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One of the challenges on the road to retirement is understanding what it will cost to maintain your lifestyle after you leave the full-time working world.... more

Retirement security is a particular interest of readers of this column, as is the subject of 401(k) plans -- for good reason. Anyone lucky enough to work for a company that offers a 401(k) that is mat... more

In celebration of National 401(k) Day (Sept. 8), I’ll put on my financial literacy hat and offer some advice. Everyone who works for a company offering a 401(k) needs to sign up -- yes, everyone.... more

Are you looking to catch up on saving for retirement?... more

Last week, we discussed the reduction of the excise tax (penalty) for failure to take a required minimum distribution, or RMD, from 50% of the minimum amount not distributed to 25%. That change came a... more

If you are a regular reader, you'll know that when I discuss IRAs or 401(k)s or taxes generally, I'll remind you that you need to review your situation with your tax adviser. It's hard to generalize a... more

In August 2011, we experienced S&P's downgrade of U.S. debt from AAA to AA-plus, where it remains today (tinyurl.com/mwtyttnk). Then, just a few days ago on Aug. 1, Fitch Ratings, another credit ratin... more

From time to time, lawyers, accountants and financial professionals serve clients who are terminally ill. The question of end-of-life care can lead to a discussion of “death with dignity,” the concept... more

If you are currently working part time, are you concerned about qualifying for Social Security retirement benefits?... more

Required minimum distribution, or RMD, rules continue to evolve.... more

Do you consider yourself wealthy?... more

The difference between what you know and what you don't -- how big is that divide when it comes to financing retirement?... more

In case you're wondering how to do some "good" over this July Fourth weekend, I'll give you 1.5 million possibilities worth an estimated $1.5 billion. The 1.5 million figure is the number of people wh... more

The subject of QCDs is on readers' minds. As a reminder, a qualified charitable distribution is a way to donate to charity that is available only to IRA owners who are age 70 1/2 (repeat, age 70 1/2) ... more

I'm sure you'll agree that we are living in quickly evolving times (just think of the artificial intelligence technology ChatGPT). As investors, the name of the game is to keep learning -- not only to... more

Do you use a payment app to transfer money or pay bills? Seventy-six percent of Americans do, according to one study. And, if you focus on young adults ages 18 to 29, the percentage is even higher at ... more

Did you know that a qualified charitable distribution (QCD) can not only limit your tax liability for a required minimum distribution, but it also can provide a life income plan?... more

What happens if you filed your tax return on time (by April 18 this year) but did not include your tax payment?... more

What do you think makes a "great investor"? Is it simply the person who achieves the best returns, or has the ability to "sniff out" an opportunity? What about intellect? Are great investors just smar... more

If your employer does not offer a 401(k) or other retirement plan for employees, you are not alone.... more

When the U.S. government spends more than it collects in revenue, it creates a "deficit," which the Treasury Department covers by borrowing money when it issues new debt through government securities,... more

Given the recent turmoil in the banking industry, with two U.S. banks being taken over in March of this year (tinyurl.com/mrx7kdwn), it's a good time to review the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporatio... more

If you have already filed your tax return, you may think you can put off thinking about taxes until next year. Maybe not.... more

Remember "Robert," a reader who said that parents should tell their children NOT to expect an inheritance? (If you missed that column, "Inheritances For Your Children?" write to me at readers@juliejas... more

I've been thinking about writing a book for young children, and I want to encourage you to give me a hand. The intended audience would be children ages 7 to 10. As a proponent of financial literacy ed... more

We all have to be aware of potential scams these days, especially those directed at the elderly. They are not going away anytime soon. Plus, your knowledge may help a family member or friend (or yours... more

My recent column ("Wills: Should You Communicate Your Wishes With Your Children?") piqued the interest of a reader who expressed strong views about inheritances. (If you missed the column, let me know... more

Considering all the things that can cause us to worry, we really don't need to add the safety of our bank accounts to the list -- but that is happening. People are worried about the stability of banks... more