This Week's Issue -
Columns

Last year, the average tax refund was just more than $3,000. Although it might be tempting to dash out and buy something brand new and shiny, curb that impulse and ponder your options.

A reader asked: Jeff, my parents introduced me to your columns when I was in college. It has been a big help, both personally and with my classes. Thanks! As I get ready to enter the “real world,” what’s your advice as I prepare for my first job?

Today, increased productivity is often cited as a major reason for the slow recovery of the job market. I believe it is true that businesses are more productive, but in many cases the improvements have been achieved simply by dumping more work on fewer people. Where that has been the case, the improvements will not be sustainable.

While there’s a generally accepted consensus that the average American plans to retire at age 65, there are divergent paths to build an investment plan to prepare for that milestone.

Pop quiz: Which successful brand has used all of the following slogans within the last 25 years: “America’s real choice.” “Life begins here.” “Always.” “Red, white and you.”

With the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the Founding Fathers effectively signed their own death warrant.