Features
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The Rule of Retirement Inversion
The rule of retirement inversion says that to have a great retirement, you must ask yourself what would ruin a great retirement — and then plan to avoid it.
By Jacob Schroeder
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How to Spring Clean Your Portfolio
Regular decluttering of our closets allows us to remove what's not working. The same can be done for our investments. Here's how to spring clean your portfolio.
By Coryanne Hicks
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How Much Do You Need to Join the 1% Club in Your State?
Being a top earner is relative: Why trading a high-tax zip code for a low-cost state is the ultimate retirement power move.
By Adam Shell
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5 of the Best Preferred Stock ETFs for High and Stable Dividends
ETFs The best preferred stock ETFs allow you to reduce your risk by investing in baskets of preferred stocks.
By Kyle Woodley
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Estate Planning Checklist: 5 Tasks to Prioritize
Doing these things now, while you're still physically and mentally healthy, can smooth an already-difficult and emotional process when the time comes.
By Martin Baker, CFP®, CEPA®
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3 Ways to Lower Your Child Care Costs in 2026
Working parents can take advantage of tax breaks and local assistance programs.
By Ella Vincent
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California Retirement Tax 2026: Is the 'Social Security Shield' Enough?
State Taxes The Golden State won't touch your Social Security, but high rates on pensions and IRAs tell a different story. Can you afford retirement in California?
By Kate Schubel
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How Bonuses Are Taxed: What to Know About the Bonus Tax Rate
Income Tax Tax withholding rules mean a portion of your bonus won’t make it into your bank account.
By Kelley R. Taylor
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Women Are Strong Savers. So, Why Do Their Balances Often Lag Behind?
Many women are consistent savers, but long-term balances don't always reflect those habits. Here's what's behind the gap — and what can help change it.
By Choncé Maddox
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The Average Retirement Withdrawal Rate by Age
Clinging to 'safe' income and hoarding your principal isn't protecting your wealth; it's shortchanging the retirement you earned.
By Donna LeValley
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A Costly To-Do: Is It Time to Delegate Investment Decisions?
While some DIY investors are happy to be hands-on with their portfolio, others can only dip in and out. When is it time to start delegating those decisions?
By Sevasti Balafas, CFA, CPWA®
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The 5 W's of Successful Estate Plan-Focused Family Meetings
Good family meetings bring clarity to estate plans and strengthen bonds. Poor ones turn into ugly battles. This simple tool will help you avoid the drama.
By Michael Schneider
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Are You Ready to Merge Finances With Your Significant Other?
Merging your money as a couple requires an honest conversation that clarifies what you're both walking into — and prevents bigger problems down the line.
By Lamar Brabham
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4 Ways Parents Can Help College Grads in a Tight Job Market
Despite a weak entry-level job market, the college degree's return on investment is still achievable for this year's grads. Here's how parents can help them.
By Mallon FitzPatrick, CFP®, AEP®, CLU®
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The Wash Sale Rule: Six Things to Know to Avoid Tax Pitfalls
Investing The wash sale rule is important when you are selling and rebuying stocks to offset losses.
By Kelley R. Taylor
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Retirees' Guide to Dos and Don’ts of Business Partnerships
Making Your Money Last Know some of the business partnership pros and cons before diving in. A business partnership agreement is a good place to start.
By Katherine Reynolds Lewis
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5 Copper ETFs to Buy
Gold and silver are more precious, but copper will benefit most from growth in the modern economy. Copper ETFs offer efficient exposure to the industrial metal.
By Tony Dong, MSc
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How to Protect Your 401(k) in a Down Market: Seven Solutions
Use these seven strategies to safeguard your nest egg when volatility strikes. You're not powerless.
By Adam Shell
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What You Will Pay for Medicare in 2026
Medicare premiums for 2026, as well as the costs of Parts A, B, and D, have increased. Here is how much you'll pay in 2026.
By Donna LeValley
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The Social Security Test Every Wealthy Retiree Must Take
When you work and collect Social Security benefits before your FRA, you are subject to the Retirement Earning Test that could result in a temporary reduction of your benefits.
By Donna LeValley
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How to Calculate Taxes on Social Security Benefits
Social Security The federal government can tax up to 85% of your Social Security benefits, so it's good to know how those taxes are calculated.
By Kelley R. Taylor
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What to Expect from the February Jobs Report
The February jobs report will be released Friday morning. Here's what economists expect the data to show.
By Karee Venema
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We're 65. Should we give our kids their inheritance now?
We have $3.9 million saved. Our adult children are struggling to pay for daycare and buy a home. Should we give them an advance on their inheritance?
By Maurie Backman
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Retiring With $500,000 to $5 Million? You Need A New Plan
Retirees with $500,000 to $5 million in assets need a different approach to keep their house and cover ever-increasing health care expenses, including long-term care, without taking too much risk and paying too much in taxes.
By Jerry Golden, Investment Adviser Representative
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Common Oil & Gas Investing Mistakes and How to Stay Focused
The nature of energy markets exacerbates unhelpful behaviors. Understanding the psychology of oil and gas investing can help you make smarter decisions.
By Jay R. Young
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There's a New AI Bubble — And No One Is Talking About It
Companies are racing to adopt AI, but few can attribute any significant impact to it. Who will come out on top when this "implementation bubble" bursts?
By Ryan Orton
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Fee-Only Financial Advice: Do You Really Know What It Means?
How does fee-only financial advice differ from fee-based or commission-based advice? Knowing the difference is a critical step toward receiving unbiased help.
By David Bromelkamp
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Longevity Advice for Women, According to an Expert
An interview with aging expert Maddy Dychtwald on longevity advice for women.
By Janet Bodnar
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Don’t Make These 5 Common Mistakes on Your Tax Return
Tax Filing The IRS warns taxpayers to watch out for these common errors as they prepare to file.
By Gabriella Cruz-Martínez
