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• Couch Potato Investing
• Financial Planning
• Income Investing
• Index & ETF Investing
• Medicare & Generational Storm
• Mutual Fund Investing
• Retirement
• Variable Annuity Watch

• Top of the Heap: Money Market Fund Returns

  Q. In a recent column you recommended a list of ETFs. I generally agree with the list, and most certainly agree with your criteria. But TIP, the Treasury Inflation Protected Securities ETF, has baffled me for some time. I was interested in it from the... Posted Sep 12 2007, 03:30 PM by scottb with | with 1 comment(s) Filed under: I Bonds & Tips, Q&A (from print)

• Making Bets on a Falling Dollar Isn't Easy

  Q: What do you think of foreign bond funds as an investment? What is the thinking behind them -- i.e., are they considered a hedge against a falling dollar? -- L.E., Houston A: The broad idea is that it's a big world out there, with lots of borrowers... Posted Feb 28 2007, 06:00 PM by scottb with | with 3 comment(s) Filed under: I Bonds & Tips, Q&A (from print), Retirement

• I Savings Bonds are complex but rewarding

  Q. In recent years, you have advised your readers that government I Savings Bonds offer a safe and rewarding investment. I bought my first ones in 2000 and have been, until recently, quite pleased with the returns. Currently, the inflation component has... Posted Dec 20 2006, 06:00 PM by scottb with | with 5 comment(s) Filed under: I Bonds & Tips, Q&A (from print), Retirement

• Making Good Use of an Expensive Universal Life Policy

  Q. We bought a universal life policy about 18 years ago in the amount of $155,000. Now the policy is being eaten up by charges as I get older. The cash value is now about the same as when we began, about $39,000. The cash value will be wiped out in about... Posted Mar 23 2006, 12:21 PM by scottb with | with no comments Filed under: I Bonds & Tips, Medicare & Generational Storm, Q&A (from print), Retirement

• Tax-free bond Income May Not Escape Taxes

  Q. I'm at a loss to understand how municipal bonds work. In January 2003 I was advised to invest in a municipal bond fund that specialized in short term bonds. Now, almost three years later, I've barely seen any gains in my quarterly reports. Sometimes... Posted Jan 26 2006, 02:29 PM by scottb with | with no comments Filed under: I Bonds & Tips, Q&A (from print), Retirement

• Buying TIPS can reduce some risks as you near retirement

  One of the things I am thankful for every day is the kindness of readers. Thank you for your trust. Question: Should I continue investing in the stock market if I can make more than 6 percent in I Savings Bonds and retire in the next five or six years... Posted Nov 24 2005, 09:44 AM by scottb with | with no comments Filed under: I Bonds & Tips, Q&A (from print)

• When You Have a Good Hand, Hold It

  Q. I have my 401(k) divided across four Fidelity funds: Value, Balanced, Diversified International and Contra. Its management fees range from .67 (Balanced) to .94 percent (Contra). Based upon the above choices and management fees, would you recommend... Posted Nov 17 2005, 10:07 AM by scottb with | with no comments Filed under: I Bonds & Tips, Index & ETF Investing, Q&A (from print)

• I Savings Bonds

  Q. My parents gave me $10,000 recently and I want to do something safe with it for my daughter who is 15. I was checking into 'I' bonds. My husband suggested a CD--a local bank has advertised 3.8% for a year. Do you have a recommendation? Am trying to... Posted Jul 21 2005, 11:11 AM by scottb with | with no comments Filed under: I Bonds & Tips, Q&A (from print)

• TIPS Have an Advantage in Periods of Inflation

  Q. I've had the "Couch Potato" portfolio for my 403b account for close to five years with 60% Vanguard Total stock market Index fund and 40% Total Bond Market Index. I didn't know until recently that you now suggest Inflation Protected Securities in place... Posted Jul 14 2005, 11:42 AM by scottb with | with no comments Filed under: Couch Potato Investing, I Bonds & Tips, Q&A (from print), Retirement

• Comparing I Savings Bonds and TIPS funds

  Q. Your recent column on I Savings Bonds (Tuesday, May 10, 2005*) did not mention funds that trade in inflation protect securities - e.g., Vanguard's Inflation Protected Securities Fund. May I conclude that the after inflation return is somewhat better... Posted Jun 02 2005, 03:07 PM by scottb with | with no comments Filed under: I Bonds & Tips, Q&A (from print)

• It‘s OK To Leave Money Behind

  Q. How do you breathe your last breath and spend your last dollar? I'm 62 with enough to last (I hope). I have no need to leave an estate. I don't want to run out, and shrouds have no pockets. ---B.P., by e-mail A. The easy way would be to find out your... Posted Apr 08 2004, 10:05 AM by scottb with | with no comments Filed under: I Bonds & Tips, Mutual Fund Investing, Q&A (from print)

• A Job Is Still Your Best “Investment“

  Q. I am 56 years old, $850,000 net worth, $150,000 annual income, and am eligible to take early retirement. I am prompted to write because of recent articles suggesting global deflation and the consequences we may face. I have several questions for you... Posted Oct 30 2003, 11:46 AM by scottb with | with no comments Filed under: I Bonds & Tips, Q&A (from print)

• Using I Savings Bonds For Taxable Savings Accounts

  Q. I am a middle-aged professional. I contribute the maximum amount each year to my 401(k) plan and my non-deductible, traditional IRA. In addition, I have begun a Couch Potato portfolio. Since this is a taxable account, I would like to substitute series... Posted Oct 16 2003, 01:55 PM by scottb with | with no comments Filed under: Financial Planning, I Bonds & Tips, Q&A (from print)

• EE Savings Bonds or Five-Year Treasuries?

  Q. Which would be better, purchasing EE Savings Bonds or creating a 5 year Treasury Ladder? I will be purchasing either from a non-tax deferred account using Treasury Direct. My understanding is that I can get EE Bonds that will return 90 percent of the... Posted Sep 04 2003, 11:12 AM by scottb with | with no comments Filed under: I Bonds & Tips, Index & ETF Investing, Q&A (from print)

• Shop and Think Before Buying An Immediate Annuity

  Q. I am an 85-year old widow. I recently sold my house and am moving into an independent living facility, which will cost $2,000 per month. From the sale of my house, money market funds, value of equities, life insurance proceeds and cash, my total worth... Posted May 22 2003, 02:01 PM by scottb with | with no comments Filed under: I Bonds & Tips, Q&A (from print), Variable Annuity Watch