Featured Investing Basics Articles

	401(k) Plan Pluses and Minuses: How Does It Add Up? Retirement is a long way down the road for many employees, but the decision over whether you should contribute to a 401(k) plan can have a big impact on your long-term financial future.
	American Depositary Receipts An American depositary receipt (ADR) represents shares of a non-U.S. publicly traded company and is traded on the U.S. exchanges. ADRs make it easier for U.S.-based investors to buy and sell foreign stocks.
	How to Decipher Your 401(k) Plan Statement Most plan participants want to know the answer to a very basic question: How much money do I have in my plan? The answer is in your employer-provided retirement plan statement—but it can be hard to find if you don't understand how to read it. A look at a typical 401(k) plan statement.
	Is R-I-S-K Really a Four-Letter Word? It can be—but in the investment world, risk is impossible to avoid. The trick is how to get risk to work for you, and not against you.
	It's a Balancing Act You’ve carefully weighed in your own mind how you want your retirement portfolio to look: just the right amount of your assets allocated to stocks versus fixed-income investments. Then, inevitably, the market jumps up or down, and your portfolio is thrown completely off balance. What should you do?
	Keeping Your 401(k) on Track Most 401(k) plans are composed of mutual funds, where daily scrutiny isn’t necessary or even desirable. Quarterly check-ups—a review every three months or so—is more in order. How to monitor your retirement portfolio.
	REITs—Real Estate Investment Trusts A real estate investment trust (REIT) is a corporation or trust that purchases and manages income property and/or mortgage loans. Any investor looking to add real estate to a portfolio for diversification purposes may find REITs an attractive option. Find out the pros and cons of investing in REITs.
	Saving Time and Taxes Through Good Recordkeeping Helpful tips on maintaining records for tax purposes.
	Starting an Investment Program With Dollar Cost Averaging A look at dollar cost and value averaging.
	The First Step When entering a 401(k) plan, you may experience nightmares trying to figure out how to achieve a proper asset allocation with your first contribution. Where to start with your initial investment.
	The Psychology Behind Common Investor Mistakes A look at the top 10 economic indicators can help you narrow your focus.
	The Top 10 Economic Indicators: What to Watch and Why Everyone wants to keep a pulse on the economy, but no one wants to wade through the massive volume of statistics. A look at the top 10 economic indicators can help you narrow your focus.
	Your Order Please: A Guide to the Different Ways to Buy and Sell Securities There are many ways to give buy and sell instructions to a broker—and just as many ways to get burned if you mess up. A rundown of the most common orders.

Featured Personal Finance Articles

Retirement Planning     |     Financial Planning

	From Theory to Practice: How to Apply MPT Concepts to Your 401(k) Plan It sounds highly academic and theoretical, but Modern Portfolio Theory is the accepted approach to investment management today. Fortunately, you don't need a Ph.D. to benefit from its implications. A four-step approach to managing your 401(k) portfolio.
	Lifestyle Changes: Myths and Misconceptions About Life in Retirement Debunking the myths of retirement.
	Reach Your Retirement Goals By Following 10 Basic Axioms These principles provide the critical cornerstone for making decisions.
	Retiree Stock Allocation Recommendations: Do You Fit the "Mold"? A look at where the professional advisors agree and disagree concerning the "typical" investor.
	Strategies for Married Couples: How to Coordinate Your Plans Most people think of their 401(k) plans allocations in isolation. But for married couples, it may be better to "marry" your allocation strategies as well. A look at the coordinated approach to retirement investing.
	The 10 Myths of Retirement Planning Many individuals view retirement through rose-colored glasses. But retirement planning requires a clear-eyed analysis of future needs. A look at the most common retirement myths and how you can bring reality into focus.
	Your Company's Stock: A Good or Bad Bet for Your 401(k)? Many individuals get the opportunity to invest in their company stock—often at a good price. But is it a good idea to put your 401(k) money in company stock? There can be some advantages, but there are also some disadvantages to be aware of—particularly if you go overboard and hold too much.

	A Guide to Dealing With an Estate Planning Attorney An up-to-date estate plan maximizes the chance that your wishes will be carried out in the event of your death or disability.
	A Worksheet Approach to Selecting a Financial Planner Worksheets for the evaluation process for selecting a financial planning adviser.
	Achieving Financial Security by Conquering Personal Debt Overloading on debt is expensive and removes a cushion of security in the event of a crisis. How to get a handle on your personal debt.
	Contingency Plans: Helping a Spouse Cope Financially After Your Death Asset allocation and contingency plans for the death of a spouse
	How to Make Personal Finance "Connect" With Young Adults The challenge for parents is to develop steps that will make the world of personal finance visible, credible, and appealing to young adults as they work their way through adolescence.
	Outrageous Advertising: A Survival Guide for Investors You wouldn't believe a used car salesman who claimed that an old car had only been driven to church on Sundays.
	What to Look for When Selecting a Trustee for Your Estate Plan The decision to name a trustee is a complex process.

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