Investment Planning Resources
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You can count on Provident's Financial Consultants* to help you with your investment
planning needs. But for some general advice and tips to help you with your investing and retirement planning,
please check out the links on this page. If you have any questions, your initial consultation with a
professional, experienced Financial Consultant is free. Just call (650) 508-0300 or (800) 632-4600, ext. 2487.
Reference
Learning Library
- Year-End Tax Planning Tips
You may not be able to avoid Uncle Sam, but with careful planning, you may be able to minimize the tax bite. Here are a few year-end tax planning strategies.
- 10 Money Saving Ideas
These days its more important than ever to save money for your future and for that of your family. Here are ten ideas to help you along.
- Are You Saving Enough?
Most individuals understand that in order to achieve significant financial goals, they must learn to make saving a significant part of their lives. As a nation, however, how successful are we at saving?
- Five Tips For Folks Over 50
As you get older, your investment strategy changes. Here are 5 tips for those entering their silver years.
- Choosing Your Retirement Benefit Distribution
Consider carefully how you want your benefits on your pension funds to be paid out during retirement. The distribution methods you select may impact your family for years to come.
- Retirement Reminder
When figuring out how much money you'll need to live on during retirement, remember to budget for "wants" as well as needs. Such as...
- Withdrawing Money without Penalty
Consider carefully how you want your benefits on your pension funds to be paid out during retirement. The distribution methods you select may impact your family for years to come.
- Plan Now, and Retire in Comfort
The best way to ensure a comfortable retirement is with early planning. Here are some general guidelines to get you started.
- Building Wealth: It's Never Too Late
Tips on how to improve your prospects for a comfortable retirement, if you didn't start saving early enough.
- Increase Your Savings to Achieve Your Financial Goals
It is important to make saving a habit. We'll show you ways to jump start your savings program.
- What Makes Your Portfolio "Tick"?
Market trends aren't the only things that affect how well your investments perform. Here are six more factors that make a difference.
- Five Steps to a Healthier 401(k)
Don't let the investments in your 401(k) get out of whack. Follow these 5 steps to keep your 401(k) "in the pink."
- Protect Your Retirement When Leaving Your Job
Changing jobs? Wondering what to do with the money in your existing employer-sponsored retirement plan? We'll help you out with some tips.
- Five Key Aspects of Family Financial Management
Focus on these 5 areas to help preserve the financial security of your family, send your children to college, prepare for a comfortable retirement, and more.
- 529 Plans Offer Tax Benefits When Saving for College
529 Plans are a great, tax-smart way to save for your child's future education. Read more to find out why.
- The Financial Rewards of Aging
Learn what the key ages of your life are, in relation to retirement accounts and Social Security.
Media Resources on the Web
The following links are to resources outside of the Provident Credit Union Web site that may also help you with your
Investment Planning and money management. Provident does not control the content on any of the following links:
SFGate: Net Worth
- Laid-off S.F. workers may get jobless benefits
Readers of this column can't seem to get enough information on unemployment benefits and Roth IRAs so I'll answers questions on both. Q: San Francisco's decision to lay off 17,000 city workers and hire most of them back 60 days later in the same or a...
- Letter sent before census form saves more than it costs
Q: Chris R. of San Francisco wants to know why the U.S. Census Bureau bothered sending him a letter telling him to expect a census form in the mail in a week or so. "Let's see, the federal deficit stands at about $1.9 trillion, so they are wasting yet more...
- State's cash for appliances to start April 22
California has pushed back the start of its cash for appliances program to April 22, but based on what happened in some other states, consumers who want to get a rebate on a new energy-efficient washer, refrigerator or room air conditioner should be ready to...
- Stock market investors claw their way back
Investors who had the guts to invest in U.S. stocks one year ago today are feeling pretty smug now. As well they should. Unless things take another major turn for the worse, March 9, 2009, will mark the bottom of one of the worst bear markets in history. The...
- Presented By:
- Congress battling over consumer agency
One of the most contentious issues in Congress, after health care, is the proposed creation of an independent consumer protection agency for financial products such as bank accounts, credit cards, mortgages and some student and auto loans. Many Democrats and...
- Sorting out current unemployment benefits
The jobless got a temporary reprieve Tuesday night when President Obama signed a bill that extends federal funding for unemployment benefits and Cobra health care premium subsidies for one month. Last week, the House passed a one-month extension, but the bill...
Personal finance news - CNNMoney.com
- The three-figure kitchen makeover
Living with an undersize, outdated kitchen? If so, a sledgehammer may feel like the only solution. But these days you're probably not up for spending the $50,000 or more -- maybe much more -- it would cost to demolish the space and build a new state-of-the-art room from scratch.
- Living on a freelancer's budget
Chris and Janie Peterson have an enviable life. They own a lovely 3½-bedroom ranch house just outside Minneapolis and have work schedules flexible enough to allow them lots of time with their children, Reece, 10, Cecily, 9, and Georgio, 7.
- Financial advice: The yes-man problem
Experts have long counseled against using financial planners who charge commissions, given their incentive to simply sell products that pad their paychecks.
- 12 ways to cut your taxes
The bright spot of the dreary 2009 economy: savings for everyone.
- Money's new More Money blog
- Hunkering down for rising interest rates
Question: I'm 65, retired and have about 50% of my portfolio in a bond index fund. I'm thinking of switching to a short-term bond fund. Do you think that's a good idea? --Judy, Flowery Branch, Georgia
- The wrong way to pick funds
Photographer friends tell me that if you're picking out a point-and-shoot camera you shouldn't focus much on the megapixels. That measure of a camera's resolution is hyped by manufacturers, but most cameras on the market give you all the pixels you'll need.
- 43% say they have less than $10k for retirement
The percentage of American workers with virtually no retirement savings grew for the third straight year, according to a survey released Tuesday.
- How Uncle Sam wants to boost your retirement
Usually I cringe when our leaders in Washington try to help improve our finances. I'm afraid their efforts may do more harm than good. But two new ideas being discussed inside the Beltway could actually make it easier to prepare for retirement. Both center on the income you'll generate from your 401(k).
- 3 ways to save money this spring
1. Book a sweet getaway
- Ford shares: Buy or sell?
Ford is back. The automaker recently reported its first annual profit in four years; sales are improving; and investors have pushed up its stock 550% in the past year.
- Citigroup shares: No longer toxic?
Yes, Citigroup lost billions in the financial crisis. And yes, it's still swimming in toxic assets. But Bruce Berkowitz argues the worst is over.
- Mr. Distress is ready to buy
Whether it's steel, textiles, or auto manufacturing, Wilbur Ross has built a lucrative career finding gold in industries left for dead.
- How to save on a classic watch
With proper care, a good watch lasts virtually forever. But you don't need to spend a bundle to own one.
- 50 Best Jobs in America
Money looked for careers with great pay, superior growth prospects, intellectual challenge, flexibility and more.
- Invest $900k in a variable annuity?
Question: I'm 62 and have accumulated about $2.6 million in retirement savings, which is invested in stocks and bonds. My adviser suggests that I take a third of this money and invest it in a guaranteed 6% income variable annuity. The cost of the 6% rider is 0.95% of the account balance per year. Do you think this is a good idea? --J.H., Lansing, Michigan
- I'm 25 and I want to start investing
Question: I'm 25 and want to start investing in the stock market, but I'm unsure of how to do it. Any advice? --Kyle, Bentonville, Arkansas
- Retired early ... and getting scared
Question: I had the good fortune to be able to retire early at age 52, but last year's market meltdown has made me rethink the decision. I may still be okay, but I don't have the same level of certainty I once had. My question is this: How will Social Security be calculated for me and how does the fact that I haven't worked the last few years fit into the calculation? --Jack Ford, West Newbury, Mass.
- How much you'll need in retirement
Question: I always heard that you will need 80% or so of your working salary to live on in retirement. But is that a percentage of your gross income or your take-home pay? --Mary Taylor, Chalfont, Pennsylvania
- Leaving your job? Don't forget your 401(k)
Question: I'm in my 30's and have a 401(k) from a previous job, 75% of which is invested in a variety of stock portfolios. Although my stock holdings have recovered a bit recently, I'm still down about $7,000 from my peak balance. I'm planning to roll over this old 401(k) into either the 401(k) at my new job or into an IRA account, but I'm wondering whether I should do the rollover now while stocks are still cheap or wait until the market has recovered and then do it. What do think? --Todd Gerec...
BusinessWeek.com -- Finance
- Signs of Life for Home Equity Lending
Rising home prices and an improving economy will spark a modest rebound this year. But this time, lenders and homeowners will be more cautious
- Net Worth Rose at Slower Pace Last Quarter
Household wealth in the U.S. grew in the fourth quarter at a slower pace, limited by a drop in home values that indicates the recovery in consumer spending will take time to gain speed.
- Most U.S. Stocks Fall After Confidence Drop
The S&P 500 pulled back from a 17-month high as a drop in consumer confidence overshadowed an unexpected increase in retail sales
- Retail Sales in U.S. Unexpectedly Rose in February (Update4)
Sales at U.S. retailers unexpectedly climbed in February as shoppers braved blizzards to get to the malls, signaling consumers will contribute more to economic growth.
- U.S. Michigan Consumer Sentiment Index Fell to 72.5 (Update2)
Confidence among U.S. consumers unexpectedly declined for a second month in March, a sign Americans are discouraged about the labor market.
- CF, Clear Channel, Cliffs, Pacific Sunwear: U.S. Equity Movers
Shares of the following companies are having unusual moves in U.S. trading. Stock symbols are in parentheses. Prices are as of 10:10 a.m. in New York.
- Fuld 'Negligent' as Lehman Hid Leverage, Report Says
Lehman used off-balance-sheet transactions to understate its leverage in late 2007 and 2008, deceiving shareholders about its ability to withstand losses, a bankruptcy examiner’s report said
- JPMorgan, Citigroup Helped Cause Lehman Collapse, Report Says
JPMorgan Chase & Co. and Citigroup Inc. helped cause the failure of Lehman Brothers Holdings Inc. by demanding more collateral and changing guarantee agreements, according to a court-ordered report on the biggest bankruptcy in U.S. history.
- Norway’s 2011 Budget Will Help Keep Low Rates, Stoltenberg Says
Norway’s Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg pledged to curb the use of oil revenue in the 2011 budget to ensure interest rates in the world’s sixth-largest oil exporter stay low as the economy emerges from recession.
- Malaysia May Raise Interest Rate Further if Needed, Zeti Says
Malaysia’s central bank said it may increase interest rates further to avert asset bubbles and discourage risky investments by people seeking better returns, even as inflation will likely remain “modest” this year.
- RBA Says ‘Not Yet Clear’ If More Competition Needed on Cards
Regulators of Australia’s credit card payment system say it isn’t clear yet whether more competition or direct regulation is needed to cut fees, said central bank Assistant Governor Malcolm Edey.
- KKR In Talks With Warner to Make EMI Bid, Times Says (Correct)
KKR & Co. is in talks with Warner Music Group to launch a break-up bid for EMI Group Ltd., the Sunday Times reported, without saying where it got the information.
- Picks of the Week: Apple, CA, Chevron, Intel, Nike
Wall Street analysts give their buy, sell, or hold views on 10 stocks in the news this week
- Experts Talk Consumer Sentiment, New Faces at the Fed
What Wall Street economists and strategists had to say about key developments on Mar. 12
- Stock Picks: Netflix, Nike, Discover, National Semiconductor
Wall Street analyst opinions on stocks making headlines in Friday's market
- Experts Talk Trade Gap, Claims, China's Inflation
What Wall Street economists and strategists had to say about key developments on Mar. 11
- Small Investors Remain Wary After 69% U.S. Stock Bounce
Individual investors have largely stayed on the sidelines of the current rally. What will lure them back?
- Experts Talk Budget Deficit, Wholesale Trade, Housing
What Wall Street economists and strategists had to say about key developments on Mar. 10
SmartMoney.com
Fool.com Headlines
- Doomed Stocks You Should Avoid
Right now, you should be particularly wary of these companies.
- Dreadful Stocks to Avoid
Never forget rule No. 1.
- 3 Cheap Stocks Our Experts Like Right Now
And why they're worth a look.
- 5 Top Stocks That Have It All
These dividend paying stocks offer income, growth, and value.
- This Could Be Your Next Big Winner
And chances are you've never even heard of it.
- The Motley Fool's Weekly Editors' Picks
Take a look at the week's most educational, amusing, and enriching articles.
- A Fool Looks Back
Tablets and tombstones high-fived one another down Wall Street this week.
- The Fool Looks Ahead
Retail companies offer their earnings reports.
- Why We Love Wild Penny Stocks
We promise, it's not what you think.
- The Next Millionaire-Maker Megatrend
Is it 10 times bigger than the Internet?
- 5 Stocks That Laugh at Wall Street
These companies earnings handily beat analyst forecasts.
- This Week in Solar
The race to grid parity, one week at a time.
- A Major Skirmish Over Shareholder Rights
Here's a David and Goliath story you shouldn't miss.
- 5 Cold Stocks Heating Up
Investors are warming up to these previously unloved companies.
- This Just In: Upgrades and Downgrades
FBR says Bed, Bath ... buh-bye!
- Insurers to Washington: We're Not the Problem
Insurers say they're a small piece of the problem pie.
- Must-Read Mutual Fund News
Your Foolish update on all things fund-amental.
- 3 Conditions That Unleash Extraordinary Returns
All it takes is three simple things.
- Pfizer's 3 Points of Failure
Maybe April will be a better month for the drug giant.
- This Week's 5 Dumbest Stock Moves
Don't let stupid happen to you.
- Video Game Giants Need Cheat Codes
The video game industry is still slipping.
- A 1-in-100 Investor
CAPS players who score 100 points in 100 days have become some of the best investors around.
- Everybody Is Buying These Stocks
Does that mean you should, too?
- The Power of the High-Yield Portfolio
Saving you from yourself.
- The Next Million-Dollar Penny Stock
Picking up pennies can make you millions.
- Get Ready for the Dividend Increases
Look for them in one familiar sector and one new sector.
- 1-Star Stocks Poised to Plunge: Brunswick?
There's not much recreation in store with this stock.
- Sirius XM Stretches Out
Satellite radio is looking to push out its debt maturities.
- Fool TV: Make 16% Per Year With No Risk?
- New CEOs, Same Old Trouble
Executive turnover can be a bad sign for your holdings.
- The Evidence Against Buy and Hold, and Why You Should Do It Anyway
Learn the facts about the strategy to buy and hold.
- The Worst Stock Tip Ever
Acting on this stock tip makes you a sucker.
- 4-Star Stocks Poised to Pop: Brocade
Market-trouncing returns could be written in these four stars.
- Is Google a Buy?
Google isn't a prototypical overvalued growth stock anymore -- but is it a value stock?
- Are Stocks Expensive or Undervalued?
Economists have opposing views. Maybe they're both partially right.
- Why They're Billionaires, and You're Not
They invest, you panic.
- 4 Investing Traps You Must Avoid
You can't afford to make mistakes with your money.
- 7 Reasons to Worry About Next Week
Watch your step on the way down next week.
- Elizabeth Warren on Your Bailout Investments
- This Week's 5 Smartest Stock Moves
There's always time to look at the bright side of life.
- How Higher Rates Could Hurt You
Watch out for the warning signs.
- 4-Star Stocks Poised to Pop: VisionChina Media
Market-trouncing returns could be written in these stars.
- 5-Star Stocks Poised to Pop: Akamai
Market-trouncing returns could be written in these five stars.
- 3 Reasons to Sell Rite Aid Today
Not everyone is on the buy side.
- 3 Reasons to Buy Rite Aid Today
There are lots, but here are three biggies.
- We Need Value Investing Now More Than Ever
You lack discipline, young grasshopper.
- Thursday's Hottest Stocks
Yesterday's market is today's moneymaking road map.
- 7 Stocks That Are Swimming in Cash
And why that doesn't mean a thing.
- The Best Stocks. Period.
Our analysts' favorite stocks.
- 3 Stocks on Buffett's Wish List?
Does the Oracle of Omaha want these stocks?
- Is Medivation a Buy?
After the poor showing for Dimebon, is it worth getting into this company today?
- What Would You Do With $7 Billion?
Devon should have no problem reinvesting the proceeds of its sale to BP.
- Investments to Fight Inflation
Protect your nest egg from this creeping menace.
- BP May Be Packing for Brazil
It appears that BP will be the winner in the race for a basket of Devon's assets.
- Expect a Rough Ride on the Baltic Sea
This dry bulk IPO enters uncertain waters.
- AeroVironment Gets Its Wings Clipped
And rightly so.
- 5 Stocks Bouncing Back
These stocks are ready to take on the market.
- Bank Shareholders: Forget a Dividend Increase
Uncertainty remains -- get used to low dividends.
- FDA Still Has a Bone to Pick With These Drugmakers
Osteoporosis drugs remain under the microscope.
- Put This Stock on Your List
There's a lot to like about it.
- Build Your Fortune With These Winners
You don't need a million to make millions. Just follow this simple plan.
- The Problem With America's MBA Programs
The wicked irony of one NFL case study.
- Drink In These 5 Top Stocks
These are some of the most talked-about stocks around.
- Don't Invest Another Penny
At least read this before you do!
- Hot Rumors and Forged Deals in Steel
Surveying the steely landscape after a flurry of developments.
- These 5 Underdogs Are No Dogs
Like the smart hedge fund operators, these CAPS investors bet against a stock -- and won big!
- The 10 Hottest Stocks Right Now
Will these stocks be tomorrow's hot ones? Let's see what recent history says.
- 7 More Signs of a Winner
Let these pointers guide you to small-cap success.
- The Wrong Way to Invest in China
A lot of investors are missing the point. Are you?
- Force Protection Can Play Offense, Too
It knows when, and where, to attack.
- HP and Friends Will Kill the iPad
The iPad's features can't overcome its flaws, and the much-hyped gadget is doomed to irrelevance.
- Why the iPad Might Be a Winner
Advertisers need to change the computer.
- Throw This Stock Away
If you find something better, grab it.
- 3 Stocks in a Tailspin
Will they pull out of the dive, or nose into the dirt?
- Google and China: When Something Means Nothing
Google may be meeting with China, but they won't see eye to eye.
- Have Stocks Dethroned Cash?
Just how valuable is cash?
- This Cloud Company Will Kill 5 Stocks You Love
The video game industry has a bold new player.
- Do You Own This Top-Performing Investment?
Mid-cap stocks can give you much better than middling returns.
- Stocks Are Quiet While Currencies Scream
The action has been concentrated in the currency markets, where the dollar continues to steadily advance.
- IMAX Sees a River of Green
IMAX delivers a record quarter.
- How These Global Giants Can Save Their Shareholders
A corporate restructuring could create substantial shareholder value.
- 3 Stocks Springing Back
Or are these just dead cats getting a little air time?
- A Scary Thought for China Investors
Should China Mobile's latest investment have China investors shaking in their boots?
- How to Build a Better S&P 500
Why not give each holding equal weight?
- These Stocks Will Keep the Payouts Coming
Dividend yields are on the decline. Don't get greedy.
- Smart Moves to Secure Your Retirement
Following rules of thumb isn't always the best move.
- 5-Star Stocks Poised to Pop: Ormat
Market-trouncing returns could be written in these five stars
- 4-Star Stocks Poised to Pop: SandRidge
Market-trouncing returns could be written in these four stars.
- 1-Star Stocks Poised to Plunge: Winnebago?
You could be hauling around market-lagging returns with this stock.
- 5-Star Stocks Poised to Pop: Navios Maritime
Market-trouncing returns could be written in these five stars.
- Fool TV: Ted Turner, the No. 1 Loser in the World
- This Just In: Upgrades and Downgrades
Canaccord Adams boots up Netflix.
- Wednesday's Hottest Stocks
Yesterday's market is today's moneymaking road map.
- What's Messed Up About Social Security
We're growing older. Our retirement plans aren't.
- Why This Stock Is a Winner
With small caps, one indicator above all others bodes well for future performance.
- This Could Be the Biggest Mistake You'll Ever Make
This 401(k) blunder is a retirement-killer -- and it's all too common.
- Sasol's Status Quo: Good News or Bad?
It's ugly out there, but the company's well-girded.
- Weekly Walk of Shame: Apple
This isn't the Apple I've come to know and love.
- Are Annuities Ever Not Stupid?
Only in one rare instance.
- Stocks That Keep Paying You Back
You can't ignore these stocks right now.
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