Laura

Alt

Lifespan Variation

An interesting study performed by the Center for Retirement Research at Boston College delved into the concept of lifespan variation, and why it provides valuable information about mortality beyond life expectancy. “It is precisely this uncertainty around the average lifespan that gives rise to “longevity risk” – the possibility of living an unusually long time […]

Lifespan Variation Read More »

Alt2

Where did I put it?

All too often when we need to find an important financial document we can’t remember where we put it. Keeping important documents up to date and accessible is essential. Even after you finalize your will and have decided what your financial plans are, there is one more important step to take: organizing those documents, having

Where did I put it? Read More »

Red

Nickel-and-Dimed

No, you’re probably not imagining it. 69% percent of Americans surveyed by Lending Tree in 2023 reported they’d paid an extra fee when using a credit card for a purchase. A smaller, more recent survey by WalletHub put that figure at 79%, with 85% of the participants saying that credit card charges made them feel

Nickel-and-Dimed Read More »

Green

Resolution Fatigue

At this time of year there tends to be discussion about what our New Year’s resolution will be. Researchers suggest that only 9% of Americans that make resolutions complete them. In fact, research goes on to show that 23% of people quit their resolutions by the end of the first week, and 88% fail them

Resolution Fatigue Read More »

Alt1

IRA Conversion 

Conversions of a traditional IRA to a Roth can differ individual to individual, even where the same sum of money is involved. Let’s take, for example, two individuals, each with $100,000 in a traditional IRA, that the funds were identically invested and would double over 10 years. The tax rate was posed to be 30%.

IRA Conversion  Read More »

Alt1

Are You Maximized? 

As year-end approaches, it might be a good time to reflect on if you are allocating funds to be sure to maximize your contributions to tax advantaged accounts. If you can, you should consider making your contributions sooner rather than later. Even though you have until year-end to make contributions to your 401(k), or Tax

Are You Maximized?  Read More »

Red

Lost 401k

As we approach year end we are frequently being asked about what we call “Lost 401k” accounts. Perhaps you changed jobs, or your employer went out of business or merged with another company, or maybe you’ve just put the memories of a workplace that you left years ago far, far behind you. And now, you

Lost 401k Read More »

Alt

Retirement in Stages

One way to approach retirement is to think of it in stages. While retirement might seem like the final step of a journey, your goals and lifestyle will likely continue to evolve, and your income strategy should reflect that. For example, consider looking at your retirement in five-year stages; can you meet your income needs

Retirement in Stages Read More »

Alt1

Why? 

We were recently asked why we believe that an annuity can help with your retirement strategy. Three reasons come readily to mind.  The first reason is that they can be used as asset protection. Fixed annuities, for example, are safer for your money than volatile investment options. The second reason is the possibility of a

Why?  Read More »