Good news for heirs about estate taxes
It’s not unusual for states to claim that they’re terrific places to live. But increasingly, states are trying to get out the message that they’re also great places to die.In 2015, four states will increase the amount that’s exempt from state estate taxes, reducing or eliminating the tax that heirs will have to pay.Maryland raises exemptionOn Jan. 1, Maryland’s ... READ MORE
Investors face risks with Chinese stocks
Something about the deal smelled fishy.China Marine Food Group Ltd., a Chinese company then on the New York Stock Exchange, spent $27 million in January 2010 to acquire a firm whose main asset was “algae-based drink know-how.” The weird thing: Three months earlier, the beverage formula had been valued below $8,800.But when the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission tried to... READ MORE
Time to lock in your stock market gains?
If you have been investing in the stock market for the last five years or so, you know that the results have been excellent. Since the stock recovery started in March 2009, the market has increased at an annual rate of approximately 25 percent through July 2014.It is not unusual for the market to have a “correction” — a drop of 10 percent or more — at the end of a... READ MORE
What’s the right time to sell bond funds?
If bonds start to tumble, should I sell my bond mutual fund?It’s a question investors are asking as expectations rise for a more volatile bond market. But a better question may be: How difficult will it be for my fund manager to sell?Worries are increasing that some managers will have a tough time finding buyers for their bonds if a flood of investors tries to pull out of their funds... READ MORE
AARP classes aim to boost driver safety
“Am I a safe driver?”That’s what Kathryn Malott wants seniors to think every time they put their car key in the ignition.The Desert Hot Springs resident says she’s found her way “to give back” as the district coordinator for AARP Driver Safety Course designed for drivers ages 55 and older.Basically, the classes show seniors how to remain safe, competent... READ MORE
Social Security benefits rise little in 2015
Millions of older Americans who rely on federal benefits will get a 1.7 percent increase in their monthly payments next year. It’s the third year in a row the increase will be less than 2 percent.The annual cost-of-living adjustment, or COLA, affects payments to more than 70 million Social Security recipients, disabled veterans and federal retirees. That’s more than a fifth of... READ MORE
Smaller companies may pay big dividends
In the hunt for dividends, biggest doesn’t always mean best.Big, blue chip stocks are often the first stop for many dividend investors. Companies like Exxon Mobil or Procter & Gamble have long histories of paying dividends and higher yields than the market’s average.But smaller companies pay dividends too, and some mutual-fund managers count them among the best opportunities ... READ MORE
Mutual funds falter in the third quarter
Take a breath.After delivering solid and consistent returns through the first half of this year, most types of mutual funds faltered in the third quarter. It wasn’t a disaster — most of the declines were modest, and the largest categories of stock and bond funds were virtually flat — but it was a letdown for anyone who got accustomed to steady and widespread quarterly... READ MORE
Ditch rising stocks or stick with them?
Is it time to cash out of stocks?The market has nearly tripled in a little over five years, and the Standard & Poor’s 500 index closed above 2,000 for the first time in late August. With each record, the temptation grows to take your winnings and flee.Plenty of experts think stocks are about to drop. But many others offer compelling arguments for the rally to continue for... READ MORE
Sun and wind energy empower portfolios
You can now fit a wind or solar farm into your portfolio, even if your portfolio isn’t exactly vast.Energy companies are wrapping renewable energy projects and other power-related assets that generate steady cash into new companies they hope attract investors hunting for dividends.In an unfortunate victory for corporate speak, they are called yieldcos. They’re the electric power ... READ MORE