Mutual funds run by artificial intelligence

A computer can trounce a human chess master and solve complex mathematical calculations in seconds. Can it do a better job investing your money than a flesh-and-blood portfolio manager? Investors willing to test that question can do so with a couple of exchange-traded funds, or ETFs, that leave the investment decisions to a computer’s so-called artificial intelligence, or AI. ETF... READ MORE

Finding buried treasure in financial docs

On my family’s annual pilgrimage to the Northeast in late June, I took two days to help a 94-year-old relative get her financial house in order. I didn’t find any money buried under a mattress, but I did find some hidden in places most people don’t look — but they probably should. I knew she had updated her will after recently moving to a new state, but I was not certain what... READ MORE

Four steps to protect against elder financial abuse

Chances are, you may have been swindled at some point in your life, or you know someone who has. Nearly half of consumers surveyed recently by Stanford University's Center on Longevity and the Finra Investor Education Foundation reported being a victim of financial fraud in the previous year — a far higher tally than earlier surveys indicated. No socioeconomic or demographic group is... READ MORE

How to stop getting annoying robo calls

Your phone rings, and a perky voice announces that she is "Heather from card services," and she has important news for you. You know Heather is a recording and that the low interest rate she's promoting is a scam. You hang up. Robo calls that use sales pitches or scare tactics to siphon your money are on the rise. Unwanted calls have topped the Federal Communications Commission's list of ... READ MORE

Don’t panic dealing with credit card fraud

How do you know when it’s time to retire?

Are you obligated to support your parents?

Question: My retired parents are having a hard time paying for their modest living expenses in Florida, and they might be facing home healthcare or nursing home costs soon. I think my siblings and I should all chip in, but my brother is balking. He says we have no moral obligation to help our parents, and that’s what government assistance is for. What do you think? Answer: I’m... READ MORE

Some of the best things you can get for free

Only one thing beats getting a good price on something, and that’s getting it for free. Our list of freebies is packed with something-for-nothing deals. We don’t allow any useless junk on our list — only quality goods and services that you would happily pay good money for (perhaps you’re already doing so). Go ahead. Put away your wallet. We insist! Free podcasts Whether you... READ MORE

After writing a will, create an estate plan

Most people have a will. But a simple will often doesn’t cover some complex issues facing your heirs, which is why I recommend an estate plan. I work with doctors, accountants and other professionals, small-business owners, and people getting ready to retire. They may have a will and a trust for their children, but an estate plan answers three fundamental questions: What you want... READ MORE

The challenges of aging in the workplace

Teresa Ghilarducci is an economics professor at the New School for Social Research in New York and the director of its Schwartz Center for Economic Policy Analysis. She has written extensively on money and retirement, including her newest book, Rescuing Retirement (Columbia University Press, $25) with Tony James, president of the Blackstone Group. In this lightly edited conversation with ... READ MORE