Investor Education Center

You read and hear about fixed, equity-indexed and variable annuities, but do you know what they are?

Investment clubs can be a valuable resource for novice investors

If you’re like many investors, you may not know or care that bond funds offer advantages individual bonds can’t. You should.

It's not enough to save for retirement; retirement planning includes the need to monitor investments on a regular basis.

If you’re 70 ½ and own an IRA or other qualified retirement accounts, federal tax code requires you to take annual distributions.

Financial advisors are commonly paid in one of these three ways: an hourly basis, a commission basis or fee-basis.

Just like IRAs, there are differences between Roth and traditional 401(k)s, and deciding which to use isn’t the same for everyone.

Within reason, what usually matters most is what a mutual fund pays you, not the expenses you pay for the mutual fund.

Complexity of variable annuities and high commissions, high expenses, lack of liquidity and tax treatments not for most investors.

When a fund manager who has generated consistent performance leaves a fund, it may also be time for you to leave the fund.

Many people don’t realize the difference catch-up contributions can make in their retirement nest-egg.

Mutual funds are not like common retail items; strong marketing efforts by a fund company don't necessarily equate to a good fund.

The SIPC protects you if your broker-dealer or account custodian commits fraud, resulting in the loss of your investments.

Required minimum distributions (RMDs) are most commonly taken from traditional IRAs and workplace retirement plan accounts.

Which should be a greater priority: paying down your mortgage or investing for retirement or other long-term financial goals?

As you notice a market or economic problem, mutual fund managers likely have already reacted.

When you open an IRA, who or what you name as beneficiary plays a critical role in the transfer of assets upon your death.

401k and 403b retirement plans are consistently among the best options you have to accumulate assets for your retirement.

It’s great if you can invest in a 401(k) account or other retirement plan account, but it's not enough just to invest your money.

As it is for anything, the question about investment advisory fees is this: are you getting a good value for your money?

When you know what type of investor you are, volatile times can sometimes be easier to contend with.

Madoff scandal, and others, show need to understand your investment strategy, whether investing on your own or paying for help.

To reduce the need for your loved ones to make that decision so soon after your death, help your heirs devise a plan.

It’s estimated most retirees need 80 percent of pre-retirement income; 401k accounts offer chance to build income.

Contributions and earnings on your investments increase your retirement income, but fees can also impact your investment return.

Actively-managed mutual funds feature advantages over index mutual funds

You may find that as a beginning investor, getting started isn't as difficult as you imagined.

Independent investment advisors offer advice and manage investments without influence from fund company compensation.

Surrender penalities, participation caps, tax treatment are among problems commonly associated with equity-indexed annuities.

The right mutual funds for you are largely the result of efforts by the managers and their daily portfolio decisions.

Before you hire someone to help manage your investments, it’s important that he knows what your expectations are.

To develop an investment plan that meets your needs and goals, understand your investing identity and its effect on your plan.

If you’re looking for something new or different to invest in, absolute return mutual funds may catch your attention.

Many attempt to use market-timing. The common result: they end up buying when prices are high and selling when prices are low.

529 plans offer general benefits, but may not be the best option to fund expenses associated with a college education.

Regular contributions to workplace retirement accounts--dollar-cost averaging (DCA)--helps retirement planning process.

While many employer-sponsored retirement plans allow you to borrow from your retirement account, is it a good idea?

Tax-loss harvesting can help reduce your income taxes—sometimes significantly. It may also help put money back in your pocket.

When companies need to acquire money, they sell shares of stock. Investors buy the stock, hoping to share in profit and growth.

Start saving and planning early to build a retirement nest egg sufficient to sustain your desired lifestyle in retirement.

Definitions for a list of the most common terms used in describing 401(k) rollovers and the process of moving your investments.

A proper asset allocation mix may offer you the best opportunity to reach your goals.

Understanding the differences between taxable and qualified accounts helps shape investment decisions in those accounts.

Depending on your circumstances, moving assets through a Roth IRA conversion not, be best for you.

401(k) rollover accounts have much in common with IRAs, but differ in the treatment of contributions and distributions.

Some assets outperform others over time; rebalance your asset allocation to keep risk and return characteristics in place.

Mutual funds offer professional management to investors by pooling their money to buy a specific mix of investments.

Moving 401k and other qualified retirement plan assets to a self-directed IRA rollover provides benefit and flexibility.

Individual Retirement Accounts, or IRAs, offer tax-deferred gains and income and the possibility of other income tax advantages.

You must decide how much investment risk and volatility is acceptable within your portfolio of investments.

Alternative investments are often desired by investors with certain areas of knowledge in something other than stocks or bonds.

When looking for the right mutual funds, identify managers who’ve produced the most consistent performances over time.

Keep in mind these ideas as you manage the investments in your 401(k) or workplace retirement account.

Sales charges in load funds don't help managers make better buy, sell and hold decisions than no-load fund managers.

Bonds are agreements between borrowers and lenders in which borrowers pledge regular interest payments and a return of principal.

Buy and hold should not be confused with buy and forget; accounts require regular monitoring to ensure acceptable performance.

In simple terms, fixed annuities are contracts between investors and insurance companies.

Diversification across asset classes is a challenge; it may be easier with a portfolio of mutual funds rather than stocks.

When stock market volatility rises, fixed-income investments may not always provide the stability and safety you desire from them.

Mutual fund companies are required to pass along capital gains distributions

Target-date mutual funds are designed to provide diversification and asset allocation without monitoring or changing investments.

Some combination of bond funds is appropriate in most investor’s portfolios depending on goals, income and other factors.