Posted by Richard on August 1, 2013
Estate planning isn’t just for rich, elderly people. Everyone needs to have a will and estate plan in place to provide for contingencies that may occur, and in the event of the individual’s death, to dispose of his or her property, minimize estate taxes, and provide for loved ones. Estate planning is also just […]
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Although many Americans now plan for a retirement up to 20 years, your retirement may last much longer. Traditionally, retirees were advised to project income needs over the length of time of retirement, add on an annual adjustment for inflation, and then identify any potential income shortfall. But the planning required may not be […]
Read More →Posted by Richard on June 14, 2013
A sizeable inheritance can represent a life-changing opportunity. Here are six tips to help you prudently manage your windfall. Tip 1: Consult With a Financial Professional and Tax Professional Depending on the type of inheritance (e.g., investments, life insurance, retirement account), you could be dealing with substantial federal and/or state inheritance taxes. Working with […]
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Setting up a custodial account can be a savvy move for adults who want to gift their assets and help their children become financially independent. They are simpler to set up than trusts. But there are many considerations — and consequences — to weigh before opening an account. Here are some key points to […]
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Economists and market watchers have been warning investors about the prospect of increased inflation since the housing bubble burst in 2007. But the inflation rate keeps going lower, not higher. As of April 30, 2013, the Consumer Price Index (CPI) stood at a paltry 1.1%, under the Federal Reserve’s target of 2% annually.1 Why […]
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Calculating a retirement savings goal is one of the most important steps investors can take to help determine if they are on track to meet that goal. However, less than half of American workers have tried to figure out how much money they will need t0 accumulate for retirement.1 And the wide majority of […]
Read More →Posted by Richard on May 15, 2013
Target-date funds provide investors with the ability to simplify their financial and investment lives.1 With target-date funds, your portfolio’s asset allocation is automatically rebalanced on your behalf over the years by professional investment managers, generally growing more conservative as the identified target date approaches. Unlike lifestyle funds, target-date funds do not require investors […]
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Parents looking to take advantage of the many benefits of saving for college with a 529 plan will want to know the full details on which educational expenses qualify for tax-free distribution status — and which do not.1 In Publication 970, the IRS gives detailed guidance on qualified expenses. Here are a few important […]
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Prolonged stock market volatility has caused many investors to question how much of their portfolios should be allocated to equities. The world of investing isn’t solely about stocks and bonds. There are alternative investments, which may provide ways to diversify your portfolio and potentially maximize your portfolio’s risk-adjusted return.1 Alternative investments can help protect […]
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Repairing bad credit is not quite as simple as repairing your car or a broken vase. It can take years for your credit score to bounce back from a delinquency or default. And without a good credit score, you can find yourself fielding rejection notices when you apply for a loan or credit card. […]
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