Welcome to our research center! We've put together a library of information on important financial topics that we believe you'll find helpful.
Simply click on one of the general financial topics below and you'll find a selection of easy-to-understand information sheets about related financial concepts and strategies. This information is updated regularly to reflect the latest facts, figures, legislation, and economic trends.
Wills and trusts allow you to spell out how you would like your property distributed, but they also go beyond that.
The probate process can be lengthy and complex. There are strategies you can use to help avoid the probate process.
To retain the tax advantages associated with charitable giving, your gift must be made to a qualified organization.
Life insurance can be used to help preserve the value of your estate for your heirs.
Compare the advantages and disadvantages of different gifting strategies available for planned giving.
Charitable lead trusts are designed for people who would like to benefit a charity now rather than later.
A designated income beneficiary could receive payment of a specified amount from a charitable remainder trust.
A wealth replacement trust could be used to gift appreciated assets to a charity as well as provide for heirs.
Careful estate planning is still one of the most important ways to manage and protect your assets for your heirs.
If you start saving for retirement sooner, the more money you are likely to accumulate and possibly retire sooner.
Consider a trustee-to-trustee transfer to an IRA versus a lump-sum distribution from a workplace retirement plan.
An important element to successful investing is to manage investment risk while maintaining the potential for growth.
An annuity is a flexible financial vehicle that can help protect against the risk of living a long time because it provides an option for a lifetime income.
There are five broad asset classes that you should take into consideration when constructing your investment portfolio.
A sound cash management program uses a disciplined approach: accounting, analysis, allocation, and adjustment.
Before making investment decisions, it is helpful to determine the real rate of return on the investment.
Here are some smart ways to refinance your home.
Historically, one of the best ways to fight the effects of inflation has been to utilize growth-oriented investments.
Term life insurance differs from permanent forms of life insurance in that it offers temporary protection.
To help you choose insurance wisely, determine how much coverage and what kind of policy is best for your situation.
Consider additional liability insurance to help protect you from the potentially devastating effects of liability lawsuits.
Selecting health insurance is often one of the most important decisions you will make. Do you know the different types?