When we talk about planning for the future, we often talk creating a plan. The idea of creating something as big as a plan for the future can imply a ton of from-scratch work (as is often the case), which can cause you to want to put that ton of work on to another day. …
Are you safe in the hands of financial advisors?
Did you know?If you hire a brand-name advisor, they are most likely accountable to the shareholders of their company. That means they need to focus on generating profits. So they may put the company’s interests in front of yours. In fact, it’s perfectly legal. Is that common?Is it common for brand-name advisors to put the …
Is Retiring Abroad the Best Choice For You?
More Americans are leaving the U.S. to chase retirement dreams abroad than ever before. Though it’s hard to estimate the exact number of expat retirees, the Social Security Administration sends over 680,000 monthly checks overseas.1 For many, the main reasons are cost or a better lifestyle – with services such as housekeeping, cooking, and home …
Act before year end to minimize your tax burden.
Some people think they can wait until March to worry about taxes. Wrong. The end of the year is a perfect time to make some last-minute efforts to reduce your tax burden. Advice this year is a little different, as no one is quite sure what 2019 will bring from a tax code perspective. Things may …
Tired of Tossing & Turning? Know Your Risk Tolerance
All investments carry a tradeoff between risk and return—generally, the higher the risk, the higher the potential return—or loss. Conversely, the lower the risk, the lower the potential return or loss. The goal is to find the right level of risk that provides the returns you need, while letting you get a good night’s rest. …
Tired of Tossing & Turning? Know Your Risk ToleranceRead More
Education Savings Vehicles
Education Savings Vehicles Save early, save often and understand the alphabet soup of options The cost of a college education increases every year, largely unbeknownst to you until you receive the bill. The pile of money you must save is staggering. If you have children, plan for college costs as soon as possible. Children are …
3 Ways Investment Fees Matter
The year 2005 was when I first began to manage client’s investments. The ensuing few years afforded me the false pretense that I had a grasp of things. Then it hit, the S&P 500 declined (53.0%) from October 15, 2007 to March 2, 2009. And (38.0%) of that loss occurred in one calendar year, 2008. …
Should You Pay off Your Mortgage?
To pay or not to pay…that is the question. It sounds good, right? Pay off the mortgage and suddenly you have no more monthly payments, better cash flow, and the opportunity to make other investments. After all, buying home is an investment, but owning a home is the American Dream. Right? Maybe…maybe not. While owning …
Taking A Loan From Your Retirement Plan = Bad Idea
Thinking about borrowing money from your 401(k), 403(b), or 457 account? Think twice about that, because these loans are not only risky but injurious to your retirement planning. A loan of this kind damages your retirement savings prospects. A 401(k), 403(b), or 457 should never be viewed like a savings or checking account. When you …
Will Your Children Receive a Fair Share of Your Wealth?
Will your invested assets go where you want them to when you die? If you have a proper will or estate plan in place, you will likely answer “yes” to both of those questions. The beneficiary forms you filled out years ago for your IRA, your workplace retirement plan, and your life insurance policy may …
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Can I Name A Minor As My Beneficiary?
Naming a minor as beneficiary brings up a major concern. If parents or grandparents make a child a primary or contingent beneficiary of an insurance policy, IRA or investment account, they should be aware that most policies and investments will not directly transfer to a minor. They need to be received by a court-approved property …
Should You Pay Off Your Mortgage?
To pay or not to pay…that is the question. It sounds good, right? Pay off the mortgage and suddenly you have no more monthly payments, better cash flow, and the opportunity to make other investments. After all, buying home is an investment, but owning a home is the American Dream. Right? Maybe…maybe not. While owning …
