Stafford Student Loan Rates Drop Significantly

Finally, there’s some good news on the student loan front. On July 1, 2008, the interest rates on variable federal Stafford and PLUS Loans will decrease significantly. These new rates apply only to loans issued on or after July 1, 1998 and before July 1, 2006.
The interest rate on Stafford Loans in repayment status will [...]

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Traveling Smart During the Hot, Pricey Summer

Summer is when we hope to get time off to relax. But with regular gasoline prices nearing $4 and energy prices pushing tourism expenses higher on everything from plane fare to meals out, paying for this year’s summer vacation might be a significant source of financial stress.

A recent GfK Roper Reports survey indicated that 55 [...]

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Heading Back to School? Make a Plan First

It was the physicist Rosalyn S. Yalow who said, “The excitement of learning separates youth from old age. As long as you’re learning you’re not old.”

A July/August 2006 story in AARP Magazine by noted workplace and career expert Rosabeth Moss Kanter pointed out that retirement-phobic mid- or late-career types might retreat to college campuses instead [...]

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Supreme Court Okays Same-State Muni Bond Tax Exemption

States may continue to exempt their residents from paying taxes on that state’s municipal bonds, according to a recent ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court. The decision overturns a lower court decision involving the state of Kentucky. If it had been allowed to stand, the lower court decision would have had a substantial impact on [...]

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What are Medicare Advantage Plans?

Most people who are covered by Medicare are enrolled in original Medicare. Original Medicare includes Part A, which helps cover inpatient hospital care, skilled nursing care, hospice care, and some home health care, and Part B, which covers medically necessary services, including doctor’s visits, outpatient care, and some preventative services.
As an alternative to original Medicare, [...]

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Can I enroll in Medicare at age 65, even if I’m not yet eligible for full Social Security benefits?

Yes. Although full retirement age for Social Security is increasing, 65 remains the age at which most Americans become eligible for Medicare. You don’t have to be retired to enroll in Medicare, so you should still consider signing up for Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) and Medicare Part B (medical insurance) at age 65, even [...]

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Can I Get Life Insurance After a Serious Illness?

any Americans lack sufficient life insurance to provide financial security for their families. If you’re in good health, you can probably get the life insurance you want at a relatively affordable cost. But what if you have an existing medical or health-related condition? What if you’ve had a heart attack or cancer? Can you still [...]

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Tax-Wise Gifting Strategies for Seniors

You’ve spent most of your life building your wealth. Now, your concern may have shifted to reducing your estate and saving taxes. Making gifts is one way to reduce your estate. But because gifting can trigger federal gift tax, as well as federal generation-skipping transfer tax (GSTT) if the gift is to someone who is [...]

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Tapping Retirement Savings for College Expenses

Should you tap your retirement funds to help pay your child’s college expenses? Well, you can. But is it a good idea?
The double problem with double dipping

Financial professionals generally recommend using your retirement funds for one purpose only–retirement. Why? Because frequent dips into your retirement funds will reduce your ultimate nest egg. Plus, there will [...]

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