The Pros & Cons of Roth IRA Conversions
The Bush-era tax cuts could sunset in 2013, and that possibility has prompted some traditional IRA owners to think about Roth conversions. If tax rates go up, going Roth may be smart. The key word in that last sentence is “may,” as going Roth may not be for everyone.
An Estate-Planning Checklist
Estate planning is a task that people tend to put off, as any discussion of “the end” tends to be off-putting. However, those who leave this world without their financial affairs in good order risk leaving their heirs some significant problems along with their legacies.
No matter what your age, here are some things you may want to accomplish this year with regard to estate planning.
If Interest Rates Rise, What Happens to Bonds?
We have seen an epic “flight to safety” this spring. In April alone, $20.6 billion moved into bond funds, according to Lipper. In the same month, $12.7 billion left stock funds (which marked the 12th consecutive month of net withdrawals).1
The Great Recession... Who Won, Who Lost
Understanding who won… and who lost during this Great Recession can enable us to better prepare for what’s next. Let’s first look at who got clobbered by the recession that began in 2008:
Parents, Alzheimer's & Money
Every eighth American aged 65 and older has Alzheimer’s disease, and 43% of Americans aged 85 and older have it, according to the Alzheimer’s Association. Consider those percentages in light of the Social Security Administration’s estimate that about 25% of today’s 65-year-olds will live past age 90. These shocking statistics have serious implications for family wealth.
What Happens HERE if Greece Exits the Euro?
If Greece leaves the eurozone in the coming months, what kind of financial ripples could reach America?
IRA Dates & Milestones to Remember
IRAs come with complex rules and regulations. As these rules and regulations are occasionally forgotten or misinterpreted by IRA owners, here is a refresher.
How Much Retirement Income Should You Withdraw?
The big question: how much is too much? In the first few years of retirement, some couples really “live it up” … and some of them risk spending down their retirement savings. Their portfolios aren’t earning enough to make back the income they’re withdrawing.
Some new retirees end up withdrawing as much as 7-10% of their retirement assets annually. A bull market tends to encourage this kind of exuberance. But what happens when the bulls don’t run? What if your portfolio only returns 1-2% this year? Can you see the potential problem?
Ultimately, the answer is...
Sell in May... & Go Away?
In the classic market psychology, you “sell in May and go away” with the belief that stock prices will plateau or retreat in spring and summer, and then you return to stocks in the fall, taking advantage of bargains and factors that will encourage a hot fourth quarter.
Options for More Retirement Income
Do you wish you had more money these days? You aren’t alone. Many retirees find that their income streams are insufficient.
Right now, interest rates are at rock bottom – and it appears they will stay there for the near future. With the federal funds rate near 0%, some of the classic conservative retirement investments – such as money market funds and CDs – aren’t even earning returns to keep up with 2%-3% inflation.1,2
Today, a little adjustment to your portfolio might lead to a better yield.
Who is Your IRA Beneficiary?
Do you have an IRA or a 401(k)? You probably do. You may have both of these retirement savings accounts in your portfolio, or accounts that are similar. While IRAs and 401(k)s are commonplace, many IRA owners and 401(k) plan participants have a hard time answering a common question. They aren’t sure who they have named as the account beneficiary.
You Can't Hide in Fixed Income
When is being risk-averse too risky for the sake of your retirement? After you conclude your career or sell your company, you have a right to be financially cautious. At the same time, you can risk being a little too cautious - some retirees invest so timidly that their portfolios barely yield any return.
The Big Estate Planning Question of 2012
In late 2010, Congress gave wealthy taxpayers a remarkable short-term opportunity to shift assets out of their estates tax-free during their lifetimes. This opportunity is available through the end of 2012 – and it could vanish after that.
Audit Red Flags
Are you one of those taxpayers worried about being audited? Let’s look at some red flags that might get you extra IRS scrutiny.
Q1 2012 Quarterly Economic Update
Dow +8.14%. S&P500 +12.00%. NASDAQ +18.67%. These numbers resemble a good year on Wall Street - and these were simply the advances from the first quarter. While stocks may or may not climb higher for the rest of the year, investors could certainly cheer the opening quarter of 2012 - the best quarter for U.S. equities in nearly 14 years.
What Happens to Our Social Media Identity When We Die?
If you use Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter, you may have wondered what happens when users die. Are profiles immortal? Are memories lost? Few users really know.