Connie Prater – FoxBusiness.com Credit card users can expect the most dramatic changes in credit terms, interest rates and fees in decades now that most major provisions of a new federal credit card law have gone into effect. The new normal for credit cards is more transparency and easier-to-understand terms, but at a higher upfront [...]

It is the season of giving and I think it is wise to give as wisely as possible. Cash is often not the most effective thing to give. Appreciated securities are a more efficient choice. I know the thought is that the market is down, how could there be appreciated securities out there? Well, you [...]

IRA accounts are designed for retirement. If a person decides they want to access their account prior to age 59 1/2, they will incur a Federal Income Tax penalty for early withdrawal of 10% of the amount withdrawn. In addition, the amount withdrawn is deemed ordinary income and taxed as such. If that weren’t bad [...]

by Tamar Frankel Historically securities brokers have been viewed as salespeople with special legal responsibilities:  Treat customers fairly, follow special rules regarding the customers’ money and securities, and recommend to customers only suitable investments.  Brokers offered liquidity by creating markets in certain securities, actions also subject to special rules designed to ensure customers were treated [...]

This recent extremely volatile stock market has gotten many near retirees wondering about their future and how they can safely invest for their retirement. Many, like their grandparents following the Great Depression, are thinking they will not hold stocks. They are too volatile and risky. Savings accounts, Savings Bonds and maybe Treasury Bills will do [...]

The National Center for Policy Analysis has just released a report titled, “Ten Ways to Wreck Your Retirement.” I would have to say a big AMEN to their analysis in this paper. I have listed below the Executive Summary of the ten points. If you would like to read the entire 24 page report, you [...]