That’s right, it’s February and my theme of the month is love. “Why so obvious and cliché?” you ask. Well, you try writing 52 blogs a year. You’ll find yourself grasping for any holiday theme, too. What investors and financial advisers don’t typically love is when the stock market goes down. No one likes…
Well, maybe it wasn’t a burning question until you opened this blog. But, April 15th is coming up, so it’s time to start thinking about whether or not you will contribute to an IRA and if so, what type? I know it’s not popular in the press these days, but I am a fan…
Thanks to alert reader and good friend Cameron Morgan of A&I Financial for sending me another good recap of the new Social Security rules. Again, the new rules affect people who intended to use the File and Suspend method to claim Social Security benefits, but have not already done so. If you have already…
It occurred to me as I wrote the last blog that I maybe was putting the cart before the horse. File-and-Suspend strategy is pretty complex and most people don’t understand even the basics of Social Security. So, here are a few concepts that will help you speak that beautiful language that I call Social Securitese.…
I hate to say I told you so (okay, I actually LOVE saying I told you so), but as I postulated in an earlier blog, the Social Security file-and-suspend option is going away for new filers after May 2, 2016. The file-and-suspend option allows one spouse to file for his benefits at full retirement age…
One question I help people answer in retirement planning is when to take Social Security. A couple of reminders on the rules: You can take Social Security as early as age 62, but your amount will be lower than if you waited until your full Social Security age. For most people considering the question today,…
I have done a ton of retirement plan enrollment meetings in my career. One question that consistently comes up is “How much should I be putting into my work retirement account?” In order to not induce sticker shock, I lay out a three step plan. Step 1: 6% Minimum Contribution. When you are young and…
The attached article has some great stories about how there is not just one way to retire. While some people consider stopping work as a one-way train to crotchety old age, others keep active and busy with hobbies, grandkids, volunteer work, and even their memberships in the American Association for Nude Recreation. No lie, click…
I don’t like to feed into the media hysteria when it comes to stock market drops. As I say repeatedly to clients, friends, in this blog, and to my cat, stock market recessions are a normal part of the economy. They last on average 12-18 months, so the pain is temporary. Drops in the stock…
Below are three retirement savings loopholes that may be here today, gone tomorrow. Tomorrow of course being in 10 years when legislation manages to get passed in our gridlocked government. Don’t panic, but just be aware that just because something is in the tax code today, doesn’t mean that it will be allowed forever. Back-door…
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