How Much Does Your Money Manager Cost You?
Noted investing guru Charles Ellis talks about the challenges boomers face from high investment fees, low bond yields, uncertain stock returns, and dubious financial come-ons.
Treasury Notes
How Risky Are Your Bonds? Here's How to Tell
Interest rates have to start rising again soon, and while higher rates are generally good for people looking to put new money to work in the bond market, those who already own bonds could take a bath on their supposedly "safe" investments.
Bull Today, Bear Tomorrow: 5 Portfolio Strategies for Any Market
Sure, the stock market is looking strong now, but the recent downturn has left investors understandably on edge. If you're nervous about whether your portfolio is set up to weather the next financial storm, here are five pieces of sound advice for you.
13 Common Money Mistakes to Avoid in 2013
The new year is upon us, and it's a great time to resolve to be better at managing your money in 2013 and beyond. To help you drill down on the biggest opportunities, here are 13 of the most common mistakes people make with their money.
Cheaper Gas Lowers U.S. Consumer Prices 0.3%
The seasonally adjusted consumer price index dropped 0.3 percent in November from October, the Labor Department said Friday. Gas prices fell 7.4 percent, the steepest drop in nearly four years. That offset a 0.2 percent rise in food prices.
Social Security Will Run Dry Even Sooner Than the Latest Bad Projection
For the past several years, Social Security's Trustees have been warning of the accelerating depletion of its Trust Fund. Since 2008, the Trust Fund's out-of-money date has inched forward from 2041 to 2033. Unfortunately, even that projection is a bit too optimistic.
How Barack Obama Made His Fortune
Obama made his money from a few sources, and has it invested and stored in a few surprising -- but also easy to track -- ways.
Falling Gas Keeps U.S. Consumer Prices Flat in June
U.S. consumer prices were flat in June as the cost of gasoline dropped, offering some relief for cash-strapped Americans and scope for the Federal Reserve to ease monetary policy further to help the faltering recovery.
Oil Hovers Around 8-Month Lows Near $80
Oil prices hovered around 8-month lows near $80 a barrel Thursday after the U.S. central bank balked at implementing vigorous stimulus measures to boost waning economic growth and U.S. crude stockpiles rose unexpectedly.
How to Stop Low Interest Rates From Ruining Your Retirement
Low interest rates have made life a lot easier for many borrowers struggling to make monthly payments. But for retirees, who have to live off their portfolios, low rates have caused huge problems.
U.S. Employers Added Just 69,000 Jobs in May, Fewest in a Year
U.S. employers created only 69,000 jobs in May, the fewest in a year, and the unemployment rate ticked up. The dismal jobs data will fan fears that the economy is sputtering. But it could lead the Fed to take further steps to help it.
A 'Safe' Way to Lose Money: Why Not to Buy Bonds Now
About a month ago, the Germany government sold $5 billion worth of Eurobonds that paid an average interest rate of -- get this -- negative 0.0122%. That's right: These bonds are guaranteed to lose value. So why did they sell? In a word, it's all about risk.
Bonds Beat Stocks in 2011, But Don't Bet on a Repeat
For the first time in several decades, the 30-year annualized returns of Treasury bonds surpassed the dividend adjusted gains of the S&P 500 in 2011. Take a picture if you want -- because this won't last.
How to Make Up for Social Security's Meager Raise
For the first time since 2009, Social Security recipients will get a COLA increase in their checks in 2012. But that 3.6% bump probably isn't going to cover the real rise in your expenses. So where should you invest to find that extra income?
Libyan Violence Stifles Demand for Bonds, as Well as Stocks
U.S. bond prices fell Wednesday on violence in Libya. An auction of $35 billion in five-year notes met with little demand, while 10-year Treasury prices fell 22 cents per $100 invested. Stocks also declined as a result of the Libyan instability.