Thanks to their lower fees, most ETFs do better for investors than similar mutual funds, and investors have noticed: They poured $154 billion into ETFs in 2012, while yanking more than $119 billion out of stock mutual funds. Just one problem: Most of that money went into the wrong kind of ETFs.
Being retired means not having to worry about waking up early to get to work. But retiring doesn't mean its time to quit worrying about making your money work as hard as it can. As we begin 2013, we offer these 13 financial resolutions designed specifically for retirees.
With the prospect of higher taxes and federal budget cuts looming on Dec. 31, here are 11 easy ways you can save money and/or put a few extra dollars back in your pocket in 2013.
When state and local governments need money for public projects, they sell municipal bonds -- a popular investment among the wealthy because the interest they earn is tax free. Now, with the fiscal cliff looming, tax breaks like that one are under scrutiny.
A couple of years ago, billionaire super-investor Warren Buffett told Congress a "terrible problem" with U.S. municipal bonds was on the horizon. Now, Buffett is back, and warning that the crisis is closer than ever.
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.
Debate all you like about whether the rich pay their fair share in taxes, but this is certain: Some high earners pay no taxes at all. A recent IRS study found that 35,000 U.S. taxpayers earning $200,000 or more paid no income tax in 2009. Curious how they pulled it off? Read on...
This income investment has become more attractive recently. Yet because it's perceived as being strictly for the wealthy, many ordinary Americans never think twice about it.
U.S. municipalities have filed five bankruptcies this year, and -- next week -- Jefferson County, Ala., could make a sixth. Could city and county defaults shake the muni-bond market just as investors are fleeing to it amid stock-market declines?
As the economic recovery takes hold and the investing landscape shifts again, it's important to adjust your investment strategy to take advantage of the new opportunities. Here are 11 areas experts think you should consider putting your money into right now.
Despite still-low default rates, munis aren't nearly as solid as they've traditionally been. And thanks to the shrinkage among bond insurers, far fewer bonds are being issued with that extra layer of protection.
The developer of the Yankees Stadium parking lots may be headed for default on the $237 million in bonds that were used to finance the construction. And the Yankees are hardly alone. Sports teams around the country are struggling to attract cash-strapped fans.