The Importance of Updating Retirement Account Beneficiaries
We all know the importance of saving for retirement, whether we are decades from retirement or currently enjoying the rewards of a lifetime of diligently putting money aside for retirement. For many of us we focus most of our attention on ensuring that we have the right asset allocation for
Common Questions About Retirement
As I have shared before with many readers during our office visits and in other blog articles, one of my favorite activities in the financial planning profession is visiting with so many fun, interesting and intelligent people during client reviews and new client meetings. I really enjoy “peeling back the
De-Risking or Re-Risking?
It doesn’t happen with our clients too frequently, but during periods of market volatility (like we just experienced this past fall and winter) I am often approached by acquaintances or friends who ask me my thoughts on selling out of stocks during the market turbulence in an effort to avoid
Taming the High Cost of Health Care During Retirement
I recently met with a client to review their investment accounts and financial plan. During the course of our meeting the topic of aging came up. As we talked about getting older and the challenges that aging presents, I remembered something an old client had told me at the very
Active Managers Trounced Again in First Quarter of 2016
Volatile markets are generally viewed as a prime opportunity for active managers to shine and demonstrate their stock-picking and market-timing skills and prowess. Equity markets don’t get much more volatile than they were in the first quarter of 2016, but the investment results for active managers were disappointing. How volatile
Department of Labor’s Fiduciary Rule Shakes Up Industry
In early April a major milestone was reached in the investment advice industry. On April 6th, 2016 the Department of Labor revealed its new fiduciary duty rule that requires financial advisors to act in their clients’ best interest when making investment recommendations on retirement accounts. The new fiduciary duty rule
March Madness!
One of the greatest spectacles in American sports is the NCAA basketball tournament that commences in March and crowns a champion in early April. The tournament has grown greatly in popularity over the last two decades leading to a huge increase in participation in office betting pools and online bracket
President’s Budget Proposal Contains Some Game-Changing Provisions
In early February President Obama submitted his annual budget request to Congress. Congress will then consider the President’s requests when developing its own budget resolution. As he has done in years past, the President has included some provisions in his budget proposal that could significantly change some retirement strategies and
What Does January’s Volatility Mean for Markets?
It is safe to say that we have all benefited from well-functioning capital markets throughout our lifetime. Efficient capital markets have produced technological and medical advances that have made our lives easier, more enjoyable, and longer. Efficient markets also facilitate wealth creation and allow us to have higher standards of
The Federal Reserve Finally Raises Interest Rates
As if the excitement of the impending Christmas and holiday season wasn’t enough, two of the most anticipated events of 2015 occurred last week. The long-awaited seventh installment of the Star Wars franchise, The Force Awakens, was released in theaters on December 17th. As expected, the film shattered all opening
Social Security Changes Will Limit Future Planning Options
A few days before Halloween, Congress managed to slip a couple of ‘tricks’ into the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015 that impact many soon-to-be retirees and their retirement plans. On October 28th, the House of Representatives approved a bill that could cost retirees tens of thousands of dollars in benefits
Last Minute Financial Planning Tips for 2015
2015 is quickly drawing to an end, and before we know it the holiday season will be in high gear! Before you get caught up in all of the holiday celebrations and last minute shopping that goes along with the season, let us look at five steps you can take