Dolans.com - Invest Wisely

The Simple Way to Read a Prospectus

Ken Dolan — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 19:04:00 GMT

If you're looking into a mutual fund, you've probably encountered one of the deadliest documents we've ever seen: the mutual fund prospectus. What a mess! We believe that investing should be fun and not a bunch of mumbo jumbo. Here's the two most important things you really need.

Are Auto-Pilot Funds a Good Choice for You?

Ken Dolan — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 13:47:00 GMT

Wouldn't it be nice to just set your retirement money aside and forget about it? There's a mutual fund that's designed to do that for you and change your portfolio as you get closer to retirement. Are these a good idea? We definitely have our concerns. Here's our take on whether life cycle funds are right for you?

Money Market Alert!

Cindy Butehorn — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 15:32:52 GMT

Not too long ago we issued a warning of the possibility of some money market mutual funds shutting down this year due to their inability to make money with low interest rates. Now we learn that The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has just passed a rule that could pose a much bigger threat. In times of economic duress money market mutual funds will be allowed to prevent redemptions. Three conditions will have to be met to allow this prohibition: - The fund’s share price falls below net asset value as The ReserveFund’s net asset value did in 2008. - The board of directors approve liquidating the fund. - The fund notifies the SEC of the decision to liquidate and suspend redemptions. If you think this might not happen, think again. Another dip in our economy would again put the stock market into a downward spiral, which might be just the key to closing the spigot of liquid money markets. Because of this rule change we urge you to be careful of how much cash you “park” in a money market…starting now. The once ideal place to stash cash for short-term periods is no longer so terrific. The SEC can...

How to Lower Your Mutual Fund Taxes

Ken Dolan — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 18:37:00 GMT

Mutual fund taxes are more complicated than those of just about any other investment around, so figuring them out can be extremely tedious. Pay close attention to your paperwork and simplify the process a bit with these five crucial tips to understanding and lowering mutual fund taxes.

Is Your Annuity Safe?

Ken Dolan — Sat, 16 Jan 2010 00:01:00 GMT

As banks and insurance companies buckle, you must take steps to protect your savings. Many people count on annuities for their retirement income. Can you still count on yours? Learn how to make sure your annuity is safe.

2010 Mutual Fund Outlook

Ken & Daria Dolan — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 21:24:32 GMT

2010 holds some surprises for mutual fund investors. Here is our mutual fund outlook for this year, complete with some warnings about dangers that lie ahead.

The Lost Decade and Your Recovery Plan

Daria Dolan — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 19:49:00 GMT

For many investors, this has been a lost decade. Adjusted for inflation, the Dow stands exactly where it did in 1999. Here is our action plan for rebuilding your wealth this year.

Should You Convert Your Traditional IRA Account to a Roth IRA?

Ken & Daria Dolan — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 02:54:31 GMT

If you have a traditional IRA account, we have important news for you. A new rule change means you might be able to convert your tax-deferred IRA to a tax-free Roth IRA in 2010. Here are 5 reasons you might want to convert to a Roth IRA.