At one time, computer hackers were viewed as a few rogue individuals who mainly worked alone. Today, many hackers are part of highly sophisticated networks that carry out well-organized cyber attacks. Unfortunately, these online security breaches can result in your username and password information being compromised. Whenever you enter your personal information online, you'll want [...]
Some retirees are able to live solely on the earnings that their investment portfolios produce, but most also have to figure out how to draw down their principal over time. Even if you've calculated how much you can withdraw from your savings each year, market volatility can present a special challenge when you know you'll [...]
As the end of the 2013 tax year approaches, set aside some time to evaluate your situation. Here are some things to keep in mind as you consider potential year-end tax moves. 1. The tax landscape has changed for higher-income individuals This year a new 39.6% federal income tax rate applies if your taxable income [...]
The high cost of long-term care can quickly drain your savings, absorb most of your income, and affect the quality of life for you and your family. Long-term care insurance (LTCI) allows you to share that cost with an insurance company. If you're concerned about protecting your assets and maintaining your financial independence, (LTCI) may [...]
No matter how many years you are from retirement, it's essential to have some kind of game plan in place for financing it. With today's longer life expectancies, retirement can last 25 years or more, and counting on Social Security or a company pension to cover all your retirement income needs isn't a strategy you [...]
The signs of fall are upon us: the onset of cooler evenings, slightly shorter days and the turning of leaves. And the new time of year brings the familiar like a new football season and other rituals like Halloween. But recently, I thought about an important but less noticed pastime of the autumn months, and [...]
With the housing market and overall economy starting to improve, more Americans are packing up and relocating. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the number of people moving for a new job or transfer numbered 3.5 million in 2011-2012, up from 2.8 million the previous year. Whether you're planning to move for a new job [...]
You might not enjoy sitting down to do year-end investment planning, but at least this fall you can make plans with greater certainty. For the last three years, investment planning has meant trying to anticipate possible changes in tax law; for tax year 2013 and beyond, you know for sure how income, capital gains, and [...]
The Fed hasn't yet raised its target interest rate from less than 0.25%, and it has promised not to do so before unemployment reaches roughly 6.5%, which it doesn't expect to happen until next year. However, some interest rates have already begun to go up. For example, according to Freddie Mac, the average interest rate [...]
I already have health insurance. Will I have to change my plan because of the new health-care reform law? Your present insurance plan may be considered a grandfathered plan under the ACA if your plan has been continually in existence since March 23, 2010 (the date of enactment of the ACA), and has not significantly [...]