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Ask SmartMoney
Your personal finance questions, answered.-
Aug 27, 2012
6:10 PMQuestion: On my financial adviser’s suggestion, I bought whole life insurance as an investment, but being single, young and healthy, I’m rethinking it now. Should I keep the policy, or discard it and pay the penalties?
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Aug 21, 2012
12:13 PMCollecting Social Security Benefits on Behalf of a First Wife
By SmartMoney StaffQuestion: I’m 58 years old and twice widowed. Can I collect Social Security benefits on behalf of my first wife? If so, at what age can I start?
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Jun 13, 2012
4:58 PMWhat 401(k) Plan Should I Suggest to My Employer?
By Anna Prior
Question: I’d like to suggest a low-cost 401(k) plan to my employer. How can I find options?
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Jun 13, 2012
4:43 PMWhat Inflation-Hedging Investments Do You Recommend?
By Anna Prior
Question: I’d like to avoid bonds because of their current low yields and interest-rate risk. What are some good, inflation-hedging alternatives to consider?
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Jun 13, 2012
4:36 PMShould I Pay My Federal Student Loan Off Now?
By Anna Prior
Question: I have a federal student loan with an 8.5 percent interest rate. Should I pay it off now or consolidate all my debt after I graduate?
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May 16, 2012
2:33 PMIf Laid Off, Must I Pay 401(k) Loan Penalties?
By Anna Prior
Question: I was recently laid off, and I have a loan from my 401(k). Do I have to pay penalties on this since I lost my job through no fault of my own?
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May 16, 2012
2:29 PM
What’s the Best Way to Invest in Bonds?
By Anna PriorQuestion: I want to invest in bonds. What’s the best way to go about it? How do yield fluctuations affect prices? What about interest rates?
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May 16, 2012
2:27 PM
Can I Convert to a Roth IRA — and Open a New One?
By Anna PriorQuestion: I’m retired and earning $6,000 annually by working part-time. If I convert a traditional IRA to a Roth, can I open a separate Roth in the same calendar year? The rollover amount, by the way, is less than what I’m earning at my job.
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May 7, 2012
5:38 PM
Question: When calculating my asset allocation, should I put dividend-paying stocks in the stock or bond category? I’m retired and don’t want to invest too aggressively.
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Apr 30, 2012
3:02 PM
Are Dividend-Reinvestment Plans Risky?
By SmartMoney StaffQuestion: How risky are dividend-reinvestment plans? Are they an easy way to start investing on my own, outside of my 401(k)?
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