Why You Shouldn't Put All Your Money in Index Funds

Stock index funds are performing superbly as the bull charges ahead. But don’t look for them to protect you when the market stumbles.

By Steven Goldberg, August 21, 2014

Among mutual fund analysts, John Rekenthaler is one of the best. A Morningstar veteran, he writes a regular, must-read column. So I was surprised to read the first sentences of a recent piece: “Do active funds have a future? To cut to the chase: Apparently not much.”
Rekenthaler is as dead serious as, in my view, he is dead wrong. Look at his case: Over the 12-month period that ended June 30, 68% of new fund investments have gone into index mutual funds, index exchange-traded funds and other passive strategies (passive means a human is not picking the stocks and bonds). A mere 32% of fresh cash went into actively managed funds — those run by well-paid managers who decide what to buy and sell.

8 Things New Grads Don't Yet Know About Saving Money

Ignoring these personal finance tips can have costly consequences.By Neal M. SweeneySee my bio, plus links to all my recent stories., August 22, 2014

If experience is indeed the best teacher, then 2014’s new grads are learning a lot of valuable lessons about money management as they settle into the real world. However, waiting to learn everything on your own can prove costly.
Here are eight things that most new grads don’t yet know about saving money -- but should. The payoffs can be significant and immediate.

10 Ways to Save Money at Target

Put these strategies to use when you're shopping at this popular big-box retailer.

By Cameron Huddleston, August 22, 2014

I’m convinced that many of the residents of the small city where I live go to Target when they have nothing better to do (which, in a small city, is most of the time). And I frequently see friends post on Facebook that they went to Target -- or Tar-zhay, as some like to say -- to buy one thing but left with 20. So even though the big-box retailer’s sales and profits were down last year, there still are plenty of people spending a lot of money at Target stores.
If you’re a fan of the chain’s inexpensive-but-trendy products or like being able to buy food, toiletries, clothing, electronics and furniture all in one spot, there are several strategies you can use to spend less and save more the next time you shop at Target. As a bonus, you'll have even more opportunities to save now that Target plans to keep its stores open later.

7 Ways You May Be Wasting Money

You can easily cut these unnecessary expenses so you can keep more cash.

By Cameron Huddleston, August 27, 2014

Our list of "Ways You Waste Your Money" is one of the most popular features on Kiplinger.com, and we've just updated it for 2014 with seven more money-wasters. The list has struck a chord with readers because it doesn't shame consumers for bad habits -- but, instead, helps identify sneaky leaks that add up to big bucks. Check out below the newest unnecessary expenses we're calling to your attention, then see our slide show for the complete list of common ways people waste money.
Not adjusting the thermostat. Don’t waste money heating or cooling an empty house or apartment. When you leave for the day, lower – or raise, depending on the season – your thermostat by several degrees. You can save 5% to 15% (about $180 a year) by adjusting your thermostat 10 degrees to 15 degrees for eight hours, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. A programmable thermostat makes setting your home’s temperature easy.