Law & Money

A good time to invest in discount stores

By: Mark Jewell
A good time to invest in discount stores

The economic news is gloomy, and the stock market is a roller coaster. So where are mutual fund managers finding real values, aside from bargain-hunting among stocks with depressed prices? Top fund manager Chuck Akre sees lasting value in the stocks of three discount retailers, each with a gain of more than 20 percent this year. They’re among the top holdings in the Akre Focus Fund.

A primer on risks and rewards of bonds

By: Mark Jewell
A primer on risks and rewards of bonds

Baby boomers fully embraced the stock market by riding its ups and downs throughout their peak income years. But now that the oldest boomers are turning 65, their focus has turned toward ensuring a steady income from their investments. And they’re likely to find the answer is to put money in bonds rather than stocks, as recent market volatility shows.

Answers to questions about Medicare

By: Kimberly Lankford
Answers to questions about Medicare

Q: I just received my first Medicare Part B bill of the year, and my monthly premium is $115.40, rather than the $96.40 that most people are paying.  Why am I paying so much more than everyone else? I don’t earn enough to be hit by the high-income surcharge, and I’ve been covered by Medicare for several years. I’m 68, but I haven’t started collecting Social Security benefits.

Are there funds waiting for you to claim?

By: Elliot Raphaelson
Are there funds waiting for you to claim?

According to the National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators (NAUPA), assets worth over $32 billion are held by various states just waiting to be claimed by their rightful owners. You may be entitled to some of these assets. I will explain how this property ends up with the states, and how you can determine whether you have unclaimed property you don’t know about.

Avoid pitfalls when starting a business

By: Elliot Raphaelson
Avoid pitfalls when starting a business

Many Americans dream of starting a small business. For some, it’s a way of doing something they love while being their own boss. For others, it’s an idea they turn to after losing a job or retiring. What every aspiring small business owner needs to know is that starting an enterprise takes a lot of work and investment, and the chances of failure are high.

Avoid scams by checking on businesses

By: Kimberly Lankford
Avoid scams by checking on businesses

Q. It seems that every day I hear about someone being ripped off. Are there some good resources to help protect myself against scam artists? A. Although scam artists have been especially busy taking advantage of the economic downturn, there are resources to help you check out a company or an adviser before you become a victim — and help you file a complaint if you have a problem.

Avoid the scams when donating to Japan

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Avoid the scams when donating to Japan

Scammers wasted no time in taking advantage of the outpouring of compassion following Japan’s earthquake and tsunami disaster. Let it be a warning for charity-minded individuals to be on the lookout for phony aid appeals.

Before giving charity, do a little research

By: Kathy Kristof
Before giving charity, do a little research

Every holiday season, consumers get pitched by numerous charities that hope the spirit of giving will pry open hearts and pocketbooks. The appeals often have a sense of urgency, especially this year, as many charities are struggling with increasing needs and declining donations because of the economic malaise. It’s hard to turn down charities at times. But for giving to be truly effective, it should be well thought out overall and not done on impulse.

Big returns from fast food in slow market

By: Mark Jewell
Big returns from fast food in slow market

Step into the McDonald’s in Port Chester, N.Y. on a Saturday, and there’s a good chance you’ll see Jon Burnham dining on the cheap with his wife. They’re McDonald’s regulars. “Where else can two people go and have a really nice lunch or dinner for $10?” Burnham asked.

Books offer do-it-yourself financial advice

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Books offer do-it-yourself financial advice

Consider adding these recently released financial books to your shelf or e-reader (all are available as e-books). Look for more suggestions in upcoming issues. Debunkery: Learn It, Do It, and Profit From It — Seeing Through Wall Street’s Money-Killing Myths Author: Ken Fisher Price: $27.95