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Question: My wife and I are nearing retirement and want to start shifting some of our nest egg to some safer or fixed-income options. Most of what we have is in stocks or equity mutual funds. What would be a couple of options, perhaps government bonds or corporate bond funds, for me to check out? I'm looking for low-risk and returns above inflation. Get the answer >>

Question: I have PERS and can pay into my deferred compensation plan. Should I contribute to PERS or pay off my $20,000 car loan? I'm 37. Get the answer >>

Question: I recently inherited $150,000 and my banker is trying to talk me into investing in an annuity. I really do not need this money at this time, but being that I'm 67, I thought that I should invest in short-term investments. If I would want to get out of this annuity before seven years, there is a penalty. That's one thing that I don't like about it. I was thinking about laddering CDs where my money would not be tied up as long. I would appreciate any input that you may have that would be a good investment for me to explore. Get the answer >>

Question: I have a $5,000 CD maturing soon. I would like to put it right back into another CD. I have heard that laddering is a good way to maximize my return. How should I do this? Please be specific on amounts and lengths of time on this method of investing. Get the answer >>

Question: My twin daughters are 3. I want to start putting aside a little money for their college education. I don't have much to spare right now, maybe $50 to $75 a month. What would be the best way to go for their college? Stocks or regular savings accounts? I have no idea how to buy stocks. Get the answer >>

Question: My wife and I are both in our mid-40s and carry a $30,000 home equity line of credit. (No mortgage.) Our two-family home is valued at $180,000 and we have $130,000 in liquid assets. We currently rent a fully furnished downstairs and live upstairs. We would like to purchase a single-family home in the $275,000 range. Should we sell the duplex outright and pay for the single family home in full or should we keep and rent out the duplex and carry a mortgage on the new single-family home? I know there's some law on capital gains about not renting for a specific amount of time before you sell the home. Can you clarify? Get the answer >>

Question: I am a single mother with two boys, 2 and 4. I want to start saving a little for their college educations. I have no idea where to start. I just know there are minor custodial accounts and 529s and mutual funds. I've heard 529s are the way to go but don't know if I should invest in Ohio's plan or another state's plan. What if my sons want to go to school outside of Ohio? Get the answer >>