Author Archive
Arbitration Won’t Save You From Losing Your Money
Some of my best article ideas come from my readers, and this week is no exception. This is a story of misplaced trust, dishonesty, inaction and great financial loss. The lessons learned through their experience will hopefully save you from a similar fate. Read on to find out more.
Bill and his wife, Jane, (not their […]
Is Your Portfolio Properly Seasoned?
The effect interest rates have on the performance of our economy cannot be overstated. Understanding how interest rates affect the business cycle will help you know how to structure your portfolio to achieve growth while minimizing risk. Read on to learn more.
Would you wear a winter parka on a Florida beach in the middle […]
Are Variable Annuity Guaranteed Living Benefits Worth It?
If you have an IRA, sorting through all the investment options can be very confusing. Unfortunately, there is a lot of hype out there and, in my opinion, the financial services industry is great at selling the sizzle and delivering very little steak!
This is especially true in the area of annuities. Folks purchase variable annuities […]
Income Investors Should Take Action
The Federal Reserve cut interest rates again yesterday and will be likely to do so again in six weeks. Yields on 5-year Certificates of Deposit are down to around 4.25% and falling. On top of that, the mortgage meltdown has hindered the performance of the entire stock market. If you are retired and need […]
The Tax Gifts Keep On Coming
Did you know that you can sell a stock at a profit and pay next to nothing in capital gains tax? Or that you may not owe any tax on dividends you receive? It’s true. The Tax Increase Prevention and Reconciliation Act (TIPRA), which was signed into law in early 2006, reduces capital gains and […]
Buy, Sell, or Hold?
The markets continue to be tumultuous and we’re seeing the markets re-test the lows that were reached in August. Since October 29th, the S&P 500 is down 8.5%, the Russell 2000 is down 10.7% and the emerging markets are down over 15%. Even energy stocks are getting hit hard. Should you be selling stocks, gritting […]
Investing: A Sure Fire Investment
As we celebrate Thanksgiving, now is the time to start considering end-of-year returns. It is also time to analyze our investments and decide if changes need to be made. Here is one sure-fire investment that you need to consider as you evaluate your portfolio and calculate your wealth.
The returns of the market indexes are an […]
Annuities: Consumer Alert: Equity Indexed Annuities
Seniors and retirees need to be aware of the dangers of investing in an Equity Indexed Annuity. Read on to find out how to protect yourself.
Millions of retirees are being duped into buying the latest high-cost, high-commission product served up by the insurance industry–Equity Indexed Annuities (EIAs). According to the Advantage Group, a St. Louis […]
Investing: Reader Exposes Mortgage Mischief
Getting a new mortgage? Watch Out! Mortgage brokers (even at banks) get paid on commission. As interest rates rise, they must become more creative to make a living. Many are honest, but there’s plenty that won’t blink an eye at taking advantage of uninformed consumers. Don’t be one of them!
In my previous two articles, I’ve […]
Estate: Your Questions Answered - Can You Stretch A 401K?
A reader recently asked if his 401(k) could be rolled over, by his beneficiary, to a ’stretch’ IRA after his death. Read on to discover an answer that will protect your beneficiaries from tens of thousands of dollars in unnecessary taxes and keep your gift to them alive for generations to come.
Whether or not […]
