How Much Financial Advice Do You Really Need?
Despite a troubling national shortfall in retirement savings and the aftereffects of the foreclosure crisis, the answer, to judge from a rash of recent studies, is "not much."
asset allocation
Money Terms to Know: Asset Allocation
There is no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to growing your nest egg, so you need to understand the concept of asset allocation to get the best investment returns.
If You Haven't Done This Lately, Your Portfolio Is In Danger
2012 was a good year for the stock markets. But if you want to be prepared for the next correction, whenever it comes, there's one easy-to-implement strategy that has helped investors through the bumps and dips more than any other: rebalancing your portfolio.
Year-End Review: 6 Questions You Must Ask Your Financial Advisor
If meeting with your financial advisor is on your December "to-do" list -- and it should be -- here are a half dozen things you should do to prepare that will help you get the most out of the meeting.
One Year From Retirement? Prepare to Make the Break
With one year left until retirement, you're in the final stretch. It's time to prepare for the transition, so give your budget a stress test, reallocate your assets and income sources, and take action on health insurance. Here are six helpful guidelines:
3 Investing Questions You May Be Too Embarrassed to Ask
When it comes to investing, no question is stupid, and no question is simple. Indeed, it's the ones that may appear to be the most obvious that can be the most important -- and the ones that people are often too embarrassed to ask.
How Much Risk Should You Take in Your Portfolio?
Determining your risk tolerance before you invest is a lot like choosing a delivery plan for the birth of your child. When the contractions start, even the best-laid plans can go right out the window, because it's impossible to predict how you'll feel watching a chunk of your savings evaporate until it happens.
Investing Made Simple: More Options for Small Investors
When it comes to investing your hard-earned cash, today's marketplace offers more options than ever for small investors. But the key to success lies in sticking to a few basic principles -- and avoiding the irrational behaviors that plague our financial lives.
Investors Are Keeping Their Eyes on the Wrong Ball
There's a frenzy of stock buying going on now, because no one wants to be left out of the stock market recovery. But all those who are betting on short-term gains are engaged in what I call "wrong ball investing." Here's how to keep your eye on the right ball.
10 Investing Facts You Probably Don't Know
The securities industry spends hundreds of millions of dollars a year in advertising, but that doesn't mean you're getting the straight scoop. The financial media doesn't always help, either. So, as you contemplate investing for 2011, here are 10 facts you should know.
Market Turmoil Sends a Signal: Diversify!
May 6 reminded investors of the need for diversification to reduce risk to their portfolios. So, how much risk is right for you, what emerging markets are good investments and is gold really a safe haven?
Retirement Confidence Continues to Erode
Americans are far from feeling confident about paying for retirement, according to the Employee Benefit Research Institute's latest annual survey. Yet one group that is feeling a little more self-assured, is men. That may seem like a good thing, but being too confident or cautious about your investments can backfire.
Six Tests Your Financial Planner Should Pass
A new study finds that too many financial planners tell their clients what the clients want to hear, rather than providing objective advice. Here's how to make sure you don't wind up with a "yes man" as an adviser.
Insurers Will Hike Hedge Fund Holdings in 2010
Notoriously conservative investors, insurance companies cut their hedge fund allocations in 2009. But as the sting of the financial crisis eases, they'll come back looking for stronger returns.
