The one thing harder than writing a will is talking about it. But having the conversation with your loved ones about your wishes is a critical part of smart estate planning.

Gender stereotypes abound, particularly when it comes to money. Financial management has traditionally been considered a male pursuit, but there is new evidence that younger women may be throwing away the rule book when it comes to money.

Everyone is waiting for 2010 to take advantage of the new, more liberal rules for converting traditional IRAs to Roths. But 2009 may present a good opportunity for conversion, particularly for those who have been hard hit by the economic recession.

A perspective from an experienced financial planner on client risk tolerance: should it be respected or should it be changed in certain circumstances?

Filing tax returns is no easy task. Making errors is common, but if you find a material (i.e. large) mistake, you're going to have to file a 1040X.

Once you've started a relationship with a financial planner, how should you proceed? Would you ever need to "have the talk?"

There has been a lot of talk about financial fiduciaries recently and what it means to be one or work with one. So far, most of the talk has taken place within the financial planning and investment advisory professions. The term "fiduciary," however, has not eased its way into Starbucks chit-chat or office gossip. If there were ever ...

A friend of mine, now single after several relationship attempts and marital near-misses, complains that she has a “busted picker.” A weakness for fatal attractions is not just a problem in our love lives. It can also happen in our financial lives.

Eleanor Blayney, Consumer Advocate for CFP Board, says there's no need to run from a young financial planner. It's tougher to build a long-term relationship with an advisor on the verge of retirement.

Tapped out on credit or don't want to hassle with banks or credit cards, considering borrowing from family members - or mom and dad - but be sure that everyone is upfront, on time and the terms are in writing, says Eleanor K. H. Blayney, CFP®.