When Fed Chief Ben Bernanke said he would hold short-term interest rates near zero for at least two more years, the stock market, at least initially, whooped it up. In the middle of the party, though, millions of retirees …
Planning
Affluent Parents Won’t Give Kids Free Rides for College
A new study from Bank of America reports that 47% of Americans with more than $250,000 in assets won’t pick up the full cost of their kids’ college degrees.
Best Wedding Gift Ever: A House Via the FHA Bridal Registry
Little-known HUD program allows couples, graduates and expectant parents to amass cash gifts from friends and family into a down payment on an FHA mortgage.
Retirement Study: More Americans Calling It Quits, Even With Less to Live On
With stocks tanking and nest eggs cracking, retirement is clearly less affordable. Why, then, has there been a surge in folks calling it quits?
How to Retire Like George Soros – Even If You’re Not a Billionaire
Last week, George Soros‘ firm announced it would stop managing money for outside investors, formally ending the legendary financier’s high-profile, 40-year career. With a personal net worth of $15 billion, his future will include …
Too Cute to Fail: Grandparents Bailing Out Their Grandchildren
When times get tough, big banks and auto companies have the government to bail them out. Kids have their grandparents.
Scary Fact: 42 Million Americans Blindly Relying on Pensions
A lot of folks nearing retirement still have a traditional pension. But a new study suggests they don't know how to figure it into their plans. Here's a start.
The Falling Stock Market’s Evil Twin: The Falling Dollar
A sinking dollar may be great for parts of the U.S. economy but it sure is tough on certain investors and retirees. Here's how to deal with the fallout.
How College Kids Can Build Credit by Graduation
I never thought it would happen. I’ve been throwing away credit card offers addressed to my daughter for years. But now that she’s 21, entering her senior year of college, I figured it was time for her to experience plastic, …
Budget Deal Forces Grad Students to Help with Spending Cuts
If you were a politician looking to raise a paltry sum of money to make it look like you’re serious about balancing the budget, there are a number of places you might look. Wasteful farm subsidies, defense spending, and tax …
Hit by the Fine Print: Three Ways the Debt Deal Could Hurt Seniors on Medicare
Medicare turned 46 last week, but instead of celebrating its major accomplishment — keeping millions of older Americans healthy — it finds itself under siege. The program appears to have squeaked through unscathed in the debt …
Family Finance Lessons From the Budget Battle in Washington
The two sides are locked in a seemingly endless tug-of-war over budget issues. Again and again they say they’ll work together for the greater good. But when it comes down to making actual decisions about money, it’s a …
