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By Kimberly Lankford, Kiplinger If you have a refund check coming your way, consider using it to bolster your personal balance sheet. The average refund has been around $3,000 for the past two years. (Most people receive their refund within three weeks of filing their returns.) That's a nice...

If tax rates rise -- and experts say they will -- a way to grow your money tax-free starts looking mighty good. Meet the Roth IRA.

There are several major flaws in the classic "retirement as a goal" scenario, but you're not locked into it. If you've avoided major debt and have an education that allows you the freedom to re-imagine the concept, you could completely change your life.

When you contribute to a traditional IRA, you can deduct that money from your taxable income that year. When you contribute to a Roth IRA, you don't get the immediate tax benefit -- but you withdraw your money tax-free in retirement. It's also possible to convert from a traditional to a Roth, but you have to pay taxes to do so. A reader named Ron wants to know how that works, and when he'd have to pay the taxes. DailyFinance's Laura Rowley explains.

Thanksgiving's still two weeks away: You're getting ready for Black Friday, not April 15. But all those one-day deals pale next to what you could save on your taxes by taking a few smart steps before Dec. 31.

With Thanksgiving still three weeks away, taxes are probably the last thing on your mind. Still, much as you might groan at the thought, there are some smart steps you can take between now and Dec. 31 that will make a real difference when it comes time to deal with the IRS next spring.

It's bad enough the stock market has been beating up on most of our 401(k)s lately. Now, legislators and big thinkers are debating a variety of proposals to reduce the tax benefits of saving in 401(k)-type plans. And the results could be bad for America's rich and poor alike.

Here's another reason not to panic about about the prospect of a bear market: Doing a Roth conversion while the market's down can save you in taxes. It's a little complicated, but completely worth it. Read on to find out how.

With memories of the stock market's 2008 tumble still fresh in investors minds, many are scared of stock and are seeking "guarantees" instead of chasing returns. Because of this, for many, annuities have never looked more tempting. But is an annuity a good choice for you?

First, we covered how to manage employer-sponsored retirement plans like 401(k)s. Next, we explored what to do if you've lost your job, and with it your access to a plan. In part three, we explore options for the unemployed, self-employed and those who are otherwise locked out of employer-offered retirement plans.