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• Variable Annuity Watch

• Selecting an Adviser

  Q. My wife and I have been having a hard time selecting an investment counselor. We have interviewed counselors but have not found anyone in whom we can feel confident. We've heard and read stories about trusted advisers abusing their clients’ trust... Posted Jan 02 2008, 03:00 PM by admin with | with no comments Filed under: Burns at Large, Financial Planning, Q&A (from print)

• Annuities: Some Are Useful, Some Not.

  Q. In a recent column you said that "one of the best ways to deal with uncertainty is to turn a portion of your portfolio into a life annuity." But in the next Q&A you said, as you often do, to run fast from annuities. Why the advice to buy in the first... Posted Jan 17 2007, 06:00 PM by scottb with | with 8 comment(s) Filed under: Burns at Large, Q&A (from print), Variable Annuity Watch

• From Golden Boys to Golden Coins

  Q. How would you advise Vince Young (or any other young person of modest means who suddenly receives great wealth) to manage the wealth he is about to receive? Many University of Texas alumni and Houston residents are proud of Vince's accomplishments... Posted May 25 2006, 11:04 AM by scottb with | with no comments Filed under: Burns at Large, Q&A (from print)

• The Executive Way of Stinking

  Q. Why do financial journalists, such as you, not raise a stink when top management at different corporations (like Ford) lay off thousands of employees while retaining their jobs? A rational person would think that the financial community would call... Posted May 13 2006, 12:05 PM by scottb with | with no comments Filed under: Burns at Large, Q&A (from print)

• No, It isn't OK to lie on your tax return

  Q. I have a question regarding my tax return. A co-worker heard from a friend of his about a tax consultant who has helped his clients receive "more than normal" refunds. He said that the consultant can claim up to 10 percent of the total income as a... Posted May 11 2006, 11:32 AM by scottb with | with no comments Filed under: Burns at Large, Q&A (from print), Taxes & Other Disasters, Government

• Life Insurance: Keep It If You Need It. Otherwise, Don't

  Q. Twenty years ago a life insurance salesman convinced me to cash out a policy and buy another policy in the amount of $25,000. The advantage was that my premium would be about 4 times greater ($98), but it would build up enough value that I could stop... Posted May 04 2006, 11:43 AM by scottb with | with no comments Filed under: Burns at Large, Q&A (from print)

• For Most, the Tax Benefits of Home Ownership Are Small

  Q. I have a few questions about a first time home purchase. I'm a single 28-year-old male making $4,500 a month. I'm looking to purchase a home in Ohio for about $135,000. I currently rent a condo for $800 a month and have a $286 car payment for 26 more... Posted Jul 27 2000, 01:55 PM by scottb with | with no comments Filed under: Burns at Large, Financial Planning, Home Ownership & Mortgages, Q&A (from print)