thestreet Personal Finance

Your Mortgage Lender Might Go Away, but Your Loan Won't

Thu, 13 Sep 2007 16:14:00 PST

Learn what to do if the subprime mortgage crisis leaves your lender in financial distress.

Why Couples Who Save Together Stay Together

Wed, 12 Sep 2007 18:36:00 PST

Howard Sontag, CEO of Sontag Advisory, discusses how married couples can get on the same page financially.

Education Tax Credits Can Help Offset Junior's Beer Money

Mon, 10 Sep 2007 15:40:00 PST

You may be entitled to a Hope credit, Lifetime Learning credit or higher-education expense deduction for college tuition.

How to Get Started With Gold Investing

Fri, 07 Sep 2007 20:32:00 PST

Simon Constable and Alix Steel discuss a few direct ways that you can start investing in gold.

Tax Breaks 101: How to Save on Your Kid's College Loans

Fri, 07 Sep 2007 15:30:00 PST

Learn about interest deductions for your child's education loans, and whether you or your child can claim them.

House Lost Its Value? You Have Options

Thu, 06 Sep 2007 15:51:00 PST

Tracy Byrnes says it's not smart to sell just because your house has dropped. Here are more productive options for you.

Watch This Before Planting That 'For Sale' Sign

Wed, 05 Sep 2007 15:23:00 PST

Your home is a long-term investment. There's no compelling reason to cut and run today.

Why You Should Rethink Home Foreclosure

Tue, 04 Sep 2007 23:12:00 PST

'Walking away' from your home can have devastating -- and lasting -- effects on your credit, warns Tracy Byrnes.

Is Your Target Date Fund Overstuffed With Stocks?

Thu, 30 Aug 2007 21:08:00 PST

Charles Ruffel, CEO of Plansponsor, explains why investors should know what's inside their Target Date Funds, and not just "set it and forget it"

Five Common Earnings Season Mistakes

Tue, 21 Aug 2007 23:13:00 PST

Scott Rothbort, TheStreet.com University Finance Professor, explains how not to make the biggest investment blunders during the quarterly deluge of earnings data.

Three Ways to Protect Your Investments

Thu, 16 Aug 2007 15:31:00 PST

Scott Rothbort, TheStreet.com University Finance Professor, explains how to take care of your investments like a pro.

Penny Stocks Getting Some Respect

Fri, 10 Aug 2007 15:43:00 PST

This electronic exchange mainstreams much of the OTC market.

Smart Savings: Prepare for College with 529 Plans

Thu, 09 Aug 2007 18:20:00 PST

Dan Yu, senior manager at Eisner LLP, offers tips on saving for college.

Get Your Portfolio Ship-Shape to Weather This Storm

Tue, 07 Aug 2007 17:38:00 PST

Is your portfolio diversified enough to withstand the rocky ride that's ahead? Use this time to get your finances in order.

Know Tech Stocks Inside and Out Before Buying

Mon, 06 Aug 2007 15:52:00 PST

Pick a tech stock and look at it from every angle before adding it to your portfolio.

Five Reasons It May Pay to Discover

Mon, 06 Aug 2007 15:27:00 PST

Discover Financial Services' new spinoff could mean a cash-back bonus to investors.

With Tech Stocks, You Have to Search for the Right Fit

Fri, 03 Aug 2007 15:40:00 PST

And you have to know the sectors. Here, we give you the breakdown.

Circuit City: Short Circuit?

Fri, 03 Aug 2007 15:31:00 PST

Is there hidden value in this depressed retailer?

Group: Good Vibes Lifted the Dow, Man

Wed, 01 Aug 2007 19:43:00 PST

The Invincible America Assembly claims its collective meditation raised the Dow to 14K -- and vows 17K within a year.

Buying an iPhone: You Make the Call

Wed, 01 Aug 2007 18:44:00 PST

Apple's latest device is appealing, but beware of drawbacks.

Why Female Investors Need To Work Harder

Tue, 31 Jul 2007 18:00:00 PST

Charles Massimo, president of CJM Fiscal Management, discusses how female investors can overcome the unique financial challenges they face.

Could You Avoid Chinese Products for a Year?

Mon, 30 Jul 2007 17:34:00 PST

Sara Bongiorni, author of A Year Without 'Made In China,' discusses the year her family spent boycotting Chinese products - and the struggles and insights that ensued.

Lloyd's Breaks Into Banking Without Borders

Mon, 30 Jul 2007 16:58:00 PST

Chris Gardiner, associate director with Lloyds TSB International, discusses the rise in "borderless banking" designed to meet the needs of ex-pats and "global commuters."

Food Fight: Who Wins, Loses From Rising Food Costs

Mon, 30 Jul 2007 16:42:00 PST

Winners and losers amid rising food costs.

Flubbed on Your Tax Return? You're Not Alone

Fri, 27 Jul 2007 18:32:00 PST

More taxpayers than ever erred on their returns, but it's not too late to fix your mistakes.

Outraged by Hidden Fees, CEO Issues 401(k) Bill of Rights

Thu, 26 Jul 2007 23:05:00 PST

Chad Parks, CEO of The Online 401(k), announces his public campaign against hidden fees by launching the "Plan Participant's Bill of Rights."

Two Reasons Not to Collect a Tax Refund: Foolishness and Laziness

Thu, 26 Jul 2007 15:45:00 PST

You have three years to claim your refund, but why wait? Get your returns in and get your money.

Four Picks on This Summer's Bargain Rack

Thu, 26 Jul 2007 15:27:00 PST

It's hot outside, but these stocks may turn out to be even hotter.

Need Emergency Cash? Use Mom and Dad

Wed, 25 Jul 2007 18:50:00 PST

TheStreet.com's Cliff Mason explains why an emergency savings account does you no good in your 20s.

Cramer: Want Financial Independence? Learn How the Economy Works

Tue, 24 Jul 2007 18:13:00 PST

Jim Cramer covers the subjects that really matter on the road to self-sufficiency.

Cramer: Trading Contests a Great Way to Learn About Stocks

Tue, 24 Jul 2007 18:12:00 PST

Jim Cramer explains how competitions like The Stock Market Game help build the skills investors (of all ages) need to make real money in the market.

Tax Records: What to Keep, What to Toss

Tue, 24 Jul 2007 18:08:00 PST

In some cases, the IRS can come a knockin' at any time. Here's what you need to keep at the ready.

Cramer: Why Schools Must Offer Investor Education Classes

Mon, 23 Jul 2007 22:20:00 PST

Jim Cramer explains why teaching students about money and the market is so important.

Tread Lightly With Chinese Investments

Mon, 23 Jul 2007 15:59:00 PST

Tracy Byrnes tells you how many pros believe the recent growth in China isn't sustainable. If you must invest there, follow these guidelines.

How to Prepare for a Financial Catastrophe

Fri, 20 Jul 2007 22:41:00 PST

Tim Kochis, board member of the Foundation for Financial Planning, offers advice for being ready should financial disaster strike.

Do Your Homework to Find an Edge in Growth Stocks

Fri, 20 Jul 2007 15:54:00 PST

Tracy Byrnes says pick a stock and see how it stacks up against its peers in these key respects.

How to Find Stocks on Steroids

Thu, 19 Jul 2007 19:23:00 PST

Jim Cramer says stocks with beefed-up growth are back in style. Here's how to pick them without getting burned.

Arm Yourself, and Credit Cards Can't Bully You

Wed, 18 Jul 2007 15:58:00 PST

Find a longer grace period and follow these other tips to keep credit card companies from making more than their fair share.

Show Your Sneaky Credit Card Who's Boss

Tue, 17 Jul 2007 16:11:00 PST

Late fees, interest rates, deceptively low minimum payments -- credit card companies will milk you for all you're worth, but only if you let them.

Save for Retirement Before Filling College Funds, Says Author

Mon, 16 Jul 2007 20:02:00 PST

Gail MarksJarvis, author of 'Saving for Retirement,' explains why parents should save for retirement first before filling their kids' college funds.

More Bright Ideas for Cutting Energy Costs

Mon, 16 Jul 2007 17:22:00 PST

Tracy Byrnes tells you how switching to fluorescent light bulbs can dramatically reduce your costs. Also, try these other tips to save.

Easy Ways to Lower Your Summer Energy Bill

Fri, 13 Jul 2007 16:20:00 PST

Summer electricity bills can be killers, but a few minor adjustments can lessen the pain.

20-Somethings: Speculate Now, Diversify Later

Wed, 11 Jul 2007 19:35:00 PST

Cliff Mason gives his take on why young adults should buy cheap, risky stocks.

How to Make Stocks Seem Cool to Pre-Teens

Wed, 11 Jul 2007 16:50:00 PST

Use hands-on lessons -- like field trips to McDonalds -- to teach your middle-schoolers how the market works.

When Are Kids Ready to Talk Money? Now

Tue, 10 Jul 2007 21:34:00 PST

Tracy Byrnes says if your child's old enough to say 'I Want,' it's time to start talking savings.

Protect Your Assets After 'I Do' but Before 'I Don't Anymore'

Mon, 09 Jul 2007 23:14:00 PST

If your spouse strikes it rich - or loses it all -- after the wedding, you might want to sign a postnuptial agreement.

Hedge Fund Recruiter Says Wall Street's Still Hiring. Here's Where

Mon, 09 Jul 2007 22:31:00 PST

Sandy Gross, founder of Pinetum Partners, says Wall Street is very much in hiring mode, especially for quant jocks

Limiting Risk: How Low -- and How High -- Can Your Stock Go?

Mon, 09 Jul 2007 17:29:00 PST

To maximize your profits, find a stock's reference points and stick to them.

Five Reasons to Sell Your Home Yourself

Mon, 09 Jul 2007 17:18:00 PST

Here's why Jennifer Openshaw believes Millionaire Zone investors should break away from the realtor realm, even if they've never sold before.

Is That Stock Worth the Risk? Study Up Before You Buy

Fri, 06 Jul 2007 16:10:00 PST

To determine whether a stock's benefits outweigh its risks, Tracy Byrnes says do your homework.

Follow the Fund Leader

Fri, 06 Jul 2007 16:07:00 PST

Jennifer Openshaw shows Millionaire Zone investors how to get ideas from the pros -- for free.

Concrete Investing: How to Play the Infrastructure Boom

Wed, 04 Jul 2007 14:00:00 PST

Jennifer Openshaw shows six solid ways for Millionaire Zone investing in construction.

Five Cash-Rich Buyout Candidates

Mon, 02 Jul 2007 17:51:00 PST

Jennifer Openshaw takes a close look at look at free cash to uncover some Millionaire Zone picks.

Apprenticed Investor: 6 Investor Types to Avoid

Mon, 02 Jul 2007 16:23:00 PST

Watch out for The Enthusiast, The Tipster, and four others. RealMoney.com's Barry Ritholtz says these characters can instantly knock you off your game (if you let them).

Best to Invest in Penny Stocks in Your 20s

Sat, 30 Jun 2007 00:17:00 PST

Tim Sykes, a 25-year-old hedge fund manager, gives advice for young investors.

Bear Stearns Bond Bumbling Won't Sink Munis

Fri, 29 Jun 2007 23:56:00 PST

Steven Shachat, portfolio manager for the Alpine Tax Optimized Income fund, explains why munis won't be affected by the Bear Stearns bond fund mess

A Quick Look at How to Buy and Sell Stocks

Thu, 28 Jun 2007 21:48:00 PST

Brittany Umar explains the different ways you can place a stock order.

Selling Your Home? Save Receipts -- and More of Your Tax Dollars

Wed, 27 Jun 2007 16:03:00 PST

Keep meticulous records of home-improvement and closing costs. They'll come in handy come tax time.

Apprenticed Investor: Take Responsibility for Your Stock Losses

Tue, 26 Jun 2007 22:46:00 PST

RealMoney.com's Barry Ritholtz explains that true investors hold themselves accountable for their win-loss records.

Be Crazy: Save In Your 20s

Tue, 26 Jun 2007 19:57:00 PST

Elizabeth Trotta explains why it's important to be reckless and save in your 20s.

Moving? Tax Tips to Lighten Your Load

Mon, 25 Jun 2007 16:06:00 PST

You can deduct portions of your relocation costs, but only by meeting these wacky rules.

Apprenticed Investor: Expect to Be Wrong in the Stock Market

Fri, 22 Jun 2007 22:48:00 PST

To master the art of investing, RealMoney.com's Barry Ritholtz says start with realistic expectations.

How to Make a Smooth Transition Into Retirement

Fri, 22 Jun 2007 21:08:00 PST

Keith Millner, president of Nationwide Financial Network, details the necessary steps to make the move worry-free.

StreetSmarts: What's Your Credit Score?

Fri, 22 Jun 2007 19:45:00 PST

Farnoosh Torabi pounds the pavement to find out.

Withholding 101

Fri, 22 Jun 2007 17:00:00 PST

Recent graduates can pull in a few more bucks with careful withholding.

Protect Your Investments With a June Prune

Fri, 22 Jun 2007 16:43:00 PST

Here are three reasons -- and three ways -- to play a little defense during this historically slow period.

Tax Tips for Vacation Home Rentals

Thu, 21 Jun 2007 16:20:00 PST

Callout: It's a bit tricky, but part-time landlords can still save money on long-term stays.

Some "Overpaid" CEOs Worth Every Penny, Says Executive Coach

Wed, 20 Jun 2007 23:45:00 PST

Vivian James Rigney, president of North American Operations for Inside Out, discusses the role of the executive coach, and explains why so-called overpaid CEOs may be worth the money.

Three Tips for Buying Foreclosures at Auction

Wed, 20 Jun 2007 16:39:00 PST

Here's how to double your real estate bargain by shopping for foreclosures.

Squeeze Tax-Free Cash From Your Summer Home

Tue, 19 Jun 2007 20:18:00 PST

Rent your vacation home for 14 days or fewer a year, and the rent you receive is tax-free. You don't even have to report it on your tax return.

Finding the Right 529 College Plan

Tue, 19 Jun 2007 18:42:00 PST

Bruce Harrington, vice president at MFS Investment Management, offers pointers on college savings plans for children.

60 Second Savings: Saving On Auto Insurance

Tue, 19 Jun 2007 18:22:00 PST

In this 60 Second Savings Video Farnoosh Torabi offers a few tips for saving on car insurance.

Six Signs of a Bad Acquisition

Mon, 18 Jun 2007 16:42:00 PST

Not just any takeover works -- here's what to watch out for.

Three Reasons to Prefer Dividends over Buybacks

Fri, 15 Jun 2007 18:23:00 PST

Transparency and tax rules strengthen the case for dividends.

Meet This Year's Student Champions of InvestWrite's Essay Contest

Thu, 14 Jun 2007 21:06:00 PST

From the NYSE, Farnoosh Torabi interviews the three student winners.

How a 'Family Office' Keeps the Riches in the Family

Thu, 14 Jun 2007 19:28:00 PST

Rod Wood, head of wealth advisory services for Wilmington Trust, explains the role of a family office in order to preserve wealth for future generations.

Gordon Gekko Wannabe? How to Get Your Wall Street Dream Job

Thu, 14 Jun 2007 00:15:00 PST

Ming Che, chief investment strategist for the NYU Investment Analysis Group, offers tips to college students about how to get a job on Wall Street.

Family Trip? You Might Be Able to Write It Off

Wed, 13 Jun 2007 22:34:00 PST

Tracy Byrnes says you might want to mix business and pleasure.

60 Second Savings: Cheap Home Makeovers

Tue, 12 Jun 2007 16:18:00 PST

Sprucing up the bathroom and kitchen can better position your property for a sale.

An Easy Way to Save on Summer Daycare Costs

Tue, 12 Jun 2007 15:44:00 PST

Tracy Byrnes on how to recoup some of these costs with the kids home from school.

Street Smarts: How Are You Paying for College?

Mon, 11 Jun 2007 23:53:00 PST

Farnoosh Torabi hits the streets looking for feedback.

Why You Should Care About the Yield Curve

Mon, 11 Jun 2007 18:30:00 PST

Tracy Byrnes takes the mystery out of bonds.

Put a Little LUV in Your Portfolio

Mon, 11 Jun 2007 16:18:00 PST

Value investors should line up for Southwest Airlines, a solid player in a tough industry.

How to Create a Long-Term Financial Plan

Fri, 08 Jun 2007 17:26:00 PST

Walter White, senior VP of Woodbury Financial Services, offers financial planning tips for every stage of life.

Yielding Answers on the Bond Yield Curve

Fri, 08 Jun 2007 17:19:00 PST

Tracy Byrnes explains this graph for geeks.

Spice Up Your Portfolio With Indian Companies

Fri, 08 Jun 2007 16:10:00 PST

Here are four accessible ways to invest in India's expansive growth.

60 Second Savings: Save on Furniture

Thu, 07 Jun 2007 22:34:00 PST

What to know before your next furniture purchase.

You Can Still Claim Your Phone Tax Refund

Thu, 07 Jun 2007 19:05:00 PST

Tracy Byrnes on how to score a quick $60.

60 Second Savings: Cutting Up That Credit Card Can Hurt You

Wed, 06 Jun 2007 20:10:00 PST

Closing your credit card account may actually hurt your credit score, experts say.

Grace Periods a Plus on Student Loans

Wed, 06 Jun 2007 19:34:00 PST

Tracy Byrnes says consolidating the loans could impact your grace period interest rate.

Four Ways to Save Big on Movie Tickets

Wed, 06 Jun 2007 17:20:00 PST

You don't have to spend a fortune to enjoy Hollywood's latest.

Tune Into Conference Calls for Better Investing

Wed, 06 Jun 2007 15:56:00 PST

Listen for these four revealing points to learn more about the companies you invest in.