The Short Answer

Real estate investment trusts, once seen as a key diversifying asset class, have recently moved more like other equities.

Until new disclosure rules come online later this year, here's where to look for answers.

A dependent-care flexible spending account can be a great way to save for expenses while lowering your tax bill.

For most, filing jointly is the best option, but in rare instances filing apart from your spouse could lower your tax bill.

UGMA/UTMA accounts offer tax advantages, but beware of pitfalls.

Consider the tax implications before adding a muni investment to your portfolio.

A few basic metrics can guide you.

There are factors aplenty to consider when choosing between a Roth IRA or 401(k) and a traditional IRA or 401(k).

Consider these strategies to stretch out your tax savings during your retirement years.

When life throws you a curve, money left over for college can still be put to good use by other family members.

It's possible to find more flexibility by going outside of 529s, but not without trade-offs.

Don't swap your whole fixed-income position for dividend-paying stocks.

The Treasury recently increased its limits for I-Bonds purchased electronically, though investors still might want to consider a combination with TIPS.

Conduct these steps before transitioning to an all-digital filing system.

Troubleshoot problems now to improve your bottom line.

Knowing what's a qualified dividend--and what's not--can improve your portfolio's tax efficiency.

Don't rule out money market mutual funds, but do mind these common-sense rules.

Help the kids establish a solid financial foundation with these four strategies.

Going too light on risky assets is a risk unto itself.

Given ultralow yields, the benefits of laddering outweigh the risks right now.

Strike the right balance between return potential and loss aversion.

Tips for those getting their feet wet in fixed-income investing.

Consider the tax implications before adding a muni investment to your portfolio.

Following this rule of thumb might serve you well in case interest rates go up.

HSAs can be supplemental savings vehicles for the healthy and wealthy, but others should steer clear.

Save your statements if you're paying an investment advisor directly.

R-squared can measure an investment's correlation with an index, but there are limits.

A growing field of study can save you from your worst instincts.

Make changes to your asset-allocation mix only on an as-needed basis.

Make sure you're looking at more than just performance.

This tried-and-true investment method helps investors navigate volatile markets.

How to navigate when fear is running high and yields are running low.

Often-costly private loans should be a last resort.

Conduct these steps before transitioning to an all-digital filing system.

In addition to making ends meet, be sure you don't give short shrift to your long-term goals.

Annualized figures illustrate the difficulty of recouping big losses.

Costs and tax considerations are key factors when pondering such a decision.

Decide what attributes you value most, then go from there.

A globetrotting portfolio could have an impact on your bottom line.

This Morningstar.com feature can help you visually evaluate how a fund invests.

Rolling returns can provide a more complete picture of an investment's risk/reward profile than trailing figures can.

Costs and tax considerations are key factors when pondering such a decision.

Even contrarian investors can be tripped up by behavioral traps.

Consider these strategies to stretch out your tax savings during your retirement years.

A few basic metrics can guide you.

The practical first steps to establishing a nest egg are right here.

Here's the skinny on IRA recharacterizations.

Thinking through eligibility, tax rates now versus in the future.

Don't swap your whole fixed-income position for dividend-paying stocks.

Understand the tax-related vagaries of MLPs before buying them.