Education Center Articles

Title
1)	529 college programs, college savings plans
	An overview of 529 college savings plans, which provide variable rates of return based on the type of investments you chose from the available options.
2)	529 college programs, effect on financial aid
	The details about how money in 529 college savings plans and 529 prepaid tuition plans affect a student�s eligibility for needs-based federal financial aid.
3)	529 college programs, prepaid tuition plans
	An overview of the original type of 529 program, prepaid tuition plans, which allow you to lock in the cost of tuition based on today�s prices.
4)	529 college programs, the income tax benefits
	529 college savings programs offer you a tax-free way to save for future college costs. Here�s a rundown of the state and federal income tax benefits.
5)	529 plans, Cashing in Savings Bonds
	You may be able to cash in your Savings Bonds tax free when you use the proceeds to contribute to a 529 college savings plan. Here are the advantages of cashing in your bonds, as well as the advantages of keeping them.
6)	529 plans, custodial account transfers
	What to consider before you transfer assets from a custodial account into a 529 college savings plan.
7)	529 programs, contributions and withdrawals
	You can contribute to a 529 college savings program regardless of your income level and as owner, you remain in control of the account. You can withdraw your savings for non-college use, but you�ll be subject to income and penalty taxes.
8)	An Investment Strategy: Who Needs One?
	If you haven't already mapped out a strategy for investing, you need to. Coming up with a plan to identify your goals and the best way to reach them should be part of your financial planning.
9)	Building Dreams
	Daydreaming about getting rich quick is fun. But why settle for daydreams when you can lay the groundwork now for a more secure future?
10)	Can You Deduct Your Investment Expenses?
	Some investment expenses are deductible and others are not. Read this article to learn more.
11)	Caution: Rollover in Progress
	Rolling over a distribution from your employer-sponsored retirement plan account to a traditional individual retirement account (IRA) isn't difficult but here are some cautions.
12)	College Financing 101
	College financing options - PLUS Loans, Home Equity, Life Insurance Cash Value, Retirement Savings.
13)	College loan interest deduction, rules
	You can claim the federal student loan interest deduction if you meet the income limits and these rules.
14)	College planning through the ages
	How do you save and invest for your child�s college education? Here are some general suggestions based on your time horizon.
15)	College planning, financial aid
	An overview of the main sources of student financial aid � federal, state, college and university, and private.
16)	College planning, other ways to pay the bills
	Here�s a brief rundown of some other ways to pay for college, including borrowing from your retirement accounts, taking a loan against your cash value insurance policy, or borrowing against your home equity.
17)	College planning, Smart savings strategies
	Five tips for saving for your child�s college education.
18)	College planning, tax-favored ways to save
	A summary of the main tax-advantaged ways to save for college: education savings accounts, 529 college savings programs, U.S. Savings Bonds, and custodial accounts.
19)	College planning: Education Fund on Empty?
	Last minute ideas on ways to fund college.
20)	College Tax Break
	Hope Scholarship Credit and Lifetime Learning Credit
21)	College tax credit rules
	A summary of the rules for claiming the federal Hope credit or lifetime learning tax credit for college tuition.
22)	College: Counting Down
	Annual tuition and fees average about $5,500 at four-year public universities for in-state students, and about $21,000 at four-year private colleges. Here are the details.
23)	College: Get Educated on the Student Loan Tax Break
	If you meet these eligibility requirements, you can deduct from your federal income taxes up to $2,500 of interest you pay on a qualified student loan during the tax year.
24)	College: Life Insurance and Education
	Use of cash value life insurance as a supplemental savings plan for college financing.
25)	College: Tax Breaks for Education Saving
	Tax break information for 529 College Savings Plans, Coverdell Education Savings Accounts, and Custodial Accounts.
26)	College: Savings bonds, the general rules
	Series EE bonds issued after 1989 and Series I bonds purchased anytime have a college tax-savings feature. Here�s a summary of the main eligibility requirements.
27)	Credit: Are you buried in debt?
	If you�re having trouble paying your bills, start to work your way out of debt by contacting your creditors and considering credit counseling. Just as important: Avoid payday loans and steer clear of scam credit repair clinics.
28)	Credit: Debt repayment strategies
	If you�ve run up big credit card bills or taken on too much other debt, here are three smart ways to start chipping away at your balances.
29)	Credit: How to be creditwise
	Be a smart borrower by getting a handle on your debt, paying your bills on time, and monitoring your credit report.
30)	Credit: More ways to be creditwise
	Here are four more ways to be a smart borrower.
31)	Custodial accounts, the general rules
	When you put assets in a custodial account you can�t take them back. So whether you already have a custodial account or you�re considering opening one, review these rules and the alternatives.
32)	Custodial accounts, the spending rules
	Before you spend money from your custodial account, review this summary of the IRS and the Uniform Transfers to Minors Act rules.
33)	Disability insurance: Are you covered?
	If you couldn�t work due to illness or injury, how would you get by? Can you count on Social Security or workers� compensation disability benefits, and does your employer provide adequate disability coverage? Here�s how to check if you�re covered.
34)	Disability insurance: More coverage options
	If you don�t have employer long-term disability insurance or an individual disability policy, or you have these coverages but they�re not adequate, here�s an overview of two ways to fill the gaps in your coverage.
35)	Disability insurance: More policy basics
	Here�s more information about what to look for in an individual disability insurance policy.
36)	Disability insurance: Policy basics
	If you don�t have any employer long-term disability coverage or if your employer�s coverage falls short, look into whether you�re eligible to buy individual disability income insurance. Here�s what to look for in a policy.
37)	Education savings accounts, contributions
	You can contribute up to $2,000 a year to an education savings account until a child�s 18th birthday. Here are the details.
38)	Education savings accounts, eligibility rules
	Education savings accounts offer you a tax-fee way to save up to $2,000 a year for your child�s elementary, secondary, and college education expenses. Here are the eligibility rules.
39)	Education savings accounts, the account rules
	An overview of the ownership rules for education savings accounts and how these accounts affect a student�s eligibility for needs-based federal financial aid.
40)	Education savings accounts, withdrawal rules
	Review this list to find out what type of expenses you can pay from an education savings account, as well as your options if your child doesn�t attend college.
41)	Estate planning: Giving While You're Living
	Summary of information on gift taxes.
42)	Estate planning: Inherited IRA May Equal Inherited Taxes
	Tax information on inherited IRA's.
43)	Estate planning: Navigating the Federal Estate and Gift-tax Laws
	Information regarding the Federal Estate-tax and Gift-tax laws.
44)	Estate planning: Bypassing probate
	Here�s information about some of the different ways to avoid probate.
45)	Estate Planning: Five essential steps
	Here are five more essential steps to take when creating your estate plan.
46)	Estate Planning: Getting Started
	Estate planning is just a technical term for arranging what happens to your property after your death, as well as planning for your financial affairs in the event you become incapacitated. That�s why everyone needs a basic estate plan.
47)	Estate Planning: Inherited property & taxes
	Did you inherit an asset that you now plan to sell? If so, and if the asset increased in value during the prior owner�s life, you generally won�t owe capital gains tax on that predeath appreciation when you sell the property. Here's why.
48)	Estate Planning: Living trust details
	Here�s information about how revocable living trusts work and how to establish one.
49)	Estate planning: Living trust tips
	If you determine that a revocable living trust is appropriate for you, here�s how to continue your estate planning and find the expert help you need.
50)	Estate Planning: Living trusts basics
	Living trusts can be a valuable part of an estate plan, but living trusts are not for everyone. So get all the details and consider your specific needs and the alternatives before establishing one.
51)	Estate planning: Power of Atty for Finances
	A durable power of attorney for finances allows you to name someone you trust, such as your spouse, adult child, partner, or trusted friend, to manage your finances if you become incapacitated either temporarily or permanently.
52)	Estate Planning: Power of Atty for Finances 2
	Here�s more information about durable powers of attorney for finances.
53)	Estate planning: Probate basics
	Probate is the process of administering a deceased person�s estate in state court. Here are the details.
54)	Financial: The Sunny Side of Falling Rates
	When the Fed lowers interest rates, earnings on savings accounts, certificates of deposit, and cash equivalent investments typically head downward, too. So what�s the bright side? You may get a better deal on the money you borrow.
55)	Happy Birthday-Here's Your Tax Break!
	Who says Uncle Sam doesn't give presents? Some birthdays come with an extra surprise - a tax break.
56)	If you're retired: Early Retirement Plan Payout Means Tax Decisions
	Information on early retirement plan payout taxation.
57)	If you're retired: How to tap your savings
	Once you�re retired, how much can you annually withdraw from your retirement savings with the least risk of running out of money? Here�s a summary of what the studies say.
58)	If you're retired: Income annuities
	An introduction to income annuities, which offer you a way to turn part of your retirement savings into payments that are guaranteed to last for the rest of your life.
59)	If you're retired: Income annuities and taxes
	The IRS taxes the payments you receive from an income annuity. The way these payments are taxed depends on what type of funds you use when you buy the annuity.
60)	If you're retired: Income annuities, fixed
	An overview of fixed income annuities, which have payments that either remain the same or increase by a specified percentage.
61)	If you're retired: Income annuities, variable
	An overview of variable income annuities, which have payments that increase or decrease depending on the performance of the investment options you select.
62)	If you're retired: Income annuity decisions
	If you decide that an income annuity is appropriate for you, what kind you should buy and when? The answer depends on your specific financial and personal situation. Consider these factors before you buy.
63)	If you're retired: Income annuity details
	Here�s how to buy an income annuity, the details about how these annuities work, and a summary of the income options.
64)	If you're retired: Income annuity key tips
	Before you buy an income annuity check out the insurer�s financial strength ratings. Just as important, carefully consider your financial situation , since once you buy you generally can�t take back the lump sum you paid.
65)	If you're retired: Income annuity payments
	An overview of the lifetime income options offered by income annuities.
66)	If you're retired: Income annuity payments 2
	As an alternative to receiving guaranteed lifetime payments, income annuities offer payments that are guaranteed for your life and the life of a joint annuitant. They also offer payments that are guaranteed for a specified amount or specified period.
67)	If you're retired: Set up reserves
	One of the key ways to keep your investment plan on track when you�re retired is to set up cash and short-term accounts. These reserves will cover your living expenses and carry you through emergencies and market downturns.
68)	If you're retired: Smart investing moves
	One of the keys to managing your money is to periodically rebalance your investment portfolio. Rebalancing allows you to maintain your target asset mix and to lock in your gains.
69)	If you're retired: Take control of your money
	How should you manage your investments now that you�re retired? In summary, put time-tested investment principles into practice and remember that you�re still investing for the long term.
70)	If you're retired: Tax-wise withdrawals
	If you�re like many retirees, your savings is probably in a mix of taxable, tax-deferred, and tax-free accounts. Review these suggestions for tax-efficient ways to tap these accounts for retirement income.
71)	If you're retired: The market's ups and downs
	A summary of the stock market�s advances and downturns and what this history means for your retirement investments.
72)	If you're retired: Update your financial plan
	Whether you've just stepped out of the workforce or you've been retired for awhile, it's essential to have an up-to-date financial plan. Here�s how to get started.
73)	If you're retired: Ways to tap your savings
	Over the past ten years, financial experts have been studying how much you can annually withdraw from your savings with the least risk of running out of money. Here�s a summary of two of the main withdrawal methods they recommend.
74)	If you're retired: Ways to tap your savings 2
	As an alternative to withdrawing an inflation-adjusted dollar amount from your savings in retirement, you can withdraw a fixed percentage. Here are the details.
75)	If you're retired: Your investment mix
	One of your most important investing decisions, both before and after you�re retired, is how your money is divided among the different types of savings and investments, and among the categories within these main types. Here�s why.
76)	Investing: Big Picture Investing
	Your goal as a retirement investor is to accumulate enough money to pay for a comfortable retirement. However, if you focus on short-term investment performance, you may lose track of the big picture
77)	Investing: Keep Your Eye on the Prize
	As an investor, it may be hard not to get emotional about ups and downs in the markets. When the markets are volatile, thinking carefully before you react can keep you from making a major blunder.
78)	Investing: Passport to International Investments
	Adding foreign investments can help diversify* your portfolio and give you some exposure to international markets.
79)	Investing: When the Going Gets Tough
	When the stock market is down and economic news is troubling, you may start reconsidering your retirement plan investments. Sticking with your long-term investment strategy when the going gets tough may not be easy.
80)	Investing: Your Assets � Think Outside the Stock
	You probably have additional resources that should be considered for financial planning purposes.
81)	IRA account rules
	An overview of IRA account rules, including the importance of designating beneficiaries and the no-borrowing rules.
82)	IRAs: The Truth
	IRA contribution rules.
83)	IRAs: 2009 Required Minimum Distribution Relief
	An overview of the rules that require you to begin withdrawing at least minimum amounts from your traditional IRA each year after age 70�.
84)	IRAs: Converting to a Roth IRA considerations
	Take these considerations into account before converting your traditional IRA to a Roth IRA.
85)	IRAs: Converting to a Roth IRA, guidelines
	Review these general guidelines if you�re considering converting your traditional IRA to a Roth IRA.
86)	IRAs: Converting to a Roth IRA, projections
	When evaluating whether to convert your traditional IRA to a Roth IRA, you need to project your future tax bracket. Here are the details.
87)	IRAs: Converting to a Roth IRA, the benefits
	The tax benefits of converting a traditional IRA to a Roth IRA.
88)	IRAs: Converting to a Roth IRA, the taxes
	The details about the taxes you�ll owe if you convert your traditional IRA to a Roth IRA.
89)	IRAs: Early withdrawal fixed payments
	Information about using the IRS-approved fixed distribution methods to make early IRA withdrawals under the periodic payment exception.
90)	IRAs: Early withdrawal payment considerations
	Before you use the periodic payment exception to make early IRA withdrawals, consider your needs, the alternatives, and the tax implications.
91)	IRAs: Early withdrawal payments
	One way to avoid the 10% penalty tax on early IRA withdrawals is to arrange to receive distributions in the form of an annuity. Review these details before you decide to take advantage of this so-called periodic payment exception.
92)	IRAs: Early withdrawal payments, some rulings
	A summary of some of the IRS private letter rulings related to using the periodic payment exception to make early IRA withdrawals.
93)	IRAs: Early withdrawal payments, the rules
	The rules for using the periodic payment exception to make early IRA withdrawals.
94)	IRAs: Early withdrawal RMD payments
	Information about using the required minimum distribution method to make early IRA withdrawals under the periodic payment exception .
95)	IRAs: Early withdrawals one-time change
	If you�re taking fixed early withdrawal payments from your IRA under the periodic payment exception, you can make a one-time change to the required minimum distribution method if you need to reduce the size of your payments.
96)	IRAs: Is the Roth IRA the Right Plan for You?
	Explanation of Roth IRA tax advantages.
97)	IRAs: Required distribution planning
	Examples of how you can use the required minimum distribution rules to plan for distributions from your traditional IRA after your death.
98)	IRAs: Required distributions for heirs
	A summary of the required minimum distribution rules for beneficiaries who inherit traditional IRAs.
99)	IRAs: Roth IRA as an Estate-planning Tool
	Using a Roth IRA for estate planning.
100)	IRAs: Roth IRA early withdrawal rules
	Comprehensive information about withdrawing money from a Roth IRA, including the early withdrawal rules.
101)	IRAs: Roth IRAs for young people
	Teens and young adults can invest in a Roth IRA to get an early start on saving for retirement, a first home, or college
102)	IRAs: Sorting out your options
	Here are some general guidelines if you�re eligible to contribute to a Roth IRA and also to make tax-deductible contributions to a traditional IRA.
103)	IRAs: Sorting out your options, Part 2
	If you�re not eligible to make tax-deductible contributions to a traditional IRA, but you�re eligible to contribute to a Roth IRA, here�s why contributing to a Roth IRA is the way to go.
104)	IRAs: Sorting out your options, Part 3
	If you don't qualify to contribute to a Roth IRA or to make tax-deductible contributions to a traditional IRA, nondeductible contributions to a traditional IRA are your only IRA option.
105)	IRAs: The Door to Roth IRAs Opens Wider
	Roth IRA Guidelines
106)	IRAs: The early withdrawal rules
	The education and homebuying exceptions to the 10% tax penalty on early withdrawals from an IRA.
107)	IRAs: The early withdrawal rules, Part 2
	The medical, disability, and death exceptions to the 10% tax penalty on early withdrawals from an IRA.
108)	IRAs: The Long and Short of Goal Setting
	Setting long-term and short-term goals for IRA investing.
109)	IRAs: Traditional IRAs, nondeductible
	The eligibility and tax rules for making nondeductible contributions to a traditional IRA.
110)	IRAs: Traditional or Roth - Which One?
	Comparison of Roth IRA and Traditional IRA
111)	Life insurance: Cash value considerations
	Here�s what you need to consider before you buy or replace a cash value life insurance policy.
112)	Life Insurance: Cash value policy basics
	Cash value life insurance, also called permanent insurance, is designed to provide you with continuous lifetime coverage as long as you pay the necessary premiums. Here�s a summary of the main features of this type of life insurance.
113)	Life Insurance: How much do you need?
	Here�s what you need to take into account to estimate how much life insurance you need.
114)	Life Insurance: Term insurance basics
	Term life insurance can ensure that your family will be able to pay off a mortgage, pay ongoing living expenses, or fund college education costs if you die prematurely. Here�s a summary of the two main types.
115)	Long-term care costs and Medicaid
	The joint federal and state Medicaid program pays for some types of long-term care services. However, Medicaid is intended only for those who meet federal and state poverty guidelines for income and assets.
116)	Long-term care costs and Medicare
	In general, Medicare and Medicare supplement insurance policies don�t cover most long-term care services. Here are the details.
117)	Long-Term Care Insurance Can Help Preserve Estate Assets
	Long-term Care Insurance Can Help Preserve Estate Assets
118)	Long-term care insurance: It Could Happen to You
	Long Term Care Insurance
119)	Long-Term Care Insurance: Benefit checklist
	Before you buy a long-term care policy, be sure you know what�s covered, when you qualify for benefits, and how payments are made.
120)	Long-term care insurance: Buying a policy
	Tips on buying a long-term care policy, including how to choose an insurer and where to find more information.
121)	Long-term care insurance: Medicaid Nursing home Assistance Harder to Get
	Medicaid nursing home assistance.
122)	Long-Term Care Insurance: New Medicaid Rules Affect Nursing Home Residents
	Information on new Medicaid rules.
123)	Long-term care policies: More benefit options
	In addition to selecting a benefit length and amount when buying a long-term care policy, you need to decide when benefits will kick in and how often to pay premiums.
124)	Long-term care: Consider future costs
	Since you�ll probably have your long-term care policy for decades, it�s essential to buy some type of inflation protection. You may also want to consider buying some type of nonforfeiture benefit. Here are the options.
125)	Managing your money: These Traps May Be Hazardous to Your Wealth
	The benefits of planning ahead to manage your money.
126)	Managing your money: Easy ways to save
	Here are four surefire ways to boost your savings: Get a handle on your spending, put your saving and investing on autopilot, make the most of your savings, and stop overpaying your federal income taxes if you�re getting big tax refunds.
127)	Managing your money: More easy ways to save
	Here are four more easy ways to save.
128)	Managing your money: More moves to make now
	Here are four more ways to get a handle on your finances.
129)	Managing your money: Smart moves to make now
	Get a handle on your finances by getting organized and sizing up your situation. Here�s how to get started.
130)	Managing your money: Tips for couples
	Are you and your spouse or partner financially compatible, or do you frequently argue about money? In either case, getting your finances in order is the first step towards financial harmony. Here are some tips to get started.
131)	Managing your money: Tips for teaching kids
	No matter how old your children are now, it�s essential to help them learn how to manage money wisely. Here are some suggestions based on your child�s age.
132)	Managing your money: Tips for your twenties
	If you�re in your twenties, now�s the time to start saving for your future and learning how to be a smart borrower. Get started with these four tips.
133)	Managing your money: Wise Moves for Young Families
	Money management tips for young families.
134)	Retirement Investing: How Lifetime Gifts Can Reduce Taxes
	Gift tax annual exclusion and gift tax exemption.
135)	Retirement investing: Diversification is key
	How to divide your money among the different types of savings and investments is one of your most important investing decisions. Here�s why.
136)	Retirement investing: Focus on the basics
	Here are some of the most important strategies to follow when investing for retirement.
137)	Retirement investing: Stay on track
	Two of the biggest mistakes investors make is chasing performance and trying to time the market. Avoid these pitfalls and focus on rebalancing your portfolio instead.
138)	Retirement plan at a former job?
	Here are the four options for your savings if you left behind a 401(k), 403(b), or 457 governmental plan at a former job.
139)	Retirement plan direct rollovers
	Here�s how to roll over your 401(k), 403(b), or 457 governmental deferred compensation plan savings to a traditional IRA.
140)	Retirement plan rollovers to an IRA
	The advantages of rolling over a retirement plan from a former employer to a traditional IRA.
141)	Retirement plan rollovers, considerations
	Here are some considerations to take into account before you decide what to do with the 401(k), 403(b), or 457 governmental plan that you left with a former employer.
142)	Retirement plan rollovers, more details
	Here are more details to take into account before you decide what to do with the 401(k), 403(b), or 457 governmental plan that you left with a former employer.
143)	Retirement: Deferred annuity basics
	You can buy a deferred annuity to save for retirement tax deferred. Then once you�re retired, you can convert your savings into regular income payments that are guaranteed to last for the rest of your life. Here are the basics.
144)	Retirement: Deferred annuity considerations
	Here�s what you need to consider before buying a deferred annuity.
145)	Retirement: How much do you need to save?
	Whether you�re in your early working years or already starting to wind down, your first step in planning a comfortable retirement is estimating how much you need to save. Here�s how to get started.
146)	Retirement: Making Your Retirement Money Work Harder
	How to make your retirement money work harder.
147)	Retirement: Social Security and taxes
	If your income exceeds the specified limits you may have to pay taxes on a portion of the Social Security retirement benefits you receive. Here�s a summary of the rules.
148)	Retirement: Social Security benefits
	The age you can begin collecting your full Social Security retirement benefit depends on the year you were born. If you start collecting your benefit early, it will be permanently reduced. If you delay your benefit, it will be increased.
149)	Retirement: Social Security for spouses
	Here�s a summary of the Social Security retirement benefit you�re entitled to if you�re married, divorced, or widowed.
150)	Retirement: Start Social Security Early or Delay Payments?
	Starting early or delaying social security payments.

Representatives are registered, securities are sold, and investment advisory services offered through CUNA Brokerage Services, Inc. (CBSI), member FINRA/SIPC, a registered broker/dealer and investment advisor, 2000 Heritage Way, Waverly, Iowa 50677, toll-free (800) 369-2862. Nondeposit investment and insurance products are not federally insured, involve investment risk, may lose value and are not obligations of or guaranteed by the financial institution. CBSI is under contract with the financial institution, through the financial services program, to make securities available to members. CUNA Brokerage Services, Inc., is a registered broker/dealer in all fifty states of the United States of America. The Representative may also be a credit union employee that accepts deposits on behalf of the financial institution.

Privacy Practices Security Practices Business Continuity Plan Supported Browsers Report a Site Problem Linking To Third Parties
©1997-2012 CUNA Mutual Group.

Page Source URL: http://members.cunamutual.com/EducationCenter/FinLibSearch.asp?