Welcome to our research center! We've put together a library of information on important financial topics that we believe you'll find helpful.
Simply click on one of the general financial topics below and you'll find a selection of easy-to-understand information sheets about related financial concepts and strategies. This information is updated regularly to reflect the latest facts, figures, legislation, and economic trends.
Wills and trusts allow you to spell out how you would like your property distributed, but they also go beyond that.
A living trust can help control the distribution of your estate upon death.
The probate process can be lengthy and complex. There are strategies you can use to help avoid the probate process.
To retain the tax advantages associated with charitable giving, your gift must be made to a qualified organization.
Life insurance can be used to help preserve the value of your estate for your heirs.
If you haven't taken steps already, consider planning now for the distribution of the assets of your estate.
If you believe your estate will be subject to estate taxes, consider how your heirs will pay the bill.
Compare the advantages and disadvantages of different gifting strategies available for planned giving.
Charitable lead trusts are designed for people who would like to benefit a charity now rather than later.
A designated income beneficiary could receive payment of a specified amount from a charitable remainder trust.
A wealth replacement trust could be used to gift appreciated assets to a charity as well as provide for heirs.
Sole ownership, joint tenancy, tenancy in common, and community property have special benefits for property owners.
Careful estate planning is still one of the most important ways to manage and protect your assets for your heirs.
Employer-sponsored retirement plans are more important than ever, but managing the assets can be confusing.
If you start saving for retirement sooner, the more money you are likely to accumulate and possibly retire sooner.
There can be a substantial benefit to deferring taxes as long as possible.
Want to keep more of your mutual fund profits? You may be interested in strategies to help lower your tax liability.
United States tax law is a constantly changing landscape. The latest major piece of tax legislation is the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017.
An important element to successful investing is to manage investment risk while maintaining the potential for growth.
Bonds are issued by many entities and share many characteristics, each type of bond has certain benefits and risks.
A bond is simply evidence of a debt from a government entity or a corporation and represents a long-term IOU.
Stock market indexes can be useful benchmarks for gauging the performance of an investment portfolio over time.
The difference between purchasing an individual stock versus shares in a mutual fund to potentially earn dividends.
A mutual fund is a collection of stocks, bonds, and other securities with certain benefits and risks.
With closed-end funds, investors pool their money together to purchase a professionally managed portfolio of stocks and/or bonds.
An annuity is a flexible financial vehicle that can help protect against the risk of living a long time because it provides an option for a lifetime income.
Both fixed and variable annuities could be appropriate options for an individual interested in purchasing an annuity.
There are five broad asset classes that you should take into consideration when constructing your investment portfolio.
Asset allocation is a method used to help manage investment risk; it does not guarantee a profit or protect against investment loss.
There are several funding methods for a child's college education including mutual funds and Section 529 plans.
There are other ways to invest in stocks and bonds besides owning individual shares or bonds.
Dollar-cost averaging involves investing a set amount of money on a regular basis, regardless of market conditions.
529 plans are tax-advantaged savings plans that generally allow people of any income level to contribute.
A sound cash management program uses a disciplined approach: accounting, analysis, allocation, and adjustment.
Before making investment decisions, it is helpful to determine the real rate of return on the investment.
Money market funds can be a highly liquid and effective cash management tool.
There are a number of savings alternatives that could help you earn a reasonable rate of return.
Historically, one of the best ways to fight the effects of inflation has been to utilize growth-oriented investments.
Term life insurance differs from permanent forms of life insurance in that it offers temporary protection.
Some of the pros and cons of whole life insurance.
Consider a universal life insurance policy if you want the flexibility to change your premium or death benefit.
The odds of needing long-term care increase as you age. Prior planning can help protect you from financial ruin.
If you were to suffer an illness or disability that required long-term nursing care, would you be covered?
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