Understanding risk

Few terms in personal finance are as important, or used as frequently, as "risk." Nevertheless, few terms are as imprecisely defined. Generally, when... Read the full article

The best ways to save for college

In the college savings game, all strategies aren't created equal. The best savings vehicles offer special tax advantages if the funds are used to pay... Read the full article

ABCs of financial aid

These days, it's hard to talk about college without mentioning financial aid. Yet this pairing isn't a marriage of love, but one of necessity. In... Read the full article

Going back to school as an adult

You've decided that college or graduate school is your ticket to a better career or the path to advancement in your current job. Or maybe you just... Read the full article

Finding money to pay college bills out of pocket

You've saved for your child's college education through the years, helped your child research schools, and supervised the application process. Now,... Read the full article

Year-end tax planning

As the end of the year approaches, it's time to consider strategies that can help you reduce your tax bill. But most tax tips, suggestions, and... Read the full article

Tax planning for income

The goal of income tax planning is to minimize your federal income tax liability. You can achieve this in different ways. Typically, though, you'd... Read the full article