Adam Zoll

Knowing financial aid rules is key, given the rising cost of higher education.

Readers find ways to pinch pennies while spending on food, travel, others.

Whether you prefer an active or an index approach, our analysts say these are the best of breed.

Readers say diversification and exposure to good companies call for looking beyond the U.S.

We set the record straight on reader questions about 529 distributions and financial aid.

DFA, strategic beta funds prove that traditional indexing isn't the only passive method.

Readers say greater control over portfolio composition, taxes, and dividends give stocks the edge over funds.

Tax advantages and interest-rate protection can tip the scales.

But the majority of readers say they use actively managed funds, too.

Check expenses, of course, but don't neglect more subtle differences.

Our guide can help you make sure your actively managed funds deliver as expected.

Readers say peace of mind from being debt-free is priceless, but some say investing the money is a better long-term bet.

Consider these levers to better size your own emergency fund, says HelloWallet consumer-finance expert Aron Szapiro.

Supercharged returns can lead to rapid-fire losses.

Some readers laud their inflation-protection properties, while others cite low yields and reliance on CPI as reasons to stay away.

Brokerage fees, lack of active offerings can tip the scales.

Readers say they rely on written instructions, simplified holdings, and getting outside help if needed.

Viewers of the recent Morningstar Individual Investor Conference wanted clarification on 5-star stocks, moat ratings, market cycles, and more. Here are the answers.

Educating yourself about the financial-aid process is key, readers say.

And which one you should pay more attention to.

Age 62? 70? Financial need, longevity, and lifestyle all factored into these readers' decisions.

Financial fraud, hacking, and stewardship concerns all factor into the decision.

We delve into how foreign-bond funds performed in previous rising-rate environments and find some surprising results.

With the dollar stronger than it's been in years, readers share their opinions on whether it pays to hedge currency risk.

Long-short strategies and use of derivatives can push fund portfolios into exposure overdrive.

Readers detail times they made financial sacrifices in exchange for a better night's sleep.

Research suggests a Roth is nearly always preferable, but reality may not be so cut and dried.

Readers discuss how they used the last bear market to their tax advantage, the role of donor-advised funds, and more.

These offerings combine low tax-cost ratios and strong performance in the same package.

Families with incomes of up to $180,000 can take advantage of the American Opportunity Tax Credit to recoup some college costs, but the measure is set to expire after 2017.