What’s New for Social Security?
Whether you’re applying for Social Security in the future or currently receiving benefits, there are some important changes to earnings limits, Medicare premiums, and other differences to keep in mind. Ready to learn more? Read on. READY FOR A COST-OF-LIVING (COLA) INCREASE? That’s right! Due to an increase in the Consumer Price Index (CPI-W), the […]
The Half Million Dollar Baby
The Ivory Tower Changes Wall Street
For as long as there has been a stock market, investors have sought a reliable framework to determine the future direction of prices. Success has been elusive. But thanks to the work of three American economists, we operate today with a better understanding than prior generations of what determines an asset’s price. For their work, […]
Securing Your Legacy: Navigating the Benefits of Irrevocable Life Insurance Trusts
The irrevocable life insurance trust (ILIT) can be an important estate strategy tool that may accomplish a number of estate objectives; however, it may not be appropriate for every individual.1,2 WHAT IS AN ILIT? An ILIT is created by an individual (the grantor) during his or her lifetime. The ILIT owns a life insurance policy […]
Four Steps to Valuing an Estate
Determining the value of an estate is a fundamental first step in estate management and a critical requirement for settling a decedent’s estate.1 HOW TO ASSESS THE VALUE OF AN ESTATE Assessing the precise value of an estate can be complicated, especially when settling an estate. Please consult a professional with estate expertise regarding your […]
What is My Risk Tolerance?
On your way home from work, do you drive in the slow lane or the fast lane? Each person has a different propensity for risk. When investing, this risk propensity may be used to help assess your asset allocation. The following questionnaire may help determine your risk tolerance. Attitudes toward Risk 1. What is your […]
A Look at Whole Life Insurance
In exchange for fixed premiums, an insurance company promises to pay a set benefit when the policyholder dies, but also offers additional benefits as well. Whole life insurance policies can build up cash value — effectively a cash reserve that pays a modest rate of return, and the growth is tax-deferred. Guarantees are based on […]
A Look at Whole Life Insurance
In exchange for fixed premiums, an insurance company promises to pay a set benefit when the policyholder dies, but also offers additional benefits as well. Whole life insurance policies can build up cash value — effectively a cash reserve that pays a modest rate of return, and the growth is tax-deferred. Guarantees are based on […]
Retirement Questions That Have Nothing to Do With Money
Your degree of happiness in your “second act” may depend on some factors that don’t come with an obvious price tag. Here are some non-monetary factors to consider as you prepare for your retirement. WHAT WILL YOU DO WITH YOUR TIME? Too many people retire without any idea of what their retirement will look like. […]
The Financial Literacy Crisis
Imagine driving a car without a basic understanding of the rules of the road or even how to operate it. Scary thought. Here’s another scary circumstance – one that is all too real. Many Americans are making financial decisions with minimal financial knowledge of investing, budgeting, and credit. The TIAA Institute conducted a survey on […]
