Introduction If the value of your stocks, bonds, or other capital investments has increased substantially, there are a few steps you can take to minimize taxation. These include timing the sale of your capital assets, using capital losses effectively, and passing assets to heirs at your...

Approximately 71 million people today receive some form of Social Security benefits, including retirement, disability, survivor, and family benefits.1 Although most people receiving Social Security are retired, you and your family members may be eligible for benefits at any age, depending on...

Just about anyone who’s ever watched a child or grandchild go from the crib to kindergarten and beyond has uttered the phrase, “They grow up so fast.” Although you can’t really freeze a youngster’s precious moments in time, you can take steps to make sure that his...

They could be among the most memorable journeys you take. Travel with a difference: the essence of the volunteer vacation. You take the trip, you help make the difference for others, and perhaps you see the world differently as a byproduct. If you are thinking about combining travel with some...

Assets in 529 plans have grown significantly in recent years due to their college planning potential. But there’s another side to 529 plans that may appeal to you — potential estate planning benefits.1 First, a Few Basics To understand how a 529 college savings plan may...

Installment debt, in itself, is not a bad thing. It enables us to make major purchases that would be nearly impossible to finance up front. In this consumer society, however, we’re bombarded with advertisements for literally thousands of “must-have” products. The result is that...

How can you take years off your physical and mental age? What choices could make you feel and look better? A few good habits might make a difference. Eat healthy. Aerobic exercise helps the heart, but it doesn’t necessarily trim the stomach. Eating less processed food—and less...