A new wave of private firms that cater to clients' every imaginable financial need are increasingly courting the merely wealthy. Here's what they offer.

The Intelligent Investor: A few investors have taken the bold step of investing directly in their adviser's firm. What could possibly go wrong?

Most people still take their Social Security benefits as soon as they possibly can and many of them are leaving money on the table.

Personal aptitudes and attitudes like being a good listener and communicator strongly influence likability and workplace relationships.

Forget the campus bookstore. You can typically get up to 70% back selling to online resellers.

Social Security tax maximums and cost-of-living adjustments are calculated differently based on formulas set by law.

David Oreck, whose vacuum cleaners are used in homes all over the country, says private-equity firms drove his former company into bankruptcy.

Student loans from credit unions can be among the least-expensive options. But interest rates vary substantially, from around 2.75% to 9.3%.

Competition in the $466 million consumer money-transfer business is growing, and the industry giant cut prices last fall. The move appears to be paying off.