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... 

While the struggling economy has put a vice on inflation, many experts don’t expect things to stay that way for much longer. Why? Many economic experts fear the current level of federal spending will inevitably lead to printing more money, and that’s regarded as an inflationary solution. As... 

A May survey by Hewitt Associates noted that despite record losses in their 401(k) savings in 2008, individuals stuck with their 401(k) plans. However, more people dealt with their worry about investment conditions by shifting money into more conservative investments. In addition, a significant number... 

It was Benjamin Franklin who once said, “The man who achieves makes many mistakes, but he never makes the biggest mistake of all – doing nothing.” As the nation continues to work its way out of recession and investors begin to take stock of what looks like a lost decade in their portfolios,... 

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 number of reverse mortgages backed by the government jumped nearly 20 percent in March and April alone from the same period in 2008. At a time when seniors have seen their retirement assets depleted by market losses, tapping home equity has been a safety net.  But it can be a risky one.  If your... 

With so many investors and their advisors questioning traditional market thinking about index-based investing, exchange traded funds (ETFs) are starting to move beyond their traditional passive, index territory into more active management.  To some, it’s a fad. To others, it’s a serious... 

Even as the economy shows a few glimmers of improvement, most economists expect some continuation of job, pay and benefits cuts to continue throughout the year.  What can you do about these moves, even if they’re still in the rumor stage? Hold a family meeting: Talking about money issues is a... 

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... 

As the economy has worsened, not only have retirement funds dropped in value with the market, but also many people have been tempted to tap savings as a way to cut debt or otherwise shore up their finances after a job loss. Still more have found that employers have dropped matching contributions to shore...