of the situations that can arise when an owner or annuitant dies.

Investing In Real Estate
Owning property isn't simple, but there are plenty of perks. Find out how to buy in.

Shopping For Car Insurance
Accident, theft, vandalism - make sure your coverage will protect you when you need it most.

A Tax Primer For Homeowners
Go beyond interest and find out how mortgage points affect your taxable income.

Marriage, Divorce And The Dotted Line
Does signing a prenuptial agreement put your marriage on shaky ground, or is it just smart planning?

Boomerangs: Why Some Kids Never Leave The Nest
Giving your children a free ride can be costly for both of you.

The Cost Of Variable Annuity Guarantees
These products tempt investors with some impressive benefits - but they come at a price.

Encouraging Good Habits With An Incentive Trust
Money can be a powerful motivator - why not use it to teach your heirs positive lessons?

Fighting The High Costs Of Healthcare
If your employer is cutting medical benefits, the new health savings account may be right for you.

The Mortgage Interest Tax Deduction
If you're a homeowner, this is one item you want to understand and use on your return.

Establishing A Revocable Living Trust
This arrangement allows you to have more control over your estate - both before and after your death.

Deducting Your Donations
Generosity may be its own reward, but some charitable giving also provides personal tax benefits.

The Economics Of Pet Ownership
Before you bring a furry friend into your household, make sure you can handle the hefty financial commitment.

Surviving The IRS Audit
Keeping thorough records and knowing the penalties make this experience easier than you'd expect.

Kids Or Cash: The Modern Marriage Dilemma
Thinking about having children? Consider the financial aspect of this decision.

Shifting Life Insurance Ownership
Decrease the value of your taxable estate and prevent the taxman from getting you one last time.

Protecting Your Income Source
Social Security benefits can be hard to collect. Should disability insurance be a part of your financial plan?

Refusing An Inheritance
Contrary to popular belief, inheriting assets isn't always a good thing. Find out what to do if you want to disclaim them.

Getting Through The Medicare Part D Maze
Having trouble sorting through your prescription drug coverage options? We offer some solutions.

Don't Put Off Your Year-End Plan
From sales tax deductions to credit reports, check out what items should be on your financial checklist.

Managing Your Documents To Minimize Disaster
Organizing and updating your records regularly can save you a lot of grief in a time of crisis.

Build Yourself An Emergency Fund
Do you have enough savings to cover the costs of unforeseen crises? We show you how to plan ahead.

ARMed And Dangerous
In a climate of rising interest rates, having an adjustable-rate mortgage can be risky.

Taking The Bite Out Of Annuity Losses
If this investment product has caused you sleepless nights, it's time to consider alternatives.

A Look At Single-Premium Life Insurance
Want to provide for your dependents and finance your own long-term care? Learn more here.

Get Ready For The Estate Tax Phase-Out
Changes to federal legislation will affect how your assets are treated once you're gone - be prepared.

Solutions For Concentrated Positions
Learn various tactics for divesting your overexposure to any one stock.

The Quest To Build A Unified Managed Account
Find out why the convenient, customizable UMA should be the next big thing in managed money.

Tax Tips For The Individual Investor
We give you seven guidelines to help you keep more of your money in your pocket.

The Indiana Jones Guide to Getting Ahead
Follow Indy's advice and conquer the obstacles blocking your path to financial well-being.

Paying Off Your Mortgage
This may be the biggest debt you'll ever incur. Learn why you should retire it sooner rather than later.

Insight Into Insurance Scoring
Discover what this mysterious rating is, how it affects your premiums and how to minimize its adverse impact.

Getting Started On Your Estate Plan
With some preparation, you can save your heirs from paying a hefty estate tax. Here are some tips.

Achieving Optimal Asset Allocation
Minimizing risk while maximizing return is any investor's prime goal, and the right mix of securities is the key.

Cruise Ships: Reining In Vacation Spending
Many costs are fixed, its true. But there are plenty of extras to dent your pocketbook. Here's what to factor in.

Rebalance Your Portfolio To Stay On Track
Like a tune-up for a car, this re-alignment should minimize trouble down the road.

Having A Plan: The Basis Of Success
It ensures that you have a realistic outlook, and a solid strategy. We show you why and how.

A Guide To Portfolio Construction
This is a step-by-step approach to determining, achieving and maintaining optimal asset allocation.

Identity Theft: What To Do If It Happens
It's critical to act fast. This article summarizes the key entities to contact for help.

Identity Theft: How To Avoid It
Don't be a victim of this disturbing crime. Get insight into how perpetrators do it.

Three Documents You Shouldn't Do Without
Estate planning is not just about the division of assets after you die. Read on to save your loved ones extra grief.

Pros And Cons of Leasing Vs Buying A Vehicle
We examine the financing options of both choices as well as their long-term implications.

Home-Equity Loans: The Costs
Learn the factors to consider when comparing the different programs offered by various lenders.

Seven Common Financial Mistakes
Choose fortune over disaster by avoiding these money traps.

The Home-Equity Loan: What It Is And How It Works
This article sheds light on why consumers decide to use this form of debt and whether it is always a good alternative.

Mortgages: The ABCs Of Refinancing
Learn how the various reasons for doing it can mean the difference between financial prudence and ruin.

The Evolution of LTC-Insurance Plans
The latest offerings are markedly different, with more coverage and bundling options.

Shopping For A Mortgage
It starts with knowing your choices as well as your price range. We show you how to get there.

How To Become A Millionaire
The average person can do it with a little discipline and the help of some powerful savings vehicles.

Long-Term Care: More Than Just a Nursing Home
Learn what you can do now to keep your options open in the future.

Mortgages: Fixed-Rate Versus Adjustable-Rate
Both of these have advantages and disadvantages depending on your financial needs and prospects.

Medicaid Versus LTC Insurance
These are not equal. Here's why you need to think twice before relying on the government-sponsored program.

Mortgages: How Much Can You Afford?
Answering this means number-crunching as well as factoring in other considerations and expenses.

Understanding the Mortgage Payment Structure
We explain the calculation and payment process as well as the amortization schedule of home loans.

Understanding Your Mortgage
We walk through the steps needed to secure the best loan to finance the purchase of your home.

Buying Life Insurance: Term Versus Permanent
Would your death leave loved ones financially stranded? It's time to shop for peace of mind.

To Rent or Buy? There's More To It Than Money - Part 2
Your lifestyle, level of commitment and the trade-offs need to be carefully weighed.

To Rent or Buy? The Financial Issues - Part 1
Thinking of buying a home? We look at the initial and ongoing costs as well as the so-called benefits.

Skipping-Out on Probate Costs
Don't let bad estate planning lead to unnecessary costs and stress for your inheritors.

The Reverse Mortgage: A Retirement Tool
Discover another way to fund your retirement without having to make payments on a loan.

Taking The Surprise Out Of Long-Term Care
Don't be caught unprepared - find out what to look for in LTC insurance policies.

Getting the Whole Story on Variable Annuities
Variable annuities are another way to save money tax-deferred - but don't jump in blindly!

Long-Term Care Insurance: Who Needs It?
No one is immune to the possibility of one day needing long-term care - and the costs can deplete a life savings.

Asset Allocation Strategies
Learn how to make the mix of securities the core of your investing strategy.

Anything But Ordinary: Calculating The Present And Future Value Of Annuities
Learn to calculate the present and future value of fixed payments required from you or owed to you.

Investing In Your Child's Education
Overwhelmed by increasing tuition costs? The U.S. government can help you save money for your children's education.

Tips For Resolving Disputes With Your Financial Advisor
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