Features

FDIC, NCUA and SIPC insurance all protect your money. Learn how they work and how much each one covers.

By Emma Patch

These financial planning myths are some of the whoppers you may hear when you're approaching retirement.

By Donna Fuscaldo

You can fend off big veterinary bills with a policy that covers your furry companion. But is it better to just stash those premiums in an emergency fund?

By Donna Fuscaldo

Medicare premiums for 2026, as well as the costs of Parts A, B, and D, have increased. Here's how much you'll pay in 2026.

By Donna LeValley

Retirement Tax If you’re looking for the best states to retire for taxes, you may want to consider one of these most tax-friendly states for retirees.

By Kate Schubel

investing Vanguard money market funds are useful asset storage tools. Here's what you need to know about the firm's six offerings.

By Kent Thune

Even a perfect Social Security plan can fail if you hit a login wall, an ID check snag or a direct-deposit problem. Here's how to make sure that doesn't happen.

By Ray R. Harris, MBA, RSSA®

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®

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

By Sean Jackson

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

By Donna Fuscaldo

"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