CATEGORIES

Our Favorite Dividend Stocks

In a wacky year, payouts from our income picks held steady.

Make the Bank Pay You More

This brutal year has been horrendous for those who hold stock in banks and related financial companies. But just as daily life shall improve for society, the same is true for bank shares.

HOW TO INVEST FOR A WEAKER DOLLAR

The greenback is fading—but that doesn’t mean your portfolio has to.

Keeping an Eye on Future Returns

Here’s what experts see ahead—and way ahead—for the performance of stocks and bonds.

How We Lose When We Overlook Black Talent

Comments from the Wells Fargo CEO reflect a culture that tramples on clients’ trust and limits opportunities for people of color.

ESTATE PLANNING DURING THE PANDEMIC

Here’s how to prepare for the worst in this terrible, horrible, no good, very bad year.

Financial Service Firms That Treat You Like a Star

As a personal finance publication, we spend a lot of time evaluating the numbers when we recommend financial institutions and their products. We spotlight banks that offer high-interest rates and low fees on checking and savings accounts, and we note credit card issuers that provide ample cash back or points on everyday spending. When you’re in the market for a mortgage, we encourage you to shop for a low-interest rate, and we advise you to regularly compare premiums on home and auto insurance policies. // But many would argue that exceptional customer service is just as important as low fees or competitive interest rates. An insurance company is worth its weight in gold if its agents are responsive and fair when you’re dealing with a damaged car or home. A mortgage lender that helps pave the way to a smooth close on a home purchase can save you a lot of headaches. And banks and credit card issuers with strong customer service teams can quickly put a lid on fraudulent activity or other problems with your accounts.

A Guide To Streaming Services

Competition is growing. That’s giving you more choices—and a chance to save money.

Some Inflation Is Better Than None

A few weeks ago, at a socially distanced backyard lunch, my recently retired friend Richard, a cautious saver and investor bemoaned the pittance his and other banks pay depositors.

SMART WAYS TO SPEND $1,000

Got a little extra cash sitting in your bank account? Consider some timely ideas for putting it to good use. On our list: financial gifts for family, contributions to charity, sprucing up your home and buying a new bike. Got even more cash on hand? We also have suggestions for ways to spend up to $10,000.

Sleep Tight Portfolio Fixes

You’ve got problems. We’ve got solutions. Use our guide to keep your portfolio from keeping you awake, no matter what the market does.

YOUR GUIDE TO Open Enrollment

Your health insurance options may look a little different this fall. Meanwhile, the cost of coverage continues to climb.

How to Pay for Homeschooling

You may be able to save money with tax-advantaged savings accounts or tax breaks from your state.

Make the Most of a Buyout Offer

Handled wisely, your buyout could help you build a bridge to retirement without jeopardizing your financial security.

5 Signs You're Ready to Retire

PROFESSIONAL INSIGHT FROM PERSONAL CAPITAL

College During COVID

Students and their families must be ready to adapt to the changes in the way they attend— and possibly pay for—college.

MONEY - GIVE YOUR CREDIT A BOOST

When times get tough, your credit profile could take a hit. Here’s how to keep it in shape.

The Caregiving Challenge

The sandwich generation has it tough in the best of times. The pandemic has made it even tougher.

Stay on Course With Student Loans

MILLENNIAL MONEY

PRACTICAL PORTFOLIO - Digesting Corporate Profits

You need to go beyond the headlines to interpret a company’s earnings.

MAKING IT WORK - Back to School, Ready or Not

This Florida teacher’s school let families choose distance learning or in-person classes.

Fresh Voices in Personal Finance

MONEY SMART WOMEN

HOW TO CREATE Income for Life

Having a paycheck you can depend on in retirement is more important than ever.

Finding Good Stocks in a Bad Sector

STREET SMART

Bonds Are Safer Than They Look

INCOME INVESTING

A Bridge Over the Racial Divide

This ex-baseball player is using his background to bring understanding and advocate for change.

Time for an Insurance Review

You may need to update your policies in light of COVID-19.

TIMELY REASONS TO BUY A Vacation Home

With remote work on the rise, more people are looking for a permanent getaway.

The Election and Your Money

We’ve assessed how the presidential candidates’ stances on financial issues will affect your wallet.

The Joys of Being Retired

Several months ago, I wrote that one of my simple pleasures in retirement is having the freedom to run errands at noon on a Tuesday, with little traffic, lots of parking and ’60s music playing on the car radio (see “Living in Retirement,” Dec. 2019). That prompted an e-mail from reader Bob Swahlen, who also experiences “the joy of having freedom and time,” with one exception: “I find Bo Diddley to be a good companion on the ’50s channel.”