Simple Portfolios
As miserably as Standard and Poor's 500-stock index has performed recently, it still has beaten two-thirds of big-company U.S.-stock funds over the past five years. And that, in a nutshell, is why simple portfolios of index mutual funds still make sound financial sense for many investors: They're a dependable way to get better-than-average returns. See 3 Winning Portfolios.
Guidance on Sizing Up Annuities
Get an overview of annuities from this Kiplinger video.
We look at four investments that promise to protect your money or pay up. Some are better than others at keeping their promises. See these Savings Guarantees.
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See how much monthly income your lump sum will buy, and shop for immediate annuites.
Budgeting Tips
Use our household budget worksheet to compare monthly spending projections with actual expenditures.
Mint.com gathers information from you accounts and tracks your cash flow, credit cards, loans and even investments.
If you want to interact with other users, try Wesabe.com or Geezeo.com.
You Need a Budget software encourages you to live on last month's income, not paycheck to paycheck, plus follow other budgeting rules.
Home Time Savers
Save time and money on your yard.
Read about smart ways to spend your landscaping dollars.
Hiring a Pro
How to find a pro near you who can lighten your workload.
Financial Adviser: National Association of Personal Finance Advisors, (847-483-5400)
Tax Preparer: Find an H&R Block preparer (800-472-5625) or a CPA.
Travel Agent: American Society of Travel Agents
Medical Bills: Manager Alliance of Claims Assistant Professionals, (888-394-5163)
Elderly Caregiver: Home Instead Senior Care, (888-484-5759)
Independent Insurance Agent: Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America,(800-221-7917)
College Admissions Consultant: Independent Educational Consultants Association, (703-591-4850)
Professional Organizer: National Association of Professional Organizers, (856-380-6828)
Use Our Tools
- Find the best online broker.
- Evaluate funds for your portfolio.
- Choose a college savings plan.
- Pick the credit card that works hardest for you.
- Figure out how much life insurance you need.
- See whether refinancing your mortgage makes sense.
- Make sure your retirement savings are on track.
Get Up to Speed on the Basics
You'll find simple-to-digest information on taxes, investing, saving and more.
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3 Ways to Stretch the 2026 Social Security COLA For Your BudgetThree steps retirees can take to stretch the Social Security COLA to fit their budgets.
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How to Keep Your Charitable Giving Momentum Going All YearInstead of treating charity like a year-end rush for tax breaks, consider using smart tools like DAFs and recurring grants for maximum impact all the year.
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Uber Takes Aim at the Bottom Lines of Billboard LawyersUber has filed lawsuits and proposed a ballot initiative, in California, to curb settlements it claims are falsely inflated by some personal injury lawyers.
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I Need to Cut $1,000 From My Monthly Budget, and I've Already Given Up Starbucks and Dining Out. What Else Can I Do?Here are some creative ways to save up to $1,000 a month, even if you feel like you've already made all of the obvious cuts.
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I'm a Government Employee and Need to Get By Until the Shutdown Ends. What Can I Do?The second-longest shutdown in history is leaving many federal workers with bills due and no paycheck to cover them. Here's what you can do to get by.
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Amazon Resale: Where Amazon Prime Returns Become Your Online BargainsFeature Amazon Resale products may have some imperfections, but that often leads to wildly discounted prices.
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What Does Medicare Not Cover? Eight Things You Should KnowMedicare Part A and Part B leave gaps in your healthcare coverage. But Medicare Advantage has problems, too.
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Roth IRA Contribution Limits for 2026Roth IRAs Roth IRAs allow you to save for retirement with after-tax dollars while you're working, and then withdraw those contributions and earnings tax-free when you retire. Here's a look at 2026 limits and income-based phaseouts.
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Four Tips for Renting Out Your Home on Airbnbreal estate Here's what you should know before listing your home on Airbnb.
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Five Ways to a Cheap Last-Minute VacationTravel It is possible to pull off a cheap last-minute vacation. Here are some tips to make it happen.
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How Much Life Insurance Do You Need?insurance When assessing how much life insurance you need, take a systematic approach instead of relying on rules of thumb.
