Posted by Richard on April 14, 2015
Defined contribution plan sponsors are rethinking ways to improve investment offerings in an attempt to elevate retirement outcomes for plan participants. The Towers Watson 2014 U.S. Defined Contribution Sponsor Survey revealed a few key themes. Improving Portfolio Diversification Historically, DC investment options have leaned heavily toward single, stand-alone actively managed funds, each with a style […]
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Late last year President Obama signed into law legislation aimed at giving disabled Americans and their families the opportunity to save for education and other related expenses in a tax-friendly vehicle without jeopardizing their federal benefits. What ABLE Offers Modeled after 529 college savings plans, money invested in “Achieving a Better Life Experience” (ABLE) accounts […]
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Posted by Richard on March 12, 2015
Midcap stocks have the potential to provide performance similar to that of small-cap stocks with less of their volatility.1 For investors looking to more fully diversify their stock investments, midcap stocks may be a sound choice. Midcap stocks are stocks of those companies with market capitalization (stock price times number of shares outstanding) of between […]
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After years of ambiguity around what is and is not allowed regarding the disbursement of after-tax contributions to an employer-sponsored retirement plan, the IRS ruled in September of 2014 that plan participants can roll those dollars into a Roth IRA tax free. IRS Notice 2014-54, Guidance on Allocation of After-Tax Amounts to Rollovers, “provides rules […]
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Ask many Americans about their experience with tax time and they are likely to describe lots of paperwork, confusing rules, and late nights on their computer. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Getting organized now — instead of waiting until the days before April 15 — may help streamline your tax preparation […]
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Posted by Richard on February 4, 2015
Today there are as many types of insurance as there are risks. That is why a diversified insurance portfolio should be a vital part of the wealth management process. When structured properly, an insurance portfolio can be a powerful risk management tool, offering a range of protections for you, your family, and/or your business. […]
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Chances are your investment strategy calls for some portion of your portfolio to be invested in stocks to help you reach your long-term goals.1 But when the stock market turns choppy — as it most certainly will from time to time — try not to let your emotions get in the way of […]
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Oil prices, which are down nearly one-third since last summer’s peak, have come under pressure due in large part to new energy supplies — notably from the United States — which are tipping the balance of supply and demand.1 Over the past several years U.S. oil production has increased more than 70% and, according […]
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Posted by Richard on December 30, 2014
Marriage affects your finances in many ways, including your ability to build wealth, plan for retirement, plan your estate, and capitalize on tax and insurance-related benefits. There are, however, two important caveats. First, same-sex marriages are recognized for federal income and estate tax reporting purposes. However, each state determines its own rules for state taxes, […]
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The latest report on college costs published by the College Board indicted that, although college costs still increased more than general inflation in the past year, the increase in tuition and fees for the 2014-2015 academic year will be lower than the average annual increases in the past five years, the past 10 years, […]
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