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Safe, Secure and Profitable
To everyone bemoaning the meager returns on certificates of deposit, money market funds and treasuries, and those tired of negative returns on stocks. Read on. Yields on certificates of deposit are under 2%, for money markets and treasuries, less than one percent. There is no reason to expect rate increases for at least two more years. The Fed just announced that they will keep rates low for an extended period. This is sobering news for savers and those who live on the interest generated from their holdings.
Saving a Crucial Benefit
Millions of life insurance policies are falling apart.These were sold with performance based on interest rates, which have seriously declined, or investments, which have under performed. In most cases, the owner of the policy has no idea that there is a problem, and learns about it only when the policy requires more money or lapses.
Ladder to Success, Safety
There are over three trillion dollars currently sitting in money market accounts, saving and checking accounts and similar deposit vehicles. Another several billion is in brokerage firm money market accounts, because the customers are afraid of the stock market and transferred to cash. All of this money is earning less than one percent interest, in many cases, it is earning less than one-half of one percent.
Woman - Security - Income
Women are living longer than men. No radical news here, but women are living longer in general. Women also tend to earn less than men and consequently save less for retirement. In a recent national survey, over 50% of the women surveyed felt unsatisfied with their current financial situation and uncertain about future financial needs.
Profit from Disruption
Change is inevitable. It can also be profitable. By looking at developments that will change our lives and environment, investors can provide themselves with an opportunity to reap the rewards of enhancing asset diversification.
No downs, only ups
We are getting used to market volatility. We better, because it is most likely going to be with us for a very long time. In addition to stubborn unemployment, real estate foreclosures,huge deficits and an economy that can't decide if it is recovering or getting worse, we also have the BP disaster, European debt and possible conflicts in Asia.
Investment Numbers
The old axiom, “figures don’t lie” is still true. Let’s look at some telling numbers. In 2009, Fixed Income mutual funds received over $350 billion in deposits. In the same year, Equity mutual funds received $14 billion. Needless to say, the majority of investors are trying to be conservative and are looking for safe returns that are better than current money market and certificate of deposit rates.
Medicare Changes Now!
Effective June 1, 2010, there are a number of changes that will impact anyone eligible for Medicare. The Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act of 2008 (MIPPA)takes effect on June 1, 2010. Anytime our government uses “improvement” in the title of legislation, be careful!
Investors and Taxpayers look at Health Care Reform
In the view of a number of experts, the new Health Care legislation will not be kind to investors or taxpayers. The take home pay of all Americans will be cut as taxes increase and many are forced to buy insurance. Learn more...
Cost Cutting without the Government
Tired of all the rhetoric? Tired of all the political side deals? Alarmed at the realization that the proposed health legislation will cost all of us dearly? So are we.
When is 4% really 6%?
Tax deferred annuity rates are now just about 4% a year, guaranteed for 5 or more years... This is an exciting opportunity for those seeking to accumulate money safely, at a conservative guaranteed rate of interest.
2010 - How's it Looking?
Predicting is dangerous business, particularly now. We have been through so much economically that we have actually changed emotionally and psychologically. This change will have a big impact on the economy.
It Ain't Green Yet
Nearly 200 countries were represented recently in Copenhagen Denmark for the Summit on Climate Change. There was a lot of excitement and certainly, everyone is concerned. Strangely, this has not translated into a lot of investment activity in “green” investing.
The Inflation Protected Portfolio
Mark this down. Be confident, Be prepared. Inflation is coming. The talking heads at the Federal Reserve and media commentators tell us that inflation is being tamed and we don’t need to be concerned. That is true if your outlook is limited to a very short period...
I Was Wrong
How’s that for a way to start, admitting I was wrong. In a number of previous columns, we asserted the opinion that Index annuities were gimmicky products, intended to generate high commissions for brokers who were not looking out for their clients’ best interests.
Hidden Gem
Americans habitually are slow to adopt opportunities to save taxes. Maybe this is due to our desire for instant satisfaction, or we don’t want to take the time to study and learn all aspects of an opportunity. Looking at Individual Retirement Account, Health Savings Accounts, and now Roth IRA conversions, we see this pattern again.
Take Some Home
Consumer confidence is often used as a barometer of stock market performance, as consumers make up 2/3 of the American economy.. Recent figures show confidence at very high levels. However, a more careful look is telling. High end earners confidence is very high, but low end earners confidence is at a very low level. The rich are feeling good, the restof us, not so much.
Celebrate Guarantees
The investment markets have made a spectacular, and to some people, questionable recovery. The market averages are close to 50% higher than they were in March of 2009. What has been overlooked is that this still represents a 36% reduction from the levels of mid-2008.
Saving Money & Taxes
What is better than this combination? Reduce your health insurance premiums and lower your tax bill! Two simple procedures make it happen. One, you obtain a high deductible health plan that is labeled H.S.A. Compatible. This step will reduce your premium by 35-40%, from traditional plans. While this sounds like it may expose you to higher potential out of pocket expenses, it actually does not.
Looking Ahead - Prospering
There are a number of challenges that face our economy that don’t get a lot of press attention. We have been worrying so much about the financial meltdown that we have not paid enough attention to some longer term issues and opportunities. Once we take the time to think about these, we will realize that we need to make fundamental changes in the ways that we invest.