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Jan 17, 2020
Will Donald Trump's trial disrupt the red-hot rally? History suggests it won't.
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Jan 17, 2020
Small-cap stocks lagged the S&P 500 by a wide margin last year. However, strategists say these smaller companies are set to catch up (and more) in 2020.
"We see three favorable factors in place for small-cap stocks: a slow economy, an accommodative Fed, and the calendar, all of which add up to positive prospects for this asset class," asset manager Legg Mason says.
To get an idea of which small-cap stocks are set to break away from the pack, we scoured the S&P SmallCap 600 Index - which includes stocks worth between $450 million and $2.1 billion at the time they enter the index - looking for names with an average broker recommendation of Buy or Strong Buy. Why? Small caps can be a risky lot given their often narrow businesses and access to capital - but a bullish consensus from the pros is at least a signal that those risks might be smaller compared to their peers, and that the potential upside is worth it.
S&P Global Market Intelligence surveys analysts' stock ratings and scores them on a five-point scale, where 1.0 equals Strong Buy and 5.0 means Strong Sell. Any score of 2.0 or lower means that analysts, on average, rate the stock a Buy. The closer the score gets to 1.0, the stronger the Buy call.
We further culled that pool by considering only stocks with market values of at least $1 billion and a minimum of five Strong Buy recommendations. Lastly, we dug into research, fundamentals and headlines. The result is a list of 13 promising small-cap stocks to buy for 2020.
SEE ALSO: 20 Top Stock Picks the Analysts Love for 2020
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Jan 17, 2020
With a bull market entering its 11th year, retirees need to protect themselves from stomach-dropping volatility. Annuities can be one tool to consider.
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Jan 17, 2020
Gov. Hogan hopes $1 billion in additional tax relief will make it more affordable for retirees to stay in Maryland.
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Jan 17, 2020
When the stock market takes a dive, retirees with resilient income allocation plans still get by swimmingly. Here's what that looks like.
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Jan 17, 2020
Both the stock markets and bond markets will have Monday off as the nation honors civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr.
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Jan 16, 2020
Guaranteed income is something everyone needs throughout their retirement, and the right annuity can provide that.
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Jan 15, 2020
The Kiplinger 25 list of our favorite no-load mutual funds dates back to 2004, and our coverage of mutual funds goes all the way back to the 1950s. We believe in holding funds rather than trading them, so we focus on promising mutual funds with solid long-term records - and managers with tenures to match.
A good garden will feature a mix of tall evergreens, midsize perennial flowering plants, fast-growing ground covers and maybe a showy piece such as a sculpted topiary. Some require regular tending, while others can be left alone. Some might flower in the spring; others blaze with richly hued foliage in the fall. Each plant is chosen for its individual merits, but together they form a beautiful garden.
Assembling a portfolio of mutual funds is much the same. We consider several variables and a mix of strategies when we select our favorite actively managed no-load funds. We think the "Kip 25" represents the cream of the crop, although a fund here and a fund there might not be appropriate for your specific portfolio needs and investing horizon. The group is a diverse collection that ranges across large- and small-cap funds, international and U.S. holdings, and bonds of all sorts. Just like a mix of plant varieties, they thrive at different times and in different conditions.
Here are our picks for the best 25 low-fee mutual funds as we enter 2020: what makes them tick, and what kind of returns they've delivered.
SEE ALSO: The 30 Best Mutual Funds in 401(k) Retirement Plans
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Jan 15, 2020
Get your finances in shape in 2020 with these four resolutions.
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Jan 14, 2020
Investors should be seeking out diversification and income-producing assets as they enter a potentially wild 2020 - especially after 2019's monster run. Closed-end funds (CEFs) provide both, reducing the risk of slower or even negative returns if this year proves to look more like 2018 than 2019.
While mutual funds and exchange-traded funds (ETFs) get a lot of attention, CEFs fly well under the radar by comparison. You can learn more about closed-end funds in detail here. But in short: These actively managed funds offer a few advantages, including sometimes trading below the value of the assets they hold (which means investors can buy those assets at a discount), as well as being able to leverage debt to generate extra returns and income from their portfolio picks. The best CEFs, then, are capable of clobbering similarly constructed mutual funds and ETFs.
Yes, the very short-term outlook is encouraging. The market's on a heater to enter the year, U.S.-Chinese trade relations are thawing, unemployment remains low, wages continue to grow, and GDP growth, while not as brisk as it once was, remains solidly positive.
But sky-high stock valuations, Middle East discord and a looming presidential election cycle are among the potential headwinds standing in the way of a peaceful stroll higher in 2020. So indeed, investors might need some protection this year - and closed-end funds can deliver that.
Here are the 11 best CEFs to buy for 2020. This list of elite funds covers an array of assets and investing strategies. Each pick boasts various perks, which may include deep value, high distribution rates and strong track records.
SEE ALSO: The 20 Best ETFs to Buy for a Prosperous 2020
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Jan 14, 2020
Saving and investing may seem mundane to some, but there are ways to make it more fulfilling. Here are three strategies to do good things with your money, now and long after you're gone.
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Jan 14, 2020
Two clients' true stories during the last bear market reveal the pitfalls and opportunities that come with investing in uncertain times. Do you see yourself in this tale?
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Jan 13, 2020
Financial stocks are among the market sectors facing an extremely uncertain future in 2020.
Last year saw the sector pushed and pulled by factors including three Federal Reserve rate cuts, waffling on the U.S.-China trade deal and weak but eventually improving economic data from some of the world's largest economies. Financial stocks still managed a 29% gain amid the turmoil.
But 2019 might seem like a cakewalk compared to what's ahead. Low interest rates still are hampering commercial banks, and no one is quite sure what's in store from the Fed. Meanwhile, the U.S. and China have a much more difficult path to finish the job started by their "phase-one" trade deal, and the 2020 election cycle will have Wall Street guessing all year at whether bank stocks will enjoy another accommodative presidential term.
As a result, analysts' top picks in the financial sector aren't your usual "who's who" of big banks and insurers. While there are a couple of well-known consumer names, emerging fintech firms and smaller financial companies are catching the analyst community's eye.
Here, then, are the seven best financial stocks to buy for 2020. We've used the Stock Screener tool from TipRanks to narrow down the sector's most compelling investment opportunities, as seen by Wall Street's analysts. All of these stock picks are so overloaded with bullish opinions, in fact, that they boast a "Strong Buy" consensus rating. Take a look.
SEE ALSO: The 20 Best Stocks to Buy for 2020
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Jan 13, 2020
Taxes can be overwhelming in retirement, eating up income that you need to live on. Learn how to minimize taxes through tax diversification.
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Jan 13, 2020
It's time to set financially healthy goals for the year. You'll be glad you did.
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Jan 10, 2020
The 401(k) contribution limit increased by $500 for 2020. Plus, workers 50 and older can also save an extra amount for retirement.
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Jan 10, 2020
The contribution limit for traditional IRAs holds steady for 2020.
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Jan 10, 2020
The Roth IRA contribution limit remains the same for 2020 as it was for 2019. Retirement savers 50 and older can contribute an extra amount. Income limits apply.
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Jan 10, 2020
The Roth 401(k) contribution limit increased by $500 for 2020. Workers 50 and older can save an extra amount for retirement.
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Jan 10, 2020
Some self-employed savers can put away as much as $63,500 for retirement in a solo 401(k) in 2020, depending on age and compensation.
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Jan 10, 2020
The maximum amount workers at small businesses can contribute to a SIMPLE IRA for 2020 is $500 higher than it was for 2019.
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Jan 10, 2020
Federal workers and military personnel can save more in their TSP retirement accounts in 2020.
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Jan 10, 2020
The maximum SEP IRA contribution is higher for 2020 than it was for 2019.
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Jan 10, 2020
State and local government workers can contribute $500 more to their 457 plans in 2020 than they could in 2019. Some workers can make additional catch-up contributions, too.
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Jan 10, 2020
Teachers and nonprofit workers can contribute $500 more to their 403(b) retirement savings plan in 2020 than they could in 2019. Plus, the catch-up contribution has increased, too.
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Jan 10, 2020
Never say never, but it's hard to see stocks follow their amazing 2019 returns for a second straight year.
S&P 500 stocks sent the index a whopping 29% higher in 2020. That's a big deal. Keep in mind that the market's long-term average annual gain comes to about 7.7%, then factor in the tendency for share performance to revert to the mean, and the odds of another boffo year are slim.
Indeed, years in which the S&P 500 rises at least 20% generate an average gain of only 6.6% the following year, according to Bespoke Investment Group.
But that doesn't mean investors can't try to replicate 2019's party by seeding their holdings with stocks expected to blow away the broader market. To find stocks primed to outperform, we scoured the S&P 500 for stocks with expected price gains of at least 20% this year. We supplemented that research by limiting ourselves to stocks that are Buy-rated or better by Wall Street analysts, as well as boast promising fundamentals, attractive valuations and other bullish features.
Here, then, are 11 of the best S&P 500 stocks you can buy for outsize gains in 2020. Based analysts' projected price returns, Wall Street expects these names to rally from 20% to more than 35% this year.
SEE ALSO: 20 Top Stock Picks the Analysts Love for 2020
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Jan 10, 2020
Here's a story about how a predatory company that took advantage of a naive homeowner won its small claims court case, even though it shouldn't have. It holds lessons for anyone thinking about filing a suit themselves.
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Jan 10, 2020
The power of understanding your spending is priceless. Successfully managing your spending and personal cash flow is key to meeting your short- and long-term financial goals.
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Jan 09, 2020
Hindsight bias, recency bias and sunk cost fallacy are just three of several cognitive biases that investors need to overcome to achieve their financial objectives this year. To beat these biases, take your emotions out of the mix.
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Jan 09, 2020
Municipal bonds come with some risks that bank CDs don't, but there are ways to minimize them while still getting a better return. Plus, the interest you earn is tax free, and who doesn't love that?
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Jan 08, 2020
When investors think defense, they think utility stocks.
The S&P 500's utility sector behaved anything but defensively in 2019, however. The Utilities Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLU) delivered a 25.9% total return last year - better than more than half the index's sectors, including the revamped, "growthier" communications sector and consumer discretionary stocks.
That's surely a pleasant surprise for utility-stock investors. Many enter the sector looking not for growth, but stability in down markets and the dependable dividends these companies can afford thanks to the often regulated nature of the utility business.
Like most of the market, utility stocks did get stretched as a result of their 2019 run. "The utility sector currently trades at a P/E of 19.3x, versus a 15-year historical average of 15.01x, which represents a 29% premium to the S&P 500," Michael Sheldon, executive director and CIO of financial planner RDM Financial Group, told Kiplinger in a December email.
While Sheldon is concerned about the sector's valuation, he's also quick to point out that many utility stocks have low beta - a measure of volatility. Thus, they're still providing more stability compared to the overall market.
Here are 10 of the best utility stocks to buy for 2020. This isn't your usual group of utilities, either. While some of these names should be expected to provide a traditional combination of dividend income and lower volatility, a few are set up for potential growth thanks to their connection to green-energy initiatives.
SEE ALSO: The Pros' Picks: 20 Top Dividend Stocks for 2020
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Jan 08, 2020
A new poll conducted by Kiplinger and Personal Capital reveals concerns about market swings and potential downturns. See how your savings--and confidence level--measure up
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Jan 08, 2020
Even as you work through your grief, there are some important financial tasks to take care of along the way. Here is a framework to use as a starting point.
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Jan 08, 2020
Yes, you can pay off your debt and start building wealth. It all starts with determining which debts are "bad" and which ones are "good."
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Jan 07, 2020
Keys to organizing your finances to protect you from bogus claims of unpaid debt and scammers.
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Jan 07, 2020
If you're an early bird when it comes to filing your taxes, start gathering your receipts now. The IRS will begin processing 2019 tax returns soon.
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Jan 07, 2020
Unlike last year, all Americans must file their federal income tax return by the same date in 2020.
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Jan 07, 2020
Now that a new decade has started, get motivated to make it the best ever for your finances by taking a few practical steps.
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Jan 06, 2020
Required minimum distributions are a fact of life for traditional IRAs. The rules are complex and they've recently changed.
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Jan 06, 2020
It's that time of year when Wall Street offers up its many forecasts for the coming 52 weeks, based on anything from earnings growth to interest rates to the possibility of a coming recession - and in 2020, the incessant noise coming from Washington.
Investors are glued to their screens waiting for these oft-faulty prognostications. That's unfortunate, because there's a better way to plan out your year: the Dogs of the Dow.
The Dogs of the Dow is a set-it-and-forget-it plan involving Dow dividend stocks (more on that in a minute). It takes decision-making out of your hands by deferring to the market itself. As long as three concepts are true - the market moves higher in the long run, stocks move into and out of favor, and Dow companies tend to be blue-chip stocks that are intelligently managed and financially stable - the Dogs will do well over time.
That third concept might be debatable when you look back on all the companies that have been booted from the Dow. Remember: General Electric (GE) and Sears (SHLD) used to be members. But for the most part, the Dow remains a blue-chip index.
Read on as we explain the Dogs of the Dow, then analyze the 10 Dow stocks this strategy says you should buy.
SEE ALSO: The 20 Best Stocks to Buy for 2020
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Jan 06, 2020
Many parents and students wading through college applications are experiencing sticker shock. Couple that with 44 million Americans owing $1.5 trillion in student loan debt and anyone can see why there are growing concerns about the cost and value of a college education.
But there is consistent and compelling evidence that earning a college degree still remains the best path to improve one's job prospects. It's a fact that college graduates earn on average 84% more over their lifetimes than high school graduates.
The question is not whether college is worth it but rather, how do students get the most from their investment, especially with an eye toward building a post-college career?
I believe families need a road map. Let me offer nine essentials for maximizing the return on your tuition dollars.
Written by Adam Weinberg, the 20th president of Denison University. He previously served as president and CEO of World Learning, one of the premier international education, exchange and development organizations, and as vice president and dean of the college at Colgate University, where he was a member of the sociology department for more than a decade.
SEE ALSO: 10 Best College Values With the Lowest Average Graduating Debt, 2019
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Jan 06, 2020
Judging by the growing numbers of people 55 and older seeking out these gigs, the answer is yes. Maybe there's one that is right for you.
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Jan 03, 2020
The IRS had plenty of unhappy customers during the 2019 filing season. A lot of people who got tax refunds in previous years were shocked to discover that they had to pay taxes when they filed their 2018 tax return. The 2017 tax reform law reduced tax rates, doubled the standard deduction, and increased the child credit, which lowered the overall tax bill for many people...but the IRS also reduced the amount of tax withheld from wages in an effort to synchronize withholding with these tax law changes. Things didn't quite work out as planned, though, and many people didn't have enough taxes withheld from their paychecks in 2018 to cover the taxes they owed.
To avoid this problem going forward, the IRS overhauled the process for determining how much federal income tax an employer must withhold from an employee's paycheck. As part of the fix, there's a new Form W-4 for employees to use starting in 2020. It's quite a bit different than the old form, but don't panic--we'll help you out. Here are 10 things you need to know about the new W-4 form. Take a look so you can tackle this new form with confidence.
SEE ALSO: Best States for Low Taxes: 50 States Ranked for Taxes
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Jan 03, 2020
Energy stocks and exchange-traded funds (ETFs) were a miserable bet in 2019. Indeed, the energy sector was the worst-performing sector by a mile, gaining less than 5% - far below the S&P 500's 29% return, and significantly lagging even the second worst sector, health care (18%).
However, despite tepid analyst outlooks for oil and gas prices in 2020, energy ETFs and individual stocks are suddenly being thrust in the spotlight once more.
On Jan. 2, the Pentagon confirmed that the U.S. military killed Qasem Soleimani - a top Iranian general who headed the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps' elite Quds Force - with a drone airstrike in Iraq. While the Pentagon said the attack was meant to deter "future Iranian attack plans," Iran nonetheless has vowed "severe revenge." The clear, abrupt escalation in Middle East tensions immediately sent oil prices higher in response.
Whether oil continues to climb is unclear. Tensions could de-escalate. Also, American fracking has changed the playing field. "The major potential risk - to oil markets - is mitigated by the fact that the U.S. is now the largest producer of oil and essentially approaching Energy independence," says Brad McMillan, Chief Investment Officer for Commonwealth Financial Network. "Our oil supplies are much less vulnerable than they were, and the availability of oil exports from the U.S. means that other countries have an alternative source."
However, if the conflict worsens - especially if oil tankers and infrastructure are targeted in any violence - oil might continue to spike, regardless.
Here, we explore five energy ETFs to buy to take advantage of higher oil prices. But approach them with caution. Just like increases in crude-oil prices should benefit each of these funds in one way or another, declines in oil have weighed on them in the past, and likely would again.
SEE ALSO: The 20 Best ETFs to Buy for a Prosperous 2020
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Jan 03, 2020
Robo advice is ready when and where you want it. Just grab your smartphone, tablet or laptop and click your way through a few questions about your goals, your tolerance for risk and your time horizon. In minutes, the algorithm kicks out a recommendation for a diversified portfolio designed by professional investors that's appropriate for you, typically filled with exchange-traded funds
But before you decide to move your money or roll over an IRA to a robo firm, there are some caveats. For starters, opening an account at these outfits typically requires that you sell your existing holdings. Also, these are advisory accounts, not brokerage accounts. That means, in most cases, you must stick with the recommended portfolio. And there are fees to consider, though they're generally low.
But there is, or will be, a robo for almost every investor. We've sorted through 14 of the best offerings to help you find the one for you.
SEE ALSO: The 20 Best ETFs to Buy for a Prosperous 2020
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Jan 03, 2020
Protect your documents from scammers who could change the date on your important documents.
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Jan 03, 2020
Have you ever sent a worker on a quick trip in his own car to the post office or the bakery to pick up an employee birthday cake? You may have just opened your business up to some serious liability.
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Jan 03, 2020
If the market tanks in the early years of your retirement, you could be in big trouble ... unless you're prepared.
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Jan 02, 2020
The bull market went into overdrive in 2019. The S&P 500 rushed ahead by 29% - its best showing in six years. But as much as investors will always welcome such returns, it does make it tougher to be an income investor.
When dividend stocks go up in price, their yields go down. The dividend yield on the S&P 500 started 2019 at more than 2% but finished the year at 1.8%. Yes, the market keeps setting new all-time highs, but the rally that seems to never end also makes it difficult to find excellent dividend stocks with generous or even decent payouts.
High-quality dividend stocks with better-than-average yields do exist, however. We're here to help you find them.
We scoured the S&P 500 for dividend stocks with yields of at least 2%. From that pool, we focused on stocks with an average broker recommendation of Buy or better. S&P Global Market Intelligence surveys analysts' stock ratings and scores them on a five-point scale, where 1.0 equals Strong Buy and 5.0 means Strong Sell. Any score of 2.0 or lower means that analysts, on average, rate the stock a Buy. The closer the score gets to 1.0, the stronger the Buy call. Lastly, we dug into research and analysts' estimates on the top-scoring names.
Here are the 13 best blue-chip dividend stocks for 2020, then, based on the strength of their analyst ratings.
SEE ALSO: Every Warren Buffett Stock Ranked: The Berkshire Hathaway Portfolio
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Jan 02, 2020
It's likely you'll make over $2 million during your working years. That's something worth insuring, and disability insurance is the way to do it. Here are 10 things to know about this vital coverage.
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Jan 02, 2020
Ads touting 7% guarantees are misleading, though not quite false. Real rates around 4% range are attractive enough.
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Jan 01, 2020
As you think ahead to how you can help make a difference in the new year, here are three things not to do.
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Dec 31, 2019
Uncertainty heading into a presidential election cycle, a continued trade war with China (it's only a "Phase One" agreement, after all) and potentially sluggish U.S. economic growth has many Wall Street analysts recommending investors rotate into defensive stocks. And unsurprisingly, consumer staples stocks are getting the nod heading into 2020.
It makes sense. Consumer staples stocks - which provide things that people need on a near-daily basis, from food to toiletries - make excellent investments in virtually every economic environment, but they're especially attractive during economic slowdowns. That's because people simply can't cut back on consumer staples like they can other products. As a result, the sector has historically outperformed the broader market during downturns.
"We expect the market to vacillate between a pro-cyclical outcome and a defensive one as data comes in and trade tensions and the election evolve," Mike Wilson, Morgan Stanley's chief U.S. equity strategist, wrote in a note to clients in early December. "We slightly favor the more defensive outcome given our well below the consensus forecast for S&P 500 earnings growth next year."
Admittedly, if we get another bull run like we did in 2019, consumer staples might lag a bit. While their 2019 total return (price plus dividends) through Dec. 30 of 27.3% is far better than their 12-year average annual return of 10.4%, it still was about three percentage points behind the S&P 500. However, if the market gets choppy, and especially if a correction or bear move is in the cards, expect this sector to shine.
Against that backdrop, here are the best consumer staples stocks to buy for 2020. These picks, which include a pair of funds, offer an ideal combination of growth, downside protection and yield that should come in handy if turbulence kicks up in 2020.
SEE ALSO: Hedge Funds' Top 25 Blue-Chip Stocks to Buy Now
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Dec 31, 2019
That cash bucket will come in handy if your riskier accounts, such as stocks or bonds, are in a bear market.
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Dec 31, 2019
It's tempting to overinvest in stocks today, but everyone needs some safe ballast. For part of your safe-money portion, fixed annuities offer guarantees, higher rates and tax deferral.
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Dec 31, 2019
Sweeping retirement changes were just signed into law that bring both positives (for savers) and potentially disastrous consequences (for heirs). Here are five important things everyone should do right now.
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Dec 30, 2019
All bets are off for 2020. We could talk about any number of potential growth catalysts or looming hurdles for the new year, but overshadowing them all is the chaos machine of the presidential election. The best ETFs to buy for 2020, as a result, are designed to take advantage of feasible political outcomes, calmly weather the storm or barrel forward regardless of what the new year brings.
That's no prophecy of utter doom and gloom, mind you. Indeed, there are plenty of pockets of optimism to be found.
2019's slowdown in worldwide economic growth might have kept stocks from roaring even louder than they did, but Morgan Stanley believes global GDP growth will rebound in 2020 - a potential driver for the market. FactSet, meanwhile, reports that the new year's estimated earnings growth rate for the S&P 500 Index should come in at 9.6%, which is above the 10-year average. (Analysts are even more confident, looking for profit growth "just over 10%," according to Kiplinger's 2020 investing outlook.)
That said, even the most hopeful of S&P 500 targets for 2020 call for roughly 10%-11% returns - most are closer to the 5%-7% range, and a few are calling for flat performance or worse. So while you do want to anchor your portfolio with a few broad, go-anywhere funds, many of the best ETFs for the year ahead will have to attack specific slices of the market.
Here are the 20 best ETFs to buy for 2020. This is an intentionally wide selection of ETFs that meet a number of different objectives. We don't suggest investors go out and stash each and every one of these funds in their portfolio; instead, read on and discover which well-built funds best match what you're trying to accomplish, from buy-and-hold income plays to high-risk, high-reward shots.
SEE ALSO: The 30 Best Mutual Funds in 401(k) Retirement Plans
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Dec 30, 2019
Knowing your card's mechanics can help you avoid high rates and fees.
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Dec 30, 2019
The annual outlook reveals what to expect from the U.S. economy, trade tensions, the future of coal, weed, GOP election victories and more.
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Dec 30, 2019
Yes, the stock market is open on New Year's Eve during normal trading hours. New Year's Day is a stock market holiday.
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Dec 30, 2019
Successful estate planning takes taxes into consideration, and some significant retirement legislation that just became law changes the equation on that. Here are four specific ways to protect your heirs and yourself.
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Dec 30, 2019
Just in time for New Year's Eve, take a lesson from one breathalyzer owner's experience. He was trying to be responsible and do the right thing, but he made one critical mistake.
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Dec 28, 2019
Is the market open today? Take a look at which holidays the stock markets and bond markets take off in 2020.
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Dec 27, 2019
In theory, midsize-company stocks operate in a sweet spot for investors. No longer struggling to get out of the gates, these financially mature firms, led by experienced executives, should come with more stability than small companies. They should also offer greater potential for growth than mega-size firms, whose shares have market capitalizations (stock price multiplied by shares outstanding) that run into the hundreds of billions.
In practice, the theory holds true over longer periods of time. Over the past 20 years, constituents of the Russell Midcap index, which currently sport market caps between $2 billion and $35 billion, have boosted earnings per share at a faster rate, on average, than their large- and small-cap counterparts. During the same period, mid caps have been about 14% more volatile than stocks in the large-cap Standard & Poor's 500-stock index and 15% less volatile than the small-cap Russell 2000 index. And in just about any time frame you choose--whether it's 10, 15, 20 or 30 years--mid-cap stocks have outperformed both their smaller and larger counterparts.
As of June 2019, mid-cap stocks represented 26% of the U.S. stock market, but only 11% of assets in U.S. mutual funds, according to asset manager Carillon Tower Advisers. If you're considering upping your stake in medium-size firms, consider the following funds, which focus mostly on mid caps. All have able managers, impressive long-term track records and are open to new investors.
SEE ALSO: Buy Mid Caps on the Cheap
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Dec 27, 2019
Follow these practical tips to minimize the environmental impact of your travel in retirement.
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Dec 27, 2019
Yes, the new tax law trimmed our tax bill, although I had hoped it would lower it even more.
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Dec 27, 2019
Buy-and-hold is a great investing approach, but sometimes you just gotta let go.
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Dec 27, 2019
Two of the fund's biggest losers became its biggest winners in 2019.
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Dec 27, 2019
Despite its name, this muni bond fund is keeping an eye on risk.
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Dec 27, 2019
Sound describes the credit quality. But it doesn't do justice to the stellar performance.
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Dec 27, 2019
This fund invests in all aspects of the real estate market.
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Dec 27, 2019
Luxury-goods houses ride high on the power of individual brands--names that evoke style, quality and endurance.
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Dec 27, 2019
Stay alert for phony sales at stores and other tricks.
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Dec 27, 2019
A new charity-rating online tool measures the impact of every dollar donated to a particular organization.
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Dec 27, 2019
Tech companies may offer better deals than traditional banks. But there's a trade-off.
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Dec 27, 2019
A strong dollar and more competition are creating travel bargains here and abroad.
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Dec 27, 2019
No matter how much you try to swat them away, pesky fees keep nibbling at your travel bookings, wireless plans, bank accounts, investments and pretty much every other part of your financial life. Although the fees may not seem like much on their own, they can add up to hundreds or even thousands of dollars a year, putting a big dent in your wallet.
Here, we've listed common fees in five categories, plus ways to eliminate or reduce them. Some of the fees are legitimate--professionals such as investment advisers and real estate brokers deserve compensation, after all. But if you're overpaying for a service, you can make moves to tug down the rate. And with some preparation and knowledge, you can wipe out the most irritating charges.
SEE ALSO: ?Your Financial Planning Calendar for 2020
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Dec 27, 2019
Giving back is something you can do all year round with the right plan. And that plan can be broken down to giving during your lean early years, your prime earning years and finally your retirement years.
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Dec 27, 2019
The college experience and career world are changing, offering parents and students alike new options to make it work.
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Dec 27, 2019
No one wants to think their retirement security could depend on some stock market luck. But in a way, unless you've accounted for what's known as sequence of returns risk, bad luck could dash your dreams.
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Dec 26, 2019
As you approach retirement, it's easy to become fixated on the magic number--a pot of money large enough to allow you to retire comfortably without outliving your savings. But figuring out whether you can afford to retire requires math, not magic, along with a thoughtful analysis of how you plan to spend your time and money.
Plenty of online calculators will help you figure out whether you can afford to retire based on the amount of money you'll need to replace a specific percentage your current income. A popular rule of thumb suggests that you should plan on replacing 70% of what you currently make, or 80% if you want to live large.
But this guideline is deeply flawed, financial planners say. We'll walk you through the steps to come up with a realistic estimate of how much money you'll need to retire in style.
SEE ALSO: 15 Reasons You'll Go Broke in Retirement
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Dec 26, 2019
Sales are rising, but they're still best for commuting and shorter drives.
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Dec 26, 2019
Even the most diligent pre-retiree planner can get tripped up by unpleasant financial surprises. Follow these tips.
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Dec 26, 2019
Growth stocks had a long runway in 2019, despite long stretches of volatility thanks to seesaw trade relations with China and a consistently strong dollar weighing on results. And as in most years, 2020 should provide plenty of opportunity for growth investments to thrive yet again.
If you're wondering where to start your search, just zoom in on hot or emerging trends.
Mobile payments, for instance, are expected to account for one out of every four dollars spent on American credit cards in 2020. Software has firmly supplanted hardware as the technology sector's driver thanks to the more consistent revenues it drives. And increasing sums are being spent on cloud computing, where remote servers are being leaned on to manage and process large troves of data.
Technology isn't the only place you'll find growth stocks in 2020, however. Advances in medicine make the health-care sector a source of high growth, too, and you can even find a couple pockets of explosive potential in the much-maligned retail industry.
Here, we explore the 11 best growth stocks to buy for 2020. Most of these companies were on pace to deliver double-digit revenue growth across 2019 - and each is expected to deliver sales improvement of at least 15% during the coming year.
SEE ALSO: The 20 Best Stocks to Buy for 2020
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Dec 26, 2019
To get started, here are four must-do items to add to your list before you retire.
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Dec 24, 2019
Now is the time to assess your financial situation, look ahead and mark your calendar.
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Dec 24, 2019
Money shouldn't be a deciding factor in whether you end your marriage, but it plays a part in the thought process. Get a grip on your finances before you take any big steps. It'll put you in the best position possible, no matter what.
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Dec 24, 2019
A step-up in basis can be a massive tax benefit for surviving spouses, but only if it's managed correctly. And sometimes, as in this case, important details can fall through the cracks.
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Dec 23, 2019
We sift through the pros and cons of the growing number of low-cost digital advisers.
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Dec 23, 2019
Before you quit your job, try out your new budget and your new lifestyle.
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Dec 23, 2019
Even if you and your spouse have worked out the kinks in your day-to-day money habits, it's important to reexamine the big picture.
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Dec 23, 2019
The minivan has been unfairly displaced by the three-row SUV as the family hauler of choice.
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Dec 23, 2019
The stock market smashed record after record in 2019. The S&P 500 put up nearly 30% in gains - one of the index's largest annual increases in years. That's the good news. The bad news is that has driven prices through the roof, making it even more difficult on analysts to find high-upside stock picks for 2020.
They already had their work cut out for them. Some of Wall Street's pros aren't betting on a market-wide encore in the new year, for several reasons. Volatility is widely expected as a result of America's presidential election. Economists believe U.S. economic growth will decelerate. And analysts think the pace of stock buybacks will slow.
"We believe the U.S. economy will muddle through in 2020, but expect EPS growth to disappoint," Morgan Stanley Chief Investment Officer Michael Wilson writes. "We prefer value over growth, with a slight defensive bias."
Other pros are a little more optimistic. For instance, Jonathan Golub, chief U.S. equity strategist at Credit Suisse, tells investors that better economic data is on the way, possibly lifting the S&P 500 by 10% by year's end.
With that mixed outlook in mind, here are the analysts' top stock picks for 2020. We used TipRanks' analyst-tracking data to discover the best of the bunch - stocks that have loads of upside potential from current share prices. And all of these picks have amassed so many bullish recommendations from top-performing analysts that they've earned a Strong Buy consensus rating. Read on to learn more about what makes these stocks stand out.
SEE ALSO: The 20 Best Stocks to Buy for 2020
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Dec 23, 2019
Retirees are inclined to invest more conservatively, so chances are you don't have as much money in stocks as you should.
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Dec 23, 2019
Paying for expensive medications is especially painful if you're in a high-deductible plan.
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Dec 23, 2019
The stock market is indeed open on Christmas Eve, but trading will end early ahead of the stock market holiday on Christmas Day.
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Dec 23, 2019
What's the smartest way to claim benefits? Well, don't believe those who say you're stupid if you claim early or that age 70 is always the way to go. It depends on your own circumstances.
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Dec 23, 2019
Here are some ways to take advantage of provisions that are beneficial, and mitigate those that aren't.
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Dec 20, 2019
Tech stocks have been the star of the market through the first two decades of the 21st century. Expect that to continue into the third.
That said, the ways investors can play the technology sector have evolved over the years.
Once upon a time, tech stocks mostly seemed like speculative picks - high reward but equally high risk. However, technology's growing influence across all aspects of society, as well as the maturation of dozens of companies, has widened the field. Now, you can tap technology for consistent blue-chip growth, and in some cases, even for reliable dividends with decent yields.
The following are the 15 best tech stocks to buy for 2020, with options for several portfolio needs. Each stock is categorized as an income winner, an established grower or a great speculation. Income winners have a nice track record of making (and raising) payouts, established growers boast leadership positions and profits, and great speculations are either developing a new market or have a clear opportunity to disrupt entrenched leaders.
SEE ALSO: Hedge Funds' Top 25 Blue-Chip Stocks to Buy Now
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