Here are some things you might want to do before saying goodbye to 2018. What has changed for you this year? Did you start a new job or leave a job behind? Did you retire? Did you start a family? If notable changes occurred in your personal or professional life, then you will want to […]
Are Your Beneficiary Designations Up to Date?
Here’s a simple financial question: Who is the beneficiary of your IRA? How about your 401(k) or annuity? You may be saying, “I’m not sure.” It is a good idea to periodically review your beneficiary designations. Your choices may need to change with the times. When did you open your first IRA? When did you […]
Starting a Roth IRA for a Child or Grandchild
Do you have a child or grandchild earning some income? Indirectly, that after-school or summer job might present a savings opportunity for that teenager. You could help your child or grandchild save for future goals by assisting them to create and fund a Roth IRA. So many people wish they had begun saving for retirement […]
Bundle Up? Not When It Comes To Financial Services
For many people subscribing to satellite services or cable television over the last couple of decades, the business model has been “bundling services” like television, Internet and phone together for a single rate. However, in this system, many customers are paying for TV channels that they never watch or for a landline that they rarely use. With the increased popularity of “cutting the cord” to cable and satellite TV in order to watch TV series and films on Over-The-Top (OTT) content devices, there have been calls, even from Washington, for a “pay for what you watch” or “a la carte” approach. Continue Reading …
Annuities: Are They a Good Option in Turbulent Times?
As Americans get older and the stock market goes through a periodic decline, the temptation to decrease risk over fears of running out of money makes people turn to annuities, according to the recent New York Times article entitled “Annuities as an Alternative to Shaky Markets? Not So Fast.” Single Premium Immediate Annuities (SPIA) are an especially enticing option as Americans near retirement, because by paying an upfront premium, persons can draw a payment periodically for the rest of their lives. Continue Reading …
