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Some may assume that those who are targets of financial fraud are mostly elderly. However, a new FINRA Investor Education Foundation report suggests otherwise, which raises questions about vulnerabili... more

As you begin planning for how your financial resources will be allocated in 2026, know that there are new limits for what you can contribute to your 401(k) and IRA.... more

What better opportunity than Thanksgiving to enjoy family and -- just for fun -- add financial literacy to the conversation.... more

A marriage may be over in the minds of a couple when they decide to get divorced. But, in reality, time needs to pass from that moment until the final dissolution. There will be negotiations, discussi... more

The subject of having multiple traditional (tax-deferred) IRA accounts came up recently in a presentation I was giving on QCDs. The context was donating IRA money to charity after age 73 during the IR... more

We’re quickly closing in on the end of the year, which means it’s time to make sure that required minimum distributions (RMDs) from tax-deferred accounts are taken care of.... more

Do you remember your very first tax return? If you filed that return before the World Wide Web arrived on the scene (1993), perhaps you talked with your parents or older siblings to learn what to do.... more

"Heather" wrote to me about frustrations she would experience if she were to receive an unexpectedly large inheritance from her parents. Asking for guidance, Heather raised some very good questions, w... more

A column I wrote about surprise inheritances a few months ago resulted in a number of reader letters. Let me share one with you in full, because it tells a person's real experience, spelling out a cau... more

There is no doubt that tax-advantaged 529 plans are popular. The National Association of State Treasurers reported that there were 16.96 million 529 educational savings accounts at the end of 2024, wi... more

If you have a brokerage account, you have likely learned about the benefits of "direct indexing," a way to customize, to your liking, stock holdings based on an index such as the S&P 500. Sounds intri... more

Someone who is 50 or older is able to set aside more money into a 401(k) than someone who is under 50. Called a "catch-up contribution," the idea is to get more money working for you in a tax-advantag... more

If you are a young person starting out in your first job, you’ll want to be able to make informed decisions that can lead to long-term financial success.... more

Should you care about National 401(k) Day? Celebrated on the Friday after Labor Day (symbolizing the transition from labor to retirement), this year, it's Friday, Sept. 5.... more

If you have been a longtime reader of this column, you've seen FINRA mentioned many, many times as a resource for investors. While FINRA (the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority) may look like it'... more

The final version of the 2024 National Financial Capability Study was recently released by FINRA's Investor Education Foundation (tinyurl.com/y656ja3d).... more

Federal entities such as the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) watch out for investors. And so does NASAA, the North American Securi... more

Are you over 50 years old and thinking about your upcoming retirement?... more

It takes compassion to care for a disabled family member. It also takes time, which can affect the family’s household finances. That’s the conclusion of the 2020 National Disability Institute report “... more

Does how you "view the world" affect the likelihood of becoming a fraud victim?... more

If you are wondering about the tax implications of money you receive in an inheritance, you may benefit from an IRS tool that can help answer some of your questions. The tool will only go so far -- yo... more

Are you getting married soon? Or have you recently exchanged vows? Amid all the wedding-related details, have you thought about your changing tax status?... more

Does your estate plan need to be reviewed for international considerations?... more

When I was speaking with a trusts and estates lawyer a few weeks ago, alongside a mutual client, the subject of "unexpected" inheritances came up. The lawyer mentioned that a client of hers unexpected... more

Whether in paper form or digitized, there are two issues to consider when it comes to financial documents.... more

Would you be happy if cryptocurrency became an investment option in your company's 401(k) plan?... more

If you don't participate in a 401(k) plan at work because one isn't offered, why should you read this column? I'll admit I have a prejudiced view. I believe you can help others in your circle of frien... more

Do you have a favorite cause or a favorite charity you support, either through volunteering or donating funds? Or, perhaps you have a vision for more than you see being done, a vision for more than th... more