Do I really need a living trust, or is a will enough? For many families approaching retirement, this is one of the first questions to come up during estate planning. You may have accumulated investment accounts, retirement assets, real estate, insurance policies, or business interests, and you want to make certain they are managed and transferred according to your wishes. A will may be entirely appropriate for some families. Others may benefit from a revocable living trust. In many cases,...

Why does the stock market react when the Federal Reserve speaks? And how can a decision made in Washington affect your mortgage rate, investment portfolio, business financing, and retirement income? The Federal Reserve—often called “the Fed”—is the central bank of the United States. Its decisions influence interest rates, inflation, employment, financial markets, and the overall availability of money and credit. For investors and business owners, understanding the Federal Reserve does not...

If you are self-employed or own a successful small business, you may eventually ask: Am I structured the right way for taxes and long-term planning? Many businesses begin as sole proprietorships because the structure is simple and inexpensive. As revenue and profits increase, however, electing to be taxed as an S corporation may offer advantages—including potential payroll-tax savings and additional planning opportunities. The right answer depends on more than your annual income....