http://www.bankrate.com/default.aspx?pid=Rss_trk en-us Copyright 2009, Bankrate Inc. Sat, 21 Nov 2009 09:04:33 GMT webmaster@bankrate.com (webmaster) http://www.bankrate.com/Images/logos/bankratelogo.gif http://www.bankrate.com/default.aspx?pid=Rss_trk 118 22 60 Hedge funds bar the riffraff. But investors can access mutual funds that employ hedging strategies. Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bankrate.com/finance/financial-literacy/hedge-funds-for-the-average-investor-1.aspx?pid=Rss_trk http://www.bankrate.com/finance/financial-literacy/hedge-funds-for-the-average-investor-1.aspx?pid=Rss_trk You don't have to defy the laws of physics to stretch your money so it will last. Just plan wisely. Thu, 19 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bankrate.com/finance/financial-literacy/7-ways-to-stretch-your-retirement-income-1.aspx?pid=Rss_trk http://www.bankrate.com/finance/financial-literacy/7-ways-to-stretch-your-retirement-income-1.aspx?pid=Rss_trk You're in the home stretch. Use catch-up contributions to maximize savings. Thu, 19 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bankrate.com/finance/video/50s-retirement-planning.aspx?pid=Rss_trk http://www.bankrate.com/finance/video/50s-retirement-planning.aspx?pid=Rss_trk Consumers can thwart marketers by tuning out their messages and tuning into what's best for them. Wed, 18 Nov 2009 14:30:00 GMT http://www.bankrate.com/blogs/retirement/boomer-bucks-blog.aspx?pid=Rss_trk http://www.bankrate.com/blogs/retirement/boomer-bucks-blog.aspx?pid=Rss_trk You might not even realize you're in the slender slice of the population that is retirement-rich. Wed, 18 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bankrate.com/finance/retirement/could-you-be-saving-too-much.aspx?pid=Rss_trk http://www.bankrate.com/finance/retirement/could-you-be-saving-too-much.aspx?pid=Rss_trk The stock market is a scary place, but experts say most investors should have some exposure. Wed, 18 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bankrate.com/finance/financial-literacy/do-stocks-make-sense-for-the-50-plus-crowd-1.aspx?pid=Rss_trk http://www.bankrate.com/finance/financial-literacy/do-stocks-make-sense-for-the-50-plus-crowd-1.aspx?pid=Rss_trk Saving in an individual retirement account is a great way to reduce taxes while building a nest egg. Wed, 18 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bankrate.com/finance/retirement/how-do-i-open-an-ira.aspx?pid=Rss_trk http://www.bankrate.com/finance/retirement/how-do-i-open-an-ira.aspx?pid=Rss_trk Take these steps to see if your nest egg can furnish your needs in best- and worst-case scenarios. Tue, 17 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bankrate.com/finance/financial-literacy/figuring-retirement-needs-in-shaky-economy-1.aspx?pid=Rss_trk http://www.bankrate.com/finance/financial-literacy/figuring-retirement-needs-in-shaky-economy-1.aspx?pid=Rss_trk Parents scramble to find alternate ways to save for their kids' college educations, but why? Fri, 13 Nov 2009 13:30:00 GMT http://www.bankrate.com/blogs/retirement/investors-shun-529-college-plans.aspx?pid=Rss_trk http://www.bankrate.com/blogs/retirement/investors-shun-529-college-plans.aspx?pid=Rss_trk Financial planners aren't using all the right tools to measure risk. They're missing its severity. Fri, 06 Nov 2009 13:30:00 GMT http://www.bankrate.com/blogs/retirement/risk-a-hard-foe-to-murder.aspx?pid=Rss_trk http://www.bankrate.com/blogs/retirement/risk-a-hard-foe-to-murder.aspx?pid=Rss_trk New tax rules will make 2010 an ideal time to convert a traditional IRA to a Roth. Wed, 04 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bankrate.com/finance/retirement/2010-is-great-time-to-choose-roth-ira.aspx?pid=Rss_trk http://www.bankrate.com/finance/retirement/2010-is-great-time-to-choose-roth-ira.aspx?pid=Rss_trk Taking an early distribution from a tax-deferred account can endanger long-term financial goals. Wed, 04 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bankrate.com/finance/retirement/ira-withdrawal-endangers-retirement.aspx?pid=Rss_trk http://www.bankrate.com/finance/retirement/ira-withdrawal-endangers-retirement.aspx?pid=Rss_trk Charitable remainder trusts let you skip the tax man, give to charity and receive an income, too. Wed, 04 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bankrate.com/finance/personal-finance/the-nuts-and-bolts-of-charitable-trusts-1.aspx?pid=Rss_trk http://www.bankrate.com/finance/personal-finance/the-nuts-and-bolts-of-charitable-trusts-1.aspx?pid=Rss_trk There's probably no need to divvy up your retirement nest egg among several investment firms. Tue, 03 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bankrate.com/finance/retirement/safe-to-keep-nest-egg-with-one-firm.aspx?pid=Rss_trk http://www.bankrate.com/finance/retirement/safe-to-keep-nest-egg-with-one-firm.aspx?pid=Rss_trk How does your family plan on dividing up actual property without disrupting the harmony? Fri, 30 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bankrate.com/finance/personal-finance/splitting-up-family-home-1.aspx?pid=Rss_trk http://www.bankrate.com/finance/personal-finance/splitting-up-family-home-1.aspx?pid=Rss_trk Test drive your retirement community a few times before deciding to make it your home. Fri, 30 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bankrate.com/finance/retirement/video-finding-a-retirement-community.aspx?pid=Rss_trk http://www.bankrate.com/finance/retirement/video-finding-a-retirement-community.aspx?pid=Rss_trk In the Great Crash that began 80 years ago, stocks fell 89 percent. Can you stomach that big a loss? Thu, 29 Oct 2009 14:00:00 GMT http://www.bankrate.com/blogs/retirement/stocks-a-good-bet-if-you-keep-pluggin-away.aspx?pid=Rss_trk http://www.bankrate.com/blogs/retirement/stocks-a-good-bet-if-you-keep-pluggin-away.aspx?pid=Rss_trk Retirees can avoid outliving their money by buying annuities, but they can be complex and costly. Wed, 28 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bankrate.com/finance/financial-literacy/guaranteed-income-for-life-1.aspx?pid=Rss_trk http://www.bankrate.com/finance/financial-literacy/guaranteed-income-for-life-1.aspx?pid=Rss_trk Use your clout and common sense to reduce the impact of fees on your retirement nest egg. Tue, 27 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bankrate.com/finance/retirement/take-steps-to-curb-retirement-plan-fees-1.aspx?pid=Rss_trk http://www.bankrate.com/finance/retirement/take-steps-to-curb-retirement-plan-fees-1.aspx?pid=Rss_trk Economic changes and possible tax reform make this a good time to review your plan. Mon, 26 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bankrate.com/finance/retirement/review-estate-plan-before-it-s-too-late.aspx?pid=Rss_trk http://www.bankrate.com/finance/retirement/review-estate-plan-before-it-s-too-late.aspx?pid=Rss_trk Annuities have good and bad points. Dig deep to learn all the restrictions, fees and taxes involved. Fri, 23 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bankrate.com/finance/financial-literacy/pros-and-cons-of-annuities-1.aspx?pid=Rss_trk http://www.bankrate.com/finance/financial-literacy/pros-and-cons-of-annuities-1.aspx?pid=Rss_trk A talk with a financial adviser may help a woman design a better retirement asset allocation plan. Fri, 23 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bankrate.com/finance/retirement/roth-ira-strategy-stalls.aspx?pid=Rss_trk http://www.bankrate.com/finance/retirement/roth-ira-strategy-stalls.aspx?pid=Rss_trk Everyone has an estate. If you don't plan for the distribution of your assets, the state has a backup plan. Fri, 23 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bankrate.com/finance/personal-finance/the-basics-of-estate-planning-1.aspx?pid=Rss_trk http://www.bankrate.com/finance/personal-finance/the-basics-of-estate-planning-1.aspx?pid=Rss_trk The earlier you begin investing, the better your prospects for getting rich. Fri, 23 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bankrate.com/finance/video/retirement-in-your-20s.aspx?pid=Rss_trk http://www.bankrate.com/finance/video/retirement-in-your-20s.aspx?pid=Rss_trk Halloween may seem scary, but your retirement picture could be truly terrifying. Boohoo! Thu, 22 Oct 2009 11:00:00 GMT http://www.bankrate.com/blogs/retirement/happy-national-save-for-retirement-week.aspx?pid=Rss_trk http://www.bankrate.com/blogs/retirement/happy-national-save-for-retirement-week.aspx?pid=Rss_trk Our money stories are complicated, like Rorschach tests, says psychiatrist and author David Krueger. Wed, 21 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bankrate.com/finance/financial-literacy/the-underlying-meaning-of-money-1.aspx?pid=Rss_trk http://www.bankrate.com/finance/financial-literacy/the-underlying-meaning-of-money-1.aspx?pid=Rss_trk Self-employed workers can choose from several retirement plans that vary in cost and complexity. Tue, 20 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bankrate.com/finance/financial-literacy/retirement-plans-for-self-employed-workers.aspx?pid=Rss_trk http://www.bankrate.com/finance/financial-literacy/retirement-plans-for-self-employed-workers.aspx?pid=Rss_trk Four ways you can help your retirement recover from 2008's financial disasters. Tue, 20 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bankrate.com/finance/video/4-ways-to-fix-your-retirement.aspx?pid=Rss_trk http://www.bankrate.com/finance/video/4-ways-to-fix-your-retirement.aspx?pid=Rss_trk The average active manager is his own enemy, says Vanguard fund manager Michael Buek. Fri, 16 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bankrate.com/finance/financial-literacy/why-index-funds-beat-active-strategies-1.aspx?pid=Rss_trk http://www.bankrate.com/finance/financial-literacy/why-index-funds-beat-active-strategies-1.aspx?pid=Rss_trk Financial experts often get it wrong. No wonder regular people make these mistakes. Thu, 15 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bankrate.com/finance/financial-literacy/7-retirement-account-mishaps-that-cost-big-1.aspx?pid=Rss_trk http://www.bankrate.com/finance/financial-literacy/7-retirement-account-mishaps-that-cost-big-1.aspx?pid=Rss_trk Our financial planning expert answers your most common questions about estate planning. Tue, 13 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bankrate.com/finance/personal-finance/estate-planning-q-a.aspx?pid=Rss_trk http://www.bankrate.com/finance/personal-finance/estate-planning-q-a.aspx?pid=Rss_trk A law change for the 2008 tax year simplified the process of rolling 401(k) funds into a Roth IRA. Mon, 12 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bankrate.com/finance/investing/new-rule-simplifies-roth-rollover.aspx?pid=Rss_trk http://www.bankrate.com/finance/investing/new-rule-simplifies-roth-rollover.aspx?pid=Rss_trk Sen. Herb Kohl chats about health reform, long-term care, target-date funds and retirement issues. Thu, 26 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bankrate.com/finance/financial-literacy/seniors-to-benefit-from-health-care-reform-1.aspx?pid=Rss_trk http://www.bankrate.com/finance/financial-literacy/seniors-to-benefit-from-health-care-reform-1.aspx?pid=Rss_trk Dividing investments between Roth and traditional retirement accounts provides tax diversification. Thu, 08 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bankrate.com/finance/investing/roth-ira-helps-lower-tax-risk.aspx?pid=Rss_trk http://www.bankrate.com/finance/investing/roth-ira-helps-lower-tax-risk.aspx?pid=Rss_trk Convert your taxable income IRA into a never-taxed income IRA. Thu, 08 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bankrate.com/finance/video/convert-ira-to-save-taxes.aspx?pid=Rss_trk http://www.bankrate.com/finance/video/convert-ira-to-save-taxes.aspx?pid=Rss_trk Most Americans plan to work through retirement because they like work or they'll need the money. Tue, 06 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bankrate.com/finance/financial-literacy/americans-plan-to-work-through-retirement-1.aspx?pid=Rss_trk http://www.bankrate.com/finance/financial-literacy/americans-plan-to-work-through-retirement-1.aspx?pid=Rss_trk Before you leave a job, don't forget your retirement money. Tue, 06 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bankrate.com/finance/retirement/video-lost-and-found-pensions.aspx?pid=Rss_trk http://www.bankrate.com/finance/retirement/video-lost-and-found-pensions.aspx?pid=Rss_trk Some retirees find that their golden years are a good time to try out a new career. Mon, 23 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bankrate.com/finance/retirement/video-making-money-in-retirement.aspx?pid=Rss_trk http://www.bankrate.com/finance/retirement/video-making-money-in-retirement.aspx?pid=Rss_trk Cash-strapped retirees can use real estate investments to boost their monthly income. Thu, 01 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bankrate.com/finance/financial-literacy/3-ways-real-estate-can-help-retirees-1.aspx?pid=Rss_trk http://www.bankrate.com/finance/financial-literacy/3-ways-real-estate-can-help-retirees-1.aspx?pid=Rss_trk Accumulating money for retirement is easy compared to converting your investments to income. Tue, 24 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bankrate.com/finance/financial-literacy/how-to-create-a-retirement-income-stream-1.aspx?pid=Rss_trk http://www.bankrate.com/finance/financial-literacy/how-to-create-a-retirement-income-stream-1.aspx?pid=Rss_trk Paying off a car loan may not make sense at a time when jobs are disappearing fast. Thu, 24 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bankrate.com/finance/investing/paying-off-car-loan-could-backfire.aspx?pid=Rss_trk http://www.bankrate.com/finance/investing/paying-off-car-loan-could-backfire.aspx?pid=Rss_trk Choosing which type of retirement plan to use depends on your situation. Thu, 24 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bankrate.com/finance/retirement/video-roth-or-regular-401-k.aspx?pid=Rss_trk http://www.bankrate.com/finance/retirement/video-roth-or-regular-401-k.aspx?pid=Rss_trk Joanne and Pat save 28 percent of their income. Their disciplined strategy will likely pay off. Wed, 25 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bankrate.com/finance/financial-literacy/can-this-couple-retire-early-1.aspx?pid=Rss_trk http://www.bankrate.com/finance/financial-literacy/can-this-couple-retire-early-1.aspx?pid=Rss_trk Transferring retirement funds into a traditional IRA rollover will not net a new tax break. Mon, 21 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bankrate.com/finance/taxes/rollover-funds-won-t-get-new-tax-break.aspx?pid=Rss_trk http://www.bankrate.com/finance/taxes/rollover-funds-won-t-get-new-tax-break.aspx?pid=Rss_trk If you suffered stomach-churning dips in your 401(k), follow these strategies going forward. Fri, 18 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bankrate.com/finance/retirement/financial-meltdown-401-k-plans.aspx?pid=Rss_trk http://www.bankrate.com/finance/retirement/financial-meltdown-401-k-plans.aspx?pid=Rss_trk Follow these helpful hints to correctly recharacterize your Roth to a traditional IRA. Tue, 15 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bankrate.com/finance/retirement/4-steps-to-undo-a-roth-ira-conversion-1.aspx?pid=Rss_trk http://www.bankrate.com/finance/retirement/4-steps-to-undo-a-roth-ira-conversion-1.aspx?pid=Rss_trk If you work longer, your nest egg could grow. But you might sabotage your benefits. Mon, 23 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bankrate.com/finance/financial-literacy/should-you-work-in-retirement-1.aspx?pid=Rss_trk http://www.bankrate.com/finance/financial-literacy/should-you-work-in-retirement-1.aspx?pid=Rss_trk A 401(k) hardship withdrawal will nick you twice -- once in taxes, and again in a penalty fee. Fri, 04 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bankrate.com/finance/taxes/can-t-avoid-tax-on-early-401-k-pay.aspx?pid=Rss_trk http://www.bankrate.com/finance/taxes/can-t-avoid-tax-on-early-401-k-pay.aspx?pid=Rss_trk Retirement is often a do-it-yourself project these days. Roll up your sleeves and get started. Wed, 02 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bankrate.com/finance/financial-literacy/use-tools-to-gauge-your-retirement-needs.aspx?pid=Rss_trk http://www.bankrate.com/finance/financial-literacy/use-tools-to-gauge-your-retirement-needs.aspx?pid=Rss_trk Institutional investors, the big guns that run pensions, have a few extra tools at their disposal. Wed, 02 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bankrate.com/finance/financial-literacy/how-the-pros-invest-billions-1.aspx?pid=Rss_trk http://www.bankrate.com/finance/financial-literacy/how-the-pros-invest-billions-1.aspx?pid=Rss_trk