IRAs and 401(k)s

Investors can contribute later in the year--even later in life--but delays can cost hundreds in lost returns.

If you a confident your holdings will rise in value, you may be better off having that increase occur in a Roth IRA/

In January 2001, the Internal Revenue Service dramatically simplified distribution rules for tax-deferred retirement plans, allowing retirees to take less money out of their accounts each year--and pay less income tax in the process.

Your retirement nest egg may be more vulnerable than you think.

Some financial planners and attorneys recommend so-called asset protection trusts for wealthy lawsuit magnets such as doctors or lawyers.