There's one absolutely foolproof way to become a better investor: Don't leave free money on the table. Designing your portfolio so that it takes best advantage of the tax code is a risk-free way to boost your true, after-tax return.

Q:I have 148 shares of Eastman Kodak stock, which is now worthless. How do I take the loss on my tax return? -- Peggy C., Whitestone, N.Y. A: Because Kodak's old stock was canceled when...

Want to better protect your health and wealth as we head into the New Year? Try taking these five steps.

Q: Say I buy $100 worth of stock. If the price jumps to $125 and I sell $100 worth, do I pay taxes? -- David, Middletown, Conn. A: Yes, your gain is taxable, says CPA...

Q: I've been thinking about starting a donor-advised fund. What are the pros and cons? -- Anne G., Fort Worth, Texas A: If you have several thousand dollars you'd like to set aside for charity,...

The new year's agreement kept nearly all rates low and threw in some perks. But a few thorny issues remain.