Be Ready for a Change in Interest Rates
Fluctuating interest rates can be challenging for bond investors who want to reinvest their principal. When rates are low, they may have to accept lower yields; when rates rise when principal is tied up, they may not be able to benefit. One strategy to help manage reinvestment risk is to build a bond ladder.
Rising Popularity of Roth IRA as Retirement Vehicle
Investment in the Roth IRA has been growing dramatically. Fueling the growth of this popular investment vehicle are tax-free distributions in retirement and no mandatory withdrawals due to age. Compare the trade-offs of Roth IRAs with traditional IRAs, including eligibility limitations, annual contribution limits, and withdrawal considerations.
ETFs for the Conservative Investor
The number of exchange-traded funds has grown rapidly in the last decade. Total ETF assets exceeded $1 trillion in March 2011, an increase of more than $200 million over the previous year. This article explains the potential benefits of ETFs and why some of them might appeal to the risk-averse.
Giving the Gift of Knowledge
A college education is still a good investment. Consider this statistic: The overall unemployment rate reached as high as 9.9% in 2010, but for workers with a bachelor's degree or higher, it did not exceed 5.1%. But a college education can be expensive. There is a tax-advantaged way to accumulate money for a child's or grandchild's education: a Section 529 plan.
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