A CD ladder is a method of investing in certificates of deposit (CDs) that helps you earn some interest now while reducing the risk of missing higher rates later. CD issuers … Read more →

Saving for retirement is the easy part for most people, believe it or not. If you are in a job with a 401(k) or 403(b) retirement plan, your employer will … Read more →

Bond duration is the length of time it takes for a bond to pay back an investor. Think of a bond as a loan, similar to a mortgage. If the … Read more →

Fascinating data from the Center for Retirement Research at Boston College shows that most people — both men and women — take Social Security benefits at 62. That’s the earliest … Read more →

A capital gain is a profit realized from the sale of an investment. Stock, bonds and other investments purchased at given price may be later sold at a higher price. … Read more →

We’re in the second-longest bull market in history, the most durable run since 1929. A bull market by definition is a slippery concept. Some observers look for stock returns higher … Read more →

A basis point is a mathematical term that means 1/100th of 1%. Basis points are a way to discuss hundredths of a percent. If you cut 1% into a hundred … Read more →

Retiring on time and with enough savings to live well is a truly important life goal. But how much is enough saving to retire? The number you hear bandied about … Read more →

A falling knife is investment that is falling rapidly in price. Investments such as stocks can be subject to unpredictable price swings. The breadth of those swings up and down … Read more →

What’s the greatest risk to your investments and, ultimately, your retirement: A market crash? Economic calamity? No, it’s selling your investments once a market crash is under way. The data … Read more →