THE CASE FOR Indexed Annuities

These products may offer better returns than traditional fixed-income investments. But there are trade-offs.

Earth-First ETFs Are Soaring

These five exchange-traded funds should deliver big rewards.

Give Your Child Some Credit

Naming your child as an authorized user on your credit card can be a great way to set them up with a healthy credit report.

Federal Debt: A Heavy Load

The debt continues to grow, but record-low interest rates could ease the long-term damage.

Anatomy of a Stock Trade

Stock trades are free these days at most online brokers. But where and how your trade is filled can impact your purchase price. And “it all happens in a flash,” says Jeff Chiappetta, vice president of trade and education at Schwab. It takes just 0.08 seconds, on average, at Schwab, from the time you submit your trade to validation of execution. Here’s a step-by-step look at what happens when you place a market-order stock trade.

Best 401 (k) Funds From Fidelity

We rate the most popular actively managed offerings for retirement accounts.

Best 401(k) Funds From Vanguard

Use our guide to the most popular actively managed offerings for retirement accounts.

What to Expect If You're Flying in 2021

Policies enacted by the airlines in 2020 may change air travel for the long haul.

Tread Carefully in a Hot IPO Market

Be wary of high-priced debuts in a market that’s stacked against you.

SHORING UP SOCIAL SECURITY

Social Security is headed for a shortfall. But sooner or later, lawmakers will act to preserve your benefits.

Six Contrarian Picks

These companies are out of favor for one reason or another, but they could pay off for patient investors.

When Is Bankruptcy the Right Move?

Seeking protection from creditors can provide a lifeline, but there are plenty of trade-offs.

How to Play a Steeper Yield Curve

During the tumultuous initial week of 2021, the “U.S. yield curve reached its steepest level in four years,” reported Bloomberg News. The ostensible cause was the buzz that the unified Congress will pass a larger COVID relief and stimulus package than we’d have gotten otherwise.

Best Values in Tax Software

We ranked the most popular tax-prep packages to help you find the ones that provide the best experience at the lowest cost.

Best 401(k) Funds From T. Rowe Price

We rate the most popular actively managed offerings for retirement accounts.

Work From Home— Wherever That Is

The pandemic has made it easier to work from a distance, but some far-flung workers have to follow special rules for taxes, health care and insurance.

8 Stocks to Buy Now... and 5 to Sell

These shares are poised for gains in 2021.

Tame the Cost of Pet Care

If you’ve added a dog or cat to your family, consider pet insurance to manage routine and unexpected veterinary bills.

Invest in These Great Places to Work

These companies do well by their workers, which can translate into gains for investors.

WHERE TO INVEST IN 2021

With the election in the rearview mirror, investors can turn their full attention to the economic recovery and progress on the pandemic.

SAVE MONEY WITH AN ELECTRIC CAR

Although some are still a pricey luxury, we found EVs that are fun, affordable and eligible for tax incentives.

The Right Robo Adviser for You

We sort through the evolving world of automated investment services, including some that offer a human touch.

Get Your Retirement Back on Course

Even the most diligent savers can encounter obstacles on the road to retirement, but the past few months have delivered unprecedented hazards. We’ll help you come up with a recovery plan.

What You'll Pay for Medicare in 2021

Look for modest increases in premiums and out-of-pocket costs.

How to Negotiate a Break on Rent

It’s the first of the month, and you know what that means: The rent is due. But if the cost of your rent gives you sticker shock each month (as mine does), you may be able to get relief.

How to Socialize Safely at Home

BEING WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS DURING COVID was easier last spring and summer, when you were able to feel reasonably safe gathering outdoors at sidewalk cafés and restaurants, picnic areas, and porches and patios. Now, with the pandemic still raging and winter weather arriving, options for lingering outdoors in most parts of the U.S. have diminished. // But with the right furniture, equipment and gear, you can transform your backyard into an inviting space to socialize and still stay warm.

Strategies to Tackle Debt

Millions of Americans facing furloughs and layoffs turned to credit cards to stay afloat. Here’s how to get out from under burgeoning balances.

Your Guide to Roth Conversions

Like marriage, converting a traditional IRA to a Roth is not a step that should be taken lightly.

Build a Bond Ladder

Use these ETFs to navigate a tricky market and manage cash flow.

What the New President Means for Your Money

President-Elect Biden wants more consumer protections and perks for the middle class and seniors.