Podcasts

You rarely have much advance warning to prepare for most natural disasters. That’s why it's important to put a financial emergency kit together now—ahead of a crisis.

Most business in the securities industry is done fairly and efficiently, but problems can arise. If you believe that a sales person, brokerage firm or other industry professional has treated you unfairly, you can file a complaint with FINRA. Before you file a complaint, here are four questions to ask yourself.

When the stock market is rocky, the best way to steady your pulse is by focusing on your overall financial picture. Combined with sound planning, this approach can pay dividends regardless of market conditions.

Have you ever pumped a few squirts of vanilla hazelnut syrup into your latte? There’s nothing wrong with that. But pumping up a coffee stock with hype and false statements? That's illegal. And the Securities and Exchange Commission recently brought fraud charges against alleged perpetrators of just such a scheme. We explain that scheme and give you tips on how to avoid becoming a victim.

As you look for a financial professional, you’ll probably come across people who call themselves financial planners. It's a phrase that encompasses many types of services and skills. Here are three things you need to know about financial planners.

If it's been a while since you've checked the asset allocation in your portfolio, consider looking to see whether it's still achieving the balance you intended. If not, it may be time to rebalance.

When it comes to saving for a child's college education, you have many choices. If you’re thinking about opening an ESA, here are five things to consider.

Advertisements for reverse mortgages can give the false impression that they are an easy, cost-free way for retirees to finance vacations and leisurely lifestyles. But reverse mortgages aren’t free money, and misusing them—or misunderstanding how they work—can jeopardize your financial future.

Part four of this six-part series covers sales practice priorities like senior investors and anti-money laundering.

At the swipe of a fingertip or the click of a mouse, you can access a broad range of automatic investment tools. Financial professionals have used auto tools for decades to help customers build and manage investment portfolios, and a growing number of these tools are now available directly to investors. The tools may offer benefits, but it’s important to understand their risks and limitations before using them.

College is an expensive investment for many families and students. And its cost seems to outpace inflation every year. For students and parents eligible for financial aid, student loans are likely to be part of most college aid packages. If you take out a student loan, make sure you understand who is lending the money, and the terms and conditions of the loan.

Uncle Sam encourages you to save for retirement with tax-deferred and salary reductions plans, like IRAs and 401(k)s. It’s important to know the tax consequences of the income you get from these plans and any pensions you may be entitled to when you retire. We tell you what you need to know.

Maybe you use the services of a securities professional, like a broker or investment adviser, or are thinking about contacting one. Maybe you’ve wondered what it takes to become a securities professional. We’ve put together a list of five things you should know about securities professionals, including who needs to register with FINRA and what it takes to get and maintain a FINRA registration.

Mutual funds are a popular way to invest in securities. Some people find they offer certain advantages over buying individual stocks and bonds. But not all mutual funds are the same. And—as with any security—mutual fund investments involve risks, like the possibility you may lose money. So before you invest in a mutual fund, take time to understand them. We’ve put together a list of five things you need to know about investing in mutual funds.

Mutual funds are a popular way to invest in securities. Some people find they offer certain advantages over buying individual stocks and bonds. But not all mutual funds are the same. And—as with any security—mutual fund investments involve risks, like the possibility you may lose money. So before you invest in a mutual fund, take time to understand them. We’ve put together a list of five things you need to know about investing in mutual funds.