How to Confront Debt Before You Retire

It used to be that once Americans neared retirement, they had whittled down (or eliminated) their debt. Freed from monthly principal and interest payments, these fortunate individuals were prepared to retire with dignity.

Is Your Credit Card Debt Average? And What's Average?

Savvy consumers know that credit card debt is something to banish from your financial home if you can. But just how bad is your debt situation compared to others'?

6 Ways Student Loan Servicers Are Trying to Trick You

More than 40 million Americans who have student loan balances outstanding have to deal with student-loan servicing companies as their primary contact in managing their loans. Unfortunately, some of those servicers are violating laws governing how they treat borrowers, according to the latest report from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. The report highlights six common practices that loan servicers have used that don't comply with consumer-protection laws, and those carrying student loan balances should be aware of them to make sure that their servicer doesn't take advantage of them.

3 Tax Issues Every Investor Must Factor in Before They Sell

It's easy for investors to find advice on what investments they should buy. But when it comes to selling, many investors find themselves without much guidance, and navigating complex tax laws to make sure you don't make any big mistakes can be intimidating. If you sell without knowing the most important tax provisions governing investments, then you can end up paying unnecessarily high taxes -- or you can even undo the point of making the sale in the first place.

How People Just Like You Planned Their Way to a Rich Retirement

The world is full of secrets. We may envy our neighbors next door, with their fancy new cars and in-ground pool, but we might simply be unaware that they're drowning in debt. (The average household with credit card debt owes roughly $16,000, and that's just the average!)

4 Necessities for a Successful Retirement

The long-awaited day has arrived. You've signed the papers and celebrated with a goodbye party. You're free and clear for the rest of your life. So, now what happens?

11 Secret Ways to Save on Your Homeowners Insurance

You know you need homeowners insurance, but what you may not know is how many different types of discounts that your carrier offers. According to Bankrate.com, there are at least 11 types -- and chances are, most will be a surprise to you.