Understanding the Appeal of Share Buybacks
The amount of money devoted to corporate stock buybacks surged throughout 2010 and 2011 as large companies sought ways to spend their cash stockpiles and reward shareholders. This article looks at how corporate buybacks work, why they have become more common in the current economic climate, and what they typically mean for investors.
Insurance for Two Could Benefit Your Heirs
Survivorship life insurance offers a way to help a couple's heirs pay estate taxes, probate costs, and other final expenses — and could be especially important after 2012 when the federal estate tax is scheduled to be significantly higher. Even if the estate tax doesn't apply to an estate, the insurance proceeds could benefit heirs or a favorite charity.
Tracking the Rise of Target-Date Funds
Investments in target-date funds have grown during the last decade. They are often the default choice in employer-sponsored retirement plans and viewed favorably by some investors for their helpful approach to asset allocation. This article explains the advantages and disadvantages of these funds and cautions potential investors about several common misconceptions.
Deciding When to Begin
Waiting until full retirement age (or up to age 70) to claim Social Security may result in significantly higher monthly benefits. At age 62, the earliest age to claim Social Security, the amount received could be only 70% of the benefit received at "full retirement age" (which ranges from age 65 to 67 depending on year of birth).
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