Today's Interest Rates and Financial Advice:

Financial Advice

• Become a smarter investor in your retirement plan

  If you really want a fighting chance at a secure retirement, you're going to have to become a smart investor. That means mastering a few key concepts that ensure you make the most of your 401(k) plan at work.

  January 26th 2015

• Pension funding sags...Will you quit if you don't get a raise?...How to save like a 1 percenter...The growing gap in retirement benefits...And more

  Here's the column that gives savvy savers lots of provocative news and information to use and discuss on the road to financial security.

  January 26th 2015

• 4 smart moves to challenge a home appraisal

  A low home appraisal causes a home sale to fall through about 9% of the time. Be smart about challenging an appraisal you think misses the mark.

  January 25th 2015

• 5 things you should know about target date funds

  Put your retirement plan on auto pilot with a target date fund, which automatically rebalances your portfolio over time.

  January 24th 2015

• 4 smart moves for buying a short sale

  Although the number of short sales has fallen, they remain plentiful in some states and you can still find some serious bargains -- the major reason any buyer messes with the arduous short-sale process.

  January 24th 2015

• Top 12-month CD rates stumble in early 2015

  The best nationally available return has fallen from 1.25% to 1.17%. But there are more deals from community banks and local credit unions that pay as much as 2.10% -- if you know where to look for them.

  January 23rd 2015