General Information

There is no question the World Wide Web provides a wide world of easy-access resources related to almost any topic you can name – including financial planning and investing. However, the massive number of choices available does lead to a big question: Where do I go to get the most help and to spend my time the most wisely? The list of links below is our answer to that question. We have gone through the search (and search and search) process for you – vetting the sites that, in our expert opinion, rise above the crowd in terms of clarity, accuracy and worth. Stay tuned, the list is certain to change and grow as new resources appear.

Financial Planning

• Disaster Preparedness
  Disaster preparedness is a popular topic in the months following a catastrophe. This site can provide you with the tools to help you prepare even when the topic is not in the news.
  
  
• Life Insurance Sage.com
  While many life insurance web sites are full of hype and dogma or the purported latest hot financial planning concept or wealth management strategy, LifeInsuranceSage.com focuses first and foremost upon the fundamental information buyers must understand to make good decisions. Whether you’re considering term insurance or a permanent estate planning policy, LifeInsuranceSage.com is the smart first step.
  
  
• Crash Course in Wills & Trusts
  Michael T. Palermo has put together this excellent introduction to basic estate planning. Topics include: the probate process, trust basics, comparing living trusts and wills, and specialized trust and estate planning tools. This site serves equally well as a good first introduction or a refresher course.
  
  
• Fundamentals of Financial Planning
  This online course was developed for consumers by Florida State University. Covers cash management, tax planning, insurance, investment planning, retirement planning, and estate planning. Includes tutorials, worksheets, and quizzes; this is a complete introductory course and well worth your investment in time.
  
  
• Nolo.com's Auto Insurance FAQ
  This is a great resource, covering a wide range of "frequently asked questions" about auto insurance; everything from "what is liability insurance?" to "what is uninsured motorist coverage?" and "how can I cut my rates?" A little education can go a long way when it comes to this crucial piece of your personal risk management program.
  
  
• SavingforCollege.com
  SavingforCollege.com is devoted exclusively to the still-relatively-new Section 529 college savings plans. Here you'll find articles explaining what they are and how best to use them. The site is notable for a database that lists the key features of all state plans and includes a 1 to 5 "cap" (as in mortarboard) rating system.
  

• Homefile
  Homefile Organizer Kits make it easy to organize your important information.
  
  
• Money Savvy Generation
  Having good personal finance skills requires understanding the difference between saving and investing and having an appreciation for goal-setting, planning and delayed gratification. Money Savvy Generation's mission is to get kids ACTIVELY INVOLVED in learning about basic personal finance so that they can achieve their life goals. They provide the tools and other products to help children and young adults see the link between the money in their lives and their ability to achieve their lifelong dreams.
  
  
• Virtual Finance Library
  This is a fantastic collection of links to sites devoted to finance and economics. The site, maintained by Ohio State University, is organized into categories for investors, researchers, educators, and students. The best link collection on the net for finance and economics.
  
  
• Project Moneysmart
  This great site was created by the Chicago Federal Reserve Bank to help consumers make smarter financial decisions. Includes articles on Spending Money, Using Credit Wisely, Mortgages, Financial Institutions (What You Should Know About Internet Banking), and more. Also online tools for creating a budget and setting financial goals.
  
  

Investments

• Introduction to Investments
  by Prof. William Goetzmann This excellent online textbook covers all of the key elements of Modern Portfolio Theory and represents a first-class introduction to the subject for anyone who aspires to a deeper understanding of this important topic.
  
  
• Investing For Your Future
  This is an Internet-delivered home study course designed and managed by Rutgers University. The course assumes no prior knowledge of investing and is aimed at individuals who may only have small amounts to invest. Also a good refresher for those who've invested before.
  

• Dimensional Fund Advisors
  Find company information, investment philosophy, and interviews. Also, a history of the academic research that led to DFA's approach. It'll take a little time to check this one out, but it's worth it.
  
  
• Bankrate.com's ''Safe & Sound^sm'' ratings
  Safe & Sound^sm is Bankrate.com's proprietary, analytical product that assesses the financial condition of banks, thrifts and credit unions. If you're about to put money in a CD with a too-good-to-be-true interest rate and you're getting a little nervous, use this tool to check out the bank's financial strength.
  
  
• Bill Sharpe's Home Page
  One of the fathers of Modern Portfolio Theory, Dr. William Sharpe of Stanford offers an online investment text, library of articles, data, and calculators.
  
  
  

Psychology of Money

• Coping with Unwanted Change
  This site was designed as a tool to help people who find themselves dealing with major personal losses. Sudden changes in life circumstances are stressful. We hope that this site provides you with the encouragement, practical suggestions, and resources you need to help you gain some control during this period of grief and transition.
  
  

Retirement Planning and Education

• National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers
  Health and human services specialists who help families care for older relatives, while encouraging as much independence as possible.
  
  
• National Elder Law Foundation
  "Elder Law" is the legal practice of counseling and representing older persons and their representatives about the legal aspects of health and long-term care planning, public benefits, surrogate decision-making, older persons' legal capacity, the conservation, disposition and administration of older persons' estates and the implementation of their decisions concerning such matters, giving due consideration to the applicable tax consequences of the action, or the need for more sophisticated tax expertise.
  
  
• Aging With Dignity
  Provide practical information, advice and legal tools you need to safeguard the rights of the sick, aging or dying.
  
  
• South Carolina Association of Council on Aging Directors
  The programs and services rendered by each Council on Aging range from Congregate Meals to daily exercise programs, home-delivered meals to transportation. COAs are strong advocates for senior citizens in South Carolina. They also work collectively within what is called the "Aging Network" comprised of Councils on Aging, Area Agencies on Aging, and the State Office on Aging.