Parents & Children - 360 Degrees of Financial Literacy

Why a GRAT Can Be GREAT

Thu, 21 Mar 2013 12:47:05 EDT

If you have property that's rapidly appreciating or generating high earnings, and you're ready to pass it down to your children or other heirs but want to continue receiving income from the property for a period of years a grantor retained annuity trust (GRAT) may be a great strategy for you. The goal of a GRAT is to transfer property with minimal gift tax consequences.

The Economics of Borrowing from Your 401(k)

Tue, 15 Jan 2013 17:04:33 EST

When times are tough, that pool of dollars sitting in your 401(k) plan account may start to look attractive. But before you decide to take a plan loan, be sure you understand the financial impact. It's not as simple as you think.

Real-life Financial Tips for Different Generations

Tue, 15 Jan 2013 16:51:14 EST

Do you remember The Game of Life®? In Milton Bradley's popular board game, players progress through life stages making decisions that affect their prosperity. Like those players, today's generations face financial decisions with lasting effects. Here are some tips for staying focused despite life's ups and downs.

All About Federal Stafford Loans

Thu, 20 Dec 2012 15:43:51 EST

A Stafford Loan is the most popular federal student loan. According to the College Board, for the 2010/2011 school year (the latest year for which statistics are available), more than $85 billion in Stafford Loans was handed out to students. Here are the highlights of this popular student loan.

How to Give Wisely and Well

Thu, 20 Dec 2012 15:36:54 EST

Giving to charity has never been easier. You can donate the old-fashioned way--by mail--but you can also donate online, by text, or through social networking sites. According to the National Center for Charitable Statistics, over 1.4 million nonprofit organizations are registered with the IRS. With so many charities to choose from, it's more important than ever to ensure that your donation is well spent. Here are some tips that can help you become both a generous and wise donor.

Healthy Personal Finance Resolutions for the New Year

Thu, 20 Dec 2012 15:14:40 EST

The new year is the time when many individuals start making resolutions to live a healthier lifestyle. And while resolving to eat better and exercise more is a good thing, you should be sure to make resolutions that pertain to the overall health of your personal finances as well.

Ways Grandparents Can Help with College Costs

Wed, 28 Nov 2012 11:10:36 EST

Four Retirement Planning Mistakes to Avoid

Mon, 15 Oct 2012 16:33:09 EDT

We all recognize the importance of planning and saving for retirement, but too many of us fall victim to one or more common mistakes. Here are four easily avoidable mistakes that could prevent you from reaching your retirement goals.

Should You Make Large Gifts in 2012?

Tue, 18 Sep 2012 16:28:07 EDT

Currently, the exemptions for federal gift tax, estate tax, and generation-skipping transfer (GST) tax are at historic highs, and the gift, estate, and GST tax rates are at historic lows. But, in 2013, the exemptions are scheduled to substantially decrease, and the tax rates are scheduled to substantially increase. This raises the question of whether 2012 might be a good time to make large gifts that take advantage of the current exemptions while they are still available.

Is Your 529 Plan Making the Grade?

Tue, 18 Sep 2012 16:25:03 EDT

As of June 2011, there were 8.8 million open 529 college savings plan accounts (Source: College Board, Trends in Student Aid, 2011). If you're one of the millions of parents or grandparents who've invested money in a 529 college savings plan, the arrival of a new academic year may be a good time to see how your plan stacks up against the competition. Mediocre investment returns, higher-than-average fees, limited investment options and flexibility--these are some of the things that might have you thinking you could do better with another plan. If you discover that your 529 plan's performance has been subpar, what options do you have?