GSS Insight - Wealth & Finance Articles
One in four pessimistic about retirement
The percentage of workers who are "not at all confident" that they will have a comfortable retirement rose to 27 percent in an annual retirement confidence survey. Workers are now more pessimistic about their retirement situation than they have been in the past 20 years.
Five airline headaches to avoid
Airline disasters have ruined vacations and business trips for many travelers. While you can't avoid every airline nightmare, you can take steps to minimize the chance of one happening on your vacation.
Student loans mean adult responsibilities
The number of college graduates who owe large sums of money for their college loans has been a hot topic lately. Some borrowers seem shocked when they start receiving the bills after graduation. Before your child takes out a loan, some money management education might be in order.
Proceed with caution when buying commodities
Investing in the volatile commodities market brings great risk and, for some, great profit. Raw materials, such as wheat, oil and precious metals, can be bought and sold in bulk to hedge against inflation. But you can risk significant loss, so financial advisors recommend caution.
Real estate: Signs of recovery in 2012?
Professionals view the 2012 real estate market with guarded optimism. With median list prices up over the preceding year and declining housing inventories, a gradual recovery is predicted - although prospects vary greatly by region and city.
Inflation brings changes to retirement plans
Cost-of-living adjustments have triggered changes to the dollar limitations for pension plans and other retirement plans in 2012. The increase in the cost-of-living index met the IRS thresholds requiring many limitations to be adjusted, but others will not change.
Low interest rates make refinancing attractive
Mortgage rates are at near historic lows, so is it time to refinance your mortgage? About 28 million homeowners should be asking themselves that question, according to Consumer Reports magazine. That's how many of them are paying interest that is higher than today's low rates.
Deductions, phaseouts change for 2012
Because of inflation, personal exemptions and standard deductions will rise, and tax brackets will widen, for tax year 2012. Dollar amounts for a variety of tax provisions must be revised each year to keep pace with inflation. Learn how the changes could affect you.
How to plan for taxes in an election year
With the 2012 election season already in full swing, you're hearing a lot of opposing ideas about the future of income taxes and estate taxes. In the meantime, what should you be doing about your taxes?
Protection is in details of homeowner's insurance
For most people, their home is probably the single largest investment they'll ever make. Yet, their eyes glaze over when the subject of protecting that investment comes up. Understanding the basics of homeowner's insurance isn't as painful as it might seem.
Survey: Home ownership still smart
Despite the ongoing housing slump, a high percentage of U.S. homeowners still believe that it's a smart long-term decision to own a home, according to a recent survey. And one-third of renters see themselves buying a home within the next few years.
Jan. 17 deadline for estate tax relief
The executors and beneficiaries of large estates of people who died in 2010 will now have until Jan. 17, 2012 to file some required returns and pay estate taxes. Learn more about these IRS requirements.
Do your investments have political risk factors?
Investors must consider many types of risk. One is political risk, which is most associated with stocks and bonds issued by non-U.S. corporations and debt issued by foreign governments. But the U.S. portion of your portfolio may be every bit as susceptible.
Seven ways to reduce your health costs
Your healthcare dollar has a lot of flex in it -- an important point to remember during a tough economy. Whether someone in your family has lost a job or money is tight for other reasons, here are seven suggestions for cutting the cost of your health care.