WSJ.com: PJ Main

To Investors, Kraft Is a Sweet Deal

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 23:39:11 EST

The hedge fund crowd has sent Cadbury shares rising on expectations that Kraft will up its takeover bid. But everyday investors should consider buying Kraft, writes Brett Arends.

More Parents Are 529 Dropouts

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 23:43:08 EST

In recent years, 529 plans have been pitched as the ultimate college-savings vehicle. But in the wake of last year's market collapse, some investors are considering alternatives.

What's Wrong With Charitable Giving

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 22:15:44 EST

It's hard to overstate the crisis facing charitable giving today. So what can foundations and others do to make a difference for the nonprofits and the people they are designed to help?

Beware of 'Debt-Relief' Offers

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 20:39:28 EST

Debt settlement -- which entails not paying your bills until your creditor agrees to accept only a portion of the total owed -- works only for a few of the consumers who attempt it.

Charitable Giving in Tough Times

Sun, 08 Nov 2009 16:45:35 EST

It's the giving season, and donors need smart strategies to find ways to give in the tough economic climate.

Funds Ride Railroad to Success

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 12:44:05 EST

It is nice to be in tune with Warren Buffett, as mutual funds with substantial holdings in Burlington Northern Santa Fe found out last week.

Tougher Standards On Fund Fees Near?

Sun, 08 Nov 2009 23:57:12 EST

The Supreme Court may soon issue a ruling that puts more pressure on mutual funds to justify their fees.

Texting: Bad 4 Grmr, Good for Savings

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 20:39:28 EST

A new study conducted by a group of economists found that texting people and reminding them to save money increased their savings-account balances by 6%.

ETFs Causing Bubble in Emerging Markets?

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 16:41:13 EST

Is the money that investors are pouring into emerging-markets ETFs distorting valuations and pumping up a potentially monstrous bubble?

Basics of 5-Year Rule on Roth IRAs

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 00:05:09 EST

Kelly Greene explains the nuts and bolts of the five-year rule on Roth IRAs.

Even Rich Treat Houses as Piggy Banks

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 16:41:13 EST

Traditionally, the super-rich didn't bother with mortgages, but that changed in the boom years -- and it is still going on. Recent big-time borrowers include hedge-fund titans and baseball magnates.

Smart Year-End Tax Moves for 2009

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 14:24:56 EST

Convulsions in the markets and the economy have shifted the ground beneath many taxpayers, and next year may bring major tax changes as lawmakers confront the record deficit. It's time to review your taxes before it's too late.

State Death Taxes Are Latest Worry

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 22:23:20 EST

With the federal estate tax disappearing for most people, state death taxes have emerged as a surprise new worry.

Credit Cards: Break Up, or Make Up?

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 11:33:59 EST

Pressed for more profits and fewer defaults, credit-card issuers are imposing new fees and raising interest rates. But before you cancel the card, read this.

In Tax Case, Billionaire Saves Millions

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 15:43:39 EST

Billionaire investor Julian Robertson won a $27 million tax case against New York City, successfully arguing he wasn't a resident in 2000.

For Money Funds, Wait Till Next Year

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 14:35:33 EST

After months of subsisting on close-to-zero yields and watching assets bleed away, money-market mutual funds may have reason to hope that a little relief isn't far off.

Text Messages Boost Savings

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 19:33:24 EST

A new study by a group of economists looking at why people save money found that simply sending out cellphone reminders increased savings balances by 6%.

The Cruel Math of Big Losses

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 16:06:21 EST

This year's robust stock-market advance has done a lot to bolster investors' psyches. Too bad many portfolios still haven't recovered from last year. (See the full report)

Fund Fiend

Sun, 01 Nov 2009 20:44:45 EST

Mutual-fund investors pondering adding gold to their portfolios have an important choice to make: Should they buy a fund that owns gold-related stocks or an exchange-traded fund tracking the price of gold?

Betting on Growth Stocks

Sun, 01 Nov 2009 20:44:45 EST

Value-oriented funds have taken the lead in recent months, but many pros now see brighter prospects for funds that invest in fast-expanding businesses.

Will Ballooning Size Crimp a Star Bond Fund?

Sun, 01 Nov 2009 20:44:45 EST

The massive Pimco Total Return fund is more popular than ever, raising questions about the possible impact of its size on investors' returns

ETFs for College Savings

Sun, 01 Nov 2009 20:44:45 EST

Exchange-traded funds, known in part for their rock-bottom expenses, have started to appear on the menus of a few 529 college-savings plans.