Interest rates can have a positive or a negative effect on the U.S. economy, the stock markets, and your investments. When The Fed changes the Federal Funds Rate (the rate at which banks can borrow money to lend to businesses or you), it creates a ripple effect. The raising...
Consistent growth in net worth is an indicator of positive financial health, but when liabilities grow faster than assets, or the value of assets drop, the result is negative net worth. Net worth calculate by subtracting liabilities (owed debt) from assets owned. Net worth is estimated for both individuals...
The financial services industry has classified “advice” as financial planning, not investment advice (the selection of investments), which is just one part of wealth management. If Robo-advisors have done nothing else, they have revealed that much of the investment advice in selecting investments can be automated. With technology doing...
What is underway as one of the most significant changes to retirement savings plans in years, the SECURE Act (Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement Act of 2019) was passed in May 2019 by the U.S. House of Representatives. The Act is awaiting approval by the U.S. Senate later...
As the economy shows signs of modest improvement, indications of downward shifting in U.S. production from the residual effects of the trade war are starting to surface, according to the May 2019 Federal Reserve’s Beige Book Report. The Beige Book Report compiles from information gathered by the twelve Federal Reserve...
The average American worker stays at a job only 4.2 years, and many had funded retirement accounts they’ve left with the employer’s plan custodian when they moved to a new job. Leaving retirement savings at multiple employers can create higher investment costs to keep the account in former employer...
Market risk is something all investors worry about, but those close to retirement have limited time to recover from the loss. If you’re within ten years of retirement, your investments are at a critical stage to continue to gain value and avoid loss. Without thinking through the dynamics of...
Early adulthood is assumed to be a time of becoming financially independent. But an October 2018 study conducted by Agewave reveals that many adults ages 18-34 are not economically independent despite their adulthood. Many still rely on the financial support of their parents or extended family. The study reveals complex reasons...
Well, it depends … on when you want your payments, what kind of a guarantee you are looking for and whether you’re willing to take a little risk to pursue a possibly higher return. Breaking annuities down to their basics could help steer your decision. Full Kiplinger Article Here...
In our working years, we work and save toward retiring someday, creating our retirement story. Our story may include daily golfing, living somewhere different, or participating in activities we enjoy each day that help to fill our minds with a picture of our retirement. But the plan of relocation...