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Nothing Basic About These 5 Basic Materials Stocks 06/16/2016 08:00pm • Despite a shaky start to the year, the U.S. stock market has roared ahead and is now sitting within a few percent of its all-time highs. In an interesting example of "reversion to the mean," the best-performing sector over the past month (basic materials) is also the worst-performing sector over th 8 Ways to Get Help Paying (or Cutting) Medical Bills and Drug Costs 06/15/2016 08:00pm • Medical costs are rising across the U.S., and patients are left paying a bigger percentage of the bill. Most Americans, whether their health insurance is provided through an employer, the Affordable Care Act exchange or the open market, are paying a higher share of their medical care costs than eve Vital Money Questions to Ask Your Partner Before Walking Down the Aisle 06/15/2016 08:00pm • When Cupid's arrow hits you and love is in the air, the logistics of marriage (including the finances) may be easily overlooked. Although talking about money-related topics openly can be uncomfortable, it's vital to have money conversations before you commit to someone forever. You don't want to fin How to Mine for Yield with MLPs 06/14/2016 08:00pm • Fixed-income investors dismayed by skimpy earnings on bonds and bank savings might be wise to look further afield -- maybe as far as the Permian Basin of Texas or Marcellus Shale country in Pennsylvania, where one can buy into an oil or gas processing plant, storage field or pipeline. If that sound 7 High Return, Low Risk Investments for Retirees 06/14/2016 08:00pm • Many people spend decades in retirement. That's certainly good news, but it also presents the challenge of making your savings last throughout a long lifespan. Here are seven investments for retirees that could help you earn a decent return without taking on too much risk. 1. Real estate investment How Many Credit Cards Should Millennials Have in Their Wallets? 06/14/2016 08:00pm • With so many credit cards available to match the many strategies for building and maintaining a healthy credit rating, it can be difficult for millennials to figure out exactly which ones to consider. On one hand, no credit can be just as bad as bad credit. On the other hand, if you have too many c Increase a Monthly Student Loan Payment to Save on Interest 06/14/2016 08:00pm • A few weeks ago, the Student Loan Ranger detailed that paying your interest before it capitalizes saves you money on your student loans. Now let's look at how federal student loan payments are applied and how understanding the way this works can also save you money in the long run. First, the basic What Homebuyers Should Know About Solar Panels 06/14/2016 08:00pm • As Americans gain awareness about the financial and environmental cost of non-renewable energy sources, residential solar installations are increasing across the country. The Solar Energy Industries Association reports that the U.S. now has enough solar installations to power 5.7 million homes, wit Why Stock Buybacks Are Often a Lousy Idea 06/13/2016 08:00pm • From the hazy, notoriously myopic perspective of Wall Street, short-term performance is put on a pedestal. The long-term is an abstract concept nowadays, and quarterly scrutiny puts pressure on company executives to perform or be replaced. Enter stock buybacks, a tailor-made tool many public compan Don't Make These 10 Freshman Mistakes In College 06/13/2016 08:00pm • Make the Most of Freshman Year Starting a new life as a college freshman can be an intimidating and overwhelming experience. As new students try to get their footing, many make some interesting mistakes. U.S. News rounded up tips from Twitter followers and experts about common first-year blunders to Senior Secured Debt Can Be Lucrative for Investors 06/12/2016 08:00pm • The year was 2009 and General Motors Co. (ticker: GM) had just declared bankruptcy. Financial carnage ensued. GM stock plummeted to zero value. People who owned it lost everything. Those invested in GM common bonds tried to collect something, and grabbed at pennies -- about 20 cents on the dollar. 5 Lessons Business School Taught Me About Stocks 06/12/2016 08:00pm • I got my MBA back in the 1980s, but the fundamental truths about investing haven't changed much since then. The names have changed, but the ideas have not, especially if your interest is not in day trading but in building long-term assets for retirement. The theory says that a stock should equal th Aviation Scholarships Help College Degrees Take Flight 06/08/2016 08:00pm • Many children love airplanes, and plenty never outgrow this fascination. Majoring in aviation science or a similar field allows students to pursue a career that has the potential to take off. However, like most college degrees, studying aviation science, aeronautics or aviation management does not When Should Investors Buy and Sell Bonds? 06/08/2016 08:00pm • Bonds might not seem attractive to investors given the environment of low interest rates. But depending where investors are in their lives, these traditionally safer investments may be just right. There are a couple of ways to make money on bonds, also known as fixed-income investments. First, inve 10 ways to get ready for retirement after age 50 06/08/2016 08:00am • Grow your savings. The decade leading up to retirement is your last chance to build a significant nest egg. The decisions you make now will impact the retirement benefits you receive and how much you will be able to safely spend for the rest of your life. Here's how to improve your retirement fin