Not long ago, the Federal Reserve announced that it plans to keep short-term interest rates near zero until late 2014. The Fed initially pushed rates to that level in 2008, in an effort to stimulate economic growth. Clearly, low interest rates have a wide-ranging impact — but what effect will they have on you, as an individual investor?

If you need income from your investments, then the continuation of ultra-low interest rates may be a matter of some concern, particularly if you own certain types of fixed-income investments, such as certificates of deposit. While CDs are insured, offer return of principal at maturity and provide regular interest payments, they are not risk-free. read more »

These days, you can purchase just about anything you want on the Internet. However, you can still benefit from a human, face-to-face experience for some purchases — such as your investments. And that’s why you may want to work with a financial professional.

Unlike a computer interface, a financial professional will take the time to truly know your situation today — and then help you make adjustments tomorrow. read more »

During your lifetime, you make a lot of moves to provide financial security to your loved ones. You put away money for college for your young children. You save and invest for your own retirement so that you won’t ever burden your grown children with significant expenses. And you purchase adequate life insurance to enable your family to maintain its lifestyle should anything happen to you. Yet, if you’re going to help preserve your family’s financial well-being after you’re gone, you also need to take one additional step: Create an estate plan. read more »

If you share much of your adult life with your parents, consider yourself fortunate. As they age, however, you will need to become increasingly aware of added responsibilities you may have to assume. By planning ahead, you can help make everyone’s life easier.

In dealing with various matters relating to your parents — particularly financial matters — the key is open and frequent communication. read more »

It’s unfortunate but true: Many people are not particularly successful investors. Why? Part of the reason can be explained in these two words: Fear and greed. read more »

Your 401 plan is an excellent retirement-savings vehicle — so don’t let it “stall out.” How can you help keep your 401 moving forward? For starters, make sure you periodically rebalance the investments within your plan.

Fortunately, you’ll find that you’ll have plenty of opportunities to do just that. In recent years, 401 plans have begun offering participants an increasing number of investment choices. Also, most plans allow you to make changes frequently — as often as once a day. You may not require this degree of flexibility, but it’s nice to know it exists. read more »

Remember the old saying, “Don’t putt all your eggs in one basket?” Today, “gathering eggs” typically consists of stopping by the store to pick up a dozen Grade A’s. However, the wisdom of the sentiment still applies, especially when it comes to investing.

In yesteryear, this sage advice was meant to protect you should some unfortunate mishap befall you between the house and the chicken coop. Today, when applied to investing, these words of wisdom are intended to help protect you and your investments against mishaps. Here’s how. read more »