Features

You've done well if you've set up a basic estate plan, but don't stop there. You can now adopt the same principles the wealthy use to establish a legacy.

By Steven Bowles, CLU®

Before you search for a financial professional, ask yourself what kind of financial advice you need. You'll then know where to look — and what fees to expect.

By David Bromelkamp

Direct energy investing offers unique tax benefits, although high-income households should carefully evaluate its risks, not just its tax treatment.

By Jay R. Young

My husband's new diagnosis has me reeling; how do I protect our $1.6 million savings?

By Maurie Backman

If you've saved millions for retirement, take cover from the "tax torpedo" of RMDs, IRMAA and the NIIT, which all conspire to spike your marginal tax rate.

By Evan T. Beach, CFP®, AWMA®

The diversification-focused modern portfolio theory has been the investing "rulebook" for decades, but it might be worth considering whether it fits your goals.

By Thomas Scorcia

It's never too early to get started understanding wealth — and what generations who came before you did to set you on your path.

By Mary Ware, CFP®, CIMA®, CDFA®

Many women forgo financial planning because it's just another thing to add to their lengthy to-do list. Here's why you should bump it to the top of your list.

By Beth Bosworth, CFP®

We asked financial advisers if this couple should cut expenses or borrow money to host this summer.

By Donna Fuscaldo

Many people focus on saving money. But do you have intentions beyond merely saving?

By Sean Jackson

"Start a business with regular income and the potential for the occasional home run. Keep it small and profitable — don't build a monster you have to feed."

By Joyce Lamb

Are you taking needless risks? It might be time for a financial check-in to see how much you really need to invest in the markets.

By Barry H. Spencer, Registered Investment Adviser

A mega backdoor Roth IRA allows high-income earners to potentially move tens of thousands of dollars into a tax-free retirement account. This is how it works.

By Nancy Hite, CFP®, CLU®, ChFC®, RFC®

Spring fills us with optimism but investors shouldn't confuse a good feeling with a good decision. Here are three ways emotions can undermine decision-making.

By Anthea Tjuanakis Cox

real estate If you're selling your home, setting the right price is crucial. Don't overprice or you'll scare away prospective buyers.

By Donna LeValley

Walmart+ and Amazon Prime both promise free shipping, exclusive deals, and a suite of add-on services. But which one should you get, if any?

By Rachael Green

When it comes to the best places to retire in the world, which country is at the top of the list? And where does the U.S. feature on the leaderboard? We investigate.

By Elaine Silvestrini

If you don't buy long-term care insurance, how can you plan to cover your long-term care needs once they (most likely inevitably) arise?

By Joe F. Schmitz Jr., CFP®, ChFC®, CKA®

ETFs Trillions of dollars are benchmarked to the ubiquitous S&P 500. These S&P 500 ETFs let you play the index directly or with a twist.

By Jeff Reeves

Ask the Editor In this week's Ask the Editor Q&A, Joy Taylor answers questions on your chances of an IRS audit and audit red flags you should know.

By Joy Taylor

Just as the supercool "Easy Rider" characters discovered the road could be treacherous, so too have boomers had a rocky transition to retirement.

By Adam Shell

Are you as disciplined an investor as you think? Find out what's really driving your choices — and how a shift in mindset can improve your decision-making.

By Feroz Ansari, CFP®

Being disciplined at the start of your career means you won't be carrying those financial burdens forever.

By Stephen B. Dunbar III, JD, CLU

The home equity market is evolving, creating options for affluent homeowners who want to avoid traditional means of borrowing and access capital more quickly.

By Craig Corn

Too rich for a Roth IRA? If your company offers a Roth 401(k), you can convert your traditional 401(k) to pay lower taxes in retirement.

By Tom Taulli

Do you have to pay the monthly Medicare premium surcharge this year? It depends.

By Donna LeValley

Medicare Part A and Part B leave gaps in your healthcare coverage. But Medicare Advantage has problems, too.

By Donna LeValley