gail marksjarvis

YOUR MONEY: Price of putting off pension can be well worth it

I have a pension that is available to me and I wonder about beginning the pension now or waiting. If I take the pension now I will get about $1,183 per month. By waiting, it increases approximately 7.5 percent each year to a maximum of $2,071 per month at age 65.

By Gail MarksJarvis , October 26, 2009

YOUR MONEY: Energy tax credit comes with several conditions

We are installing new vinyl replacement windows, which qualify for an energy tax credit. Since we have not had any tax liability for several years and do not expect any when we file our 2009 federal taxes, would we be entitled to any credit?

By Gail MarksJarvis , October 01, 2009

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YOUR MONEY: Emotions tend to keep investors on losing side

It has been almost a year since one of the most terrifying periods in stock market history was set off by the collapse of Lehman Brothers on Sept. 15. The fear was that the world's financial system would soon meet the same fate.

By Gail MarksJarvis , September 14, 2009

YOUR MONEY: With stocks pulling back, investors seek direction

If you have been watching the economy for signs that it's safe to invest in stocks, you might be wondering why the Dow Jones industrial average plunged 185 points last week.

By Gail MarksJarvis , September 10, 2009

YOUR MONEY: Weigh risks of being overly conservative with investments

I am a conservative investor and have $100,000 that I will not need for at least 10 years. It is invested in a CD earning 2.1 percent. Is this the right approach, or should I consider corporate bonds?

By Gail MarksJarvis , August 31, 2009

Arguments for a sharp correction in stocks keep building

After an unusually powerful stock market rally amid a still-fragile economy, analysts are on the lookout for a downturn.

By Gail MarksJarvis , August 24, 2009

INVESTING: Interest on CDs slides, leaving some investors scrambling to find safe havens

But now, 12-month CDs are coming due, and risk-averse investors have a problem: Where should they put the money when CDs are paying so little?

By Gail MarksJarvis , August 11, 2009

INVESTING: Age is more than just a number in investing

It's a tale of two generations. When the stock market is careening downward, people worry about losing money and wonder about their next move. But young and old shouldn't be focusing on the concerns of the other.

By Gail MarksJarvis , July 20, 2009

INVESTING: Dollar-cost averaging has flaws, but can be a good option for a nervous investor

Fleeing the market a few months ago might have seemed an easy decision — potentially painful, yes, but easy, because your gut told you to stop losing money fast. Now many investors are in the confusing state that comes after a mass exodus from stocks. The question: How and when do you get back into the market?

By Gail MarksJarvis , July 13, 2009

INVESTING: Fear can force better investment planning

You might be scared, but that's not always bad — if you channel it into action. The stock market and housing market crash, plus rising unemployment and harsh credit card terms, have made Americans aware that their financial futures are fragile. But out of the pain has come laudable behavior: People are thinking twice before spending on a whim, for example.

By Gail MarksJarvis , July 06, 2009

YOUR MONEY: Factor fees into investment decisions

Q: I received a letter from my financial adviser that said I would have to pay a higher percentage in fees because my account size fell below $250,000. The reason my account fell below $250,000 is because the adviser lost money on the investments. To charge me more seems outrageous. Do you agree?

By Gail MarksJarvis , June 29, 2009

YOUR MONEY: After big losses, it's time for a rebalancing act

Q. I'm 24, and I've been investing in a target-date fund in my 401(k). I've lost a lot of money and have been reading that it's good to "rebalance" everything in the 401(k) after losing money. Does that apply to target-date funds?

By Gail MarksJarvis , June 29, 2009

YOUR MONEY: Weigh pick of major, job outlook, debt load

Q: My daughter is going to college next fall, and I worry about how we are going to pay for it. We didn't get any financial aid because we have good jobs. But I'm in a profession with a lot of layoffs, and I could lose my job while she's in school. I suppose there is nothing I can do now, except encourage her to consider nursing. She seems to like the idea. I figure she will at least get a job.

By Gail MarksJarvis , June 10, 2009

Time, action needed to heal pain in 401(k)

I keep hearing about how much the stock market has gone up. But when I look at my 401(k), it has hardly budged. I don't think I'll ever be able to retire. What's wrong with my 401(k)?

By Gail MarksJarvis , May 29, 2009