Though grandparents are among the millions who have taken a big hit to their portfolios in recent years, careful planning can ensure a healthy contribution to the education and financial future of their grandchildren. The first step involves a talk between grandchildren and their adult children. According... 

The recent market shock should remind all investors that there’s no such thing as a single solution investment product that works for everyone. One particular category of investments that became a target of scorn is target date funds, which are mutual funds with investments tailored to the particular... 

At no time since the Great Depression have college students worried more about money. Tuition continues to rise, financing sources continue to contract. So why should a student worry about finding money for, of all things, retirement? Because even a few dollars a week put toward a Roth IRA can reap enormous... 

The weather’s great, so staying inside with your finances probably doesn’t sound like a very entertaining option. But a midyear review of your tax situation, retirement and spending issues can be far more valuable than the rushed attempt most people make at the end of the year-or when it’s... 

The National Center for Public Policy and Higher Education reported last December that college tuition and fees increased 439 percent from 1982 to 2007 while median family income rose 147 percent. The report also noted that student borrowing has almost doubled since 1998. The most worrisome statement... 

Market extremes tend to make uninformed people invest at extremes.  As the market has suffered over the past nine months, families putting their college savings into 529 college savings plans have watched their stock-based holdings shrink with the market and many have run for cover. This has fueled... 

The biggest benefit from the $787.2 billion federal stimulus package will hopefully be a noticeable improvement in the nation’s economy. But on an individual level, it’s wise to check if you might be eligible for benefits in health care, education, various tax credits and housing. A visit... 

Even if you’ve planned relatively well for your future college student’s expenses, the credit crunch and downturn in investment income for colleges have changed the game for financial aid at many schools. That means both parents and students need to approach the college financial aid scene... 

It’s a few short weeks until cap and gown season begins, and for grandparents hoping to do something nice for their grandkids and something sensible for their estate, there are several options to explore. Roth IRAs: The Roth option is a good one if you want to help them start a retirement fund...