Give Your Retirement Plan an Annual Checkup
Have your dreams for retirement changed? Year-end is the perfect time to evaluate your plan. Learn what to do in this week’s Financial Tip.
Social Security and the Ten Year Rule Investment Strategy
Our experts discuss a case study about a couple who is trying to work Social Security benefits into their Ten Year Rule investment strategy.
Market Roundup: Late Rally Pushes Markets into Weekly Gain
Indices were down on Monday but closed out the month of November with gains. Energy and Utilities stocks posted gains, while Healthcare and Consumer Staples weighed on the market. Indices moved into positive territory on Tuesday amid a variety of economic news. The ISM Manufacturing Index fell from 50.1 to 48.6. Both new orders and production dropped below 50. The markets volleyed back to the negative side midweek as a result of a dip in crude oil prices and other economic news. Crude oil fell below the $40 level for the first time in three months. Prices slipped following news that domestic reserves increased for the tenth straight week. On another note, comments from the Federal Reserve’s “Beige Book” report, which covered activity from October through mid-November, showed a modest to moderate rate of expansion in most districts. Stocks traded well into the red on Thursday, despite crude oil’s gain of 2.9% for the day. Friday’s news that November nonfarm payrolls came in 5.5% higher than consensus estimates, drove the market to its biggest gain since early September. The news may have also opened the way for the Federal Reserve to consider raising interest rates later this month.
The Challenge of Finding the Right Adviser for You
When seeking an adviser for your money, it is important to consider tenure, depth and philosophy. We explain in the Marietta Daily Journal. Read the Article
Understanding Risk in Your Plans and Investments
In today’s Marietta Daily Journal, Bil Lako, CFP® explains why your portfolio should match your willingness and ability to take risks. Read the Article
When 401(k) Plans Go Bad—Avoiding Disqualification
401(k) plans that exclude participants, miss contributions or fail discrimination tests can become disqualified. Read all about it in this week’s Business Tip.
Was Your No-Health-Insurance Penalty A Surprise?
No health insurance? Note: The penalty amounts to the HIGHER of the flat dollar amount or the percentage of income. We explain in this week’s Insurance Tip.
Retirement Plan Distribution Pitfalls
Be aware when your leave employer—a retirement plan distribution before age 59½ comes with a penalty! We explain in this week’s Tax Tip.
A Military Buyback May Increase Your Pension Payout
As a federal civilian employee, you have the opportunity to buy back your military time to increase your pension payout. Learn more in this week’s Financial Tip.
Sole Proprietorship—Is The Risk Worth It?
A sole proprietorship comes with few bureaucratic hoops, but you have to contend with 100% personal liability. We explain in this week’s Business Tip.