Build Your Financial Dream Team

When it’s time to consult the pros about your money, be sure you get major-league advice.

How to Build 'Team You'

Our writers know a thing or two about going to knowledgeable sources they—and you—can trust.

If I Had $1,000 ...

I could blow it on something fun, or invest it in something more worthwhile.

Death and Taxes

The IRS demands a final accounting and it's up to your executor -- or your survivors -- to file the paperwork.

What My Mom Did Right: An Estate Planning Success Story

8 Smart Estate Planning Steps to Die the Right Way

Excuse #1: You're not going to die.
Excuse #2: You've been too busy.
Excuse #3: You can't stand thinking about a future that doesn't include you.

The Gift Tax: Use It or Lose It

Make people happy while you're still around to hear "thank you"...

Tax Breaks for the Generous

Whether donating cash, clothes or a car, don’t forget to get a receipt.

Expand Your Options for Charitable Giving

Rock-bottom interest rates and forecasted higher future tax rates are creating attractive opportunities for donors.

Good Reasons to Change Your Will

Life is ever-changing and so are your estate-planning needs. Here are seven situations in which you'll want to re-evaluate your will.

How Your Charity Measures Up

Donors now have more tools to ensure their money is well spent.

Tax Rules for Home Sales

Here's what you need to know if you sell a house that a parent gave you while he or she was still living.

How to Talk With Aging Parents About Money

The holidays can be a good time to find out if Mom or Dad needs help with their finances and to start a conversation about how you can lend a hand.

Prepaid Funeral Plans Can Be a R.I.P.-Off

Paying ahead for your funeral might seem ideal, but a prepaid plan can come with unexpected costs.

How the Gift Tax Works

Uncle Sam wants to know about your generosity if you give more than a certain amount.

Great Advice From Around the Web

A weekly look at personal finance tips and insights others are offering.

What New Parents Really Need

Despite what you've been told, there's just a short list of must-haves.

Withdrawing Money From an Inherited IRA

Learn your options and understand how the distributions will be taxed.

A To-Do List for the Surviving Spouse

This checklist can help widows and widowers figure out which tasks to address early on, and which ones can wait.

6 Things to Know About Finding Unclaimed Assets

Billions in unclaimed assets are sitting in state and federal coffers.

Do This or That?

We tackle tough financial questions and give you answers to fit your needs.

Maximize an Inherited IRA

Beneficiaries can lose big tax advantages if they do not take the proper steps after inheriting an IRA.

Great Advice From Around the Web

A weekly look at personal finance tips and insights others are offering.

Leave a Letter of Instruction to Your Heirs

Gathering the details about your personal finances now can spare your family a lot of aggravation later.

Will Your Life Insurer Pay Promised Benefits?

Regulators are scrutinizing insurers' payouts to beneficiaries. Prepare now to ensure your heirs will receive their benefits.

New Estate Tax Law Can Trap the Unwary

Give your estate plan a tune-up to ensure that it holds up no matter what Congress does in the future.

8 Financial Gifts for Mom

This advice will help you give your mother a money makeover.

Managing Your Parents' Money

Find out as much as you can about your parents' finances now so that you're prepared to step in later if necessary.

Why Parents Need a Will

If you have children, you need this important document.

The "Death Tax" Lives

To paraphrase Mark Twain, reports of the death of the federal estate tax are greatly exaggerated.

5 Financial Gifts to Give Yourself

If you're going to splurge on yourself this holiday season, put the money to good use.

Is Your Charitable Giving Getting Results?

Use our checklist to see whether you should take your donation elsewhere.

Selling a Burial Plot is a Grave Decision

Whether you have inherited an unwanted plot or decided you want to relocate your eternal resting place, disposing of an unused plot can be challenging.

Best Personal Finance Resources

See our picks for the best financial books, legal advice online and more.

Great Advice From Around the Web

A weekly look at personal finance tips and insights others are offering.

Be Prepared for an Emergency

Follow these seven steps to protect yourself and your finances if disaster strikes.

Finance Basics for Partners

Couples who can't wed (or choose not to) need to customize their tax and estate planning.

The Power of Power of Attorney

This document will help you manage your parents' finances when they no longer can.

Financial Planning for Singles

Six basic rules to help you secure your future.

Six Steps to a Good Will

This is no time for shortcuts. Learn what you should do to make sure your final wishes are carried out.