Wells Fargo Advisors

Numerous studies show most of us would rather talk about death, politics or religion than talk about financial matters. And it can be an even touchier subject for couples to discuss.

While it can be difficult to think about taxes during the holidays, by following a few year-end tips you can prepare now to save on your taxes due in April. And the GOP tax plan could become law by Christmas, it's a good time to start thinking about how the new rules could affect you next year.

Getting your affairs in order in case of death or disability is a project most of us would rather avoid. And there are lots of excuses for not doing it, from fear to lack of time and money. But the payoffs of letting your wishes be known can be huge, especially for family and friends.

This Thursday is the 30th Anniversary of the October 1987 stock market crash that sent the Dow Jones Industrial Average plummeting by almost 23 percent in one day. Markets around the world also fell that day, making this the first contemporary global financial crisis. The huge drop in the Dow remains the largest one-day stock market decline in history, topping even the 1929 crash.

A recent WalletHub study shows Ohio has the most student debt in the country with an average of $30,239 per student.  Nationally, student loan debt stands at a staggering $1.3 trillion.

Do you remember a time when a bank savings account earned about five percent interest each year? It’s quite a contrast from today, with savings accounts averaging just a little more than a half percent. Series EE Savings Bonds return one-tenth of a percent, nowhere near enough to keep up with inflation. Other government bonds have higher rates, but still average about two percent. You can do better with high-yield bonds and the dividends paid on some stocks, if you’re willing to take the risks associated with those types of investments.