Latest articles by Mary Beth Franklin
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Fidelity's Retirement Rewards Card: Deal or No Deal?
credit & debt It's a clever gimmick, but it will cost you.
credit & debt -
Tax-free Capital Gains Are Here
taxes Some taxpayers will pay no capital gains taxes on their 2008 returns.
taxes -
Need Cash? Where to Find It Fast.
Budgeting A dozen timely ideas on how to pay unexpected bills and weather tough times.
Budgeting -
Smart Year End Tax Moves
taxes Cutting your tax bill by selling your losers could sweeten an otherwise sour year for investments.
taxes -
How Obama's Tax Plan Could Affect You
business The President-elect will likely demand quick action on a new round for stimulus checks, tax reflief for the jobless, and easier access to retirement plans for emergency cash.
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A Teacher's Retirement Plan Flunks
retirement This educator should jettison his 403(b) plan.
retirement -
Deductions for Medical Expenses
Tax Breaks This tax break is often overlooked. We'll show you who can take advantage of it.
Tax Breaks -
Tax Crackdown on Second Homes
Tax Breaks To help pay for the housing bill passed this summer, Congress has changed the rules for vacation homes and rental properties. Here's what you need to know about paying the piper.
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The Secret Is Out on Social Security
retirement Readers say they hit the jackpot by using our little-known strategies to boost benefits.
retirement -
No 4: Little Savings for Retirement
retirement Christine and Stephen Toma have more-modest goals for their retirement stash.
retirement -
Catch Up On Your Retirement Savings
retirement Six common problems and how to solve them. It's never too late to build your nest egg.
retirement -
No. 5: Frozen Pension Funds
retirement In fact, the Employee Benefit Research Institute's latest Retirement Confidence Survey shows that workers of all ages plan to retire later, on average, than did workers of a similar age a decade ago.
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No. 6: Retirement Savings in a Bear Market
retirement One thing that could derail even the best-laid plans of anyone thinking about quitting soon is the potentially devastating impact of retiring in a bear market -- commonly defined as a drop of at least 20% in the value of Standard & Poor's 500-stock index.
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No. 2: Lack of Focused Retirement Strategy
retirement Kjell Croce, a guitar builder and repairman, contributes more than enough of his $45,000 annual salary to his 401(k) plan to capture his employer's match.
retirement -
No. 1: Late Start on Your Retirement Savings
retirement Rebecca Edgar has lived through some tough times recently that have left her finances in shambles.
retirement -
Retiree Tax Heaven (and Hell)
taxes Where you live can have a huge impact on your tax bill in ways that may surprise you.
taxes -
No. 3: Big Losses in Retirement Savings
retirement A successful attorney in Bloomington, Ind., Sam Ardery appears to be the epitome of prosperity.
retirement -
A Late-in-Life Child Poses a Challenge
Making Your Money Last Does a Roth IRA make sense for paying this family's college bills?
Making Your Money Last -
Resources for Work After Retirement
retirement Find advice and help online and in print.
retirement -
4 Steps to Your Encore Job
retirement Ready to pursue your passion? Here's how.
retirement -
Retire to Your Dream Job
retirement A satisfying combo: work, leisure and extra income.
retirement -
Secret Ways to Boost Your Social Security
social security Four legal strategies for adding as much as $12,000 a year to your retirement income.
social security -
Six Simple Ways to Retire Rich
retirement Thanks to automatic 401(k) plans and one-stop investing options, saving for retirement is a cinch.
retirement -
Preserve Your Savings for Life
retirement New ways to spread your nest egg over the next 30 years.
retirement