It is no surprise that money can be the root of many evils since money symbolizes different things to different people.  Love, security, power, control–money can be a landmine of unexpected emotions. Psychologists will tell you that couples will talk about just about anything, even sex, before they will talk about their finances. No wonder [...]

You would think those born between 1946 and 1965 would have a lot to be thankful for. After all, the first wave of those Baby Boomers is finally eligible to retire in 2011. The recession appears to be over and jobs are beginning to make a comeback, even the stock market is performing well–so what’s [...]

My regular readers know how much I despise 12b-1 fees. Those are the fees that mutual fund companies kickback to your broker or investment advisor for putting you into their funds. You never see the charge in your statements but it can be as much as one percent annually if you own a certain class [...]

The next time you run out of ideas for that perfect gift, save this column. I am about to give you over 200 one of a kind gift ideas that will cost you only as much as you want to spend and at the same time make anyone happy. Global Giving beats the heck out [...]

Given the volatility of the stock market over the last few weeks, it is no surprise that annuity and life insurance salesmen, brokers and financial advisors are once again touting the wonderful benefits of fixed and variable annuities. Don’t get sucked into their sales pitch because the facts are that annuities only make sense for [...]

Every day is Earth Day as far as the government is concerned, at least when it comes to converting America’s homesteads to green power. Energy efficiency makes sense from a bottom line point of view, whether you are a millionaire or just one of us working stiffs. Here’s why.

In the financial services industry, most people don’t know the difference between a stock broker, insurance salesman, financial planner, advisor, consultant or wealth manager. That’s not an accident. Wall Street has spent a great deal of money and time confusing you on purpose. I believe in this age of confusion, misinformation and desire for honesty, [...]

This year the tax laws are changing. If you have a Traditional IRA, Roll-Over IRA or another tax deferred plan like a 401 (K), 403 (b) or 457 (b) you can now convert to a Roth IRA, regardless of income level. Better yet, the government is giving you an added incentive to convert by allowing [...]

Congratulations, as of this year, women officially control the majority of privately-owned financial assets in this country. Not only is that wealth an awesome responsibility, but it also presents women, especially Baby Boomers aged 45 and over, with an enormous opportunity. Here’s how you can prepare.

This year women, especially, women in their fifties and up, will control the lion’s share of America’s privately-owned wealth. That should be good news to most boomer women, but good news is sometimes deceiving.