Q & A

Q: I would like to see a portion of my investments make a difference in the world. Can you suggest an approach to socially responsible investing?

Q: I received a letter from a nonprofit organization to which I regularly donate suggesting I may be eligible for state tax credits. Can you please explain what this means?

Q: We plan to use appreciated stock for charitable giving and are looking into using a Schwab Charitable Fund. Do you have any feedback on this strategy?

Q: I inherited shares of five stocks from my parents, who died many years ago. I am now 70 years old and would like to gift them to my grandchildren. How do you recommend I do this?

Q: I have put my investments in bonds until this global economic crisis settles down and the economic woes of the European Union subside. Do you have any suggestions for indicators that I should look for to get back in?

Although the house does not pay me any money on an ongoing basis, I think it will represent a very good return on my money invested should I decide to sell.

Q: It’s annual enrollment time, and my employer is now offering a health insurance plan with a $3,500 deductible and otherwise similar benefits as an alternative to our conventional HMO health plan. What do you recommend I do?

I’m turning 45 this year and the reality is hitting me that I am now about halfway through my working career. Am I on track to retire at age 65?

Q: Is it now time to short Treasuries? What do you think about using inverse ETFs to play the inevitable bear market for U.S. bonds?

There are four minor advantages to using exchange traded funds instead of mutual funds.

Q: I just hit the big 5-0, and my retirement date is now in the foreseeable future. How do you suggest I assess the performance of my 401(k) and investment accounts? Do you have any benchmark recommendations? I would like … Read More

I’m in my 20s and I’m just getting started in the working world. I’m also looking at a Roth IRA. Is there a certain Roth you recommend?

I’m in my 20s and I’m just getting started in the working world. Which of the attached 401(k) investment choices do you recommend?

I’m in my 20s and I’m just getting started in the working world. I would love to start funding my Roth and 401(k), but I have no idea where to begin!

What advice do you have for someone who is considering a strategy shift toward fixed income?

Q: I am receiving some extra cash as a result of maturing CDs. I want to make a safe investment that is protected against future inflation. We do not need this money, and so I am interested to know what you think of purchasing I bonds for our grandchildren. I have heard they can be tax free if used for college.

Q: My husband and I divorced several years ago, and I am about to turn 62 in December. Since my ex-husband (he’s a year older) and I parted ways, we don’t talk. Can you please explain the Social Security benefits due to a divorced spouse?

Q: I am 53 years old and have never invested in the stock market. I have inherited $150,000 from a family member, and my son is recommending that I invest this money in the market. Do you agree?

Won’t this hedge the markets and protect me in case the markets go down?

Is it worth it to file all the paperwork just to collect a few buck?

Q: Our son is headed to Virginia Tech as a college freshman. When it comes to finances, he’s clueless. What financial advice should we offer before we drop him off?

How can there be more sellers than buyers? Who are those “extra” sellers selling to?

Capitalizing on tax savings can allow you to be even more generous in years to come.

An individual 401(k) (also known as a “solo 401(k)”) offers you the option to defer the first $16,500 of income.

With the income tax debate currently controlled by legislators advocating even higher rates, I don’t think you will regret having some tax free money.

Sand can be used to further diversify your portfolio.

Many people in this situation would choose the quick cash.