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The shocking loss of income and retirement savings that disproportionately affect divorced women is a big challenge – especially for those over 50.
There's no question that exchange-traded funds have become a major part of the investor's toolkit. "ETFs are similar to mutual funds in that they hold a collection of stocks and bonds in a single fund," writes Kiplinger contributor Will Ashworth in his feature "How to Invest in ETFs for Beginners." However, unlike mutual funds, ETFs "are bought and sold on stock exchanges, can be traded anytime the exchange is open, and you can start your ETF investing even if all you have to invest is $50," Ashworth adds.
Assets in ETFs and similar exchange-traded products (ETPs) now exceed $7 trillion, more than four times what they were a decade ago, according to the Investment Company Institute (ICI), the fund industry's trade group.
Inflation has made Series I savings bonds enormously popular with risk-averse investors. So how do they work?
The IRS issued Revenue Ruling 2023-2, which had a substantial impact on estate planning, particularly where an irrevocable trust is involved. In the last decade or so, more families have begun utilizing irrevocable trusts to protect their assets from spend-down in order to qualify for government benefits, such as Medicaid and VA Aid and Attendance.
Prior to the issuance of this ruling, it was unclear whether assets passing to beneficiaries through an irrevocable trust would receive a step-up in basis, thereby eliminating any capital gains taxes that would otherwise be owed. Historically, assets that are disposed of during an individual’s lifetime are subject to capital gains taxes on the increase in value of that asset over time. The amount of capital gains owed is determined largely by the difference between the value at the time of purchase and the value at the time of transfer.
Your 401(k) can be a bridge from retirement to a higher monthly income.
When you’re selling and rebuying stocks, it’s important to understand the wash sale rule and avoid having losses disallowed by the IRS.
Lump sum or annuity payments? Single-life benefits or joint-and-survivor benefits? Once you explore the risks and hidden costs, the right pension answer for you could come down to control.
Getting married and having a family entails a slew of financial decisions and money talks. A financial planner shares what she wishes she had known as she navigated this complicated but rewarding stage of life.
Whose Insurance Pays and how to be a good neighbor when your tree drops by uninvited?
There’s an easy and effective way savers can minimize the damage of a retirement tax bomb. It all starts with making one simple shift in your retirement savings contributions.
Preparing for the next phase of life can help relieve some of today’s anxiety. Here are some solutions for overcoming a few of retirement’s roadblocks.
Shares of smaller firms have been beaten down in this market slump. But history shows they can still outperform over time.
First, put all major decisions on hold. A financial planner can help you come up with a plan that addresses your goals, dreams and needs.
Whether you’re getting married or just moving in together, every couple needs to come to an understanding about how they will handle money and learn what benefits their coupledom may afford them.
The rules changed for what US Citizens in terms of documentations to travel to Europe.
The shocking loss of income and retirement savings that disproportionately affect divorced women is a big challenge – especially for those over 50.
The rules changed for what US Citizens in terms of documentations to travel to Europe.
Warren Buffett, the chairman of Berkshire Hathaway (BRK.A), is the most successful investor of our time. His daughter, Susan, worked as my assistant when I was the publisher of a magazine 40 years ago. Just before she got married, Susie told me she worried that her fiancé’s parents had bought a couple of shares of Berkshire stock — and what if it tanked? At the time, the price was about $1,000 a share. Today, it’s $507,000 a share. I hope the in-laws hung on.
Take a look at our list of American cities with the lowest costs of living. Is one of the cheapest cities in the U.S. right for you?
Leave it behind, move it to your new job’s plan, or roll it over to an IRA. Each of the options has pros and cons.