Below you will find a list of past Marotta On Money articles. If you enjoy these articles or have a request for a specific article drop us a line and let us know.

Portfolio Allocation: Risk - Return Mix (March 21, 2007)

Portfolio construction begins with the most basic allocation between investments that offer a greater chance of appreciation (stocks) and those that provide portfolio stability (bonds). Decisions made at this level are the most important in determining how well-behaved your portfolio returns will be.

Raising Money Savvy Kids - Teen Budgeting (March 13, 2007)

Many parents are concerned about raising their children to be financially savvy. If you want to raise kids who can create and manage wealth, there are a handful of key life skills every child should practice. Every kid should practice living within a budget before leaving home, not after. One way to provide opportunities for real world lessons at home is to give your children some oversight of the family budget.

The Celtic Tiger: The Greening of Ireland (March 8, 2007)

The Republic of Ireland and its economic boom period knows as the "Celtic Tiger" is another textbook case study in economic freedom. Ireland's strong economic performance is a direct result of its increased economic freedom and reduced government regulation.

Start Your Own Dynasty Trust (March 1, 2007)

Dynasty trusts, also known as generation-skipping trusts, aren't just for the Rockefellers and the Morgans anymore. In recent years, a few states, including Virginia, have altered their "rules against perpetuities," allowing trusts to span multiple generations. All of this is good news for those interested in keeping wealth in the family. By allowing such dynasty trusts, a handful of states are making it easier to preserve and build family wealth for years to come. Unlike the trusts which helped John D. Rockefeller and J.P. Morgan keep their wealth in the family, this new breed of dynasty trust is not just for the mega-wealthy.

Be Choosey When Giving to Charity (February 22, 2007)

Do you ever wonder if your gifts to charity are being used as well as they could be? If so, you're not alone. A 2002 study by the Brookings Institution found four out of five Americans doubt that charities are stewarding donations well. And although 83% of U.S. adults report giving to charity in 2006, according to a Wall Street Journal/Harris Interactive poll, the charitably inclined are doing more homework before opening their wallets. Maybe it is time you checked up on your favorite charities before making your next gift.

Raising Money Savvy Kids - Postpone Spending (February 14, 2007)

One of the critical concerns of generational wealth management is raising young people to be financially savvy. Many have written to say that they read and discuss this column at the dinner table with their children. If you want to raise kids who can create and manage wealth, there are a handful of critical rules that are foundational. Here's the main one: Postpone spending

Donor Advised Funds (February 7, 2007)

Donor Advised Funds offer the charitably inclined new flexibility for managing gifts to charity. By funding an account, donors receive an immediate tax deduction for their contribution and gain the flexibility to direct payouts to charity on their own timetable. However, donor advised accounts are not for everyone. Before funding an account of your own, consider the cost. Using a donor advised fund to manage your charitable donations may actually diminish the tax benefits of giving.

IPS: Build Your Financial Dream Home with a Good Blueprint (January 31, 2007)

Without a financial plan, your investments are controlling your dreams, not the other way around. You need a blueprint for your financial dreams to come true. That blueprint in sound financial planning is called an Investment Policy Statement (IPS).

Be Smart When You Rollover Your 401(k) (January 25, 2007)

There are few better investment returns than an employer's matching contribution made to your 401(k). But after you retire or leave that company's employment, you should almost always roll your 401(k) into an IRA for better investment choices. Being smart by rolloving over your 401(k) can pay dividends for decades.

Australia: Investing Down Under (January 17, 2007)

On January 26, Australians celebrate their annual Australia Day to commemorate the founding of the Colony of New South Wales in 1788 and their proud national history. This year investors down under have even more reason to celebrate.