Inflation Is Tame, Right?
Surprise gains in consumer and wholesale prices in October raised more than a few eyebrows among economists.

What, Us Worry?
Shoppers flocked to the malls last month, while consumer confidence rose -- good signs heading into the holiday shopping season.

The Jobs Report: Something for Everybody
The August numbers were middling enough to give both parties ammunition in the race for the White House.

The Plaid Economy
With so many reds and greens woven into the data, economists seem even more befuddled than usual.

Inflation Takes a Breather
Consumer prices fell in July, for the first time in eight months. But don't throw a party just yet.

What's Wrong With the Job Market?
July's shockingly bad employment report has some economists scratching their heads -- and some politicians getting nervous.

Consumers Confident
Faith in the economy spiked to a two-year high in July as expectations for the future brightened.

A Cool Spell for Housing
June housing starts were far lower than expected. What does it mean for the real-estate market?

You Won't Need That Wheelbarrow Just Yet
The inflation picture improved considerably in June, calming jittery investors. But are they worrying about the wrong thing?

Getting Back to Normal
The era of cheap money is coming to an end. Here's why that's not such a bad thing.

Which Cars Qualify for Alternative Fuel Credit?
Here's a list of which vehicles still qualify for the juicy tax credit of up to $3,000.

IRAs Are Better Than Ever as Retirement Tool
More folks are eligible -- and the contribution limits are higher. So get on this.

Late Payments of Estimated Taxes Can Be Smart Move
If you pay estimated taxes, delaying your payments is remarkably painless.

A Sneaky New Twist on the Wash-Sale Rules
The IRS says IRA and other transactions can now trigger the dreaded wash-sale rule.

3 Brand-New Tax Changes You Need to Know About
New legislation has changes that will affect many homeowners.

Take Advantage of 0% Cap Gains Before It's Too Late
Take advantage of the 0% tax rate on long-term capital gains before it's too late.

Four Tax Changes You Need to Know About
Our tax expert explains how four new tax changes will affect your 2007 returns.

Three Year-End Tax Strategies for 2007
Three tax-saving moves that may not be possible in 2008. Get them while they last.

Will Your Social Security Benefits Be Taxed -- Again?
Our tax expert explains how Uncle Sam double dips into your Social Security.

Understanding the Kiddie Tax
Our tax expert explains the ins and outs (and ways to avoid) the Kiddie Tax.

Study Harvard's Endowment for Investing Tips
You don't need a Harvard MBA to mimic the returns of the university's endowment.

Fannie and Freddie: Buy the Debt, Skip the Stock
The mess that is Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac provides investing opportunities and dangers.

Crisis, Lucky Break -- or Both
Turmoil in the markets can bring out the speculator in all of us.

Investors Should Hold Off on Investing in Russia
Until Russia realizes its oil is more potent than its bullets, I'd stay away.

ARPS Scandal: Banks Must Rebuild Investors' Trust
New details are emerging on the ARPS scandal. The truth is uglier than I suspected.

U.S. Car Makers Finally Turn a Corner
Detroit, finally facing reality, plans to (gasp!) make vehicles drivers want to buy.

Two Key Lessons for Today's Markets
This market's testing my confidence, and proving you need courage in your convictions.

Investors, Beware the Lure of a Bubble
Recently, I've been struggling to avoid the classic symptoms of a bubble investor.

It's a Good Time to Buy AAPL, GOOG
Shares have been smacked down recently, giving investors a nice buying opportunity.

Sell Fannie, Freddie Shares While You Can
A white knight won't rescue the mortgage lenders. Sell while you still can.

6 deadly investing mistakes
Protect your investments and your future by avoiding these six common blunders.

5 ways to go solar on the cheap
Want to try sun power? Here are some inexpensive solar devices for you to use in your home.

Fuels of the future
As consumers and manufacturers grapple with the economic, psychological and political impact of $4 a gallon gas, alternatives are becoming more viable.

Fame & Fortune: Kevin Nealon
The irreverent actor reveals the serious side of fatherhood, finance and his current role as a pothead.

My 10 favorite cars for today's shopper
Bankrate car columnist Terry Jackson has driven many 2008 cars. Here are his 10 favorites.

Big down payment may lower loan rate
A larger down payment can help people with little credit history, says Bankrate car columnist Terry Jackson.

Bargain hard when buying lease vehicle
Now is a good time to bargain when purchasing a leased vehicle, says Bankrate car columnist Terry Jackson.

Consult a lawyer if you co-sign loan
Consult a lawyer to clarify your obligations when co-signing a loan, says Bankrate car columnist Terry Jackson.

Shady billing tactics rile cardholder
Take charge if a credit card company is engaging in shady billing tactics, says Dr. Don Taylor.

Jonathan Burton's Life Savings: Mutual funds get the heave-ho as advisers sweeten on ETFs
Investors may not know the ABCs of how a financial adviser makes choices for a portfolio but many are learning first-hand about the ETFs.

Mutual Understanding: Stock dividends provide a big part of your total return
NEW YORK (MarketWatch) -- Stock dividends fell out of fashion in recent years as investors focused on shares that offered more capital appreciation. But with the market not in much of a giving mood, regular cash dividends are gaining new appreciation.

Travel: Now's the time to get new passport card, but its use is limited
If you’re eager to own one of the new U.S. passport cards, now’s a good time to send in your application. But plenty of travelers will find they’re better served by the more traditional passport book.

Economic Preview: Retail sales, producer-price data on tap
The markets are suffering, the economy is losing jobs and there’s concern that consumers may have lost their appetite for shopping.

Robert Powell: Ten international stocks that will set you up for the long haul
BOSTON (MarketWatch) -- If it's good enough for Warren Buffett, it should be good enough for you. Or at least it should be if you are looking for an international stock that you can buy and hold for the long term, say from the time you get out of college till you retire.

Personal Finance Daily: The week's 10 best Personal Finance stories: Sept. 1-5
In case you missed them, here are the top 10 Personal Finance stories from MarketWatch for the week of Sept. 1-5:

Video: Breaking With Tradition
More financial advisers are embracing exchange-traded funds and turning away from actively managed mutual funds. Adviser Kevin Ellman tells why he uses ETFs almost exclusively for clients' investment portfolios. (Sept. 5)

Personal Finance Daily: The house of the future will need somewhere to plug in
Our houses in the not-too-distant future will be capable of remarkable feats, wired to put energy efficiency, entertainment, health care and security -- among a number of other things, some of which we haven’t even thought of yet -- at our command 24/7.

Real Estate Weekly: Number of 'overvalued' housing markets tumbles to just six
It’s harder to get a mortgage. Housing inventory is still high. And the percentage of mortgages now in the foreclosure process hit another record in the second quarter.

Foreclosures, mortgage delinquencies hit record high again
The rate of mortgages entering foreclosure hit another record high in the second quarter, as did the percentage of loans somewhere in the foreclosure process.

Managing our daughter's money
You can't protect your kids from making financial mistakes, but you can provide them with the tools to learn fiscal responsibility on their own.

Finding the right P/E ratio
Question: I use price/earnings ratios to decide if a stock is a good value. But they always seem to be based on a firm's predicted future earnings. Wouldn't it be more reliable to use actual past earnings? - Ryan North, Kenmore, Wash.

Overdraft outrage: You weigh in
Danial Roy had about $30 left in his checking account when he made two small charges of less than $5 each. But when he then wrote a check for $435, he was hit with not one, but three overdraft fees of $35 each.

Money makeover: Single mom
When you're the single parent of an only child, you want only the best possible life for your kid. That's how Jacqui Sentmanat feels. But it's an expensive proposition.

What not to buy in a bear market
"Look at how well these investments performed during the 2000-02 bear market!" This is the line I've been hearing from mutual fund companies and other investment providers trying to sell me on the superiority of their products (and get me to put clients into them).

Housing crash hurts retirement
You already know that the housing crisis has wreaked havoc with the economy and financial markets, not to mention the lives of millions who've lost or could lose their homes. But there may be a less obvious casualty too: your retirement prosperity.

Protect yourself from ID thieves
Even weeks after Brenda Clarke's identity was stolen and thousands of dollars in illegitimate credit card charges were discovered, she is still saddled with extremely high interest rates on her credit cards and a damaged credit score.

5 ways to manage a 'flexible' income
David Gordon is on pace to earn 15% more this year than he did last year, which was itself 12% higher than 2006. Gordon, who sells ads for a Cleveland radio station, didn't land these impressive pay jumps by negotiating with his boss but with his clients. He works on 100% commission - so the more ads he sells, the bigger his paycheck. This year he thinks he'll bring home a record $165,000.

Foreign ETFs to buy now
Question: After reading thru your column Missing the Boat on International Funds, I'm totally on board with staying away from U.S. stocks. However, I have not found any info on which overseas stocks to look into. Can you give me any insight into foreign ETFs?

How your 401(k) stacks up
If your 401(k) is really full of losers, then you might consider dumping it for an IRA. But do a status check first.

America: Better off and worse off
It's been seven years since the last recession. Times are tough once again, and people are telling us how they're doing.

Health care, not boomers, will bust us
Entitlement has become a bit of a swear word. In Washington, D.C., it's technically a nonpejorative term for government programs like Social Security and Medicare that aren't subject to the usual budget process.

Why you can't teach money
When Americans are in financial distress, politicians often call for better education. Case in point: The Economic Recovery Act of 2008 allocates funds to improve borrowers' knowledge of home loans.

Are you better off?
The statistics are grim: Inflation is at a 17-year high. Unemployment is rising. Foreclosures are spreading.

Too young to save, too afraid not to
It's never too early to start putting money away for retirement, but that can be tough for a young person with a tight budget and a lot of pressure to spend.

The home stretch to retirement
Seeing your portfolio shrink can be tough so close to retirement, but you should still be investing for the long term.

Pensions: monthly payments v. lump sum
If you're confused about how to take your pension, ask yourself these five questions first.

My sister can't manage her money
Finances can be a touchy subject among family members. If you try to offer help, proceed with caution, says Money Magazine's Walter Updegrave.

Death of stocks? Reports greatly exaggerated
Bonds will occasionally outperform the stock market in the short run, but over the long haul, stocks still tend to come out on top.

Is college still worth the price?
In May, more than 20,000 spectators gathered under blue skies at Wesleyan University in Middletown, Conn. to hear Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama deliver the commencement address.

A letter to my college-bound daughter
Dear Lexie,

N.H. accuses UBS of misleading student lender
Read full story for latest details.

The best way to save for college
Since their introduction in 1996, the now ubiquitous state-sponsored 529 college savings plans have been lauded again and again as one of the best tax breaks since the IRA.

Beat the college loan crunch
For families with children heading off to college, this has been the year from hell. First, a record number of applicants made 2008 the most competitive year ever for college admissions. Then the credit crunch hit the college market in a big way, igniting fears of a drought in financing for all students this fall.

Your kid's in college! So... how will you pay?
Patrick and Laura Matheny began saving early for their children's college education. After stashing some $50,000 in college savings accounts for their son Daniel, now 20, and their daughter Natalie, 18, they began paying down their mortgage in earnest with the intention of tapping their home equity once the bills began rolling in.

Student loan bill goes to president
Read full story for latest details.

College saving: Do it now
As the stock market was tumbling early this year, 40-year-old Eric Horowitz decided he could handle only so much pain. His daughter Elizabeth attends private high school, and a year from September she'll be a freshman in college. So Horowitz chopped his exposure to stocks to about 60% of his portfolio down from 85%.

How to shop for student loans
As college acceptance letters arrive this month, families will be celebrating the good news (we hope!), then bracing for the grueling process of figuring out how to pay for four years' tuition.

Money dilemma: Nest egg or college
With three teenage children, Lorri and Bruce Wilke of Danville, Calif. are caught in the perfect parental spending storm. Between laptops, cell phones and clothes, the Wilkes seem to outgrow their budget the way kids outgrow shoes.

Why financial planners hate Utah
Clients come to me with money in college savings plans from dozens of states, but I've never seen a single one who had invested in Utah's 529. Why is that? I assume it's because, unlike most states, Utah doesn't have an adviser-sold plan, so financial planners have no incentive to invest their clients' money in it.

Stanford nixes tuition for some
Read full story for latest details.

Brown waives tuition for $100K families
Read full story for latest details.

Loan crisis goes to college
The credit crunch is hitting the college classroom.

Yale opens Ivy League coffers
Read full story for latest details.

Young doctors in debt
It's Wednesday evening and Megan Reis can't remember when she last saw her husband Chris. Small wonder. Since Sunday morning, Meg has worked more than 60 hours at Advocate Hope Children's Hospital, the Chicago-area facility where she is training in pediatrics.

Harvard aid plan offers tuition discounts
Middle income families with students in many of the nation's top university are getting some relief.

From six figures to student loans
After nearly 20 years in the energy industry, Jay Mulki was earning a handsome six-figure salary and managing a department of 50 employees. But Mulki longed to work fewer hours and pursue another dream: to teach marketing at a university.

College saving on a tight budget
Question: I have a modest salary and can set aside only $50 a month toward my nine-year-old son's college fund. My problem is that the 529 college-savings account I would like to open requires a minimum of $1,000. I don't want to raid my savings account to open this fund, so what I should do to begin saving for my son's future college expenses? - Shelly Losoya, Sacramento, California

College costs keep rising
The average total cost of a private four-year college rose to $32,307 for the current school year, but the rate of increase has slowed compared to public school prices, according to a report released Monday.

What Obama means by tax the wealthy
Most voters are aware that Barack Obama wants to raise taxes on high-income taxpayers if he's elected president in November.

McCain will repeal the AMT. Wait, no ...
John McCain's pledge to repeal the Alternative Minimum Tax has morphed into a promise to phase it out.

Mileage write-off jumps on pricier gas
Read full story for latest details.

What they'll do to your tax bill
John McCain and Barack Obama have starkly different philosophies about tax policy - how to raise the revenue needed to support government programs, spur growth and ensure economic fairness.

McCain promises low taxes
Republican presidential candidate John McCain outlined his agenda on tax cuts to a group of small business leaders Tuesday, vowing to keep taxes low in the face of a weak economy and rising oil prices.

How to spend your stimulus check
Wondering where to put that extra cash? Before you buy a flat screen, try these suggestions and improve your long-term financial well-being.

Why your tax rate is going up
Last week, the federal government began sending out more than $100 billion in "tax rebates" to millions of Americans in an effort to stimulate the sluggish economy.

Fuzzy math on the campaign trail
It's a good thing they're not running for accountant in chief.

Tax stimulus to start arriving Monday
The federal government, eager to boost the flagging economy, will start distributing special tax stimulus checks Monday - four days earlier than expected.

6 top tax savers
Still searching for that last-minute eureka on your 1040? Perhaps you'll find it here.

Tax procrastinators scramble
The only thing as certain as death and taxes for some of us is procrastination.

Watchdog jittery about IRS computers
As taxpayers rush to file tax returns, independent auditors are warning that the Internal Revenue Service has not done enough to safeguard some of its computer systems, leaving sensitive taxpayer information vulnerable to disgruntled IRS employees, contractors or hackers.

How to pay zero taxes
You've tried staring your computer down, but it's not blinking. No matter how many times you go over the figures, you get the same answer. That number on your screen - what you're paying the IRS this year - is more than your dad earned in his five best years. You can't help thinking, Why am I such a chump when other people must be getting off scot-free?

Pay off your tax bill - in 113 days
Stop working for the government and start working for yourself on April 23.

Special tax rebates will begin May 2: IRS
The IRS on Monday said it would begin sending out 130 million tax rebate payments aimed at boosting the economy on May 2.

The tax debate we need to have
Here's a cold reality that none of the presidential candidates want to tell you: a shrinking number of Americans are bearing an ever bigger share of the nation's income tax burden.

IRS opens offices for stimulus checks
Read full story for latest details.

Hot tips: Avoid the IRS hot seat
More Americans than ever before are being audited, as the Internal Revenue Service is working hard to collect every single greenback it can. The total number of individual returns audited last year increased 7% from 2006, shooting up from 1.29 million to 1.38 million audits in 2007.

10 sure-fire tax breaks
Are you cross-eyed trying to figure out which tax breaks you can take this year?

Hybrid tax credit shock
If you bought a hybrid vehicle last year, and you were counting on a tax credit, you may be in for a nasty surprise.

Protect your home after the storm
Hurricane Gustav evacuees are heading home. Here are some safety tips when returning to a storm-ravaged home.

Manage debt, protect savings
Gerri Willis answers questions managing credit card debt, making sure your savings are safe and rebuilding credit after a foreclosure.

Manage your vacation during hurricane season
All eyes are on Tropical Storm Gustav as it heads toward the Gulf. If you're planning on traveling during this hurricane season, here's what you need to know.

Is your bank safe?
More banks are in trouble according to the FDIC. Is your bank next on the list? Here's what to look for.

Insurance for college students
If your kid is heading off to college this Fall, make sure they have enough insurance coverage. Here's what you need to know.

Stay warm without going broke
This summer we saw record high gas and oil prices. And this winter season is gearing up to be just as expensive. If you're sick of paying so much for your energy needs, here are some solutions.

Bankruptcy: Your last resort
Foreclosures are at an all time high; consumer debt is over $2.5 trillion dollars and the rise in consumer bankruptcies are a disturbing new trend. If you're thinking about filing, Personal Finance Editor Gerri Willis has some tips on what you need to know.

Insurance tips for storm battered Florida
As Tropical Storm Fay churns through Florida, residents there are boarding up and battening down their homes. Here's a look at Florida's homeowner insurance situation.

Qualifying for a student loan
The student loan market is rejecting more applicants because of too-low credit scores, but the market is still advancing money, even as colleges prepare to resume classes. Some tips from CNN's Gerri Willis on how to nab a loan.

Tips on jobs, deeds and flying
CNN's Gerri Willis answers viewer's questions on "recession-proof" jobs, how a "deed in lieu" affects your credit rating, and how to get the best deal on airfare.

Credit card help is on the way
Questionable credit card company practices have been dogging consumers for years. But a Credit Card Bill of Rights is working its way to congress. Here are the details.

How to avoid foreclosure
President Bush signed the housing bill Wednesday. And while the part of the bill that allows homeowners who cannot afford their monthly payments to refinance into government-backed loans may be implemented as soon as October there's been some question as to whether it's going to take longer than that. If you are in danger of foreclosing on your home there are some steps you can take now.

How the housing bill can benefit you
A bill to help struggling homeowners is waiting to be signed by the President. Here are some top tips on how this bill can help you.

Tips for minimum wage earners
The Federal minimum wage is increasing to $6.55 an hour today. But for most folks facing higher prices on everything from a gallon of milk to a gallon of gas, it's still getting harder to make ends meet.

Credit unions: Safe as a banks
Gerri Willis answers reader's questions.

Getting a handle on stagflation
Sure, inflation is scary, but the real boogeyman in the economy is stagflation. Here's the lowdown.

Lower your property taxes
The real estate downturn has probably impacted your own homes' value. But it's unlikely your taxes have gone down. Here are top tips on what you can do to lower your property taxes.

Make your credit card complaints count
If you've ever had your interest rate jacked up on your credit card, it's your turn to gripe. Here are top tips on how to make your complaints count.

Save on your energy bill
Cut your energy bills by squeezing another year or more out of the things you own and postponing the day you have to replace them. Here are top tips on what you need to know.

How to recession-proof your life
Unemployment is on the rise, the stock market is hitting lows and prices are increasing on everything from groceries to a gallon of gasoline. Is the economy in a recession? Personal finance editor Gerri Willis is here with ways you can protect yourself.

Money makeover: Single mom
When you're the single parent of an only child, you want only the best possible life for your kid. That's how Jacqui Sentmanat feels. But it's an expensive proposition.

How your 401(k) stacks up
If your 401(k) is really full of losers, then you might consider dumping it for an IRA. But do a status check first.

5 ways to manage a 'flexible' income
David Gordon is on pace to earn 15% more this year than he did last year, which was itself 12% higher than 2006. Gordon, who sells ads for a Cleveland radio station, didn't land these impressive pay jumps by negotiating with his boss but with his clients. He works on 100% commission - so the more ads he sells, the bigger his paycheck. This year he thinks he'll bring home a record $165,000.

Too young to save, too afraid not to
It's never too early to start putting money away for retirement, but that can be tough for a young person with a tight budget and a lot of pressure to spend.

Pensions: monthly pay v. lump sum
If you're confused about how to take your pension, ask yourself these five questions first.

The home stretch to retirement
Seeing your portfolio shrink can be tough so close to retirement, but you should still be investing for the long term.

Employers boost 401(k)s to meet workers' demand
Read full story for latest details.

Split decision: One retires, one doesn't
The cocktail chatter among my friends has taken a surprising turn in the past year or two. We're not gushing over rising home values or fad stocks anymore - and not just because there aren't any to gush about lately.

Figure out if you can afford to retire
You may have your heart set on leaving the workforce at 65, but do you have the money to support yourself? Here's how to find out.

Dumping an expensive annuity
If you're stuck with an expensive annuity that's costing you too much, here are the least expensive ways to get out.

Get help with your 401(k)
When Chicago consulting firm the Spectrem Group recently asked more than 400 people how they make their 401(k) investing decisions, 21% - and fully 44% of those under 35 - said they turn to friends and relatives for advice. Hey, I've heard of a friends-and-family cell-phone plan. But do you really want your retirement prospects riding on odd Uncle Otto's mutual fund picks?

Think you're saving too much?
A pension and social security might seem like enough to carry you through your retirement, but you never know what changes life may bring. Better to be safe than sorry.

In retirement and riding a rough market
When the market gets rocky, it can be especially hard on retirees who can't afford to wait out the bumps. Give your portfolio a check up and make sure your investing strategy still works for you.

Retirement planning for mom and dad
Saving for your own retirement is tough enough. You don't want to be taking care of mom and dad too. Help them plan their finances before they reach their golden years.

Automating your retirement strategy
Some people think target-date funds are too conservative, but lousy investors might need to be saved from themselves.

Social Security fix: Delay retirement, group says
Read full story for latest details.

How to deal with a bad 401(k) plan
Question: Both my husband and I have 401(k)s that are annuities backed by mutual funds. The returns, compared to our rollover IRAs in Fidelity funds, are unimpressive. What is the best strategy for dealing with a lousy 401(k)?

Retired? Build your own portfolio
Question: I'm about ready to retire and I'm worried about rolling over my pension and my 401(k). Do you recommend self investing with one of the low-fee investment companies like Fidelity, Charles Swab, etc. or one of the high-end fee companies like Smith Barney, UBS, AG Edwards etc. to get more for my buck in the long term and for the rest of my life? Is 1.4% to 2.5% a reasonable annual fee?

Is retirement saving a fool's bet?
Don't get discouraged by market losses and temporary setbacks. Long term retirement saving is usually a winning game.

Saving for retirement on a low salary
With a little careful planning, you can still have a comfortable retirement. There are plenty of tools and resources to help you figure out where you stand.

Let the Bear Help You Save Taxes
(The Motley Fool) It's a great time to consider a Roth conversion. With the recent bear market, conversion is getting cheaper again. As IRA balances drop, the taxes due on conversion fall. If you have cash on the sidelines anyway, converting lets you use your cash to buy tax savings for the rest of your life.

Military Moves
(Financial Planning) If you have clients who serve our country, you should be aware that President Bush signed the Heroes Earnings Assistance and Relief Tax (HEART) Act of 2008, which contains several provisions affecting the retirement plans of military personnel.

How to Retire Without Saving Millions
(The Motley Fool) What can you do to secure your retirement -- without having to save millions of dollars? Read on to see.

Retirement Income Products: A Wish List
(Financial Planning) America faces a retirement crisis that is perhaps even bigger than the "47 million uninsured" crisis we face in healthcare. Which financial products can individuals purchase today to reduce the risk of outliving their assets?

New Disclosure Regimen
(Financial Planning) Planners are facing considerable competition from brokers in the arena of retirement plans, and the reality that brokers typically don't work as fiduciaries is a thorn in planners' sides.

Tackling the Spend-Down
(Financial Planning) The message that retirees with 401(k)s will have to make a decision about how to structure their assets in retirement to avoid running out of money is loud, but not clear.

Retire Rich
(Financial Planning) If you consider retirement security a measure of wealth, the richest among us may be government workers.

Are the Times Changing?
(Financial Planning) A new study shows that 75% of advisors say they provide a written plan for their clients' retirement planning. Read on to see more specifically what they are doing.

Keep Working -- Or Not?
(Financial Planning) The boomers who currently lead our businesses and political institutions need to reinvent retirement and create a more flexible labor market that enables and encourages this generation to work and save later in life.

Far From Retired
(Investment Advisor) Tony Purpero thought he was headed into retirement when he returned to southern California, but instead finds himself working harder than ever to help other current and future retirees.

Locking Out Identity Thieves
The Federal Trade Commission estimates that identity theft happens to 9 million Americans each year. Identity thieves steal credit cards and wallets, or use machines to store numbers at ATMs. Thieves pose as companies on the phone or through e-mail, tricking people into revealing personal information. They can steal mail, taking information from pre-approved credit cards and financial statements.

Quick Tips to Get You Back in the Black
Saving money for your future is hard enough when the economy is in an upswing, but the task becomes even more daunting during an economic downturn when consumers find themselves struggling just to pay monthly bills. Here are a few quick and easy tips on how saving a little can add up to a lot

How the Cards in Your Wallet Stack Up
American's wallets feel heavy, but they're not stuffed with bills. At any given time, the average American carries 11 cards in their wallet, a mix of credit cards, debit cards and prepaid cards. Why the plastic? Each type of card carries its own rewards and drawbacks.

International Investing: Why it Makes Sense
Of the world's 40,000 publicly traded companies, 77 percent are located abroad, a pretty good sign that there are compelling investment opportunities outside the United States. Viewed another way, 51 percent of the world's $38 trillion total market capitalization belongs to the international arena. U.S. mutual funds hold $491 billion in overseas investments.

Gold: A True Barometer Of Public Confidence
Gold and silver coins, the famous "old world" currency, are fast becoming the "new world" currency because they offer the missing link in all paper currencies: a store of value.

When Going Gets Tough, Look To Dividend-Paying Stocks
Dividend-paying stocks may provide investors with solid results and, quite possibly, a smoother ride along the way. An expanding dividend supply is presenting itself when investors need it most: a volatile market and a volatile world.

What's Really Driving Your Portfolio Performance?
According to Roger Ibbotson, chairman and founder of Ibbotson Associates and a professor in the practice of finance at the Yale School of Management, what really drives performance over the long term is asset allocation - the assignment of money to different categories of assets, such as large- and small-cap funds, international funds, bonds and cash.

Take the Guesswork Out of Asset Allocation
Talk to any financial adviser and the mantra these days is diversify, diversify, diversify. But to average investors, that's not so simple. What exactly does that mean and how do they go about doing it?

Incorporating Bond Funds Into Your Investment Strategy
Bond funds can offer investors many of the same benefits of individual bonds, in addition to the advantages of diversification and professional management, according to "Bond Funds: The T. Rowe Price Investment Guide."

'Human Capital' Key Part Of Investment Portfolio
Age doesn't single-handedly dictate an investor's stock-bond blend. Instead, an investor's current savings versus future potential savings should set the mix, according to financial experts.

The Right Choices Can Reduce Investment Taxes
Given fluctuations in the market and changing tax law, there's nothing certain about the amount of taxes individuals will pay annually on their investments, but there are some choices investors can make to reduce their tax bill.

New Data Shows How Investors Fare
Investors often choose funds based on their past performance, buying too late and selling too soon. As a result, they lose money by investing in highly advertised hot funds or fleetingly popular sector funds.  "Investors know they should hold diversified portfolios, but many chase past performance," said Don Phillips, managing director of Morningstar.

Childhood Investments Can Build Nest Egg for Later in Life
"Investing early in life is important - not only does it give young investors a head start in building a nest egg for a first home, a college education or retirement, but it also creates good investing habits," said David Kathman, fund analyst for investment research firm Morningstar Inc.

Wall Street: the Road Block To Your Investing Success
Investors today face a barrage of conflicting information and exaggerated return claims from what most people consider the "market" -; the S&P 500 or the Dow Jones Industrial Average. But these indexes only comprise about 12 percent of all U.S. stocks. The reality is that these stocks can't be predicted with any consistency, especially long-term.   In the complicated world of financial services, you're being misled.

What a Company's Stewardship Means for Your Investment
What really distinguishes good corporate governance from bad?  Does it really matter to the individual investor what a management team does as long as the stock price goes up and dividends get paid?

Is an Exchange-Traded Fund Right for Your Portfolio?
Exchange-traded funds (ETFs) have been around for years, but new offerings have increased their profile even more.   ETFs have several clear advantages over traditional funds: lower annual expense ratios, greater tax efficiency and flexible trading.  Nevertheless, they aren't suitable for everyone.

Private Company Index Compares Main Street to Wall Street
Founded by Entrex Inc. in mid 2005, the Private Company Index, also called PCI, is the only indicator tool of its kind that measures trends in the performance of North American private business on a monthly basis.

Morningstar Firm Helps Identify Economic 'Moats'
Independent investment research firm Morningstar Inc.'s "fat-pitch" investment philosophy - find great companies that boast competitive advantages and buy them at a discount to fair value - is simple to understand, but difficult to employ. Outstanding businesses rarely come cheap.

Tips on Finding a Qualified Financial Adviser
Retirement planning. Long-term care insurance. College savings. These complex financial topics can be downright baffling.   As their financial needs change, many people find it a good idea to consult a qualified professional to help them navigate the nuances of financial planning.

Are You Building Enough Wealth to Support Yourself in Retirement?
Americans today generally are saving less, spending more and living longer than previous generations. A longer life span means the need for increased savings. And the sooner workers start saving, the better. In financial planning, time is your best friend.

Make Real Estate Investment a Snap
History has shown that the best time to be an investor is in a buyer's market not a seller's. And while across America housing sales have continued to slump, foreclosures are at an all-time high -; meaning that for serious investors, the time to focus their energies on buying real estate is now.

Despite Cool Market, Investing in Real Estate May Be Worthwhile
The real estate market has cooled off a little bit, but the boom hasn't exactly come to a halt. If purchased properly, some say real estate is one of the safer investments in our nation. The population will likely continue to increase, and people need shelter - whether it's for their home or their business.

Personal Wealth: Give to Receive - Five Tax Tips
According to Jim Tyrpak, CLU, ChFC, AEP, MSFS, president of the Society of Financial Service Professionals, there are more than a few ways being charitable can benefit you as much as the gift receiver.

Education: The Ins and Outs of 529 College Savings Plans
Saving for college is an important part of many families' financial picture. Families may choose to explore state-run 529 plans, which allow investors seeking tax-free growth of assets to pay for higher education.

Education: Leveling the Playing Field Among 529 College Savings Plans
Many people are already aware of the benefits of investing in a state-sponsored 529 college savings program. What might not be as well known yet are tax parity laws.

Education: Personal Finance 101 Saving Money Before and During College
According to the College Board, the average yearly cost for a public college is $5,836, and the cost for a private college is more than $22,000. So when you're planning your educational future, it's a good idea to create a clear financial plan before you ever set foot on campus.

Education: Budget-Wise Tips for Managing College Costs
The average college student spends nearly $3,000 for various expenses beyond tuition, according to the College Board.  Good financial habits learned early will serve the student throughout his or her college years and well beyond, says Rich Linsday, president of the Society of Financial Service Professionals.

 

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