Investing

Eight percent is considered the "magic" return rate, but in today's economy, trying to hit that number may be dangerous.

What should investors -- especially those in their 50s and 60s -- do with their already diminished retirement savings?

In the wake of Facebook's IPO, senior business correspondent Bob Moon explains why individual investors are at a sharp disadvantage.

My 11-year-old son won some money in a math contest at school. He doesn't have anything that he is interested in spending his money on immediately, and I suggested that instead of spending it just for the sake of spending it, he might consider buying stocks and building a little portfolio. He seemed interested in this idea, but I wasn't sure where he should start. He has around $150. Can you help us decide where to start? Thanks! Michelle, South Jordan, UT

I am very lost and uncertain of our financial road to retirement. Our company doesn't offer defined payment retirement; it is all up to individual and 401(k). The company does match 3 percent. I am married and we have been working for 14 years now and have combined liquid assets (401(k), outside investment account, savings) of about $400,000, plus home equity of $100,000 on a good day. What shape are we in on our road to retirement? Thanks much. Martin, Chicago, IL

Think junior's ready to dive into Wall Street? Some parents are buying their kids a share or two, to teach them about investing.

Some adults buy stocks for kids, less as an investment and more for a teaching tool.

I'm an individual self-taught investor who has just lost a LARGE sum of money investing in a company whose stock (of course) went immediately downhill after I bought it. Rather than becoming afraid of stocks, I am sure there is a lesson to be learned here. I'm just not sure what it is. What tips could you give for people who lose large amounts of money but want to keep investing? Brian, Miami, FL