Personal finance news - CNNMoney.com

Will a weak dollar hit my portfolio?

Tue, 13 May 2008 10:07:45 EDT

Currency trends can affect the yields on your international stock funds. Here's how you can protect yourself.

6 gas-saving myths

Tue, 13 May 2008 11:39:00 EDT

With gasoline prices hitting record levels, it seems everyone has a tip on how to save fuel. Much of the advice is well-intentioned, but in the end, much of it won't lower your gas bill.

Ditch that car, hop a train

Tue, 13 May 2008 11:32:10 EDT

The soaring price of gas has convinced New Jersey resident Eric Scott to trade the comfort of his car for a seat on the train every morning after 17 years of driving to the office.

6 signs of an economic rebound

Tue, 13 May 2008 09:52:36 EDT

By now you've had enough of the endless gloom in today's economic news: record oil prices, slower home sales, deepening loan losses, disappointing corporate earnings. What you're really looking for at this point are a few signs of hope.

The only 7 investments you need

Mon, 12 May 2008 06:49:58 EDT

It's a tough market, but that doesn't mean you need more weapons for your portfolio. Now more than ever, don't complicate your strategy. Simplify it.

My wife can't keep a secret

Mon, 12 May 2008 10:40:36 EDT

Every time we get some money, the family hands shoot out. How can I get my wife to zip her lip?

Why your tax rate is going up

Fri, 09 May 2008 05:22:55 EDT

Last week, the federal government began sending out more than $100 billion in "tax rebates" to millions of Americans in an effort to stimulate the sluggish economy.

Don't lose faith in your 401(k)

Thu, 08 May 2008 09:23:36 EDT

Even when markets are headed south, a 401(k) is a great vehicle for retirement savings.

Do I really need a 'CFP'?

Wed, 07 May 2008 09:50:05 EDT

Question: I'm looking for a financial planner. Should I find one with who is a Certified Financial Planner (CFP)?

Savers: Beware of falling interest rates

Tue, 06 May 2008 09:42:34 EDT

With inflation outpacing yields on savings and money market accounts, what's a saver to do?

Can you retire by 55?

Thu, 01 May 2008 17:40:38 EDT

There are many factors that will help you determine whether you'll be able to retire early. Here's how to figure it out.

How financial planners earn their fees

Thu, 01 May 2008 06:57:44 EDT

Question: Why are you against paying higher fees to planners? Aren't higher returns worth high fees? If someone is providing a superior service, they should be well compensated for that service. How is it any different from other service professions like doctors, lawyers, or even pool cleaners?

Fed moves on credit card crackdown

Fri, 02 May 2008 16:47:19 EDT

The Federal Reserve on Friday pushed ahead with a proposal to stop abuses by credit card issuers, a day after two other key bank regulatory agencies proposed effectively the same package of new rules.

6 ways to cope in a scary market

Mon, 05 May 2008 15:22:26 EDT

Memo to the market gods: I can't take it anymore. One day fear of recession tanks stocks. The next day it's inflation or a collapsing investment bank. Frankly, the market needs Prozac.

Solving a $2 trillion puzzle

Thu, 01 May 2008 05:52:34 EDT

Reducing health care costs - and insuring the 47 million Americans who have no coverage - is the Rubik's Cube of policy puzzles. And it's one that the Democratic and Republican presidential candidates say they can solve.

My sister can't manage her money

Tue, 11 Mar 2008 12:01:24 EDT

Finances can be a touchy subject among family members. If you try to offer help, proceed with caution, says Money Magazine's Walter Updegrave.

Death of stocks? Reports greatly exaggerated

Tue, 11 Mar 2008 10:33:36 EDT

Bonds will occasionally outperform the stock market in the short run, but over the long haul, stocks still tend to come out on top.

A recession won't wreck your retirement

Tue, 12 Feb 2008 04:35:31 EST

With the 'R' word looming, a lot of investors are ready to jump ship to shield their retirement. Look before you leap, says Money Magazine's Walter Updegrave.

Your kids don't need life insurance

Thu, 31 Jan 2008 09:59:02 EST

Don' be misled by advertisements promising a high cash value for a small premium. There are better steps you can take to secure your child's future says Money Magazine's Walter Updegrave.

Invest now? Or in dribs and drabs?

Fri, 07 Sep 2007 09:28:46 EDT

Question: Each year my wife and I contribute the maximum to our retirement accounts. My question concerns the timing of our investments. Are we better off spreading out the money we invest over the entire year - or should we invest the money as soon as we can? - Eric, Seattle, Washington