I just learned that my credit- and debit-card information was part of a data breach. What should I do?
Now, more than ever, consumers are relying on the convenience of credit and debit cards to make everyday purchases, such as gas and groceries, and to make online purchases. With this convenience, however, comes the risk of having your account information compromised by a data breach. In recent years, data
10 Basic Tax To-Dos for the Rest of 2014
Here are 10 things to consider as you weigh potential tax moves between now and the end of the year. 1. Make time to plan Effective planning requires that you have a good understanding of your current tax situation, as well as a reasonable estimate of how your circumstances might
Distribution Funds: Putting Income on Autopilot
As baby boomers retire, they begin to focus less on accumulating assets and more on how those assets can be converted into an ongoing stream of income. Distribution funds are one way to simplify that process. Distribution funds are actively managed mutual funds that focus not on maximizing asset growth
2013 Year-End Tax Planning Basics
You don’t want to pay any more in tax than you have to. That means taking advantage of every strategy, deduction, and credit that you’re entitled to. However, the window of opportunity for many tax-saving moves closes on December 31, so it’s important to evaluate your tax situation now, while
Protect Yourself against Identity Theft
Whether they’re snatching your purse, diving into your dumpster, stealing your mail, or hacking into your computer, they’re out to get you. Who are they? Identity thieves. Identity thieves can empty your bank account, max out your credit cards, open new accounts in your name, and purchase furniture, cars, and
The Joys and Financial Challenges of Parenthood
Children are special. There’s nothing like them. They can be our sweetest blessing, as well as our biggest frustration. Most of all, however, they are our greatest responsibility, as well as our most important–and expensive–commitment. Whether you are a first-time parent or a veteran of refereeing sibling squabbles and who-put-the-empty-milk-carton-back-in-the-fridge