1. Should Seniors Use Reverse Mortgages?
Some of the most popular products being pitched to seniors today are reverse mortgages. Everywhere you turn there are free seminars, free reports and free DVDs, all touting the amazing benefits these loans offer. Are reverse mortgages the answer to seniors prayers, or are they too good to be true?...

2. Charting a Course for Emerging Markets
Investors dissatisfied with domestic returns have been seeking greater growth in foreign markets. As noted in last week's article, the growth of emerging markets is not a short-term fad, but a long-term trend that will affect global markets for years to come. The question then, is how you can take advantage of this opportunity without losing your shirt. Read on to find out....

3. Can Emerging Market Growth Continue?
Are emerging markets just a fad? Find out what Jeff thinks about the growth of developing countries....

4. Arbitration Won't Save You From Losing Your Money
Some of my best article ideas come from my readers, and this week is no exception. This is a story of misplaced trust, dishonesty, inaction and great financial loss. The lessons learned through their experience will hopefully save you from a similar fate. Read on to find out more....

5. Is Your Portfolio Properly Seasoned?
Is your portfolio properly dressed for the economic season? It should be....

6. Income Investors Should Take Action
Find out how to get up to twice the return of a CD....

7. Are Variable Annuity Guaranteed Living Benefits Worth It?
Wondering about the fine print on your variable annuity? Annuity guarantees may not be all you expect them to be....

8. The Tax Gifts Keep On Coming
Find out how to reduce capital gains and dividend tax rates down to 0% in some cases....

9. Buy, Sell, or Hold?
When the markets go down, what do you do? Read Jeff's latest article....

10. Investing: A Sure Fire Investment
Want an investment that can't miss this Thanksgiving? Check out Jeff' latest tip....

11. Annuities: Consumer Alert: Equity Indexed Annuities
Seniors and retirees need to be aware of the dangers of investing in an Equity Indexed Annuity. Read on to find out how to protect yourself....

12. Investing: Reader Exposes Mortgage Mischief
Getting a new mortgage? Watch Out! Mortgage brokers (even at banks) get paid on commission. As interest rates rise, they must become more creative to make a living. Many are honest, but there's plenty that won't blink an eye at taking advantage of uninformed consumers. Don't be one of them!...

13. Estate: Your Questions Answered - Can You Stretch A 401K?
A reader recently asked if his 401(k) could be rolled over, by his beneficiary, to a 'stretch' IRA after his death. Read on to discover an answer that will protect your beneficiaries from tens of thousands of dollars in unnecessary taxes and keep your gift to them alive for generations to come....

14. Estate: Protect Your Beneficiary's Inheritance
An inheritance is the precious fruit of years of labor. It is an expression of love. Nowadays, more than ever, an inheritance is something that should be protected. All too often, inheritances are squandered or lost because of a lack of planning by those giving it. Read on to discover how to easily change that....

15. Annuities: Rising Interest Rates: Another Reason To Avoid Equity-Indexed Annuities
Rising interest rates are another reason to avoid Equity-Indexed Annuities. If you are retired or near retirement, don't let yourself be talked into purchasing an Equity-Indexed Annuity. If you do, it could easily be a decision you regret for many years to come....

16. Investing: New Year Financial Tune Up
While you're making your New Years' resolutions, don't forget to give your financial house an annual tune-up. As the old saying goes, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, and few adjustments now could save you thousands of dollars, not to mention some major headaches, in the months and years to come....

17. Estate: Your Questions Answered - Health Savings And Power Of Attorney
Q. Jeff, I want to ask your opinion regarding Health Savings Accounts. On April 1st, the company I work for is changing our current Blue Cross health insurance to Guardian Insurance set up as a HRA. I am single and currently have a $500 deductible. Under the HRA, the deductible will be $2,000....

18. Annuities: Better Alternatives Than Equity-Indexed Annuities
Equity Indexed Annuities (EIAs) have become the hot product of late. I believe you can easily find other alternatives that will bring a better return, without locking up your money or levying hefty surrender penalties....

19. Investing: It's Your Money Take Control Of It!
One of the biggest mistakes I frequently see investors make is needlessly losing control of their money. Any time you pay a hefty commission or face surrender penalties in order to get YOUR money you lose control....

20. Annuities: Equity-Indexed Annuities: There Are Better Growth Alternatives ( Stability)
Every investor would like to increase their income without compromising their stability. Maybe that's why Equity Indexed Annuities (EIAs) have become so popular, because of their promise of providing a stable income stream....

21. Estate: Beyond The Living Will
Living wills have received a great deal of attention due to the recent Terry Schiavo situation. Because her end-of-life wishes were in dispute, family members battled each other in the courts over her treatment and care....

22. Annuities: Equity-Indexed Annuities: There Are Better Growth Alternatives
Everybody wants to find the secret to investing on Wall Street. But the truth is, you don't have to be a genius to be a successful equity investor...

23. Investing: The Solution To The Investment Roller Coaster
Do you feel you're on an emotional roller coaster? If so, you are not alone. The fluctuations of the market are hard for most investors to stomach, and many suffer from financial 'motion sickness' as a result. But making investment decisions under these circumstances is a recipe for disaster. Read on to find out how you can get off the emotional roller coaster of investing....

24. Investing: Don't Scramble Your Eggs
Financial advisors have been preaching the use of portfolio diversification to reduce risk for years. Unfortunately, the way most do it leaves your portfolio vulnerable! Read on to find out how to properly diversify your portfolio....

25. Annuities: Don't Put Your IRA In A Variable Annuity Part 2
If you're getting ready to retire with a large IRA rollover, or your current IRA account is nearing the end of any surrender penalties, chances are you'll be pitched this product. So this week I'm going to reveal more secrets about the truth behind the variable annuity sales pitch....

26. Estate: Afraid Of Losing Your Home To Medicaid?
Doris from Minnesota is considering transferring her assets to her son so they won't be lost to Medicaid should she need assisted-living or nursing home care. Is that the right move? If so, what's the best way to do it? Read on to find out....

27. Estate: How To Legally Avoid Taxes On Gifts And Inheritances
Nobody likes to pay taxes. If done incorrectly, though, the way you inherit an asset can result in you needlessly paying tens of thousands of dollars in taxes....

28. Investing: Keep Up Your Guard
Do you like being taken advantage of? I sure don't. In fact, I hate it! Worse, it seems like it is happening more and more. Now, more than ever, it is buyer-beware. Read on for some specific examples and to learn how you can protect yourself....

29. Annuities: Don't Put Your IRA In A Variable Annuity
If you've talked to a broker or agent about rolling over your retirement account, there's a good chance the advisor recommended you invest in a Variable Annuity. Don't do it! I believe the only reason a variable annuity is recommended for an IRA is so the advisor can earn more money. Let me explain....

30. Insurance: Drunk Driver Ruins Financial Future
Clyde and Claudette's financial future is now ruined! Make sure it doesn't happen to you. These tips will help you protect yourself from the time-bomb that devastated them....

31. Investing: Olympics Teach Investors A Lesson
Perhaps the only area outside the financial world where performance is so closely measured is the Olympics. Competition is fierce, and with events measured to the hundredths of a second, athletes go to great lengths to gain even the slightest edge. The Olympics can teach us a lot about investing....

32. Annuities: Your Questions Answered: Equity-Indexed Annuities
Q. Jeff, I've been approached by someone touting the benefits of equity indexed annuity with "Company-X". They say my money will be safe, there's a minimum return and a cap with a participation rate of 100%....

33. Estate: To Trust Or Not To Trust . . . That Is The Question!
Living Trusts have become very popular and are being heavily promoted to seniors. Should you Trust or not Trust? That is the question. Read on to learn some simple guidelines that will help you know whether a Living Trust may be right for you and how to go about getting one if needed....

34. Annuities: Equity-Indexed Annuties: Knowing When You're Financially Vulnerable
It's hunting season out there, and unfortunately, you're the target! The financial services industry is on the hunt for your account and they know when you are most likely to take their bait. Knowing when you are most vulnerable is the first step in keeping you and your nest egg from being snared....

35. Insurance: Don't Let Health Care Hijack Your Retirement
One of the greatest financial challenges faced by today's retirees is the rising cost of health care. Prescriptions, insurance premiums, doctor's office visits and hospital stays are all increasing more rapidly than inflation....

36. Estate: Clearing Up Estate Document Confusion
Few topics confuse investors more than figuring out what estate-related documents they need. Living Wills, Living Trusts, and Powers of Attorney are just a few of the terms that most find hard to define, let alone understand....

37. Investing: Work Isn't A Four Letter Word
In our culture, the main goal of retirement is to put our working days behind us and devote ourselves to the pursuit of pleasure. Many find, though, that continuing to work in some form keeps them active and gives their lives purpose. Changing your concept of retirement may even allow you to retire sooner....

38. Estate: Afraid Of Losing Your Home To Medicaid?
Doris from Minnesota is considering transferring her assets to her son so they won't be lost to Medicaid should she need assisted-living or nursing home care. Is that the right move? If so, what's the best way to do it? Read on to find out....

39. Annuities: Seniors Targets of Financial Charlatans
Seniors in your community may be targets of financial charlatans. I've received a number of disturbing reports recently from seniors about the abusive tactics of some advisors. Their actions are not only unethical, but they border on the criminal. You must be aware of these despicable tactics so you and your nest egg are protected....

40. Insurance: HIPPA Headaches
Don't you just love government red tape? This time the bureaucratic process has given us a real doozy--it's called the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act or HIPAA for short. And the unintended affects of HIPPA could have a dramatic effect on you....

41. Investing: Saving Your Retirement
Everyone would love to retire early, but they also desire to be free from the fear of running out of money. Changing your attitude toward investing and the approach you take will help you accomplish both. Read on to see how you can retire years sooner and make you money last decades longer....

42. Estate: Don't Be Left Holding The Bag
Ned almost lost the farm that had been in his family for 8 generations! We've all heard that 'The Devil is in the details.' It is especially true when it comes to estate planning. Make sure you don't make the same mistake Ned did....

43. Insurance: The Real Reason For Long -Term Care Insurance
My mother-in-law recently passed away after a long and courageous battle with cancer. Throughout her battle, our family had to deal with many emotional and legal issues. Over the next couple weeks, I'll be discussing these in more detail in the hope that you and your loved ones will be prepared for life's difficulties....

44. Annuities: Equity-Indexed Annuities: Putting Lipstick On A Pig
I believe that Equity Indexed Annuities and the sales practices used to sell them may well be the Next Big Investment Scandal you will hear about. You need to understand why and to think twice before you purchase one of these products....

45. Insurance: Inaccurate Medical Records Could Give You A Heart Attack
You may be paying too much for health, life or long-term care insurance! I know because a life insurance company recently tried to charge me double. My experience may save you money and keep you from being turned down the next time you apply for insurance....

46. Estate: How Do You Like These Odds?
Are you a gambler? Do you like to play the odds? Here are some real-life odds for you to consider: 90% of people become incompetent before they die!...

47. Insurance: Life Insurance, Too Much, Too Little, Or Just Right?
The thought that you may not need life insurance is anathema to most life insurance agents. But as a Certified Financial Planner who is also a life insurance agent, I have a different point of view. There are times when you may not need life insurance....

48. Annuities: Federal Regulators Concerned About Equity-Indexed Annuities
I've been predicting for some time now that Equity-Indexed Annuities and the sales practices associated with them will be the Next Big Scandal of the financial services industry. And now my predictions are coming true....

49. Investing: Stategies To Boost Growth
You should continue to grow your nest egg even when retired--unless you've been blessed with more money than you will ever spend! Last week I discussed in detail how retirees can boost their income without taking on unnecessary risk....

50. Annuities: Equity-Linked Certificate Of Deposit: The Safer Low-Cost EIA Alternative
Equity-Linked Certificates of Deposit are a safer, low-cost alternative for those who must have an Equity-Indexed Annuity type of investment. These little-known investments allow you to participate in the growth of the market index while your principal is guaranteed by the Government. Read on to find out more....

51. Annuities: The Guaranteed Minimum Income Benefit
Variable Annuities now offer a Guaranteed Minimum Withdrawal Benefit which allows you to earn 5% or 6% even if the market drops significantly. Undoubtedly, you will be pitched a variable annuity or pressured to transfer your existing one into a new contract with this benefit....

52. Estate: Don't Rely On Medicaid For Long-Term Care
Millions of retirees expect to rely on Medicaid to cover the cost of their long-term care needs. If you or your parents have that expectation then you must read this article. You shouldn't rely on this program and by doing so you may end up becoming dependent on family and friends for care....

53. Investing: Sucessfully Transitioning Your Portfolio
At some point you will need to make changes to your investment portfolio. Often, investors and their advisors make wholesale changes all at once. But that's not really in your best interest. Read on to find out how to successfully adjust your portfolio....

54. Insurance: When Life Insurance Is A Pot of Gold
Don't cancel your life insurance policy without reading this first! Depending on your situation, you may be losing tens of thousands of dollars if you do. If you have a life insurance policy that you no longer can afford or need, consider selling the policy. Read on to find out how....

55. Investing: Hype-Proof Your Portfolio
One email in particular recently caught my eye. And it wasn't from being flamed by irate insurance agents (I got plenty of those!), or emails from thankful consumers, pleased the public is being warned about equity-indexed annuities' pitfalls....

56. Insurance: Bridging The Long-Term Care Gap
Providing for adequate health care is one of the top concerns for today's seniors. And yet, many find themselves coming up short when that need is for long term care. With costs skyrocketing and government purse strings tightening, planning for such care has never been more important. Don't let long term care costs take you by surprise....

57. Insurance: Long Term Nightmare
Recent legislation in Congress may make it even more difficult for seniors to qualify for government-paid long-term care coverage. If you don't take action now, you may be setting you and your family up for a Long Term Nightmare!...

58. Annuities: Oversight Needed On Equity-Indexed Annuities
The sale of Equity-Indexed Annuities has increased 45% the first 6 months of this year. I'm concerned that the vast majority of those sales are unsuitable for the investors buying them....

59. Investing: Harmed Investor Gets Justice
Countless investors have lost large portions of their investments. Some have been in investments where they lost everything. But investors looking for help in recouping losses often find there are few places to turn for assistance. Read on to learn about one investor that finally got justice....

60. Annuities: Avoid More Fianancial Razor Blades
Our nation has just enjoyed one of its most popular annual rituals: the Super Bowl. One can draw many lessons from the drama on the gridiron and all the hoopla surrounding it....

61. Estate: Do You Need A Trust Or Foundation?
Trusts and private foundations aren't just for the rich and famous like Warren Buffet or Bill Gates. Nowadays, even people of modest means are realizing the great benefits trust and foundations can provide. Read on to see if you can, too....

62. Estate: When A Will Isn't The Way
Many people have the mistaken impression that their Last Will and Testament determines what happens to their possessions when they die. As John, a reader in Maryville, TN learned, that's not necessarily true....

63. Insurance: Understanding Long-Term Care Insurance
Today's seniors are living longer than ever, but as life spans increase, so do the needs for additional care....

64. Investing: It's All About The Cash
It's vital that your nest egg last longer than you do. The only way for that to occur is if the nest egg continues to grow over time....

65. Insurance: Beware Of Universal Life II
Permanent insurance such as Whole Life, Universal Life, Equity-Indexed Universal Life and Variable Universal Life is regularly promoted as the perfect retirement vehicle or the new way to build wealth. This week I will expose the fallacies of those arguments....

66. Investing: Master Limited Partnership: Don't Fear A K-1
It's tax time again! This is the time that we anxiously watch our mailboxes for the arrival of the documents we need to complete our income taxes. For most, their interest income is reported on a 1099....

67. Annuities: Are Low-Cost Annuities A Good Choice?
I've disliked variable annuities for many years because of their high fees and onerous surrender penalties. Now, low-cost variable annuities are available that slash fees and do away with the surrender penalties....

68. Estate: Pension Protection Act: How It Affects You
The Pension Protection Act was recently passed by Congress and signed into law. It is "the most sweeping reform of America's pension laws in over 30 years." Whether you're retired or still laboring to build your nest egg, the Pension Protection Act (PPA) will affect you. Read on to find out how....

69. Annuities: Why You Shouldn't Annuitize
As more companies do away with their pension programs, the insurance industry and the media are heavily promoting the use of immediate annuities to provide a dependable income stream during your retirement....

70. Investing: The "Corrected 1099" Nightmare
There's nothing more frustrating than receiving a corrected 1099 a few weeks after you've filed your tax return. Must you amend your return? Read on to find out....

71. Annuities: Annuities? Give Me A Break!
Millions of seniors are sold equity-indexed and variable annuities with promises of guaranteed returns with little or no risk....

72. Investing: Dow Drops 2700 Points
It's a headline that every stock market investor fears will happen. The markets crash and their hard-earned nest egg evaporates. They're forced to go back to work and must resort to eating beans and rice. Is that fear justified? No....

73. Annuities: Equity-Indexed Annuities: The Investment From Hell
If you were nearing the edge of the cliff and didn't know it, would you want someone to warn you before it was too late? Of course you would. That's been the guiding principle of this column, to inform everyday investors of the pitfalls that could cause them and their nest egg irreparable harm....

74. Insurance: Beware Of Universal Life
Has a life insurance agent suggested that you buy 'permanent' insurance such as Whole Life, Universal Life or Variable Universal Life? The reasons they give seem so compelling, but are they in your best interest? Here's an explanation of the basics, plus what the insurance agent isn't telling you!...

75. Investing: Get Free Answers To Your Financial Questions
Sometimes it is the little things in life that really make the difference. That's especially true then when it comes to dealing with financial matters....