Couples & Families
Is There a Positive Side to a Prenuptial Agreement?
April 17, 2013
A prenuptial agreement isn't about distrust; it's about creating a foundation for your financial future together.
April 17, 2013
A prenuptial agreement isn't about distrust; it's about creating a foundation for your financial future together.
Helping Aging Parents Financially: Is There Any Way to Lighten the Burden?
April 3, 2013
There are many ways to help aging parents financially—and not all of them mean money out of your own pocket.
April 3, 2013
There are many ways to help aging parents financially—and not all of them mean money out of your own pocket.
Are You Putting Off Estate Planning?
February 6, 2013
An estate plan isn't only about money; it's about protecting yourselves and your kids. Do it now.
February 6, 2013
An estate plan isn't only about money; it's about protecting yourselves and your kids. Do it now.
Contemplating a Divorce: What Should You Do to Protect Yourself Financially?
January 23, 2013
A divorce can be overwhelming, but taking certain financial steps can help keep emotions from overriding good judgment.
January 23, 2013
A divorce can be overwhelming, but taking certain financial steps can help keep emotions from overriding good judgment.
Estate Planning: Who Makes the Best Executor or Trustee?
January 16, 2013
If you're considering making one of your kids executor or trustee for your estate, remember it's not a reward—it's a responsibility.
January 16, 2013
If you're considering making one of your kids executor or trustee for your estate, remember it's not a reward—it's a responsibility.
Estate Planning in a 2nd Marriage: What's Fair?
December 26, 2012
Honest communication now is the key to avoiding family disharmony down the road.
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December 26, 2012
Honest communication now is the key to avoiding family disharmony down the road.
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Happily Unmarried: What Are the Financial Issues?
December 5, 2012
Moving in together? Try a “yours, mine and ours” approach with your finances.
December 5, 2012
Moving in together? Try a “yours, mine and ours” approach with your finances.
Family Finances: What Does Each Spouse Need to Know?
November 28, 2012
In every couple, there's usually one person who takes the financial lead. But the other should still be involved.
November 28, 2012
In every couple, there's usually one person who takes the financial lead. But the other should still be involved.
What Financial Precautions Should a Widow Take Before Remarrying?
November 21, 2012
Remarrying raises a lot of financial issues. Handling them upfront is especially important for you and your family.
November 21, 2012
Remarrying raises a lot of financial issues. Handling them upfront is especially important for you and your family.
How Can Unmarried Couples Prepare Financially for Their Later Years?
October 31, 2012
Unmarried couples are faced with a few added financial and legal issues. Learn how to put some safeguards in place.
October 31, 2012
Unmarried couples are faced with a few added financial and legal issues. Learn how to put some safeguards in place.
Overwhelmed With Financial Paperwork?
September 26, 2012
You don't need to hold on to every bit of financial paperwork forever, but you do need a system to keep everything straight.
September 26, 2012
You don't need to hold on to every bit of financial paperwork forever, but you do need a system to keep everything straight.
Can You Collect Social Security on Your Ex's Earnings Record?
September 19, 2012
Even if your marriage ended, you might still be able to tap into your ex-spouse's Social Security benefits—as long as you meet all the qualifications.
September 19, 2012
Even if your marriage ended, you might still be able to tap into your ex-spouse's Social Security benefits—as long as you meet all the qualifications.
New Relationship: When Should You Have the Financial Conversation?
August 8, 2012
New relationships can be complicated enough without money misunderstandings. If you're looking at a future together, come to a financial understanding now.
August 8, 2012
New relationships can be complicated enough without money misunderstandings. If you're looking at a future together, come to a financial understanding now.
If Your Fiancé Owes Money, Are You Marrying His Debt?
July 11, 2012
If you're carrying a load of debt down the aisle, it's best to decide how it will be paid off before you
reach the altar.
July 11, 2012
If you're carrying a load of debt down the aisle, it's best to decide how it will be paid off before you
reach the altar.
Can You Protect a Senior From Internet Scams?
May 2, 2012
Independent seniors are taking to the Internet—and so are the scammers. Help the tech-savvy senior in your life know what to look out for.
May 2, 2012
Independent seniors are taking to the Internet—and so are the scammers. Help the tech-savvy senior in your life know what to look out for.
New Baby, New House, New Job—Is There a Way to Stay in Financial Control?
February 22, 2012
Even positive changes like a new house, a new baby or a new job can cause financial panic. Here's how to get back in control.
February 22, 2012
Even positive changes like a new house, a new baby or a new job can cause financial panic. Here's how to get back in control.
Love & Money: Can You Overcome Your Financial Differences?
February 8, 2012
In any relationship there's room for financial autonomy as well as shared goals. But you have to talk.
February 8, 2012
In any relationship there's room for financial autonomy as well as shared goals. But you have to talk.
New Marriage, New Family Finances: What's Fair?
December 28, 2011
No matter how different your finances, when bringing kids together in a new family, you need to start with some common financial values.
December 28, 2011
No matter how different your finances, when bringing kids together in a new family, you need to start with some common financial values.
Helping Your Kid Buy a Home—Before You Write the Check
December 21, 2011
Helping one of your children buy a house is hugely generous. Be sure he or she is ready for home ownership—and don't mortgage your own future.
December 21, 2011
Helping one of your children buy a house is hugely generous. Be sure he or she is ready for home ownership—and don't mortgage your own future.
What Can You Do When an Inheritance Threatens Family Harmony?
December 14, 2011
Talking in advance about an inheritance is painful, but sometimes it's essential to keep the family together.
December 14, 2011
Talking in advance about an inheritance is painful, but sometimes it's essential to keep the family together.
Does a Surviving Spouse Always Collect 100% of Social Security Benefits?
October 12, 2011
Even Social Security survivor benefits are affected by the age you begin collecting them. Best to get the facts and avoid surprises.
October 12, 2011
Even Social Security survivor benefits are affected by the age you begin collecting them. Best to get the facts and avoid surprises.
Giving Stock or Cash: What's Better for the Charity? For You?
October 5, 2011
Giving appreciated stock rather than cash can be better for your tax situation—as well as for a charity's bottom line. Here's why.
October 5, 2011
Giving appreciated stock rather than cash can be better for your tax situation—as well as for a charity's bottom line. Here's why.
Baby On the Way: Are You Ready for Your New Financial Reality?
August 10, 2011
Planning for baby’s arrival? Don’t let financial essentials get lost in the flurry. Take time now (while you have it!) to get financially prepared.
August 10, 2011
Planning for baby’s arrival? Don’t let financial essentials get lost in the flurry. Take time now (while you have it!) to get financially prepared.
Can Finance and Romance Go Hand in Hand?
February 9, 2011
Many couples avoid talking about money. But if you start the conversation now—you may be able to avoid the heartache later.
February 9, 2011
Many couples avoid talking about money. But if you start the conversation now—you may be able to avoid the heartache later.
Your Child's Assets and Financial Aid: What Counts, What Doesn't
February 2, 2011
How do assets—your own as well as your child's—impact financial aid eligibility?
February 2, 2011
How do assets—your own as well as your child's—impact financial aid eligibility?
First Steps for Your Baby's Financial Future
January 5, 2011
A new baby's daily needs can make your head spin—but you still need to do some straight thinking about your child's financial future.
January 5, 2011
A new baby's daily needs can make your head spin—but you still need to do some straight thinking about your child's financial future.
Financial "Aid" After College: What Are a Parent's Responsibilities?
November 10, 2010
What is a parent's responsibility after a child has finished college? The short answer: Retirement comes first!
November 10, 2010
What is a parent's responsibility after a child has finished college? The short answer: Retirement comes first!
Family Business: A Loan Is a Loan
September 8, 2010
Your brother borrows $10,000 and seems reluctant to pay it back. It's time to remind him of his obligation (and understand the legal implications of family loans).
September 8, 2010
Your brother borrows $10,000 and seems reluctant to pay it back. It's time to remind him of his obligation (and understand the legal implications of family loans).
Financial Planning 101: Required Course
August 11, 2010
Do you need a financial plan when you're young? Absolutely. Start early and you'll not only protect your future, you'll make everyday money management a lot easier.
August 11, 2010
Do you need a financial plan when you're young? Absolutely. Start early and you'll not only protect your future, you'll make everyday money management a lot easier.
Aging Parents: Sharing the Burden
August 4, 2010
What happens when your parents run out of money? How should you divide the responsibilities among your siblings? Start by having a conversation.
August 4, 2010
What happens when your parents run out of money? How should you divide the responsibilities among your siblings? Start by having a conversation.
Investing in Yourself: What's the Best Way to Get an MBA?
July 21, 2010
Getting an MBA degree is expensive. Should you quit your job and go to school full-time? Or keep working and pursue a degree at night and weekends?
July 21, 2010
Getting an MBA degree is expensive. Should you quit your job and go to school full-time? Or keep working and pursue a degree at night and weekends?
How to Keep Finance from Ruining Your Romance
July 7, 2010
When you make considerably more than he does, will finance ultimately trump romance? Ways to keep money from tripping you up as you walk down the aisle.
July 7, 2010
When you make considerably more than he does, will finance ultimately trump romance? Ways to keep money from tripping you up as you walk down the aisle.
Dividing Up Your Estate: Does It Ever Make Sense to Split It Unequally?
June 23, 2010
When it comes to estate planning, an equal division is usually best. But if you want to do something different, understand the consequences—and talk it out first.
June 23, 2010
When it comes to estate planning, an equal division is usually best. But if you want to do something different, understand the consequences—and talk it out first.
College Finance: Is a Private College Worth the Cost?
January 20, 2010
Higher education is expensive—and private schools are hugely so. Are they worth the extra money?
January 20, 2010
Higher education is expensive—and private schools are hugely so. Are they worth the extra money?
You Could Use Your Roth IRA to Pay Off Student Loans—but Should You?
January 6, 2010
Just because you can make an early withdrawal from your Roth IRA contributions penalty-free doesn't make it a good idea.
January 6, 2010
Just because you can make an early withdrawal from your Roth IRA contributions penalty-free doesn't make it a good idea.
Giving Money to Your Adult Children? Use It as an Introduction to Investing
September 30, 2009
An investment account for a child is an asset for his or her future—and a uniquely powerful opportunity to teach them about personal finance.
September 30, 2009
An investment account for a child is an asset for his or her future—and a uniquely powerful opportunity to teach them about personal finance.
Suddenly Alone—Where Can You Turn for Help?
September 9, 2009
Managing your financial life after losing a spouse is difficult. But there are resources you can turn to for practical help and support.
September 9, 2009
Managing your financial life after losing a spouse is difficult. But there are resources you can turn to for practical help and support.
What's the Best Way for a Parent to Help Pay Off Student Loans?
September 2, 2009
Helping your graduate pay off student loans is a great gift. Discussing your payment options and decisions can make the gift even more valuable.
September 2, 2009
Helping your graduate pay off student loans is a great gift. Discussing your payment options and decisions can make the gift even more valuable.
Get Someone Started on a Lifetime of Investing
May 27, 2009
A hundred bucks may not seem like much for an investment portfolio—but it might be plenty to get a teenager involved in investing and personal finance.
May 27, 2009
A hundred bucks may not seem like much for an investment portfolio—but it might be plenty to get a teenager involved in investing and personal finance.
Want to Make a Tax-Free Gift? Pay Attention to the Dates and Dollars
May 4, 2010
It can make you feel great to give a gift of money or property. Just make sure you're not taxed on your generosity.
May 4, 2010
It can make you feel great to give a gift of money or property. Just make sure you're not taxed on your generosity.
Investing for College: A 529 Plan Is Still a Good Idea
April 23, 2009
Given the turmoil in the markets, is the 529 plan still a viable option for college savings?
April 23, 2009
Given the turmoil in the markets, is the 529 plan still a viable option for college savings?
Financial Aid and Personal Assets: Is There an Optimal Strategy?
January 29, 2009
What do college financial aid programs consider when determining eligibility?
January 29, 2009
What do college financial aid programs consider when determining eligibility?
The information on this website is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for specific individualized tax, legal or investment planning advice. Where specific advice is necessary or appropriate, consult with a qualified tax advisor, CPA, financial planner or investment manager.
