The year-end push to contribute to a 529 state college savings plan is in full force. These plans make a lot of sense. But they also have drawbacks. Here’s how to make the most of them.
Portfolio Strategy
Saudi Prince Gains Another U.S. Media Foothold With $300M Twitter Stake
Saudi Prince Alwaleed bin Talal, one of the richest men in the world and a prominent shareholder in several major Western corporations, has purchased a $300 million stake in Twitter, the increasingly influential microblogging …
Zynga’s Valuation Could Reach $10 Billion After IPO
Web gaming phenom Zynga, which is preparing to go public Friday, does not have a complicated business. People love to hang out on Facebook and share stuff with their friends. People also love to play online games. So it’s no …
Smart Money Is Quietly Fleeing Euro Troubles
The U.S. stock market rallied Friday on hopes that the most recent bailout would save the common European currency and thus reduce the risk of economic and banking problems around the world. Almost immediately, however, cracks …
Why Investors Leave $200 Million A Year Sitting on the Table (And How to Get Your Share)
Investors collectively spend more than $200 million a year in excess fees on S&P 500 index funds alone, a study finds. They get nothing for that money, which could be compounding in their accounts instead.
10 Money Moves to Make Before 2012
It’s that time of year again. Gifts to buy. Tips to hand out. Charities to support. While you’ve got your hand on your wallet, consider these 10 year-end money-saving moves designed to create a little something extra just for you.
3 New Year’s Resolutions that Reflect Reality
What a difference a year makes. The economy is struggling longer than many had expected, and now Americans are retooling their New Year’s resolutions to fit the times.
How the Lost Decade is a Boon for Your Portfolio
The lost decade has a silver lining: investors who accumulate shares during long market dry spells end up with twice as much money, new research shows.
Retirement Planning Mistakes: Fear or Ignorance?
A new survey drives home some critical points about the recession’s impact on retirement planning. We fear the stock market even in the long run and probably should be taught more about money in school.
How to Earn 5% No Matter What the Economy Looks Like
A new study suggests that investing your retirement money half in bonds and half in stocks will produce 5% annual returns like clockwork, despite bumps in the economy. But is this a smart strategy for everyone? No.
How to Know When the Euro Crisis Reaches a Tipping Point
Investors face two growing risks – a crackup of the Eurozone and a double-dip recession. To track the gathering storm, keep your eye on global bond yields.
How to Fix Your 401(k) Plan
As the traditional pension disappears, the 401(k) plan is evolving into something that one day might actually be just as good. That’s saying a lot. The certainty of monthly income for life, which traditional pensions promise, is a high bar. Meanwhile, 401(k) plans have taken their licks.
