On the surface, Social Security is straightforward: During our working years, we pay into the system. Then when we’re older, the government sends a monthly check for life. But scratch the surface, and you’ll find that Social Security offers a number of additional benefits. Among them: a benefit for [...]
Is 4% right for you?
The 4% Rule is one of the most well known ideas in personal finance. But is it really a rule? And does it apply to you? Let’s start at the beginning. The father of the 4% Rule is a financial planner named William Bengen. Back in the early-1990s, he became frustrated with the prevailing rules of [...]
Tax-smart investing
If there’s one story that seems to have captured the public’s imagination this summer, it’s the revelation that venture capitalist Peter Thiel has managed to accumulate more than $5 billion in his Roth IRA—where it will be entirely tax-free to him. In its reporting, ProPublica, the news outlet [...]
Long-term solutions
A few weeks back, I discussed some of the challenges with traditional long-term care (LTC) insurance: In addition to steep—and rising—premiums, these policies are complex. Many policyholders have to contend with an annual renewal letter that presents a mind-numbing matrix of options. But there’s [...]
The obstacle course of personal finance
Today marks the 200th installment of this blog. In looking back, one recurring theme stands out: Managing one’s finances is, in a lot of ways, like managing one’s health. Ask any doctor, and they’ll tell you the recipe for good health: Exercise, eat right, don’t smoke. It’s not complicated. And [...]
- « Previous Page
- 1
- …
- 27
- 28
- 29
- 30
- 31
- …
- 75
- Next Page »