Karen Wallace

While some readers say they'd only do it as a last resort, others have used the funds for home renovation, to buy new cars, or to pay for college.

We compare and contrast a few of the most common college-savings vehicles.

Whether you're just setting up a 401(k) or taking stock of an existing plan, use our checklist to ensure you're getting the most from it.

From investing cash to updating wills and trusts, readers share their financial to-do items.

Morningstar readers share their top reasons for cutting an investment loose.

They've had the wind at their backs over the short term, and their long-term prospects look bright, too.

A look at some of the pros and cons of these increasingly popular investment vehicles.

A desire to streamline and simplify as well as dampen volatility has prompted some Morningstar readers to make over their own portfolios.

Morningstar readers say they don't expect their financial situations will change too much, at least in the short term.

The mechanics will be different this time around.

Healthcare, precious metals, and real estate are popular accompaniments to more-traditional fare.

High potential capital gains exposure is sometimes, but not always, a red flag.

Family, health, and having the means to retire top the list.

The best sequence to tap your other assets will depend on your family's individual circumstances.

Readers tell us about their favorite dividend-paying stocks and income-focused mutual funds, ETFs, and closed-end funds.

A quick rundown of how the income produced by different investment types is treated at tax time.

Readers share their tips for maximizing the benefits of these tax-advantaged savings accounts.

Low inflation expectations and meager real yields have weighed down TIPS.

Readers tell us which investment they wouldn't want to do without.

Readers share their year-end tax-saving strategies.

Predicting the winners and losers of the next rate hike is a difficult undertaking.

Readers share their thoughts on kids having 'skin in the game' when it comes to paying for college costs.

We compare and contrast a few of the most common college-savings vehicles.

Retirees share their advice and experiences with required minimum distributions.

Recent market tumult has created some high-conviction opportunities for long-term investors.

Quarterly reports can help you track a firm against your long-term expectations, but one earnings miss is not always--or even often--cause for concern.

Traditional benchmarks fall flat for some Morningstar readers.

We shed some light on the costs fundholders pay.

Though partners aren't always in lock-step about financial matters, they find ways to communicate and collaborate.

Given the large amount of U.S. earnings that come from overseas, currency effects do matter in the short run, but they needn't disrupt most long-term, diversified portfolios.