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Eighty percent of Americans agree they would benefit from having basic financial education and information.^1
1 The 2009 Consumer Financial Literacy Survey, Harris Interactive, Inc., 2009

Welcome to our research center! We've put together a library of information on important financial topics that we believe you'll find helpful.

Simply click on one of the general financial topics below and you'll find a selection of easy-to-understand information sheets about related financial concepts and strategies. This information is updated regularly to reflect the latest facts, figures, legislation, and economic trends.

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• Estates & Trusts

  Estate Planning
  Living Trusts
  Avoiding Probate
  Charitable Gifts
  Property Ownership
  History of the Federal Estate Tax
  

  Retirement

  Stretch IRAs
  IRA Rollover
  How Much Do I Need to Save?
  A New Chapter for Retirement
  1035 Exchanges
  Unforgettable Birthdays
  Your Business and Retirement
  Planning Options
  Social Security Income
  Self-Employed Retirement Plans
  Traditional IRAs
  401(k) Plans
  Managing Retirement Plans
  

• Tax Planning

  Capital Gains Tax
  Estate Tax
  Gift Tax
  Required Minimum Distributions
  Withdrawing Before Age 59.5
  Tax Deferral
  Tax-Advantaged Investments
  Tax Deductions
  Tax Strategies for Retirement Plans
  

  Investing

  Diversification
  Types of Bonds
  Bond Ratings
  Mutual Funds
  Investment Risks
  Asset Classes
  Asset Allocation
  College Savings Plans
  College Investment Options
  529 Plans
  

• Cash Management

  Cash Management Basics
  Cash Management Tools
  Managing Cash
  Smart Financing Ideas
  College Financial Aid
  Effects of Inflation
  Home Equity Loans
  

  Risk Management

  Why Purchase Life Insurance
  Last-Survivor Life Insurance
  Maximizing Your Insurance Benefits
  Insuring Your Future
  Assessing Disability Income Insurance
  Long-Term-Care Costs
  Types of Life Insurance