Consumer advocacy groups have not been successful in enacting a federal “opt-in” provision that requires personal authorization for the selling or “sharing” of private consumer information to other commercial interests. As a result, the new financial services “conglomerates” such as Citigroup (merger of Citibank and Traveler’s Group) are permitted by federal law to share individual background information with all of their subsidiaries. This explains how obtaining a Citibank credit card can lead to solicitations from its separate insurance and investment divisions. (more…)

As you consider your retirement income needs, don’t overlook the equity in your home as a source of income. There are four options for tapping the equity in your home. The first two require a move. The other two allow you to remain in your present home. (more…)