Posted by Richard on September 24, 2015
While investors are keeping a close watch on the Federal Reserve for indications of when it will start raising interest rates, the consensus among economists is that it will begin its credit-tightening cycle at some point this year. Of course there are two sides to the interest rate coin: the investor and the borrower. Rising […]
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In a move that reinforces the rapid shift in public sentiment regarding same-sex unions, the Supreme Court ruled earlier this year that all marriages — and “the constellation of benefits” that are linked to marriage — must be recognized and enforced in all 50 states.1 While the law brings happiness and relief to those […]
Read More →Posted by Richard on August 6, 2015
Thinking of tapping the equity in your home to do a renovation, buy a second home, or consolidate debt? Before you decide which borrowing option is right for you, it’s important to understand the main differences between the two options. Home Equity Loan Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) Fixed interest rate for the […]
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If you are opening an IRA for the first time or need a refresher course on the specifics of IRA ownership, here are some facts for your consideration. IRAs in America IRAs continue to play an increasingly prominent role in the retirement saving strategies of Americans. According to the Investment Company Institute (ICI), the […]
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The latest report on college costs published by the College Board brought some good news: The increases in tuition and fees for the 2014-2015 academic year were lower than the average annual increases in the past 30 years across all sectors included in the study. Yet even though college price increases are not accelerating, the […]
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Alternative investments are often defined not by what they are, but by what they are not. It is this quality that could make alternatives potentially valuable diversifiers when added to a portfolio of traditional investments. While some investors may equate alternative investments with the high-risk/high-return vehicles that garner the lion’s share of media attention […]
Read More →Posted by Richard on July 7, 2015
While the U.S. stock market, as represented by the S&P 500 Index, has risen a stunning 205.66% as of March 31, 2015, since its low on March 9, 2009, some investors are still reluctant to participate after the near market collapse that accompanied the 2007-2008 financial crisis.1 Fleeing the market certainly may have felt […]
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When was the last time you obtained a copy of your credit report? If your answer is “never” you are not alone. A recent survey found that one in four Americans have never checked their credit report. The simple reason? They don’t think it is important.1 Credit reports ARE important to every consumer. They typically […]
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Financial wellness. On the surface, it sounds like an elusive “trend du jour.” But when it is considered in relation to the workplace, the idea takes hold. Employees are asked to make important financial decisions about retirement plans and health, life, and other insurance coverages as well as other benefits — all of which may […]
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Discussing the transfer of wealth from parents to children can be uncomfortable for both parties. Yet by introducing children to the wealth management process from a young age, affluent families may be able to reduce family tensions later in life and help ensure that the planning tradition passes intact to future generations. Closing the Communication […]
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