By Mary Kane, Associate Editor | Kiplinger’s Retirement Report April 18, 2018   Gaining a better understanding of how Social Security works is one of the most important things you can do to prepare for retirement. After all, on average, Social Security benefits will replace about 40% of your preretirement income, according to the Social […]

Earnings release date: Thursday, April 26 Time of day: After the closing bell Today’s Microsoft (MSFT, $96.07) isn’t your father’s Microsoft. The Microsoft of yesteryear was primarily about selling its Windows operating system, with its Office productivity suite’s sales being a close-second priority. The business model was one of updating and upgrading previous versions of […]

Source: Kiplinger This article was originally published on Kiplinger – https://www.kiplinger.com/   Many people take Social Security early and put off tapping into their IRAs and 401(k)s until they must. But that’s the opposite of what most should do, because waiting until 70 to take benefits can pay off in more ways than one. Most […]

Source: Kiplinger This article was originally published on Kiplinger – https://www.kiplinger.com/   When searching for a 529 college-savings plan for a grandchild, first check whether your state offers a tax break for your contributions. QMy husband and I live in Virginia, and our grandson lives in Utah. What is the best way to set up […]

Source: Kiplinger This article was originally published on Kiplinger – https://www.kiplinger.com/   Lifetime wealth creation: $608.1 billion Annualized return (July 1926-December 2016): 10.7% Current dividend yield: 5.6% Current analyst ratings: 2 strong buy, 1 buy, 7 hold, 0 sell, 2 strong sell As hard as it may be to believe these days, shares in General […]

Source: Kiplinger This article was originally published on Kiplinger – https://www.kiplinger.com/   Bitcoin is back. Kind of. The biggest financial story of 2017, the cryptocurrency Bitcoin was worth less than $1,000 in January, then worth more than $29,000 by December. As 2018 opened, the Bitcoin market was worth over $250 billion – more than AT&T […]

Source: Kiplinger This article was originally published on Kiplinger – https://www.kiplinger.com/   The drawbacks of Medicare Advantage plans can become apparent when serious illness or injury strikes. Medicare Advantage plans are attracting seniors with their appealing price tags and promise of comprehensive health coverage in one convenient package. But are these plans actually a disadvantage […]

Source: Kiplinger This article was originally published on Kiplinger – https://www.kiplinger.com/   Sin stocks – shares of businesses that make weapons, operate casinos, brew beer and grow tobacco, among other activities – are immoral and don’t merit their precious investment dollars. However, these stocks have the potential for massive outperformance, and many have – sometimes […]

Source: Kiplinger This article was originally published on Kiplinger – https://www.kiplinger.com/   As much as 85% of your Social Security benefits could be taxable if you have other sources of income, such as earnings from work or withdrawals from tax-deferred retirement accounts. Q. How do I calculate what portion of my Social Security benefits is […]

Source: Kiplinger This article was originally published on Kiplinger – https://www.kiplinger.com   In addition to your credit, any assets you bring to the marriage should remain in your own name. The average cost of a wedding ranges from $25,000 to $35,000, plus another $5,000 for the honeymoon. Yet in the excitement of planning it all, […]

Source: Kiplinger This article was originally published on Kiplinger – https://www.kiplinger.com/   If you go by the book, you would shoot for 10% to 20% of your gross income. But that ballpark figure can be deceiving. Savings and retirement estimators are helpful, but often misleading, tools. These calculators can be insufficient to determine how much […]

Source: Kiplinger This article was originally published on Kiplinger – https://www.kiplinger.com   A happily ever after retirement requires a real plan. Here are some of the (tough) questions your retirement planner should be asking you in order to make that plan. If you’re having minor chest pains for the first time, you’d probably go to […]

Source: Kiplinger This article was originally published on Kiplinger – https://www.kiplinger.com   Market value: $25.8 billion Dividend yield: 4.3% General Mills (GIS, $44.98) sells a diversified mix of packaged meals, snacks, cereal, yogurt, baking products and more under several well-known brands, including Cheerios, Yoplait, Pillsbury, Nature Valley and Betty Crocker. With a track record of […]

Source: Kiplinger This article was originally published on Kiplinger – https://www.kiplinger.com   The amount of workers at small businesses can contribute to a SIMPLE IRA for 2018 is unchanged from 2017, but there are ways to boost retirement savings. A Savings Incentive Match Plan for Employees IRA, or SIMPLE IRA for short, is a retirement […]

Source: Kiplinger This article was originally published on Kiplinger – https://www.kiplinger.com/   Delaying Social Security and using RMD rules to draw down your nest egg is a winning combination for middle-income retirees. Retirement-income strategies are big business. Financial advisers and online advice services will help you transform your savings into a steady retirement paycheck—for a […]

Source: Kiplinger This article was originally published on Kiplinger – https://www.kiplinger.com/   Grandparents have the power to help shape little ones’ financial futures, and all it starts with some good old heart-to-heart talks. Fear, power, greed, and self-esteem … These are words and thoughts we associate with money, and we’re passing them onto our children […]

Source: Kiplinger This article was originally published on Kiplinger – https://www.kiplinger.com   Age: 54 Estimated net worth: $40 million How she struck it rich: Combined wealth with her husband and author, former U.S. President Barack Obama Frugal habit: Shops at Target The former first lady is known for being thrifty. While her husband former President […]

Source: Kiplinger This article was originally published on Kiplinger – https://www.kiplinger.com/   The year 2017 has topped all prior years as the costliest on record for natural disasters in the United States. Some estimates put the loss at over $300 billion. SEE ALSO: Real Estate Investment Isn’t Always a Good Deal Consider some of the […]

Source: Kiplinger This article was originally published on Kiplinger – https://www.kiplinger.com/     The closer you get to retirement the more likely you are to need all the help you can get. To help you decide what kind of financial advice is best for you, see if your situation is similar to this hypothetical client: […]

Source: Kiplinger This article was originally published on Kiplinger – https://www.kiplinger.com/   Be sure to interview a few options and check into their backgrounds before hiring someone. Interview a few advisers before you settle on one. Having conversations with the advisers will also give you a feel for how your personalities mesh. Ask questions, and […]

At this stage of life, a robo adviser with a low minimum asset requirement may be sufficient, but you might also consider a financial planner who charges a flat fee or by the hour for extra help with broader planning. To help you decide what kind of financial advice is best for you, see if […]

Source: Kiplinger This article was originally published on Kiplinger – https://www.kiplinger.com/   The best financial adviser for you should work to serve your unique needs. Thanks to technology and regulatory reforms, the financial advice industry is undergoing a tectonic shift. You now have more options if you’re seeking advice from a planner who is committed […]

Source: Kiplinger This article was originally published on Kiplinger – https://www.kiplinger.com/   Many records are no longer needed three years after filing your tax return, but you may have to keep documents involving the purchase of a house or investments for years longer. QNow that I’ve filed my income tax return, I’m going to clean […]

Source: Kiplinger This article was originally published on Kiplinger – https://www.kiplinger.com/     Our four portfolios will help you harness higher interest rates. It’s a sure bet that interest rates have settled into a higher range and are poised to rise further. But don’t let that scare you away from bonds (when rates are rising, […]

Source: Kiplinger This article was originally published on Kiplinger – https://www.kiplinger.com/   When you have competing priorities, you may need more assistance sorting through your financial picture. To help you decide what kind of financial advice is best for you, see if your situation is similar to this hypothetical client: Kiplinger’s Guide to the Financial […]

When you book an award ticket, points cover only the base fare. Taxes, fees and surcharges can add anywhere from a few bucks to a few hundred dollars. Depending on how much those fees add, “it may be better to pay for the ticket yourself instead of blowing 100,000 miles and paying a fuel surcharge,” […]

Source: Kiplinger This article was originally published on Kiplinger – https://www.kiplinger.com/   Beware, however: They are not protected from losses by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. For years, money market mutual funds have paid practically nothing. But each time the Federal Reserve lifts short-term interest rates, yields on money market funds tend to rise in […]

Source: Kiplinger This article was originally published on Kiplinger – https://www.kiplinger.com/     You may be able to rein in your loan payments before they go up. Rising interest rates have boosted the cost of borrowing against your home, and rates are likely to go higher. The average rate on a home-equity line of credit […]

Source: Kiplinger This article was originally published on Kiplinger – https://www.kiplinger.com/   Federal workers and military personnel can save up to $18,500 in TSP retirement accounts, $500 more than in 2017. Some savers can make additional catch-up contributions. Employees of the federal government and members of the military can save hundreds of dollars more for […]

Source: Kiplinger This article was originally published on Kiplinger – https://www.kiplinger.com/   Symbol: FSICX Expense Ratio: 0.69% Fidelity Strategic Income balances higher quality, investment-grade bonds with junkier, higher-yielding bonds to deliver protection in down markets and more income than the bonds in the Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond index. Managers Ford O’Neil and Adam Kramer […]

Source: Kiplinger This article was originally published on Kiplinger – https://www.kiplinger.com/   A monetary blast from the past: To understand today’s new cryptocurrencies, it helps to take a look at how currencies evolved in the first place. Kids love stories and make-believe, so why not share the story of bitcoin with your grandkids? I realize […]

Source: Investor Place This article was originally published on Investor Place – https://investorplace.com/   Fink, for those who are unaware, is the CEO of BlackRock (BLK), the world’s largest asset manager with $6.3 trillion under management. That’s a tremendous responsibility — one that Fink takes so seriously, that’s he not afraid to step on toes […]

Source: Kiplinger This article was originally published on Kiplinger – https://www.kiplinger.com/   Make a fresh start for your investing outlook this spring by trying these three moves. After a bumpy start to the new year, stock markets seem to have settled down a bit. But even if bullish trends remain intact, it’s a fair bet […]

Source: Kiplinger This article was originally published on Kiplinger – https://www.kiplinger.com/     Your needs change the closer you get to retirement, so even if you have a great financial adviser, the relationship may no longer be a good fit. How to tell when it’s time to move on. I meet a lot of people […]

Source: Kiplinger This article was originally published on Kiplinger – https://www.kiplinger.com/   These gadgets can be especially handy when traveling abroad. If you’re considering adopting a location-independent lifestyle, or you’re already a digital nomad, your electronic devices are critical to you being able to work while you travel. Making sure you’ve got a strong internet […]

Cash Checking Accounts Savings Accounts CDs Savings Bonds Other/Under the Mattress Retirement Savings IRAs 401(k)s Keogh Accounts Pensions Only the amount you could withdraw in cash todayOther Other Investments / Brokerage Accounts Stocks Bonds Mutual Funds Other Value of Businesses You Own   Life Insurance / Annuities Cash Value of Life Insurance Surrender Value of […]

Source: Kiplinger This article was originally published on Kiplinger – https://www.kiplinger.com/   Saving money for retirement involves many factors that can’t be controlled, but taxes can be, to a certain extent. For a tax-conscious investor, finding tax-efficient investments is the key to successfully saving for retirement. SEE ALSO: Two-Thirds of Americans Have Inadequate Insurance. I […]

Source: Kiplinger This article was originally published on Kiplinger – https://www.kiplinger.com   Type: U.S. bond Market value: $54.2 billion SEC yield: 2.7%* Expenses: 0.05% Another way to diversify is by asset class; that is, going beyond stocks. The most common way of doing that is to invest in bonds – essentially, debt issued by some […]

Source: Kiplinger This article was originally published on Kiplinger – https://www.kiplinger.com/   Most people hate reviewing their estate plans, and I can’t say I blame them. From tax law and complex documents, to trusts and health care directives, the intricacies can be daunting. Plus, talking about life after death isn’t anyone’s favorite activity. Unfortunately, these […]

Source: INVESTOR PLACE This article was originally published on INVESTOR PLACE – https://investorplace.com   Clearside Biomedical (CLSD) develops first-in-class drug therapies to treat blinding eye diseases. The stock is already up by a massive 80% year-to-date. Shares surged from just above $6 at the end of February to over $14 at the beginning of March. […]

Source: Kiplinger This article was originally published on Kiplinger – https://www.kiplinger.com/   Ever since my local farmers market started using some of the payment processing products from Square (SQ), I’ve admired it from afar. True, I don’t own the stock, nor do I own Twitter, the other company that Jack Dorsey runs, but if I […]

Source: Kiplinger This article was originally published on Kiplinger – https://www.kiplinger.com/   Learn how to navigate around the roadblocks that could rob your nest egg. Saving for retirement requires discipline. Ideally, you are able to amass a nice nest egg by putting aside a big chunk of money each month and investing it wisely. But […]

Source: Kiplinger This article was originally published on Kiplinger – https://www.kiplinger.com/   The Roth 401(k) contribution limit increased by $500 to $18,500 for 2018. Workers age 50 and older can save an extra $6,000 for retirement. More employers are adding a Roth 401(k) option to their retirement plan, which should appeal to workers who anticipate […]

Source: Kiplinger This article was originally published on Kiplinger – https://www.kiplinger.com/   Market value: $31.9 billion Dividend yield: 3.2% At one time, Finland-based Nokia (NOK, $5.87) was a world leader in the smartphone market. However, the company sold its smartphone business to Microsoft (MSFT) four years ago to focus instead on network and IP infrastructure, […]

Source: Kiplinger This article was originally published on Kiplinger – https://www.kiplinger.com/   Think about this coverage not just as insurance for long-term care, but for your retirement nest egg itself. With that in mind, here are some tips. I often suggest long-term care insurance to my clients, and I almost always hear this objection: “It’s […]

Source: Kiplinger This article was originally published on Kiplinger – https://www.kiplinger.com/   Objects that have special meaning to you could be the key to identifying your savings goals. I am knee-deep in mementos and family heirlooms these days, having cleaned out three separate houses within the past 14 months following my parents’ deaths and an […]

Source: Kiplinger This article was originally published on Kiplinger – https://www.kiplinger.com/   Our “Practical Investing” columnist happily seized the moment to buy two stocks that had been on her wish list for a long time: Costco and Boeing. As those who have followed this column for a while now, I become nervous during stock market […]

Source: Kiplinger This article was originally published on Kiplinger – https://www.kiplinger.com/   A tap on the brakes from the new tax law may be just what the market needs. New Jersey is the poster child for the high-cost, high-tax states where housing markets—and homeowners—are supposed to suffer under the new tax law. Patrice and Kalvin […]

Source: Kiplinger This article was originally published on Kiplinger – https://www.kiplinger.com/   The new tax law may discourage donations. But you can still support your causes and reduce your tax bill with these strategies. The chance to get a deduction for their generosity often motivates charitable givers to become even more generous and write larger […]

Source: Kiplinger This article was originally published on Kiplinger – https://www.kiplinger.com/   The sudden windfall won’t reduce your benefits. Here’s why. Q. If I win the Powerball jackpot, will that affect my Social Security benefits? I’m 63, so I’m worried about the earnings test. –L.S., Boca Raton, Fla. See Also: 5 Better Investments Than Powerball […]

Source: Kiplinger This article was originally published on Kiplinger – https://www.kiplinger.com/   Home-sharing services and your homeowners’ policy may cover liability and damages by tenants, but the insurance may fall short. March 8, 2018 From Kiplinger’s Personal Finance Q. I’m thinking about renting out my house through a home-sharing service while I’m away for a […]

Source: Kiplinger This article was originally published on Kiplinger – https://www.kiplinger.com/   We asked patient advocates who focus on helping consumers with their medical bills to share some secrets. Even if you have good insurance from your employer, you probably shoulder a large share of your medical costs, from monthly premiums to deductibles and co-payments. […]

Source: Kiplinger This article was originally published on Kiplinger – https://www.kiplinger.com/   Investments in crops, metals, energy, currencies and other tangible things tend to go up when stocks and bonds go down. The market has again reminded us that stocks can move in two directions. It’s an old story but easy to forget: When inflation […]

Source: Kiplinger This article was originally published on Kiplinger – https://www.kiplinger.com/   Employ this strategy to get your debt down and extra cash in your pocket. When you have more than one credit card to pay off, there are many ways to go about tackling your debt. You could pay off cards with highest interest […]

Source: Kiplinger This article was originally published on Kiplinger – https://www.kiplinger.com/   You can tap an HSA to pay for long-term-care insurance, but the amount you can withdraw tax-free depends on your age. Q. Can I withdraw money tax-free from my health savings account to pay my long-term-care insurance premiums? If I can, is there […]

Source: Kiplinger This article was originally published on Kiplinger – https://www.kiplinger.com/   Buyback commitment: $6 billion While the Gold Rush of 1849 panned out to be a windfall for a few lucky prospectors, most of the miners who headed west seeking their fortune found nothing but disappointment. The only reliable way of making any money […]

Source: Kiplinger This article was originally published on Kiplinger – https://www.kiplinger.com/   State Income Taxes: There’s no state income tax, so salaries, wages, Social Security benefits, IRA distributions and pension income are not taxed. But Tennessee does have the Hall Tax, which taxes dividends and some interest at 4% (in 2017). The first $1,250 in […]

Source: Kiplinger This article was originally published on Kiplinger – https://www.kiplinger.com/   Leveraged ETFs may make exciting moves, but these trading instruments are perilous for most portfolios. The competition for investor dollars is fierce, and Wall Street is rife with financial geniuses figuring out new products designed to profit from even the most esoteric of […]

Starting as young as age 3, your grandchildren could reap a lifetime of rewards from these five basic financial skills.