Incentive Trusts: Setting Guidelines for Your Heirs

Posted by Richard on February 14, 2013

  An incentive trust is an estate planning tool that allows the trust grantor to reward heirs for desired behavior. It also allows the grantor to impose appropriate penalties for undesirable activities.   Some common themes contained in incentive trusts:   • Education: Incentive trusts have been used to provide extra support to those heirs […]

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Six Retirement Planning Tips for Those Over Age 50

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  Entering your 50s and behind in your retirement planning goals? Don’t fret. You’ve still got time to get your financial plan back on track.   There are many steps that older investors can take to better prepare themselves financially for retirement. Here are six tips that may help you make the most of your […]

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Looking for Yields? Consider Foreign Bonds

Posted by Richard on January 29, 2013

    In the search to achieve greater diversification and boost portfolio yields, many investors are finding foreign bonds and foreign bond funds attractive.   Investors in the hunt for higher yields have to search far and wide and consider avenues they may not have investigated before. One investment type that may be worth a […]

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Same-Sex Marriage:The Financial Pros and Cons

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  For same-sex couples, the prospect of marriage brings with it many financial benefits. But such benefits remain well below those enjoyed by traditional couples, and there may also be drawbacks.   For same-sex couples contemplating marriage, tying the knot confers many legal rights and benefits. Since 2004, nine states and the District of Columbia […]

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Will You Outlive Your Assets?

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    Outliving one’s assets is a major risk that retirees face. Determining a sustainable annual asset withdrawal rate and strategic use of taxable investments can help lessen that risk.   Many Americans do not realize that one of the greatest risks to their financial security in retirement may be outliving their money. According to […]

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Investing on the Margins? What to Know Before You Do

Posted by Richard on January 24, 2013

    Margin accounts offer convenience, sophistication, and an integrated approach that allows you to fully capitalize on market opportunities. But investing on margin isn’t for everybody.   A margin account can be a valuable tool for investors seeking flexibility in managing their portfolios. Margin accounts offer convenience, sophistication, and an integrated approach that allows […]

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Understanding Value Investing

Posted by Richard on December 19, 2012

  Understanding Value Investing   Buying on the dips is a favorite strategy of committed stock investors. But when looking for investment bargains, it’s important to avoid a value trap. As volatility in the stock market continues, some investors may be tempted to buy on the dips. But this practice raises an important question: Is […]

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Saving for College: Understanding 529 Plans

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  Saving for College: Understanding 529 Plans   Looking to save for your child’s education? You have a number of tax-advantaged federal and state college savings vehicles at your disposal, including the 529 plan. Expecting a bundle of joy and wondering if you will be able to afford sending him or her off to college? […]

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Simple Strategies for Savings

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  Simple Strategies for Savings   The recession has turned us back into a nation of savers. But we’ve still got a ways to go. Get strategies on how to save. One of the few positive aspects of the recent recession has been getting Americans to refocus on saving. With so many taking hits due […]

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Long-Term Care Insurance: Is It A Good Idea?

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Long-Term Care Insurance: Is It a Good Idea? When deciding whether or not to buy long-term care insurance, it’s important to consider the potential cost of care, the cost of insurance premiums, and the coverage provided. There is a good possibility that you or your spouse will eventually require some form of long-term care. According […]

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