Blog
What’s on our mind? You can read about it in our blog. Whether it’s ideas from the investment world or concepts from the financial industry, you can read about it here. And once in a while, we may throw in a movie review or some other surprise. So keep checking in. We’re glad to have you reading along.
Client Letter: "Market Volatility"
Dear Valued Investor,I do not believe the volatility seen in recent weeks is immediate cause for alarm when viewed in the context of historical trends. There is precedent for moves of this magnitude--both up and down--that have taken...
Read MoreFind the On-Ramp to Financial Independence
It's a Big, Open Road in Your 20s: Find the On-Ramp to Financial IndependenceIn your 20s, the horizon seems limitless. You're in your first grown-up job, making a regular paycheck. You may be tempted to spend it on fun stuff. But here...
Read MoreSurviving Market Turbulence
Most stock market investors are looking for the same result: strong and steady gains of their investments. Dealing with a period of sustained falling stock prices is not easy. All too often, investors react to a sharp drop in prices by...
Read MoreHow to Protect Your Parents From Financial Scams
Senior citizens are routinely targeted by disreputable telemarketers, investment brokers, and charitable agencies, among others. One study estimated the financial losses by victims of elder abuse at $2.9 billion annually.1 Another...
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Surf Safely: Protect Yourself From Online Scams
Online criminals continuously change their operating methods. That's why it is crucial that Internet users keep up on the latest scams and the steps to take to protect their personal and financial information when online. Here is an...
Read MoreHow to Manage an Inheritance
Over half of American retirees expect to leave an inheritance for their loved ones, with an average value of more than $176,000.1 If you have recently received a bequest or are anticipating inheriting sizeable assets, now is the time...
Read MoreRetirement and Health Plan Limits for 2014
The IRS has released the cost-of-living adjustments affecting dollar limitations for defined contribution and defined benefit retirement plans. The table below compares both the retirement plan and health insurance plan limits for 2012...
Read MoreOutlook 2014: The Investor's Almanac
A farming almanac is an annual publication containing a guide for the coming year and a forecast of the times and statistics of events and phenomena important to growing. Farmers' almanacs have been a source of wisdom, rooted in the...
Read MoreSurf Safely: Protect Yourself From Online Scams
Online criminals continuously change their operating methods. That's why it is crucial that Internet users keep up on the latest scams and the steps to take to protect their personal and financial information when online. Here is an...
Read MoreIt Pays to Plan Ahead: 2013 Year-End Tax Planning
As 2013 draws to a close, the last thing anyone wants to think about is taxes. But if you are looking for potential ways to minimize your tax bill, there's no better time for planning than before year-end. And, with the higher rates...
Read MoreLiving in Retirement: A Three-Phased Approach
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...
Read MoreThe Not-So-Hidden Cost of Inflation
When Gladys retired from the phone company in 1997 at age 60, she was very happy with her $800-per-month pension and the $1,200 per month she was earning from certificates of deposit. Her monthly expenses were about $1,500, which left...
Read MoreInflation Rates Keep Falling: How Long Can It Last?
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...
Read MoreUnderstanding 529 Plan Distributions
Understanding 529 Plan DistributionsParents 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...
Read MoreAsked and Answered: Key Questions About Retirement Income Planning
Managing money in retirement involves decisions about withdrawal rates, asset allocation and a host of other factors that will impact your lifestyle and how long your assets will last. Following are some straightforward answers to...
Read MoreThe Right Mindset for Saving
Positive thinking is an important part of visualizing your financial future. As much as we recognize the need to save for retirement, many small obstacles tend to get in the way of taking action. It turns out the decisions we make...
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