Savings Archives

If you’re an investor of a certain age, here’s a gentle reminder: don’t leave your RMD to the last minute. RMD is short for required minimum distribution, an annual withdrawal from a traditional IRA, 401(k) or similar retirement plan. RMDs must begin after the investor turns 70½. They have to be done by the end of the year, except in the year you turn 70½, when the deadline is the April 1 the following year. Read more»

They’re called “black swan events” — things so unlikely they almost never occur. A nationwide home-price decline is a black swan event. So is a nearly unstoppable deepwater oil spill, or a government bond default, or a recession worse than anything since the Great Depression. Read more»

The Vanguard Group has announced plans to launch a target-date fund aimed at people retiring in 2055. That’s right, 45 years from now. Read more»

Maybe you’re one of the lucky ones who has defied all of the economic forces and come to the verge of retirement financially sound and ready to say goodbye to your coworkers at Consolidated Widgets Inc. Well, congratulations! But before you put in your papers, take a reality check. Read more»

There’s good news for U.S. Bank (Stock Quote: USB) customers — the financial institution will lower its overdraft fees to $10 for overdrafts of less than $20. That’s as low as most big banks will go these days, and it begs the question: will other banks play along? Read more»

So you finally have that college degree in hand. Congratulations! And condolences. Like many recent college graduates, you may be shouldering a mountain of school debt. And the job market is none too wonderful. But a job will come your way sooner or later, along with an apartment and maybe a car, some credit card offers and so on. Here, then, are a few suggestions for giving your new financial life a sound foundation. Read more»

The stock market’s wild ups and downs are nerve wracking, but can provide an opportunity for savvy investors willing to dabble in the options market. Read more»

For years, savvy consumers have held out until the last minute to pay their monthly mortgage bill. Consumers like the “interest-free loan” aspect, and there’s something to be said for having the money — and not the bank. But there are some downsides, too, that could give you pause before you play the last-minute deadline game. Read more»

Think fast: Would you rather your savings earned 2% or 5%? It’s a trick question. It’s impossible to answer without another key fact: the inflation rate. It would be better to earn 2% with inflation at 0% than 5% with inflation at 6%. Read more»