By definition, term life insurance policies come to an end. But permanent policies such as whole life insurance typically provide a lifetime death benefit, regardless of your health, as long as you pay the premiums to keep the policy in force. Thus, a whole life or survivorship life policy could play an important role in [...]

As of 2015, there were roughly 15 million self-employed people in the United States. About 9.5 million had not incorporated their businesses, while the remaining 5.5 million had incorporated.1 Either way, most of these entrepreneurs and freelancers don't have an employer that withholds taxes for them. Sole proprietors, S corporation shareholders, and other self-employed individuals who [...]

In 2017, Americans born in 1955 become eligible to claim Social Security benefits at age 62. Claiming benefits before reaching full retirement age results in a permanently reduced benefit, so it requires careful consideration. But for those born in 1955 or later, the math for claiming at any age is different than it was for [...]

Almost 18 million undergraduates are expected to enroll in U.S. colleges and universities in the fall of 2017.1 Sending a student off to college can be hectic — and insurance might not be at the top of the to-do list. But every college student has insurance needs that should be addressed. Health Insurance Health policies vary [...]

The New York Stock Exchange Group averaged more than 7.4 million trades per day in 2016, with an average of almost 1.8 billion shares changing hands.1 Many of these trades are more complex than most investors need to consider, but it may be helpful to understand some basic terms and types of trades. Bid and ask — The bid [...]

Slightly more than half of U.S. businesses are home-based, and people who run businesses from their own homes often assume that their homeowner's insurance provides sufficient coverage.1 This misconception may expose them to a considerable amount of risk. With standard homeowners insurance, the coverage for business equipment such as computers is often limited to $2,500, and [...]

With inflation ticking higher and the employment situation improving, the Federal Reserve anticipates gradually lifting the benchmark federal funds rate in 2017 and 2018.1 Officials are also discussing plans to shrink the Fed's huge bond portfolio ($4.5 trillion). Phasing out the bond-buying program could reduce overall demand for government bonds and cause some financial market volatility.2 [...]

It's no secret that state pension funds face fiscal challenges. A 2017 Pew Research study found that the median funded ratio — the proportion of assets to liabilities — dropped from 75% in fiscal year 2014 to 72% in fiscal year 2015, with a total shortfall of almost $1.1 trillion. The shortfall was expected to [...]

Life insurance can serve many valuable purposes. However, later in life — when your children have grown, you've retired, or you've paid off your mortgage — you may no longer think you need to keep your coverage, or perhaps your coverage has become too expensive. You might be tempted to abandon the policy or surrender [...]