Search: Jacob Smith

Author: Jacob Smith

#482 How Retirement Communities Work

Choosing a retirement community is a big decision. Your choice will affect your – or your loved one's – finances, quality of life, and in many cases, health and longevity. Here's an overview of the four main types of retirement communities, how they work and their approximate cost.... see more

#460 Using ETFs To Replace Your Expensive Mutual Funds

In a recent issue of Money Forever we looked at when it might be appropriate to consider ETFs as replacements for mutual funds. The reason being that most mutual funds, even no-load funds, are filled with high fees and expense ratios, and even hidden fees, spelled out in 4 point type, of course, ... see more

#448 Countries With The Highest & Lowest Corporate Tax Rates (AAPL, IBM)

The United States has the second-highest corporate tax rate in the world at 40%; it's second only to United Arab Emirates' rate of 55%. Moreover, the U.S. corporate tax rate has increased in recent years while rates across the globe have declined — the worldwide rate stands at 22.6%, down from ... see more

#417 Best And Worst Countries For Entrepreneurs

We read about them in the news and watch them on television every day: people who have the creativity to develop ideas, the confidence to handle risks and the tenacity to turn those ideas into successful businesses. Entrepreneurs are important to a nation's economy. They provide inspiration and m... see more

#337 Best IRA Accounts For Beginners

Opening an Individual Retirement Account (IRA) is an important way for you to start funding a comfortable retirement and to help prevent you from outliving your money. If you don't have a 401(k) retirement plan at work, an IRA is essential. No less beneficial are the tax-deductions for qualified ... see more

#325 Why These Three Retirement Rules of Thumb Are Bad Ideas

What makes a good rule of thumb? It should be memorable, pithy and, above all, useful. It also shouldn't overreach; it just gives good guidance. Measure twice, cut once is a great example. It doesn't try to explain carpentry. It just reminds us to take our time, be precise and avoid making a mist... see more

#317 Getting a Mortgage In Your 50s

It's not hard to find a 50-something asking the question, Am I too old to buy a home? The answer is, absolutely not. A couple of decades ago, the assumption was that everybody retired around age 60 or 65, but today, three out of four Americans plan to work past retirement age. In other words, at ... see more

#275 How to Hire a Retirement Advisor

Possibly the most ignored part of your everyday money life is your retirement. For some, retirement is decades away, so why think about it now? Others feel that they're so far behind on savings that their situation is hopeless. Neither is true. It's never too late to start saving. Equally true: I... see more

#89 Mom, What’s This 401(k) Thing?

As head of BlackRock's defined contribution team, I am well aware of the advice we give to young people just starting out in the work force. That advice is start saving for retirement. Now. Time is your biggest asset. You have a lifetime of future wages ahead of you and decades to put the markets... see more

#85 Credits for First-Time Homebuyers

Thinking of buying your first home? You'll need to save at least as much for the down payment and closing costs. But there are also a host of things—federal and state grants, tax credits and other options—you can explore that are designed to make it easier for first-time buyers to afford thei... see more