The Case for Economic Optimism
Your Business
The Case for Economic Optimism
Expectations have been lowered. The savings rate is up. Mortgage rates are at record lows. The stock market still has room to run. The next decade may…
October 19, 2012
Seeking True Value in Money Market Funds
investing
Seeking True Value in Money Market Funds
We should stop pretending that a dollar invested in a money market fund will always be worth a dollar. Let prices float as they do with other mutual f…
August 22, 2012
Want More Money in Retirement? Spend Less
retirement
Want More Money in Retirement? Spend Less
There are many simple ways to reduce spending without diminishing your quality of life.
August 10, 2012
Lessons for the Rest of Us in the J.P. Morgan Debacle
Investing
Lessons for the Rest of Us in the J.P. Morgan Debacle
There's no such thing as predictable risk in market trading. So embrace uncertainty, for better and for worse.
July 17, 2012
The Economic Fallout of the Facebook IPO
investing
The Economic Fallout of the Facebook IPO
It's been ugly to watch. The animal spirits of entrepreneurs everywhere are getting doused. But long-term gains are still possible.
June 25, 2012
Is the Housing Collapse Over?
business
Is the Housing Collapse Over?
A slowly improving economy and record-low mortgage rates are finally shoring up the real estate market. But the economics of homeownership are changin…
May 29, 2012
Are We in a Tech Bubble? Probably Not
investing
Are We in a Tech Bubble? Probably Not
Apple's sky-high valuation and Facebook's IPO are more telling of "animal spirits" than another pending market collapse.
May 21, 2012
How to Protect Your Portfolio From Inflation
investing
How to Protect Your Portfolio From Inflation
Many economists fear inflation will come roaring back soon. These strategies can shield your retirement income just in case.
May 16, 2012
Investing Lessons from the Great Recession
Investing
Investing Lessons from the Great Recession
It's not that the rules changed. It's more that strategies for long-term growth have
always been riskier than we like to think.
May 7, 2012
Remodel Your Current Home With Retirement in Mind
Retirement
Remodel Your Current Home With Retirement in Mind
Upgrade with universal-design features that will help you as you age. It's all about convenience now, and saving money and safety later.
March 21, 2012
The Benefits of Staying Put in Retirement
retirement
The Benefits of Staying Put in Retirement
Pulling up a lifetime of stakes and retiring where it's warm and sunny may be a tempting prospect. But think again.
February 8, 2012
The Keys to Managing Your Money for the Long Haul
retirement
The Keys to Managing Your Money for the Long Haul
Yes, creating wealth by investing in equities is important. But in old age, you can't 'eat a rate of return.' Managing downside risk matters just as m…
January 31, 2012
Myths of an Aging Workforce
business
Myths of an Aging Workforce
The financial pressure to retire later is strong. The job market is woeful for
younger workers. But that doesn't mean baby-boomers are hogging the jo…
December 20, 2011
Why You Still Need to Fund a College Education
College
Why You Still Need to Fund a College Education
If investing in a degree is like starting a business, then let's fund it that way: with equity instead of debt.
November 29, 2011
Your Job Should Drive Your Savings Plan
investing
Your Job Should Drive Your Savings Plan
Focus on your income prospects first. That will inform your investment strategy best.
November 16, 2011
Save the Savings Bond
investing
Save the Savings Bond
They helped nurture sound money habits for the World War II generation, and they can help the next generation, if Uncle Sam would only listen.
October 20, 2011
Teaching Savings to Kids in Schools
savings
Teaching Savings to Kids in Schools
What was once called thrift education is making a comeback as financial literacy. That’s good news in hard times.
September 21, 2011
You Can Still Count on U.S. Treasuries
business
You Can Still Count on U.S. Treasuries
Turns out the Great Recession is reaffirming traditional investing values.
August 30, 2011
The Good News on Social Security
retirement
The Good News on Social Security
All that’s needed are some nips and tucks to get the supplemental retirement program on a sounder financial path. The tougher problems are with Medica…
August 26, 2011
A Midyear Resolution for Your Personal Finances
retirement
A Midyear Resolution for Your Personal Finances
Don’t despair if you're behind on saving. We've got three ideas for reviving your New Year's vows.
July 25, 2011
The Growing Allure of Overseas Retirement
Retirement
The Growing Allure of Overseas Retirement
Emerging economies around the world are rolling out the red carpet for U.S. emigrants.
July 6, 2011
The Future of Personal Finance
Saving
The Future of Personal Finance
As the U.S. population ages and globalization creates more competition for money-management services, information technology will get smarter, too. Bu…
June 7, 2011
Why Housing Has a "Buy" Sign on It
Home & Real Estate
Why Housing Has a "Buy" Sign on It
With price declines and a bottom in sight, odds are improving that first-time home buyers will see positive returns over time.
May 25, 2011