Jennifer's Compass

Viewer questions: timing a stock sale, max'ing college financial aid and picking a guardian for your kids

NECN viewers sent in some tough questions this week. First up a couple is trying to time a stock sale in order to pay down student loans. Next, a parent is wondering how to minimize college loans and get the best financial aid deal possible. Finally, two parents are stuck in a common dilemma...who to name guardian for their children. 

Active funds vs passive index investing

It's been a humbling week for small investors. First, Goldman Sachs admits that tips from daily "trading huddles" were not shared equally with all clients -- especially those with small accounts. Now, Standard and Poor’s research revealed that for the past five years through June 30, the S&P 500 index beat 63% of actively managed large-cap funds. This means that investors in simple, inexpensive index funds likely beat their friends who invested in more costly, actively managed mutual funds.

Large caps were not the only funds that missed their mark.

• The S&P MidCap 400 outperformed 73% of mid-cap funds
• The S&P SmallCap 600 outperformed 57% of small-cap funds
• And as the AP reported, "Except emerging market debt, more than 75% of active managers failed to beat their benchmarks"

NECN Viewer questions: Reinvesting stock profits

(NECN) - The market is showing some signs of a turnaround, and some NECN viewers are seeing a profit. Now they want to know what to do with the money.

Investment questions and checking-up on your advisor

Viewer questions on Friday focused on annuities, checking-up on your investment advisor and the safety of stables value funds.

Ask Jennifer: Long term health care, retirement planning

(NECN) - From preparing for long term health care, to saving for the golden years. Viewers had a variety of questions this week.

NECN In Focus: Health Care Costs

(NECN) - Today In Focus: Health care costs. Everyone knows insurance costs and drug premiums are rising. So what can you do to save on costs, and what should you be doing to plan for health care in retirement?