Showing 28 articlesKiplingerHigh Incomes Don't Stretch as Far as They Used To: Here's How to Fix That Without Earning MoreIn his own Kiplinger byline, Ron Tallou explains why bigger paychecks often still feel like not enough, and how paying yourself first and saving a fixed percentage builds financial stability regardless of income.May 4, 2026Comparison AdviserSequence-of-Returns Risk: What to KnowRon Tallou warns that one of the most common retirement mistakes is withdrawing money without assessing how each holding has recently performed, and explains how a three-bucket strategy can protect income during a downturn.May 3, 2025Kiplinger12 Investments No Retiree Should MakeRon Tallou warns that just one or two bad years can set back a retirement plan, and walks through the investments retirees should avoid, from rental flips and alternative funds to the variable annuity he would tear up on the spot.April 24, 2025Forbes6 Powerful Ways to Increase Net WorthRon Tallou reminds savers that savings accounts alone do not accumulate long-term wealth, in a Forbes roundup of six strategies to grow net worth, from strategic debt payoff to bucketing assets by time horizon.March 11, 2025GOBankingRates4 Financial Habits to Break After Age 50 If You Want to Retire on TimeRon Tallou explains how to gauge whether your fixed income sources will cover retirement, and why speculative stocks and large new debt become far riskier as you near the end of your working years.January 3, 2025CNN UnderscoredIndex Funds Versus Mutual FundsRon Tallou explains why index funds suit investors who want to take the guesswork out of buying, and how to weigh fees, taxes and track records when choosing between index funds and actively managed mutual funds.October 14, 2024U.S. News & World Report5 Best BlackRock ETFs to Buy and HoldRon Tallou shares what to look for in any ETF beyond expense ratios, including price per share, portfolio mix and track record, in a U.S. News review of five standout BlackRock iShares funds.October 1, 2024GOBankingRatesGen Z Investing: How to Choose Between Stocks, Bonds and Mutual FundsRon Tallou recommends Gen Z investors focus on large cap growth ETFs or mutual funds rather than picking individual stocks, explaining that portfolio managers at investment institutions make those calls on your behalf and large cap growth funds typically deliver the best long-term returns.August 15, 2024U.S. News & World Report7 Best Tech ETFs to Buy in 2024Ron Tallou highlights the ProShares Ultra Technology ETF for investors with a large appetite for returns, while warning that leverage works both ways. The article reviews seven top tech ETFs including funds tracking semiconductors, breakthrough technologies and global tech companies.August 12, 2024New York PostPut Away Your Debit Card: Why All Your Purchases Should Go on CreditRon Tallou explains why using a rewards credit card for everyday purchases beats using a debit card, highlighting cash-back rewards on essentials like groceries and gas, fraud protection benefits, and credit-building advantages.February 26, 2024Fortune6 Things to Do With Money in Your 20s, According to Financial ExpertsRon Tallou stresses the importance of starting a saving plan early, noting there's never a perfect time to save. The article covers money mindset, budgeting, emergency funds, early investing, and the power of compound growth for people in their 20s.February 10, 2024U.S. News & World Report6 Best No-Load Mutual FundsRon Tallou highlights the Fidelity Select Semiconductors Portfolio as a top no-load mutual fund for long-term wealth accumulation, noting the semiconductor industry's growth potential alongside the risks of volatile returns.January 23, 2024CBS MoneyWatchTired of Credit Card Debt? Cut These Expenses to Eliminate Debt FastRon Tallou warns about the dangers of high-interest credit card debt and the article outlines five practical ways to cut everyday expenses, from restaurants and unused subscriptions to coffee shops and commuting costs.November 13, 2023U.S. News & World ReportFactors to Consider Before Cashing Out a 401(k)Ron Tallou explains the factors to weigh before cashing out a 401(k), including tax penalties, borrowing options, rollover alternatives, and the long-term cost of lost compound growth.August 2, 2023CBS NewsShort-Term vs. Long-Term CDs: Which Is Best?Ron Tallou breaks down the differences between short-term and long-term CDs, explaining when each makes sense and how CD laddering combines the benefits of both strategies.May 10, 2023TheStreetA New Retirement Plan for Millions of Americans Ready for Something DifferentRon Tallou discusses why many Americans are frustrated with their 401(k) plans and how portable retirement plans offer more control, better investment choices, and seamless job-to-job portability.February 20, 2023GOBankingRatesHow to Use Debt to Build WealthRon Tallou explains how borrowing strategically can generate positive cash flow and build wealth. The article covers researching investments, having backup plans, choosing reliable partners, and cash-flowing assets you can buy with a loan.January 20, 2023ForbesWhich States Don't Tax Retirement Income?Ron Tallou explains how retirees on fixed incomes can save thousands by understanding state tax rules on retirement income. The article covers which states don't tax Social Security, pensions, 401(k)s, IRAs, TSPs, military retirement and estates.November 11, 2022Barron'sFor Financial Pros, Working with Family Members Isn't EasyRon Tallou shares insights on the challenges of advising family members, from managing expectations and keeping business separate from personal, to being transparent about fees and service levels.October 5, 2022CNBCThese Are the Assets Investors Are Turning to for Protection in the Market's Latest RoutRon Tallou highlights the Fidelity Advisor Energy Fund as a strong diversification option during market downturns, noting its standout performance as a 'rock star' while other asset classes struggled.September 27, 2022Finance of America ReverseWhat a Bear Market Means for RetireesRon Tallou discusses how fixed and indexed annuities can protect conservative investors in bear markets, and warns retirees to stress test their finances against inflation to avoid running out of money.August 11, 2022WDIV Local 4 DetroitHow to Prepare Kids FinanciallyRon Tallou explains the benefits of 529 college savings plans, where parents maintain ownership and can change beneficiaries if needed. He also encourages young adults not to be afraid of investing and learning from market ups and downs.August 11, 2022ForbesThe Pros and Cons of AnnuitiesRon Tallou weighs in on annuity pros and cons in Forbes, noting that annuities may restrict access to your money and advising potential buyers to ask questions since annuities can be structured in many ways.August 4, 2022U.S. News & World ReportHow to Retire During a RecessionRon Tallou explains how retirement planning software can project whether your assets will sustain your desired income, factoring in inflation, Social Security, and sequence of returns risk during a downturn.July 21, 2022U.S. News & World ReportHow to UnretireRon Tallou discusses why retirees return to work, from financial need to loneliness after losing a spouse, and how going back to work can improve mental health through new friendships and purpose.June 1, 2022GOBankingRatesIt's Not Too Late for You to Start Investing. Take These Next Steps.Ron Tallou explains how IRAs and mutual funds can help late starters build a bigger nest egg through tax-deferred growth, and why fixed indexed annuities offer downside protection for older investors.May 11, 2022GOBankingRates8 Simple Ways for People in Their 20s to Begin Saving NowRon Tallou shares practical tips for people in their 20s to start saving, including automated savings strategies through employer-sponsored plans like 401(k)s and the power of starting early.February 15, 2022U.S. News & World ReportHow 2022 Tax Code Changes May Affect Financial Advisors' ClientsRon Tallou explains how rising inflation led to adjusted tax brackets for 2022, offering middle-class relief. The article covers changes to Roth conversions, increased 401(k) contribution limits, and updated estate and gift tax exemptions.December 14, 2021