Business

Q. Sector funds used to be really popular. Are they still, and can they make sense in a portfolio for diversity? Or are they just more expensive than other kinds of funds?

Q. I kept a condo that was in the family and I am putting a lot of money into fixing it up after a renter did a ton of damage – many times what the security deposit will cover. How should a landlord screen applying renters to get a reliable and clean tenant?

Q. In this market, what kinds of bonds are smart? It would be part of my retirement plan, and I have 15 years before I need the money.

Q. I need to do some home improvements, and I don’t really have the cash. I haven’t applied for a home equity loan. Is that the best way?

Q. When I give stocks to my grandson, what does he start with for a cost basis: the price of it when I give it to him or the price when I purchased it?

Q. I have a summer home that I’ve never rented out, but I’m thinking about it because I don’t get to use it enough. Should I do it through Airbnb or hire a management company or what?

Q. I’ve been thinking of making a new account with play money for penny stocks — sort of like playing the lottery. Are there any negatives if I can afford to lose the money?

Q. Since I am elderly and handicapped, I added my daughter’s name to sign my checks so she can pay bills if I was hospitalized. Does this mean she owns half my accounts now? I wanted them to be payable on death to three family members. Also my daughter has bad credit. What will this do to my credit? And, I have one disfavored child and I don’t want her name on the accounts.

Q. How is a savings account different from a money market account?

Q. If you own an income property, how to protect yourself from renting to bad tenants?