Retirement planning
Small Business Owners: Test Your Retirement Plan Knowledge
While worker confidence about having enough money to live comfortably in retirement has been on the rise in recent years, that confidence is based largely on access to and participation in a workplace retirement plan. According to the latest annual Retirement Confidence Survey conducted by the Employee Benefit Research Institute (EBRI), among workers who participate…
Read MoreFew Cost of Living Adjustments for Retirement and Health Plans for 2016
The IRS has released the cost-of-living adjustments (COLA) affecting dollar limitations for Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs), defined contribution and other retirement-related items for tax year 2016. In general, most limits will remain unchanged for 2016 because the increase in the cost-of-living index did not meet the threshold that would trigger their adjustment. The table below…
Read MoreWhen Changing Jobs, It Pays to Keep Track of Your 401(k)
Americans are on the move, not only in their leisure pursuits, but in their jobs as well. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, about 38% of U.S. workers change jobs every year. If your employment situation changes, do you know what your choices are for managing the money in your 401(k) account? Generally, workers…
Read MoreOf Market Bubbles and Busts: Learn to Spot Trouble in the Making
Recent stock market conditions in China present a classic illustration of the boom/bust cycle that periodically disrupts financial markets. While bubbles and subsequent busts occur in the investment world from time to time, there are typically some telltale signs to help investors recognize when there is trouble brewing. When Is a Bubble a Bubble? Most investors…
Read MoreMillennials: The “Slow and Steady” Generation of Investors
With some $30 trillion poised to change hands over the next several decades from parents and grandparents to so-called Millennials — those 90-million-plus Americans aged 18 to 33 — the financial services industry will have its work cut out for it. Popular investing wisdom states that the younger you are, the more time you have…
Read MoreSearching for Yield in Today’s Market
Income-oriented investors have had a tough go of it for the past several years. Persistently low interest rates have curtailed traditional sources of yield. Yet, by broadening their search criteria, investors may uncover new ways to diversify their income portfolios with potentially more attractive options. Consider Total Return When evaluating income-generating opportunities investors need to…
Read MoreShould You “Fix” Variable Rate Debt?
While investors are keeping a close watch on the Federal Reserve for indications of when it will start raising interest rates, the consensus among economists is that it will begin its credit-tightening cycle at some point this year. Of course there are two sides to the interest rate coin: the investor and the borrower. Rising…
Read MoreWhen More Risk Equals Less Risk
If I asked you to name the most risky asset class, which would you pick? Emerging markets1 or Commodities2 or High-yield bonds3? Each investment has unique risks, but volatility of returns is one measure that can be applied to all. At its simplest level, volatility is the likelihood that an investment’s return will change from one period to the…
Read MoreHome Equity Loans Versus Lines of Credit: What’s the Difference?
Thinking of tapping the equity in your home to do a renovation, buy a second home, or consolidate debt? Before you decide which borrowing option is right for you, it’s important to understand the main differences between the two options. Home Equity Loan Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) Fixed interest rate for the life…
Read MoreBrush Up on Your IRA Facts
If you are opening an IRA for the first time or need a refresher course on the specifics of IRA ownership, here are some facts for your consideration. IRAs in America IRAs continue to play an increasingly prominent role in the retirement saving strategies of Americans. According to the Investment Company Institute (ICI), the U.S.…
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