The Financial State of the States

Many state and local governments have struggled with lower tax receipts and large budget deficits — during and after the recession. This article offers a closer look at the financial pressures facing the states and how the methods used to address budget shortfalls could ultimately serve as a drag on the national economy.

There’s Still Time to Catch Up

Worker confidence in affording a comfortable retirement fell to a record low in 2011, but investors aged 50 and older may be able to make up for lost time by maximizing contributions to retirement plans and taking advantage of catch-up contribution limits. The accompanying chart shows the potential difference in accumulation by taking advantage of catch-up contributions.

HOT TOPIC: Breaking Down the Proposed FY 2013 Budget

The 2013 budget released by the White House on February 13 contains proposed fiscal measures that could affect the business and investment climate, the income tax code, and government spending. Considering that Congress will debate and discuss the budget in detail, many of these measures are unlikely to become law as proposed, but they may indicate future developments.

Finding a Good Time to Invest

When a prominent stock market index closes above an important threshold, many investors who have been sitting on the sidelines may see it as good time to invest, but they may have missed a significant part of the rally. Waiting for the "right" moment to invest could prove to be a costly and ineffective strategy.

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College Funding

Use this calculator to estimate the cost of your child’s education, based on the variables you input.

Cash Flow Analysis

This Cash Flow Analysis form will help you weigh your income vs. your expenses.

Life Insurance

How much life insurance would you need to produce a sufficient income stream for your family?

Roth IRA Conversion

This calculator can help you determine whether you should consider converting to a Roth IRA.

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