risk

7 Tips for People Who Will Retire in 2013

The oldest baby boomers will turn 67 in 2013. Many of this first wave have already retired, while others may be contemplating taking the plunge this year. Here are some tips for those planning to retire in 2013:

Borrowers Beware: 401(k) Loans Hold a Hidden Risk

If you're in financial trouble, borrowing from your 401(k) may look smart -- at first. There's no application process, and the low interest you pay goes back into your account -- you're paying it to yourself. Unfortunately, those benefits come with a catch.

Painless Investing: Why a New Generation Will Dive Into Stocks

Many Americans have been spooked out of the stock market by Great Recession and its aftermath. But despite their apprehensions, the children of the baby boomers are actually eager to jump into stocks -- primarily because they weren't burned personally by the crash.

Ponzi Scheme or Not, Social Security Is Going to Shrink

Social Security's trust fund is in the long, slow process of collapsing because it won't have enough funds to pay its promised benefits. Sound like a Ponzi scheme? Perhaps, but at least this "scheme" is one in which you can come out ahead -- especially if you start preparing now.

Economic Woes Are Jeopardizing Americans' Health

In this economy, people aren't just cutting out luxuries, nearly half of Americans are skimping on necessities like medication and doctor visits -- drastic actions that could be dangerous to their health.

Social Security IRAs: A Partial Fix to Reform Problem?

While Congress and President Obama battle over ways to "fix" Social Security, a small conservative seniors group, the Association of Mature American Citizens, sees a possible solution to part of the reform brouhaha -- a Social Security IRA.

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.

Five Investing Rules You Can Learn From Kids

Looking at investing from a child's perspective can be eye-opening. And you don't need to have kids of your own to heed these lessons. Here are five tips for thinking like a child -- and turning that into some grown-up profits.

Keep Risk at Bay While Moving Back to Stocks

For investors, fear of losing money in the stock market is finally giving way to the reality that they may actually be losing money in low-yielding investments. So the move back to stocks is underway. But the key is do so safely. Here's some timely advice.

Borrowing Trouble at Microlender Prosper.com

Peer-to-peer lending site Prosper.com has stopped letting high-risk borrowers use its site because too many of them failed to repay their loans. The site's problem, says columnist and one-time lender Alex Salkever, is that Prosper got in the way of letting a social bond form between microborrower and microlender.

New Year Hurdles: Top 10 Challenges for CEOs in 2011

With the recession over -- in a sense, anyway -- many CEOs are happy to be standing. And after three tumultuous years, some are even cautiously optimistic. But 2011 is sure to present a whole new set of obstacles for corporate chiefs to confront -- and conquer.

How to Invest in the Coming Tax-Cut Stock Rally

If the extension of the Bush tax cuts triggers a market rally, as many expect, investors will likely rush in. But caution is advised: High prices can also mean high risk. Here are some tips from Alan Lancz, director of research at LanczGlobal.com, on how investors can avoid getting burned.