This simple and yet efficient approach to solving interest rate volatility can work for you. It involves annual maintenance on the investor’s part and the ability to use the internet for available interest rates. Never allow anyone to charge you for this approach to bank deposits, do it yourself. There are numerous options available to [...]
Transparency in the financial world has traditionally been lacking. As information sources have increased, along with it has come more chances to look behind the curtain. The mutual fund industry in America is enormous; most all Americans have or currently do use these products for accumulating funds for retirement and many other uses. Mutual funds [...]
When the Social Security Administration announced that for 2016, 2017, 2018 there would be NO “cost of living adjustment” (COLA) to retirement payments, many considered inflation was under control. The reason for no COLA is simple, and Congress sets the COLA based on the performance of the Consumer Price Index (CPI). The CPI failed to grow [...]
I have been asked recently how the current volatility of the stock market will affect the interest in annuities. Of course, the obvious answer to avoid instability is to get out of the market, and most people are fearful of that. While the issue of volatility is clear, greed and desire to make more and [...]
If you haven’t read the colossal epic book about WWI, All Quiet on the Western Front, you might want to give it a go. Erich Remarque's novel about the horrors of war and the effort to remain alive while both witnessing and causing indescribable carnage is intense. The book catapults you to that time and [...]
When planning retirement, make sure your money lasts as long as you do! In 1994, amateur economist and investment manager William P. Bengen wrote his famous thesis about withdrawal rates from accumulated funds in calculating retirement income. Here is the link:http://www.retailinvestor.org/pdf/Bengen1.pdf Over the years and due to the financial meltdown of 2008, the amount [...]
Prime Notes are Prime Garbage In a recent notice, the SEC warned of “Prime Bank Notes” being promoted as high yield bank alternatives are not real. These offerings prey upon investors desiring a higher rate of return than is available through conventional channels. Along with the higher interest, the “prime” notes also testify to [...]
The lingering question about the success of variable annuities as a sales vehicle is on the surface difficult to understand. By examining it closely and using the “new car” concept of selling, the focus is on the allure, the new paint, the transformation of us as drivers being behind the wheel and on it goes.
Every night on the nightly news, it seems there is bad news about retirement plans, especially 401(k)s. The US Department of Labor has established new rules about the fees, disclosures, and management of these top-rated retirement products. More regulations were expected in May of 2016, which would have outlined the role of a financial advisor [...]
A recent report about retirement confidence from the Employee Benefit Research Institute found a widespread concern over the future, the future in retirement income, the future of social security and the future of Medicare. This article was originally written in 2015 and it is coming true rapidly. Well worth a new read. Click here [...]
