Credit & Money Management

Do This or That?

We tackle tough financial questions and give you answers to fit your needs.

By the Editors of Kiplinger's Personal Finance Magazine

From Kiplinger's Personal Finance magazine, September 2011

When it comes to personal finance, a one-size-fits-all approach doesn't work. That's why we offer advice customized to your needs. Below you'll find 20 common questions on a variety of money-related topics, from paying off debt to saving for retirement. And we provide answers based on different scenarios.

Home

Should I Retire My Mortgage or Keep on Paying?

Should I Pay a Real Estate Agent or Go It Alone?

Should I Continue to Rent or Buy While the Market Is Down?

Taxes

Should I Take a Pay Raise Now or a Refund Later?

Debt

Should I Pay Off Loans or Save for Retirement?

Should I Pay Cash for a Major Purchase, or Finance It?

Investing

Should I Buy Index Funds or Actively Managed Funds?

Should I Buy ETFs or Mutual Funds?

Should I Use a Full-Service or Discount Broker?

Should I Rebalance Regularly or Let Winners Ride?

Cars

Should I Keep My Clunker or Buy a New Car?

Should I Buy or Lease a New Car?

Retirement

Should I Save in a Roth IRA or a Traditional IRA?

Should I Claim Social Security Benefits at Age 62 or Wait Until 66?

Should I Buy an Immediate Annuity for Retirement Income or Tap Savings?

Insurance

Should I Buy Long-Term-Care Insurance or Self-Insure?

Wills

Should I Hire a Lawyer to Write a Will or Do It Myself?

College

Should I Save for Retirement or College for My Kids?

Should I Stretch to Pay for the Most Selective College or Save by Choosing an In-State School?

Should I Use a 529 Savings Account or a Prepaid Tuition Plan?

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