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Business Owner   Articles     Benefits and retirement plans       Benefit plans for small businesses       Disability income insurance for the self-employed       Group health insurance: a valued employee benefit       Group term life insurance       Health insurance for the self-employed       Key employee life and disability insurance       Life insurance for the self-employed       Offering group disability insurance       Retirement plans for small businesses       Split dollar insurance plans       Understanding individual 401(k) plans       What employers need to know about workers' compensation insurance     Insuring a business       Business automobile insurance basics       Business interruption insurance       Business liability insurance basics       Business overhead expense insurance       Commercial general liability       Do you need crime insurance?       Income tax tips: business insurance       Insurance tips for business travelers       Insuring your home business       Professional liability coverage       Properly insuring your business       Should you self-insure your business?       Understanding your business owners policy       Why insure your business?     Starting a business       Advantages and disadvantages of self-employment       Choosing an entity for your business       Funding a business       Hiring your first employee       Qualifying for the home office deduction       Record keeping for your own business       Starting or buying a business       Tax planning for the self-employed     Transferring or selling a business       Funding a buy-sell agreement with disability insurance       Funding a buy-sell agreement with life insurance       Transferring your family business   Decision Tools     Benefits and retirement plans       401(k) plans       Building a retirement plan for your business       Comparison of types of educational assistance       Individual 401(k) Illustration     Business planning basics       2003 numbers       Net worth calculator     Choosing an entity       Choosing a business entity       Comparison of LLCs, LLPs, and professional corporations       How C Corporations, Limited Liability Companies, and Limited Liability Partnerships Protect Personal Assets     Insurance planning       Business life insurance needs       Number of policies needed with a cross purchase plan     Tax planning       Accelerating deductions/postponing income       Accelerating income/postponing deductions     Transferring or selling a business       Business succession planning alternatives       Business succession strategy analyzer       Buy-sell agreement analyzer       Buy-sell planning questionnaire       How cross purchase plans work       How entity purchase plans work       Planning for succession of a business interest   FAQs     Advertising a business       How can I get free publicity for my business?       How do I know where to advertise my business?       What is the best form of advertising?     Employee benefits and other issues       How can I boost the morale of my employees without incurring huge expenses?       How can I find good employees for my business?       What are health reimbursement arrangements?       What are incentive stock options (ISOs)?       What benefits should I offer to my employees?     Home-based businesses       Can I deduct home office expenses?       If I work at home occasionally, am I entitled to a home office deduction?     Incorporating a business       Can I change my business from a C corporation to an S corporation?       Can I change my business from an S corporation to a C corporation?       Should I incorporate my business?     Insurance coverage       A cell phone and laptop computer owned by my company were inside my briefcase when it was stolen. Will my company's insurance cover the loss?       Can I get disability insurance if I'm self-employed?       I drive my own car on company business. Whose insurance will pay for damages if I get into an accident?       I own a business. Are there any creative ways I can use life insurance in my business?       I use my laptop computer for my home business. Is it covered under my homeowners policy?       I'm an independent contractor. Where can I get health and disability insurance?       I'm thinking about opening a day-care business in my home. Does this raise any insurance issues?       What is errors and omissions insurance?       What is stop-loss insurance?       What kind of insurance coverage do I need for my small business?     Noncompetition agreements       I am buying a business. Can I make the seller sign a noncompetition agreement?       My employer wants me to sign a noncompetition agreement. What is it? Is it legally binding?       Why does the buyer of my business want me to sign a noncompetition agreement?     Partnerships       How does a limited partnership work?     Raising capital       Can I borrow money from my wholly owned business?       How can I raise capital for my business?     Starting a business       Don't most small businesses fail?       How do I find good advisors such as lawyers and accountants to help with my business?       Is buying a franchise a good way to get into business?       Should I buy an existing business or start from scratch?       Should I buy or lease assets for my business?       What are the stages of business development?       What should I look for in a business location?     Transferring or selling a business       Can I transfer my business through my will?       How can I keep my business in the family?       What are some financing options for selling my business?       What is a buy-sell agreement?       What is a family limited partnership, and will it help reduce estate taxes?     Valuing a business       How can I determine what my business is worth for estate and gift tax purposes?   Education Planning   Articles     529 plans       529 plans and financial aid eligibility       529 plans vs. other college savings options       529 plans: The ins and outs of contributions and withdrawals       Choosing a state savings plan       Estate planning and 529 plans       Income tax planning and 529 plans       Making changes to your 529 account       Opening a 529 account       The ABCs of 529 plans     Education planning basics       ABCs of financial aid       Can I afford to send my child to college?       Education tax credits       Finding money to pay college bills out of pocket       Going back to school as an adult       Health insurance for college students       Helping your child make the transition from high school to college       How student loans impact your credit       Research tips when choosing a college       Saving for retirement and a child's education at the same time       Sticker shock--creative ways to lower the cost of college       Student loan basics       The best ways to save for college       The college application process   Decision Tools     529 plans       529 plans vs. Coverdell education savings accounts       529 plans: advisor-sold state savings plans       529 plans: direct-sold state savings plans       529 plans: prepaid tuition plans       State savings plan nonqualified withdrawals calculator       State savings plans vs. prepaid tuition plans     Determining how much to save for college       College savings analyzer       Finding the funds to pay for a college education       Higher education figures at-a-glance     Evaluating college savings options       Advantages and disadvantages of 529 plans       Advantages and disadvantages of Coverdell education savings accounts       Advantages and disadvantages of custodial accounts for college savings       Advantages and disadvantages of U.S. savings bonds for college savings       College funding options analyzer       College savings vehicles compared     Financial aid       College application and financial aid calendar       Comparison of federal higher education loans       Financial aid calendar     Tax issues       Comparison of education tax credits and deductions       Qualified education expenses defined       Summary of tax-advantaged college savings options   FAQs     529 plan basics       Do 529 plans include both state savings plans and prepaid tuition plans?       How long have 529 plans been around?       How many states currently have 529 plans?       What can you tell me about employer-sponsored 529 plans?       What is the Independent 529 Plan?       What's the difference between state savings plans and prepaid tuition plans?       Who can legally offer 529 plans?       Why are these plans referred to as "529" plans?     529 plan expenses and fees       Do 529 plan expenses vary among states?       What expenses and fees are generally associated with 529 plans?     529 plans and financial aid       How will my 529 account be treated for financial aid purposes?       I opened a state savings plan account for my grandchild many years ago, and he's now filling out financial aid applications. Do his parents need to list the value of the account in their assets, or does my grandchild list the value of the account as his asset?     529 plans vs. other ways to save for college       How does a 529 plan compare with a Coverdell education savings account?       How does a 529 plan compare with an UGMA/UTMA custodial account in my child's name?       How does a 529 plan compare with investing in a mutual fund in my name?       How does a 529 plan compare with using U.S. savings bonds for college expenses?     529 plans: Changing plans (rollover)       Can I move funds from my Coverdell education savings account to a 529 plan?       Can I roll over my existing 529 account to another state's 529 plan without penalty?       Does it make sense to cash in my prepaid tuition plan and contribute the money to a state savings plan instead?     529 plans: Choosing or changing a beneficiary or account owner       Can a 529 account have more than one beneficiary?       Can I change the beneficiary of a 529 account?       Can I open a 529 account and name myself as beneficiary?       Is there an age limit on who can be a beneficiary of a 529 plan?       Under what circumstances can the account owner of a 529 plan be changed?       Who can be a beneficiary of a 529 plan?     529 plans: Death of account owner or beneficiary       If I am the account owner when I die, will the value of my 529 account be included in my estate?       What happens if I open a 529 account for my child and then I die--who would control the account?       What happens if the beneficiary of the 529 account dies?     529 plans: Making contributions       Can contributions to a 529 plan be directly debited from my checking account?       Can I contribute my own stocks and bonds to the 529 account I've set up for my child?       Can I make contributions to a 529 account and a Coverdell education savings account in the same year for the same beneficiary?       Can I transfer my child's UGMA/UTMA custodial account to a 529 plan?       How much can I invest in a 529 plan?       How often can I make contributions to my child's 529 account?       I'm putting money into a 529 plan for my grandchild. But are the 529 assets subject to Medicaid spend-down requirements?       Should I invest a lump sum, or is there a way to use dollar cost averaging when investing in a state savings plan?     529 plans: Tax issues       Can I deduct my contributions to my 529 account?       Can I use 529 funds to pay my child's college expenses in the same year I take either the Hope credit or the Lifetime Learning credit?       How does the annual gift tax exclusion apply to contributions to a 529 plan?       I intend to make tuition payments directly to my grandchild's college, and I know this will reduce my estate. But would it be better to contribute to a 529 plan instead?       I know that qualified withdrawals from state savings plans are now exempt from federal income tax. But what about state taxes?       I opened a 529 plan and my child is the beneficiary. If my mother makes a contribution to the plan, is that considered a gift to me or to my child?       I opened a state savings plan sponsored by a different state than my own. Will I get that state's tax benefits?       I'd like to make a lump-sum contribution to my grandchild's 529 account. Will I owe gift tax?       If I cash in Series EE U.S. savings bonds I purchased 10 years ago and contribute the proceeds to a 529 plan, can I still avoid paying tax on the proceeds?       The Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2001 contains sunset provisions. Should I be worried about this?       Will I be penalized if the money in my 529 plan isn't used for college expenses?       Will I pay income tax when the money in my 529 plan is withdrawn to pay for college expenses?       Will the value of my 529 account be included in my estate or my beneficiary's estate?     Applying to college       How many colleges should my child apply to?       When are college applications due?     Borrowing against your 529 account       Can I use the money in my 529 account as security if I apply for a loan?       I know I can borrow against my 401(k), but can I borrow against the value of my 529 account?     Choosing a 529 plan       Can I invest in any state's 529 plan, or am I limited to my own state's plan?       How do I know whether to choose a state savings plan or a prepaid tuition plan?       I've decided on a state savings plan, but how do I go about choosing one?     College costs       Are there any ways to lower the cost of college?       What expenses are included in the annual cost of college?       What is the college inflation rate?     College students and insurance       My child is heading off to college this fall. What insurance issues does this raise?     Education tax credits       Now that my child is in college, am I entitled to any education tax credits?       What are the Hope credit and the Lifetime Learning credit?     Financial aid       Are any financial aid programs tailored especially to parents of post-secondary students?       Are there any assets that are not counted for financial aid purposes?       Can an UGMA/UTMA account reduce my child's financial aid for college?       Can anyone get a Pell Grant?       Can we negotiate our child's financial aid award?       Do colleges offer financial aid?       How can my child find scholarships for college?       How do I apply for financial aid?       How do I know if I'm eligible for federal financial aid?       How does the federal financial aid process work?       Is there anything I can do now so that my child can obtain more financial aid later?       What are the major federal financial aid loan programs?       What happens if our child's college does not give us all the financial aid we need?       What is a Stafford Loan?     Opening a 529 account       Are there rules on who can open a 529 account?       Can a non-U.S. citizen open a 529 account?       Can I open a 529 account for a nonrelative?       Can I open a 529 account in anticipation of my future grandchild?       Can I open a 529 plan with a lump sum?       Can more than one account be opened for the same child?       Can my spouse and I open a joint 529 account for our child?       Does it make sense to open a 529 account if my child is only two years away from college?       How do I enroll in a state's 529 plan?       I have two children. Should I open one account for both children or one account for each child?       If I open a 529 account, will my child's choice of college be restricted?       Is there an income limit on who can open an account?       What happens if I open a 529 plan in one state and then move to another state?     Paying for college       I've heard that a grandparent can pay a grandchild's tuition directly to the college without any gift tax problems. Is this true?       Should I take out a home equity loan to pay for my child's tuition?       Should I use my 401(k) to fund my child's college education?       Should I withdraw money from my IRA to pay for my child's college tuition?     Saving for college       Are government savings bonds risk free?       Are savings bonds a good way to save?       Are state savings plans a good way to save for college?       Can an UGMA/UTMA account reduce my child's financial aid for college?       Do series EE bonds offer any special advantages if used for college savings?       Help! My child is only two years away from college and we haven't saved much. What should we do?       How can I save for my child's college education?       How can we possibly save for retirement and our child's college education at the same time?       Should I establish a trust for my child's college education fund?       Should I open a Coverdell education savings account?       Should I save for college in my name or my child's name?       What are the rules for Coverdell education savings accounts?       What is the CollegeSure CD?     Selecting a college       How should my child go about selecting a college?     Student loans       Are my student loan payments tax deductible?       Can I refinance my student loan?       How will I ever pay off my student loans?       I'm having trouble paying my student loans. What should I do?       Is student loan interest deductible?       Should I pay off my student loans early with a home equity loan?     Understanding 529 investments       Does a state savings plan allow me to choose my own investments?       Is my rate of return guaranteed under a 529 plan?       What recourse do I have if I'm unhappy with my state savings plan's investment performance?       What's the difference between how a state savings plan invests and how a prepaid tuition plan invests?     Using or withdrawing 529 funds       Can 529 funds be used for general living expenses while at college?       Can the funds in a 529 plan be used for college expenses if my child is only attending part-time?       How do I prove that a distribution request is for my child's college expenses and not for some other purpose?       Must the funds in a 529 plan be used for tuition only, or can they be used for room and board expenses?       My child got a full scholarship to college--now what?       My child is the beneficiary of a 529 plan. Can he use the 529 funds at a foreign school?       My child is the beneficiary of a 529 plan. Can he use the 529 funds for graduate school?       My child is the beneficiary of a 529 plan. Can he use the 529 funds for vocational school?       My child is the beneficiary of a 529 plan. Can we use the 529 funds for her private elementary or secondary school?       My child will be going to college next year and using 529 funds to pay expenses--what do I need to do?       What happens if I need to use the funds in a 529 plan before my child goes to college?       What happens if I open a 529 account for my child, and she later becomes disabled and doesn't go to college?       What happens if my child finishes college and there is money left over in the 529 account?       What happens to my 529 plan if my child wants to postpone going to college for a year or two after high school?       What happens to the funds in my 529 account if my child doesn't go to college?   Estate Planning   Articles     Assets       Asset protection in estate planning       Estate planning and 529 plans       Transferring your family business     Beneficiary designations       Choosing a beneficiary for your IRA or 401(k)       Designating a beneficiary for life insurance     Charitable giving       Charitable giving       Life insurance and charitable giving     Estate planning basics       Estate planning--an introduction       Facing the possibility of incapacity       Gift and estate taxes       Trust basics       Wills--the cornerstone of your estate plan     Life insurance       Life insurance and estate planning       Life insurance and terminal illness       Life insurance: do you need it?       Planning ahead for life insurance proceeds       The ins and outs of policy ownership     Medicaid planning       Medicaid and nursing home care       Medicaid and the principal residence       Medicaid planning basics     Probate       Bypassing probate       Understanding probate   Decision Tools     Business planning       Business life insurance needs       Business succession planning alternatives       Choosing a business entity       How cross purchase plans work       How entity purchase plans work       Number of policies needed with a cross purchase plan       Planning for succession of a business interest     Charitable giving       How a charitable lead trust works       How a charitable remainder trust works       The best property to give to charity     Estate planning basics       529 Plan Federal estate tax calculator       529 Plan Federal estate tax calculator - (Consumer Version)       Common incapacity documents       Estate shrinkage       Federal estate tax estimator       Federal transfer tax exemption amounts under the Tax Act of 2001       Steps to estate planning success       Table of federal estate tax brackets and exemption limits     Life insurance       Life insurance needs analyzer     Probate       The probate process: 3 to 9 months after death       The probate process: 9 to 12 months after death       The probate process: initial tasks       Types of post-mortem elections     Trusts       Advantages of trusts       How a grantor retained income trust (GRIT) works       How an irrevocable life insurance trust (ILIT) works       How an irrevocable trust protects assets   FAQs     Estate and gift tax       How can I determine what my business is worth for estate and gift tax purposes?       How can I minimize taxes on my estate?       How will estate taxes be paid if I leave no provision in my will?       I intend to make tuition payments directly to my grandchild's college, and I know this will reduce my estate. But would it be better to contribute to a 529 plan instead?       I just made a gift. Do I have to file a gift tax return?       If I am the account owner when I die, will the value of my 529 account be included in my estate?       The death benefit from insurance on my life will be paid to an irrevocable life insurance trust (ILIT). What if those funds are needed to pay my estate taxes?       What is a family limited partnership, and will it help reduce estate taxes?       What is the applicable exclusion amount?       Will the value of my 529 account be included in my estate or my beneficiary's estate?     Estate planning basics       How often do I need to review my estate plan?       Isn't estate planning only for the rich?       What makes up my taxable estate?     Life insurance and estate planning       Are life insurance proceeds income taxable?       The death benefit from insurance on my life will be paid to an irrevocable life insurance trust (ILIT). What if those funds are needed to pay my estate taxes?       What is a life insurance trust and why should I consider establishing one?       When I die, is my beneficiary required to take a lump-sum payment of my life insurance death benefit?       Will my beneficiaries have to pay taxes on the proceeds of my life insurance policy?     Planning for incapacity       What is an advanced directive for health care, and will it help me avoid court involvement during incapacity?       What is the difference between a power of attorney and a durable power of attorney?     Probate       Does property owned jointly avoid probate?       What is probate and why do I want to avoid it?     Trusts       Can an UGMA/UTMA account reduce my child's financial aid for college?       Should I establish a trust for my child's college education fund?       What is a Crummey power?       What is a life insurance trust and why should I consider establishing one?       What is a living trust?     Wills       Can I disinherit relatives I don't like?       Can I transfer my business through my will?       Do I have to accept a bequest I don't want?       Do I need an attorney to prepare my will?       How will estate taxes be paid if I leave no provision in my will?       I want my son to have my valuable collection of baseball cards when I die. How do I make sure he gets it?       What is the difference between a living will and a living trust?       What will happen if I die without a will?       Who should I name as guardian of my children in case my spouse and I should die at the same time?       Who should I name as trustee?   Government Benefits   Articles     Medicare and Medicaid       Coordinating long-term care insurance with government benefits       Health insurance in retirement       Medicaid and nursing home care       Medicaid and the principal residence       Medicaid planning basics       Medicare     Other government benefits       Government-sponsored disability insurance programs       Receiving unemployment benefits       What employers need to know about workers' compensation insurance     Social Security       Social Security disability benefits       Social Security retirement benefits       Social Security survivor's benefits       Understanding Social Security   Decision Tools     Medicare and Medicaid       Medicaid eligibility for nursing home care       Medicare figures at-a-glance       Medicare, Medigap, and Medicaid     Social Security       Disability income needs worksheet       How earnings affect Social Security       Social Security disability insurance (SSDI): awards and applications illustrator       Social Security figures at-a-glance       Sources of retirement income: filling the Social Security gap       What are your chances of becoming disabled?   FAQs     Medicare and Medicaid       How do I enroll in Medicare?       How does Medicare Advantage work?       I'm putting money into a 529 plan for my grandchild. But are the 529 assets subject to Medicaid spend-down requirements?       I'm thinking about placing my mother in a nursing home. Will Medicaid pay for her care?       If I'm covered by Medicare, should I have additional health insurance?     Military benefits       Can I be buried in a national cemetery even though I got out of the Army years ago?     Social Security       Are my Social Security benefits subject to income tax?       Does my 16-year-old have to pay Social Security tax on her earnings?       How can I get an estimate of my Social Security benefits?       How do I get disability benefits from Social Security?       I'm getting remarried. How will this affect my Social Security benefits?       My husband and I are divorcing after 30 years of marriage. Will I still be able to receive Social Security retirement benefits based on his earnings record after our divorce?       Should I retire now at age 62 and collect Social Security benefits, or should I wait until age 65?       What happens if I start collecting Social Security after age 65?       What is SSI?       When do I have to apply for a Social Security number for my newborn?       When I retire, how much will I receive from Social Security?       Will my children receive money from Social Security when I die?   Investment Planning   Articles     Choosing investment vehicles       Annuity basics       Creating an investment portfolio       Investing in bonds       Investing in stocks       Mutual fund basics       Other investments       The best ways to save for college       Understanding mutual fund share classes     Investment basics       Handling market volatility       Investment planning--the basics       Six keys to successful investing       Taxation of investments       Understanding investment terms and concepts       Understanding risk     Investment goals       Asset Allocation       Can I afford to send my child to college?       Common investment goals       Dollar cost averaging       Retirement planning--the basics   Decision Tools     Creating an investment portfolio       Annuities       Asset allocation pie chart illustrator       Building an investment portfolio       College funding options analyzer       Common types of mutual funds       Exchange traded funds and mutual funds compared       Investing for retirement       Major asset classes     Investment planning basics       Common investment mistakes to avoid       Consumer price index inflation calculator       Growth of annual deposits calculator       Investor Profile and Asset Allocation Calculator       Simple rules for investing       Steps to financial planning success     Taxes       Capital gains and dividends tax relief       Jobs and Growth Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2003: Highlights   FAQs     Creating an investment portfolio       Does a state savings plan allow me to choose my own investments?       How aggressive should I be when I invest for retirement?       How do I construct an investment portfolio that's right for me?       How long should I hang on to an investment?       How much of my portfolio should I keep in stocks?       How should I structure my retirement portfolio?       What recourse do I have if I'm unhappy with my state savings plan's investment performance?       What's the difference between how a state savings plan invests and how a prepaid tuition plan invests?     Investing basics       How can I gauge my risk tolerance?       Is there any type of insurance that can protect against losses from investments?       Should I invest my extra cash or use it to pay off debt?       What is asset allocation and how does it work?       What is dollar cost averaging and how do I know if it's right for me?       What's the difference between growth investing and value investing?     Mutual funds       How does a 529 plan compare with investing in a mutual fund in my name?       Is it better to invest in a tax-free or a taxable mutual fund?       Should I invest in mutual funds or individual securities?       What is a mutual fund prospectus and how do I read it?       What is the difference between an open-end and a closed-end mutual fund?     Savings bonds       Are government savings bonds risk free?       Are savings bonds a good way to save?       Do series EE bonds offer any special advantages if used for college savings?     Stocks       Should I invest in mutual funds or individual securities?       Should I work with a stockbroker to buy individual stocks?       What are DRIPs?       What is a stock split?       Who do I call if I have a complaint about my stockbroker?     Taxes       How did the Jobs and Growth Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2003 change capital gains tax rates?       I have investment property. What does basis mean, and how do I determine the basis of my property?       Will I have to pay tax on my investment income?   Personal Finance   Articles     Buying a car       ABCs of auto insurance       Buying a car       GAP insurance       How safe is that new car?     Financial basics       Establishing a budget       Getting started: establishing a financial safety net       Working with a financial advisor     Managing credit and debt       Choosing a credit card       Contemplating bankruptcy       Credit traps for the unwary       Debt consolidation       How student loans inpact your credit       Understanding your credit report     Owning a home       Applying for a mortgage       Buying a home       Buying a home both you and your insurer will love       Opening the door to homeowners insurance       Refinancing your mortgage       Selling a home       Tapping the equity in your home       Tax benefits of home ownership       Your home as a source of dollars in retirement   Decision Tools     Owning a car       Auto insurance analyzer       Auto loan payment calculator       How to save money on your auto insurance       Should you buy or lease your car?     Owning a home       Homeowners insurance quiz       How to save money on your homeowners insurance       Is my home mortgage interest fully deductible?       Less common mortgage options       Mortgage payment calculator       Popular types of mortgages       Should you refinance your mortgage?     Saving, spending, and borrowing       Consumer price index inflation calculator       Credit cards--advantages vs. disadvantages       Deciding which credit card to get       Growth of annual deposits calculator       Loan amortization calculator       Net worth calculator       Personal cash flow worksheet   FAQs     Bankruptcy       Can I buy a house even though I declared bankruptcy?       I can't pay my bills. Should I declare bankruptcy?       What's the difference between Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy?     Buying a home       Can I buy a house even though I declared bankruptcy?       Can I buy a house with no money down?       How much house can I afford?       How much money do I have to put down to buy a house?       Should I buy a home or continue renting?       Should my partner and I buy a house together even though we're not married?       We just bought our first home. What can we deduct from the settlement statement?       What is involved in buying a house that's for sale by owner?       What's the Homestead Act?     Buying, selling, or leasing a car       How much will my monthly car payment be?       Is there any way to get out of a car lease?       Should I buy or lease a car?       Should I pay cash for a car or finance it?     Credit basics       How can I correct errors on my credit report?       How can I figure out my net worth?       How can I get credit if I have no credit history?       How can I protect myself against identity theft?       How can I reduce my spending?       How can I repair my poor credit?       How do I get a copy of my credit report?       How long should I keep copies of my tax returns?       How much money should I keep in a savings account for emergencies?       I can't pay my bills. Should I declare bankruptcy?       Should I invest my extra cash or use it to pay off debt?       Will debt consolidation hurt or help my credit rating?     Credit cards       How can I lower the interest rate on my credit card?       How can I pay off my credit card debt?       I get a lot of credit card offers. How can I tell which one is best?       I've finally paid off my credit cards. Should I close the accounts or leave them open with zero balances?     Mortgages       Can I use a piggyback mortgage as an alternative to private mortgage insurance?       Can my mortgage lender require me to have an escrow account?       I am behind on my mortgage payments. Will my lender begin foreclosure proceedings?       I'm a first-time homebuyer, and I don't have a lot of cash to put down on a house. What type of mortgage would be best for me?       I'm having a hard time selling my home. Should I take out a reverse mortgage?       My mortgage includes a statement that a penalty may be imposed for early payoff. What does that mean?       Should I choose a mortgage with no points and pay a higher interest rate, or should I put money toward points to lower the interest rate on a mortgage?       Should I pay off my student loans early with a home equity loan?       Should I take out a home equity loan to pay for my child's tuition?       What are the advantages of making biweekly mortgage payments?       What's involved in getting a VA mortgage?       What's the difference between a home equity line of credit and a second mortgage?       Which mortgage is better--fixed rate or adjustable?       Why do I have to purchase homeowners insurance in order to obtain a mortgage?     Private mortgage insurance       Can I use a piggyback mortgage as an alternative to private mortgage insurance?       What's private mortgage insurance , and can my mortgage lender require me to have it?     Refinancing a mortgage       Do I need to let my homeowners insurance company know that I'm refinancing a mortgage?       I refinanced my principal home last year and paid points. What are points, and can I deduct them on my tax return?       Should I refinance my home mortgage?     Selling a home       How do I figure the tax on the sale of my home?       I'm having a hard time selling my home. Should I take out a reverse mortgage?       I'm retired now and own my home outright, but I need money to live on. How can I use my home to raise some money without selling it?       Should I sell or rent out my present home?     Spousal credit issues       Am I liable for my spouse's debts?       I'm marrying someone with bad credit. How will this affect me?       Should I open a joint checking account with my spouse?       What's the difference between an "injured spouse" and an "innocent spouse"?   Protection Planning   Articles     Annuities       Annuities and retirement planning       Annuities: traps for the unwary       Annuity basics       Annuity distributions       Fixed annuity contracts       Funding an annuity: what are the options?       Guaranteed annuity contracts       Qualified and nonqualified annuities       Shopping for an annuity       Tax planning for annuities       Tax-deferred annuities: are they right for you?       Variable annuities       What are annuity subaccounts?     Automobile insurance       ABCs of auto insurance       Auto accident checklist       Auto insurance for 20-somethings       Auto insurance for the hard-to-insure       Baby on board: keeping your child safe in the car       Buying a new car? Asking these questions might save you money on your auto insurance       Comparing auto insurance policies       Dealing with the damage: the auto repair process       Deer and moose are deadly road hazards       Driving defensively at any age       Filing an auto insurance claim       Five ways to fight auto insurance fraud       GAP insurance       How automobile insurance premiums are determined       How much auto insurance coverage do you need?       How safe is that new car?       Insuring a teenage driver       Insuring your boat       Insuring your personal watercraft       Insuring your snowmobile and ATV       Is your teen ready to drive?       Lawsuits: what every driver needs to know       Liability coverage under your personal auto insurance policy       Medical payments coverage       Motorcycle insurance       No-fault insurance       Policy options       Preventing car theft       Rental car insurance       Shopping for auto insurance       State-by-state minimum coverage requirements       Tax planning tips: auto insurance       Understanding your personal automobile policy       Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage       Who's covered under your auto insurance policy?       Will your auto insurance premiums go up after an auto accident?     Business insurance       Business automobile insurance basics       Business interruption insurance       Business liability insurance basics       Business overhead expense insurance       Commercial general liability       Disability income insurance for the self-employed       Do you need crime insurance?       Funding a buy-sell agreement with disability insurance       Funding a buy-sell agreement with life insurance       Group health insurance: a valued employee benefit       Group term life insurance       Health insurance for the self-employed       Income tax tips: business insurance       Insurance tips for business travelers       Insuring your home business       Key employee life and disability insurance       Life insurance for the self-employed       Offering group disability insurance       Professional liability coverage       Properly insuring your business       Should you self-insure your business?       Split dollar insurance plans       Understanding your business owners policy       What employers need to know about workers' compensation insurance       Why insure your business?     Disability insurance       Beyond the basics: disability income insurance riders       Comparing disability income insurance policies       Disability income insurance: typical policy features       Do you need disability income insurance?       Government-sponsored disability insurance programs       Group disability insurance       How disability income insurance policies define disability       How much disability income insurance should you have?       Long-term vs. short-term disability income insurance       Lowering the cost of disability insurance       Noncancelable and guaranteed renewable policies       Surviving the underwriting process for disability income insurance       Tax planning tips: disability insurance       The fundamentals of disability insurance       Understanding waiting periods       Where to get disability coverage     General insurance topics       Accidental death and dismemberment insurance       Buying insurance: what savvy consumers should know       Choosing an insurance provider       Fighting insurance fraud       Finding and using insurance company rating information       Finding and working with an insurance agent or broker       Handling a dispute with your insurance company       Insurance concerns of divorcing couples       Insurance contract basics       Insurance needs in retirement       Pet insurance       Shopping for insurance       Travel insurance       Types of insurance       Umbrella liability insurance       Why buy insurance?     Health insurance       Alternative therapies       Archer medical savings accounts       Buying short-term health insurance       Comparing health insurance plans       Coping with medical bills       Coping with rising prescription costs       Dental insurance       Getting health insurance when you're hard to insure       Group health insurance       Health insurance and COBRA: sometimes you can take it with you       Health insurance and divorce       Health insurance for college students       Health insurance for travelers       Health insurance in retirement       Health insurance made simple       HMOs and PPOs: what's the difference?       Individual health insurance       Limitations, exclusions, and riders       Lowering the cost of health care       Making the most of your group health benefits       Mental health benefits       Planning a family? Get to know your health insurance policy       POS plans       Prescription plans       Preventing sports injuries       Tax tips: health insurance       Trends in managed care       Understanding managed care       Understanding your health insurance policy       Vision care insurance       Where to get health insurance     Homeowners insurance       Are you covered if . . .?       Buying a home both you and your insurer will love       Comparing homeowners policies       Conducting a home inventory       Earthquake insurance       Filing a homeowners insurance claim       Fire prevention and safety tips       Flood insurance       Home security tips       How much homeowners insurance coverage should you have?       How to save money on homeowners insurance       Insuring a condo or co-op       Insuring a manufactured home       Insuring a new home during construction       Insuring your home during remodeling       Insuring your personal computer or laptop       Insuring your vacation home       Insuring your valuables       Leaving your home alone for the winter       Liability insurance under your homeowners policy       Mold: are you covered?       Natural disasters: are you prepared?       Opening the door to homeowners insurance       Renters insurance       Shopping for homeowners insurance       Tax tips: homeowners insurance       Understanding your homeowners policy       When homeowners are dogowners       Who is covered under your homeowners policy?       Windstorms, hurricanes, and tornadoes: are you covered?       Winterizing your home     Life insurance       Cash value life insurance       Claiming life insurance benefits       Comparing life insurance policies       Credit life insurance       Designating a beneficiary for life insurance       How does cash value in a life insurance policy really work?       How much life insurance do you need?       Life insurance and charitable giving       Life insurance and estate planning       Life insurance and terminal illness       Life insurance at various life stages       Life insurance basics       Life insurance for children       Life insurance: do you need it?       Life insurance: the application process       Making policy loans and withdrawals       Planning ahead for life insurance proceeds       Reading and understanding your life insurance policy       Shopping for life insurance       Surrendering your life insurance policy       Tax planning tips: life insurance       Term life insurance       Term vs. cash value life insurance       The ins and outs of policy ownership       Traditional whole life insurance       Types of life insurance policies       Understanding insurance company illustrations       Universal life insurance       Variable life insurance       Variable universal life insurance       Viatical settlements     Long-term care insurance       Coordinating long-term care insurance with government benefits       Do your parents need long-term care insurance?       Five things to watch out for when buying long-term care insurance       If long-term care insurance isn't right for you: other options       Long-term care insurance: how does it work?       Should you buy long-term care insurance?       Tax tips: long-term care insurance       Understanding long-term care insurance       Understanding long-term care riders and options       Using life insurance riders to pay for long-term care       What do long-term care insurance policies cover?   Decision Tools     Annuities       Advantages and disadvantages of tax-deferred fixed annuities       Advantages and disadvantages of variable annuities       Annuities       Fixed vs. variable annuities       How a fixed deferred annuity works       How a variable annuity works       Immediate vs. deferred annuities       Understanding annuity expenses     Automobile insurance       Auto insurance analyzer       How to save money on your auto insurance     Business insurance       Business life insurance needs       How cross purchase plans work       How entity purchase plans work       How insurance preserves assets       Number of policies needed with a cross purchase plan     Disability insurance       Disability insurance benefit period       Disability insurance cost-of-living rider       Disability insurance waiting period       Disability insurance waiver of premiums       How much disability insurance can you buy?       Individual/group disability policy alternatives       Likelihood of suffering a disability by age 50       Noncancelable and guaranteed renewable disability policies       Recurrent disability provision       Residual and partial disability benefits       When do you qualify for disability benefits?     General insurance topics       How insurance preserves assets       Personal liability umbrella insurance     Health insurance       Comparison of typical health plans       Which health plan is right for you?     Homeowners insurance       Disaster checklist       Fall/winter home maintenance checklist       Home inventory checklist       Homeowners insurance quiz       How to save money on your homeowners insurance       Personal liability umbrella insurance     Life insurance       Advantages and disadvantages of cash value insurance       Advantages and disadvantages of term insurance       Comparison of level term and annual term premiums       Comparison of men's and women's mortality       Comparison of types of life insurance       How insurance companies are rated       How traditional whole life insurance works       How universal life insurance works       How variable universal life insurance works       How variable whole life insurance works       Life insurance needs analyzer       Net worth calculator       What is your life expectancy?       What is your life insurance rating?     Long-term care insurance       Comparing long-term care insurance policies       Inflation protection options       What to avoid when buying a long-term care insurance policy   FAQs     Annuities       Can I change my annuity for one with a better interest rate?       I bought an annuity a few years ago, but I don't want it anymore. Is there a way to get rid of it?       I can choose a single life annuity for my pension or a joint and survivor annuity that makes payments to my spouse when I die. Which is better?       I'm confused--is an annuity an investment vehicle or an insurance policy?       What is an annuity?     Automobile insurance       Another driver smashed my car, but he doesn't have insurance. How am I going to pay for the repairs?       Do I need to get auto insurance before I buy a new car?       Do I need to insure a car that's worth only a few hundred dollars?       Do I need to provide credit information on my auto insurance application?       Does my auto insurance policy cover flood damage?       Does my auto insurance policy cover me on car trips outside the United States?       Help! I forgot to pay my auto insurance premium last month. Will my insurance company cancel my policy?       How can I find insurance for my sailboat?       How can I reduce my auto insurance bill?       How can I reduce the expense of insuring a teenage driver?       How do I know if my auto insurance covers my broken windshield?       I don't own a car, but occasionally I borrow my friend's car. Do I need my own auto insurance policy?       I drive my own car on company business. Whose insurance will pay for damages if I get into an accident?       I just had a car accident. How do I file a claim with my insurance company?       I'm buying my first car. What should I look for in an insurance company?       I'm considered a "risky driver." How can I get insurance?       I'm considering leasing a car. Is there any special insurance I need?       I'm traveling to Europe this summer and won't need my car. Can I get my auto insurance suspended to save money?       I've found a better deal on auto insurance, but how hard is it to switch from one insurance company to another?       If I let someone borrow my car, does my insurance policy still cover me?       Is hail damage covered under a typical auto insurance policy?       Is it true that some sport utility vehicles cost more to insure than others?       Is there a minimum number of quotes I should get when shopping for an auto insurance policy?       My car was totaled in an accident. Can I negotiate the settlement amount?       My insurance company paid the bill for some body work done on my car after an accident, but I'm unhappy with the repair work. Is it too late to complain?       My mother is 90. Is it OK for her to keep driving?       Our daughter will be taking one of our family cars to college. Is this allowed under our auto insurance policy?       Should I buy medical payments coverage?       What are points, and do they affect my insurance rates?       What is "no-fault" insurance?       When I rent a car, should I purchase the collision damage waiver insurance that's offered to me?       Why do I need to provide so much information when getting an auto insurance quote?       Will my insurance premiums go up if I marry someone with a bad driving record?     Business insurance       A cell phone and laptop computer owned by my company were inside my briefcase when it was stolen. Will my company's insurance cover the loss?       Can I get disability insurance if I'm self-employed?       How can I get affordable health insurance if I'm self-employed?       I own a business. Are there any creative ways I can use life insurance in my business?       I use my laptop computer for my home business. Is it covered under my homeowners policy?       I'm an independent contractor. Where can I get health and disability insurance?       I'm thinking about opening a day-care business in my home. Does this raise any insurance issues?       What is errors and omissions insurance?       What is stop-loss insurance?       What kind of insurance coverage do I need for my small business?     Disability insurance       Can I buy short-term disability coverage through my employer?       Do I need disability insurance?       Do long-term disability insurance premiums depend on the nature of my job?       How can I reduce the cost of disability insurance?       How do I apply for workers' compensation benefits?       I broke my leg and can't work for two months. Am I entitled to file a disability claim with my employer?       If I have long-term disability insurance coverage through my employer, do I need my own policy, too?       Many years ago I was treated for cancer, but now it's in remission. Do I need to disclose this when I buy disability insurance?       Will I have to pay life insurance premiums if I become disabled?     General insurance topics       Can I buy health insurance for my dog?       How can I find insurance for my sailboat?       How do I insure my coin collection?       How long does an insurance company have to respond to a claim I've filed?       I'm going on a cruise. Do I need trip interruption insurance?       I'm looking for a job. How can I tell if an employer is offering a good insurance benefit package?       Is there any type of insurance that can protect against losses from investments?       My child is heading off to college this fall. What insurance issues does this raise?       My cleaning person is bonded and insured. Is that important?       Should I buy travel insurance?       What are independent insurance agents?       What is funeral insurance, and do I need it?       What kind of insurance can I buy to cover my diamond engagement ring?     Health insurance       Can I see a specialist outside of my HMO provider network?       Do I need cancer insurance?       Does a typical dental insurance policy cover braces?       Does my health insurance cover prescriptions filled by an on-line pharmacy?       How can I get affordable health insurance if I'm self-employed?       How long am I covered under my parents' health insurance policies?       How much health insurance coverage do I need?       I'll be changing jobs next month, and I'm pregnant. Will I qualify for health insurance coverage with my new employer?       I'm planning on living in Europe for several months. Do I need special health insurance?       If I leave my job, will I lose my employer-sponsored health insurance?       If my employer goes out of business and discontinues its health insurance plan, am I still eligible for COBRA benefits?       Is dental care covered under Medigap insurance?       Is prescription drug coverage part of my medical coverage?       My husband and I are getting divorced. How do we decide whose health insurance policy will cover the children?       What are health reimbursement arrangements?       What happens if my Medicare HMO goes out of business?       What is critical illness insurance?       What is Medigap?       What is prescription insurance?       What recourse do I have if my insurer will cover only the generic version of a drug my doctor has prescribed?       What's the birthday rule all about?       What's the difference between an HMO and a PPO?       Which is better, an HMO or a PPO?       Will Medicare alone be enough to cover my health-care needs in retirement?       Will short-term health insurance cover all my medical expenses?     Homeowners insurance       A cell phone and laptop computer owned by my company were inside my briefcase when it was stolen. Will my company's insurance cover the loss?       A plumber damaged my bathroom during a repair. Will my homeowners insurance cover the damage?       A squirrel got into my home and caused a lot of damage. Is this covered by my homeowners insurance policy?       Are hunting rifles covered under my homeowners insurance?       Are manufactured homes safer these days?       Can I save money on my homeowners insurance premium if I install a home security system?       Do I need flood insurance if I buy a third-floor condo on the beach?       Do I need flood insurance?       Do I need title insurance if I'm buying a condominium?       Do I need to let my homeowners insurance company know that I'm refinancing my mortgage?       Does homeowners insurance cover losses that occur outside my home?       Does my homeowners insurance cover what's in my yard?       How can I insure my possessions during a move?       How can I reduce the cost of my homeowners insurance?       How do I determine how much renters insurance I need?       How do I insure my historic home?       I need to file a claim on my homeowners insurance. How do I do this?       I use my laptop computer for my home business. Is it covered under my homeowners policy?       I'm building a new home. Do I need to insure it while it's under construction? If so, how can I do this?       I'm placing some items in a self-storage facility. Will they be covered under my homeowners insurance policy?       I'm planning to add an in-law apartment to my home. How will this affect my homeowners insurance?       I'm thinking about opening a day-care business in my home. Does this raise any insurance issues?       I've just bought a pair of expensive skis. Will they be covered under my homeowners insurance?       If I file repeated claims for flood damage, will my flood insurance premiums go up?       If I move, do I need to get new homeowners insurance, or can I transfer my existing policy?       If I rent my home, what are my insurance needs?       If my home is completely destroyed by a storm, will my homeowners insurance cover my living expenses until I can rebuild?       Is jewelry or art covered under my homeowners policy?       Is landscaping covered under my homeowners insurance?       My friend and I share an apartment. Will her renters policy cover my possessions?       My house has appreciated in value over the past 10 years. Do I need more homeowners insurance?       My neighbor's tree fell onto my property and ruined my shrubs. Whose insurance will cover the damage?       My property is close to a river. Do I need flood insurance?       My washing machine flooded our basement. Does my homeowners insurance cover this?       The pipes in my condo burst, and the water damaged the condo below. Whose insurance will cover the damage?       What is a hurricane deductible?       Why do I have to purchase homeowners insurance in order to obtain a mortgage?       Why is replacement cost coverage more expensive than actual cash value?       Will I have trouble getting homeowners insurance if my dog has bitten someone in the past?       Will my condo association's master policy cover my property?     Life insurance       Are withdrawals from a cash value life insurance policy ever tax free?       Can an insurance company require me to submit to a medical exam before granting me a life insurance policy?       Can I change the beneficiary on my life insurance policy? If so, how do I do it?       Can I convert all or part of my term life insurance to permanent life insurance?       Can I ever have too much life insurance?       Can I use life insurance to help me save for retirement?       Do I need life insurance if I'm single?       Do I need to name a relative the beneficiary of my life insurance policy, or can I name a friend instead?       How can an insurance company really tell if I smoke?       How can I reduce the cost of life insurance?       How do I decide if I should replace my existing life insurance policy with a new one?       How much life insurance do I need?       I have enough life insurance right now. But I might need more in the future if I decide to start a family. Will I be able to buy more later, even if I develop a medical condition?       I smoke cigars occasionally, but not cigarettes. Will I be charged smokers' rates for life insurance?       If I leave my company, can I take my life insurance policy with me?       Is it less expensive to buy life insurance while I'm young?       Is it possible to name a charity as the beneficiary of my life insurance policy?       Is there any way I can use life insurance to help cover my expenses if I become terminally ill?       Should I buy life insurance on my child?       Should I buy term or cash value life insurance?       Should I replace my permanent life insurance policy with another if I'm unhappy with the rate of return I'm getting?       What are the pros and cons of buying life insurance through my employer rather than buying my own policy?       What happens if my life insurance company files for bankruptcy?       What is group life insurance?       What is term life insurance?       What is whole life insurance?       When I die, is my beneficiary required to take a lump-sum payment of my life insurance death benefit?       Why do I need life insurance?       Why does an insurance company require an insurable interest before I buy a life insurance policy?       Will I be taxed on the growth of the cash value of my life insurance? What if my policy pays dividends?       Will my beneficiaries have to pay taxes on the proceeds of my life insurance policy?     Long-term care insurance       Is there such a thing as nursing home insurance?       Should I buy long-term care insurance?       What is long-term care insurance?       What types of nursing care does long-term care insurance cover?   Retirement Planning   Articles     Health care issues       Buying supplemental health insurance--Medigap       Coordinating long-term care insurance with government benefits       Health insurance in retirement       Medicare       Should you buy long-term care insurance?       Understanding long-term care insurance     Housing issues       Housing options for older individuals       Your home as a source of dollars in retirement     Saving for retirement       Annuities and retirement planning