How to Assess Your Cash Flows and Create a Budget
Take these steps to ensure that spending doesn't interfere with your ability to save no matter your life stage.
Christine Benz
Christine Benz is Morningstar's director of personal finance and author of 30-Minute Money Solutions: A Step-by-Step Guide to Managing Your Finances and the Morningstar Guide to Mutual Funds: 5-Star Strategies for Success. Follow Christine on Twitter: @christine_benz.
Featured
Latest
Fran Kinniry: Applying the Vanguard Approach to Private Equity
The leader of Vanguard's initiative to offer private equity investing discusses his views on private equity's role in a portfolio, how Vanguard will structure its offering, and why the firm is bringing it out now.
Seize the Opportunity to Convert to Roths
Tax and retirement planning expert Ed Slott says converting traditional IRA balances to Roth may cost you less in taxes now.
Healthy Financial Habits to Cultivate Now
Christine Benz offers ideas for some investing habits we can put into place while cooped up at home that can pay dividends down the road.
Take Care When Approaching Beaten-Down Parts of the Market
Alex Bryan discusses areas that have performed worse than others during the recent market downturn.
10 Sources of Emergency Cash, Ranked from Best to Worst
The CARES Act makes it easier to gain access to retirement accounts in a pinch, but they're not likely to be your best source of emergency cash.
In Volatile Markets, It's OK to Chicken Out
Christine Benz explains why now isn't the time for grand gestures with your investments; instead, take a light touch to them.
The Stimulus Plan and Its Effect on Retirees
Tax and retirement planning expert Ed Slott says investors should tread carefully among the potential provisions, from RMDs to hardship withdrawals and loans.
Is It Too Late to Derisk?
Five questions to ask to determine whether to reduce your exposure to stocks after a bear market is under way.
Retirees and Pre-Retirees: You've Got This
Key steps to take back control if your retirement portfolio has taken a tumble.
A Conversation With the Sequoia Fund's Managers
Two members of the Sequoia Fund’s investment committee open up about the firm’s culture, why the portfolio is more fully invested than before, Berkshire, and more
A 7-Point Risk Drill for Your Portfolio
The right amount of risk to take in your portfolio depends on two key variables: your risk capacity as well as your risk tolerance.
Buckets Can Help You Stay Organized During Volatility
For near- and long-term goals and at any stage of life, Buckets help you keep your eyes on the prize.
Chuck Bath: The Evolution of a Value Investor
The noted Diamond Hill manager discusses the shorter durations of competitive advantages, how low inflation has curbed firms' pricing power, and what he considers to be the market's 'sweet spot.'
The Buckets Are Working
Bucket 2 has sprung a small leak recently, but cash holdings are proving their mettle.
12 Battle-Tested, Low-Volatility Funds
When the going has gotten tough, these stock, bond, and allocation funds have held up better than their peers.
When Standing Pat Doesn't Sit Well
A hands-off policy for your portfolio amid market volatility is usually the best advice, but there are exceptions to that rule.
Morningstar Talks Market Turmoil
We discuss investor impact and taking a long view during the ongoing coronavirus outbreak.
Where to Go for Income in a Low-Yield World
If you're on the hunt for yield, be sure to mind the downside.
Lawrence Hamtil: The Virtues of Sin (Stocks)
A contrarian financial advisor delves into his provocative research on the influence of sector weightings on stock returns, value's slump, equal-weighting, and the low-volatility phenomenon.
In Uncertain Times, Humility Is Essential
So much of the investment world is based on educated guessing; the sooner we all realize that, the better.
Why Wait for Social Security?
Our experts discuss the perks and perturbations of delaying your filing.
Can You Still Retire Soon?
A volatile market could have you rethinking some long-held retirement plans, especially if you're close to your target date. Before you make any moves, take these steps to check your plan and/or put it back on track.
Nicole Boyson: How to Spot Financial Advisor Conflicts of Interest
An academic's take on financial advisor conflicts that can leave investors saddled with costly, underperforming funds. We also touch on hedge fund activism, financial contagion, and female portfolio managers.
The Perks and Pitfalls of Medicare Choices
Mark Miller breaks down the differences between traditional Medicare and Medicare Advantage.
4 Funds that Provide Shelter From the Storm
Russ Kinnel shares some ideas that provide a sense of calm.
Risk, Not Volatility, Is the Real Enemy
Grant us investors the wisdom to know the difference.
75 Must-Know Statistics About Women and Retirement
In honor of Equal Pay Day, we look at some of that data that paint a troubling picture about the state of women's retirement preparedness.
5 Steps Women Can Take to Improve Their Retirement Readiness
The data are sobering about women's retirement preparedness, but being pre-emptive can help stave off a shortfall.
Sallie Krawcheck: 'Companies Should Do Better'
The Ellevest founder discusses how advisors fail their female clients, the lack of gender diversity in financial services, and why firms should be working to close the gender pay gap.
A Down-Market Survival Guide for Your 20s, 30s, and 40s
When you have many years until retirement, market volatility should be easy to shrug off, but it isn't always. A step-by-step guide to taking control.
A Down-Market Survival Guide for Retirees
These six steps can help you take back control in uncertain times.
A Down-Market Survival Guide for Preretirees
If you're within 10 years of retirement, this eight-step review can help you improve your situation--and your peace of mind.
Volatility Is Here to Stay. Here's What to Do.
Christine Benz explains what investors should do amid market turbulence.
IRA Tips for Later in Life
Christine Benz discusses how the SECURE Act affects required minimum distributions.
IRA Procrastinators, Start Here
Christine Benz has some tips for those trying to squeeze in a contribution for the 2019 tax year.
How to Identify the Best Investments for Your IRA
No matter your life stage or financial goals, identify the right investments for the job.
10 Myths About IRA Contributions
As the April 15 deadline draws near, we clear up some key points of confusion for would-be contributors.
How to Get the Most Out of Your IRA Contributions
Tips for selecting the right account type, using new contributions to adjust your portfolio's allocations.
Are You Holding Your Assets in the Right Types of Accounts?
Taking care with asset placement can result in big tax savings.
A Tax-Efficient Portfolio Makeover May Be Less Painful Than You Think
Proper accounting of cost basis is essential to avoid paying more taxes than you need to.
Annamaria Lusardi: 'Financial Education Works'
A noted researcher discusses the state of financial literacy in the U.S., the connection with income inequality, and what works with financial education.
How to Avoid IRA 'Pain Points'
Small steps to avoid the 'procrastination penalty' can make a big difference in your eventual return.
You Can Now Make IRA Contributions at Any Age. But Should You?
Traditional IRA contributions after RMD age may make sense in a handful of situations, but not many.
Jeff Levine: Cracking the New Retirement Code
The tax- and financial-planning specialist weighs in on how sweeping new legislation affects IRA withdrawals, charitable giving, 401(k) plans, and more.
Why International Stocks Have Lagged
Foreign stocks and stock funds have underperformed the U.S. for a long time, but change is inevitable.
HSAs Offer Path to Tax Deduction
Christine Benz explains the tax advantages of health savings accounts, if you're eligible.
3 Fund Picks for an IRA
There's still time to make contributions to an IRA for the 2019 tax year. Christine Benz shares some investment ideas to consider before tax day.
20 IRA Mistakes to Avoid
From contributions to conversions to distributions, don't fall into these traps.
For Bucket Portfolios, 2019 Was a Layup, Not a Stress Test
Terrific years for the market like 2019 provide retirees with an opportunity to reset and recalibrate.