The No-COLA Fix
October 8, 2009: The problem facing almost 3.2 million Social Security recipients: no cost-of-living adjustment for 2010. Will Congress step in?

Getting Your Will Right
September 24, 2009
There is going to be a division of your worldly goods, and if you don’t say with some precision how you want it done, the court will.

Beyond the Piggy-Bank
August 27, 2009
How to leave a legacy of financial literacy to your kids and grandkids.

Bye-Bye, Megabank?
August 13, 2009
Credit unions and community banks are among alternatives with lower costs and better service.

It's No Free Lunch
July 23, 2009
If you’re bombarded with invitations from financial advisers, here's how to check up on your host.

Fleeing the Market
July 9, 2009
The problem with fleeing the stock market is twofold: The first is the drawback of selling low. The second is that, once you’re out of the stock market, you miss the good days once the recovery begins.

The Greenest Gift
June 25, 2009
Cash for a purpose makes a great graduation present.

Fixing the Broken Buck
May 28, 2009
Money market funds were generally viewed as investments that would at least preserve an investor’s principal. That all changed last September. But new safeguards are being developed.

Solicitations Are Tricky Business
May 14, 2009
Don’t be fooled by phone calls or mailings that target older Americans.

Potential Pension Glitch
April 23, 2009
The "senior stimulus payment" was intended to put a little extra money in everyone’s pocket in these tough times. But for some retirees, there’s a catch that could result in an unpleasant surprise next year at tax time.

Is It Still Wise to Invest?
April 9, 2009
Your kids may be asking you this soon. What should you tell them?

Reconsidering Annuities—Are They Right for You?
March 26, 2009
Even though annuities may look attractive now that we’re in the market for security blankets, there’s a catch. This probably isn’t the best time to buy them.

Is Your Home at Risk Because It’s Underinsured?
March 12, 2009
An estimated 66 percent of U.S. homes are underinsured by an average of 18 percent, according to a recent survey. Most families only find out the hard way—after their homes are destroyed.

Have a Traditional Pension? Lucky You
Feb. 26, 2009
Traditional plans that pay benefits for life have turned out to be much safer than other retirement savings plans. Unfortunately, traditional pension plans have become increasingly rare.

Investing in Your Company’s Stock Not a Good Idea
Feb. 12, 2009
At some companies, charges are being made that management knew about underlying dangers to the stock price but allowed workers to continue to hold company shares without disclosing the risk.

Working Longer—Not Always an Option
Jan. 22, 2009
Yet for those who become disabled and unable to work, qualifying for disability benefits can be time-consuming and difficult.

Working Longer—The Best Way to Afford Retirement
Jan. 15, 2009
I think I can confidently predict one trend in the year ahead: More and more people will consider working longer than they previously expected to.

A New Savings Plan—Insulation and a Refrigerator
Dec. 18, 2008
If you can't save in a retirement plan, save on energy costs.

Should You Stash Your Cash?
Nov. 19, 2008
Does putting the money under a mattress make sense sometimes?

Retirees Seek Quick Relief From Mandatory Withdrawals
Oct. 31, 2008
Current tax rules require investors to begin withdrawing certain minimum amounts annually from their Individual Retirement Accounts and 401(k) plans when they reach age 70.

Are You Risking Your Own Retirement to Help an Adult Child?
Oct. 22, 2008
It’s hard to resist helping your kids, but at least take a step back and consider a few questions.

The Rescue Plan: What It Means to You
Oct. 3, 2008
What do you get out of the financial rescue package that promises to inject up to $700 billion in an effort to get bad investments off the books for financial institutions?

Are You Risking Your Own Retirement to Care for a Parent? 
Sept. 24, 2008
According to a study last year, about half of all those caring for someone older were helping them out financially—at an estimated average level of $5,531 a year.

Phased Retirement: A Win-Win but a Slow-Go
Aug. 20, 2008
Despite provisions in the Pension Protection Act of 2006 that were supposed to make it easier to offer phased retirement, which allows workers to cut back hours without sacrificing pension benefits, relatively few companies have adopted it.

Martha M. Hamilton, formerly with the Washington Post, writes a regular column, Your Financial Future, for AARP Bulletin Today.