Personal finance news - CNNMoney.com

Be a smarter charitable giver

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 04:48:15 EST

When it comes to charitable giving, some well-intentioned moves can backfire.

Never too old for stocks

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 04:28:53 EST

Question: I'm nearing retirement, but would like to continue investing in stocks and bonds. My question: Should retirees continue to put money into the markets even after they have retired? --Lee Benge, Charlotte, North Carolina

Personal bankruptcies surge 9%

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 12:50:53 EST

The number of Americans filing personal bankruptcies surged 9% in October, and were on target for the highest annual total in four years, according to a report issued Wednesday.

3 ways to save on health insurance

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 04:04:55 EST

1. Choose the right plan

Money's new More Money blog

Tue, 06 Oct 2009 16:48:50 EDT

Globetrotting for a strong dollar

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 10:05:24 EST

When the U.S. dollar gained ground on the Euro and other currencies last year, glossy travel magazines celebrated the affordability of once-pricey locales. Cheap lattes in Paris!

Extreme savers

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 11:28:09 EST

The Great Recession has forced some people to find creative ways to cut back on their spending. CNNMoney.com looks at what five people are doing to save money.

3 steps to a better retirement

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 08:45:11 EST

Question: My husband and I are in our late '50s and haven't put anything away for retirement, although we do own our home. We figure we'll work another 10 years or so before retiring. Do you have any helpful suggestions for us so we won't have to live solely on Social Security? --Peggy, Rockvale, Colorado

Gasp! Fund manager commits selfless act

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 11:41:13 EST

It's fun writing about Wall Street's greedheads and tax dodgers. But every once in a while, I get to write about something positive -- and unpublicized -- that some Wall Street types have done. Today's reversal of the Street's natural order involves Davis Advisors.

The future of car safety is here

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 09:04:31 EST

New, groundbreaking features can alert you to danger before you even know it's there. But added safety comes at added cost.

Investing by burgers and beer

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 15:58:40 EST

You decide you're going to have some friends over to watch a little NASCAR. You hit the supermarket and buy some burgers, hot dogs and a 12-pack. You get home, fire up the grill, turn on the tube and let your dog out.

When Grandma offers tuition help

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 11:59:09 EST

Despite losses in their own investments, 65% of grandparents plan to help their grandkids pay for college, reports the College Savings Foundation. That may spell relief for parents squeezed by the economy. But handled incorrectly, such giving could hurt your child's chances for financial aid, says Joe Hurley of savingforcollege.com. Here are the best ways for Grandma to give.

5 things never to say to your insurers

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 03:56:11 EST

1. "I think ..."

Best digital camera bargains

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 03:56:08 EDT

Capture holiday memories with these snazzy shooters - and still have money left for the turkey.

50 Best Jobs in America

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 09:49:56 EDT

Money looked for careers with great pay, superior growth prospects, intellectual challenge, flexibility and more.

Retired early ... and getting scared

Tue, 13 Oct 2009 10:08:20 EDT

Question: I had the good fortune to be able to retire early at age 52, but last year's market meltdown has made me rethink the decision. I may still be okay, but I don't have the same level of certainty I once had. My question is this: How will Social Security be calculated for me and how does the fact that I haven't worked the last few years fit into the calculation? --Jack Ford, West Newbury, Mass.

How much you'll need in retirement

Thu, 08 Oct 2009 10:27:07 EDT

Question: I always heard that you will need 80% or so of your working salary to live on in retirement. But is that a percentage of your gross income or your take-home pay? --Mary Taylor, Chalfont, Pennsylvania

Leaving your job? Don't forget your 401(k)

Tue, 04 Aug 2009 11:04:01 EDT

Question: I'm in my 30's and have a 401(k) from a previous job, 75% of which is invested in a variety of stock portfolios. Although my stock holdings have recovered a bit recently, I'm still down about $7,000 from my peak balance. I'm planning to roll over this old 401(k) into either the 401(k) at my new job or into an IRA account, but I'm wondering whether I should do the rollover now while stocks are still cheap or wait until the market has recovered and then do it. What do think? --Todd Gerecke, Lynden, Washington

Fixing a stock-heavy retirement account

Thu, 20 Aug 2009 12:25:37 EDT

Question: I'm 55 years old and have my entire retirement savings plan at work invested in a total stock market index fund. I'm worried, though, that my account is too heavily skewed toward equities given my age. Any suggestions for how I might take a more balanced approach? --Ray K., Oakland, California

An early start on good saving habits

Thu, 23 Jul 2009 04:18:39 EDT

Question: My 21-year-old daughter makes $80,000 a year working at a large firm. She has very low expenses, so I'd like to see her sock away a huge amount of money. I told her that if you get used to spending a lot each month on "fun" stuff, it will be much harder to save down the road. I'd also like to see her bypass the high-end investment firms in favor of less expensive alternatives. What do you suggest? --Tom F., Chatham, Illinois