Law & Money

Consider mutual funds that limit volatility

By: Mark Jewell
Consider mutual funds that limit volatility

The best move for an investor suffering from stock shock might be to stick with the market. But do it in a way that takes some of the edge off its ups and downs. If you want smoother investment returns, put your money in a bond mutual fund. But don’t forego stock funds whose managers strive to reduce volatility. A few have consistently delivered on that difficult-to-achieve goal. And they’ve done so without giving up too much of the greater long-term earnings potential of stocks versus bonds.

Will uncertainty affect healthcare stocks?

By: Dave Carpenter
Will uncertainty affect healthcare stocks?

Healthcare stocks historically provide a relatively safe haven in roiling markets. They’re less tethered to the economy’s every movement than other stocks and tend to be less volatile. Anxious investors might be considering putting money in the sector, but the current outlook is complicated by uncertainty over the government’s changing involvement in healthcare. The wild card is potential cuts to Medicare or Medicaid, soon to be considered by Congress’ new debt-reduction supercommittee.

Retirement account loans get a bum rap

By: Elliot Raphaelson
Retirement account loans get a bum rap

According to a recent article in the Wall Street Journal, the percentage of individuals borrowing from their 401(k) accounts has increased dramatically the last few years.

What investment pros are buying today

By: Dave Carpenter
What investment pros are buying today

A slumping stock market and economic difficulties make this a challenging time for investors looking for the best place to put their money. No consensus emerged among the nearly 1,700 financial planners and fund managers attending the annual Morningstar Investment Conference. But many floated ideas for good buys and strategies in this difficult environment. Several professionals offered up their single best investment ideas:

Some housing stocks rise despite market

By: Mark Jewell
Some housing stocks rise despite market

Real estate investing doesn’t have to be a losing proposition, whether home prices continue to slip or not. Ross Meredith has a lot of money riding on that notion, and it’s worked out lately. The retired bank examiner owns stock in companies called real estate investment trusts (REITs), which own commercial properties. Those six REIT stocks have returned an average of about 20 percent a year since the 2008 financial crisis.

Medicare becomes costly for high earners

By: Mark Miller
Medicare becomes costly for high earners

The new healthcare reform law aims to cover nearly all Americans and to get our exploding national healthcare tab under control. But reform also calls for some upfront investment, and someone needs to foot the bill. Wealthy retirees — it’s time to grab your wallets. Starting this year, the most affluent seniors are shouldering steep increases in Medicare premiums mandated under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). This year, the surcharges affect individuals with $85,000 or more in annual income, and joint filers with income over $170,000.

Wills provide peace of mind for the family

By: Elliot Raphaelson
Wills provide peace of mind for the family

Estate planning is one of those things everybody knows they should do, but a surprising number of people put it off until it’s too late, or do it wrong in the first place. Unfortunately, too many people of all ages hesitate to have their wills drawn up. There is no good reason to avoid that. If you die intestate — that is, without a will — you have lost the right to specify who inherits your property.

Get insured despite pre-existing conditions

By: Mark Miller
Get insured despite pre-existing conditions

Over age 50 but under 65? If so, you’re at risk of falling into the pre-existing condition healthcare gap. In the current health insurance marketplace, it’s very difficult for people with pre-existing conditions to buy a quality policy at an affordable price. The problem disproportionately affects older people in this age group; they’re too young to quality for Medicare yet very likely to have at least one chronic condition that leads health insurance companies to turn them down.

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.

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