Stock Pickers Fared Poorly Again in 2018
With equity markets experiencing levels of volatility not seen in recent years, 2018 was widely viewed as an opportunity for stock pickers and other active managers to outperform their passively managed and index fund counterparts. The actual result was more of the same mediocre performance and a reinforcing belief that
Remembering John Bogle
The investing world lost an innovator and advocate for small investors everywhere when John Bogle passed away on January 16, 2019 at the age of 89. Known affectionately throughout the investing world as Jack, Bogle rose to fame as the founder and former chairman of the Vanguard Group, located in
Looking Ahead to 2019
After the worst year for equity markets in a decade, some investors may be asking themselves “what now?” It is not unusual for investors to question their investment decisions and investment allocations after a year where very little seemed to go right for equity markets. After a trying year in
2018: The Year in Review
“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of Light, it was the season of Darkness, it was
How to Handle Stock Market Volatility
Barring an extraordinary Santa Claus rally in the last week of the year, 2018 stands to be a disappointing year for domestic and international equity markets alike. Investors have enjoyed an uncharacteristically long bull market rally that has lasted almost a decade, so the recent downward market volatility we have
2019 Social Security Cost-of-Living Adjustment and Retirement Account Limits Announced
Social Security recipients will receive the largest annual raise in Social Security benefits in seven years when their monthly checks increase by 2.8% in early 2019. The Social Security Administration announced the increase after the October release of consumer price index data for September. The 2.8% increase represents the largest
Long Term Care Insurance Costs Skyrocket
Older Americans shopping for long-term-care insurance policies and current owners of long-term-care (LTC) policies may be in for a bit of a shock when they get their renewal statements or coverage quotes. Long-term-care insurance carriers have gotten approval from state regulators for double-digit percentage increases in insurance premiums, to help
New Study Projects Social Security in Worse Shape than Reported
We have known for some time now that Social Security’s long-term health is in question, and that the program is in serious need of financial reform to remain a viable source of income for retirees. A new independent report indicates that the problem may be worse than has been reported
DOL Fiduciary Rule is Dead
Over the past several years, Bollin Wealth Management has been following the Department of Labor’s fiduciary rule that was initiated under the Obama Administration. The Fiduciary Rule was to begin implementation in April of 2017, with full implementation of the rule scheduled t for January 1, 2018. Shortly after taking
Time Bomb Looms for Aging Americans
A recent Wall Street Journal article “Time Bomb Looms for Aging America” highlights a growing crisis for older Americans nearing and entering the early stages of retirement. What the article’s authors uncovered in their research is that the generation reaching retirement age is in worse financial shape than the previous
Survey Reveals Baby Boomers Expectations for Retirement
The Insured Retirement Institute recently released the “Eighth Annual Update on the Retirement Preparedness of the Boomer Generation” and the report provides some interesting insights into baby boomers’ expectations and preparedness for retirement. While the insight from the survey provides a valuable look into the mindset baby boomers preparing for
The Worst Time to Retire?
Investment News, a weekly national publication for financial advisors, recently published an article titled “Sinking At Retirement” by Greg Iacurci. The article maintains, “Current market conditions bode horribly for near-term retirees.” Many baby boomers, including some of our clients, are planning to retire soon. Should pre-retirees on the verge of