Money Over 55: Most Popular Articles
These articles are the most popular over the last month.
Soc. Security Spouse Benefit
A social security spouse benefit is called a “spousal benefit”. Here are some key things you need to know about the social security spousal benefit.
A social security spouse benefit is called a “spousal benefit”. Here are some key things you need to know about the social security spousal benefit.
Social Security Earnings Limit
If you take social security benefits before full retirement age, and you earn income in excess of the annual earnings limit, your social security benefit will be reduced.
If you take social security benefits before full retirement age, and you earn income in excess of the annual earnings limit, your social security benefit will be reduced.
Making Safe Investments
How safe are your safe investments? How much of your money should be in safe investments? When is the right time to switch to safe investments and how much income will safe investments generate? Find answers here.
How safe are your safe investments? How much of your money should be in safe investments? When is the right time to switch to safe investments and how much income will safe investments generate? Find answers here.
6 Financial Advisor Fees
Financial advisor fees vary from advisor to advisor. Learn the six ways financial advisors charge fees and you can decide which way you think is best.
Financial advisor fees vary from advisor to advisor. Learn the six ways financial advisors charge fees and you can decide which way you think is best.
Credit Score Factors
You need to know exactly how your credit score is calculated. There are 5 components to your credit score and some carry more weight than others.
You need to know exactly how your credit score is calculated. There are 5 components to your credit score and some carry more weight than others.
Should You Buy An Annuity?
Questions to ask before you decide to buy an annuity.
Questions to ask before you decide to buy an annuity.
Questions to Ask
Five questions to ask a potential financial advisor that will help you determine if they are the right financial advisor for you. These questions help you determine their level of integrity and their ability to communicate to you in language and terms you can understand.
Five questions to ask a potential financial advisor that will help you determine if they are the right financial advisor for you. These questions help you determine their level of integrity and their ability to communicate to you in language and terms you can understand.
Past Stock Market Returns
This table shows you historical stock market returns from 1973 through 2008, on a year by year basis. Negative stock market returns occur, on average, one out of every four years.
This table shows you historical stock market returns from 1973 through 2008, on a year by year basis. Negative stock market returns occur, on average, one out of every four years.
5 Safe Investments
Looking for a safe investment? Here is a list of five investment choices that are considered safe. Their primary goal is to protect what you have rather than earn you a high return.
Looking for a safe investment? Here is a list of five investment choices that are considered safe. Their primary goal is to protect what you have rather than earn you a high return.
Divorce & Social Security
Can you collect social security benefits based on an ex-spouse's work record? Yes, and I’ve spent hours scouring the internet to pull together this and other relevant information on social security and divorce. I’ll give you the highlights, and the links to dig down into the nitty-gritty details.
Can you collect social security benefits based on an ex-spouse's work record? Yes, and I’ve spent hours scouring the internet to pull together this and other relevant information on social security and divorce. I’ll give you the highlights, and the links to dig down into the nitty-gritty details.
Social Security At Age 62
Should you take social security at age 62 or not? Here are a few general guidelines you can use to determine if it makes sense for you to start taking social security benefits at age 62.
Should you take social security at age 62 or not? Here are a few general guidelines you can use to determine if it makes sense for you to start taking social security benefits at age 62.
2009 IRA Limits
2009 Traditional IRA rules, contribution limits and earned income limitations.
2009 Traditional IRA rules, contribution limits and earned income limitations.
Capital Loss Carryover
Capital losses can carryover to future tax years to be used to offset future capital gains.
Capital losses can carryover to future tax years to be used to offset future capital gains.
2009 ROTH IRAS
2009 Roth IRA rules, contribution limits and earned income limits.
2009 Roth IRA rules, contribution limits and earned income limits.
Fee-Only Financial Advisor
What is the difference between a fee-only financial advisor and a fee based financial advisor?
What is the difference between a fee-only financial advisor and a fee based financial advisor?
Investment Income
Investment income can be created by using any, or all, of these three strategies.
Investment income can be created by using any, or all, of these three strategies.
Retirement Income
Learn how much you can safely withdraw from investments each year and the six withdrawal rate rules you must follow when creating a portfolio to generate lasting retirement income.
Learn how much you can safely withdraw from investments each year and the six withdrawal rate rules you must follow when creating a portfolio to generate lasting retirement income.
Retirement Income Calculator
A good retirement calculator will help you determine how much you may have available to spend each month in retirement, the likelihood your savings will last throughout your retirement, and options to make up for potential shortfalls.
A good retirement calculator will help you determine how much you may have available to spend each month in retirement, the likelihood your savings will last throughout your retirement, and options to make up for potential shortfalls.
Increase Social Security
You can take steps to increase the amount of social security you will receive. Any of these three steps will have a positive impact on what you receive; implement all three steps and you’ll be able to significantly increase the amount of social security benefits you are eligible to receive.
You can take steps to increase the amount of social security you will receive. Any of these three steps will have a positive impact on what you receive; implement all three steps and you’ll be able to significantly increase the amount of social security benefits you are eligible to receive.
Taxes Social Security Benefits
If you have sources of income in addition to social security, then you may have to pay taxes on your social security benefits. The amount of taxes you pay on social security benefits will depend on you combined income.
If you have sources of income in addition to social security, then you may have to pay taxes on your social security benefits. The amount of taxes you pay on social security benefits will depend on you combined income.
Immediate Annuity
When you purchase an immediate annuity you enter into a contract with an insurance company to purchase a guaranteed stream of income. The amount of monthly income you receive from the immediate annuity will be based on the type of annuity (fixed, variable or inflation-indexed), the term of the annuity that you choose (life-only, joint life, term certain), and your age and gender.
When you purchase an immediate annuity you enter into a contract with an insurance company to purchase a guaranteed stream of income. The amount of monthly income you receive from the immediate annuity will be based on the type of annuity (fixed, variable or inflation-indexed), the term of the annuity that you choose (life-only, joint life, term certain), and your age and gender.
Security Retirement Benefits
Here are the things you need to know about collecting social security retirement benefits; things like how working affects your benefits, if you will have to pay taxes on social security benefits, and how collecting benefits early affects you and your spouse.
Here are the things you need to know about collecting social security retirement benefits; things like how working affects your benefits, if you will have to pay taxes on social security benefits, and how collecting benefits early affects you and your spouse.
Start A Consulting Business
Later life careers - 6 steps to take before you start a consulting business.
Later life careers - 6 steps to take before you start a consulting business.
Immediate Annuity Returns
To compare an immediate annuity to other investment options, you have to estimate the rate of return that it will provide.
To compare an immediate annuity to other investment options, you have to estimate the rate of return that it will provide.
Investment Fees and Expenses
Understand these six investment fees before you invest.
Understand these six investment fees before you invest.
How Much In Stocks vs. Bonds?
As I get older, how much of my money should be invested in stocks vs. bonds?
As I get older, how much of my money should be invested in stocks vs. bonds?
How Much To Retire?
How much to retire? Great question. It takes some soul searching and some calculating to come up with the answer. These four steps will help you determine how much you will need to retire.
How much to retire? Great question. It takes some soul searching and some calculating to come up with the answer. These four steps will help you determine how much you will need to retire.
Taxes on the Sale of My Home
What taxes will I pay on the sale of my home?
What taxes will I pay on the sale of my home?
Investing For Retirement
Age 55 or older? Here are the 4 most important things you need to know about retirement investments.
Age 55 or older? Here are the 4 most important things you need to know about retirement investments.
Social Security Quiz
Social Security Quiz: social security quiz security retirement benefits social security retirement sans serif font social security benefits
Social Security Quiz: social security quiz security retirement benefits social security retirement sans serif font social security benefits
Internal Rate Of Return
You can use an internal rate of return, or expected internal rate of return, to adequately compare investment alternatives. Here you'll learn more and find calculators to help you calculate your own internal rate of return.
You can use an internal rate of return, or expected internal rate of return, to adequately compare investment alternatives. Here you'll learn more and find calculators to help you calculate your own internal rate of return.
Lump Sum Or Annuity
When you retire from a company with a pension plan you are often given the choice of taking your distribution as a lump sum or as an annuity payment. Here you'll find the pros and cons and step by step instructions on how to compare the lump sum verses the annuity distribution.
When you retire from a company with a pension plan you are often given the choice of taking your distribution as a lump sum or as an annuity payment. Here you'll find the pros and cons and step by step instructions on how to compare the lump sum verses the annuity distribution.
Short Term Retirement Planning
Short term retirement planning: 5 steps you must take within 5 years of retirement.
Short term retirement planning: 5 steps you must take within 5 years of retirement.
Qualified Advisors
How to choose a finanical advisor: learn what credentials, compensation structure and type of experience you must look for when you seek out a financial advisor, financial planner, investment advisor or certified financial planner.
How to choose a finanical advisor: learn what credentials, compensation structure and type of experience you must look for when you seek out a financial advisor, financial planner, investment advisor or certified financial planner.
Second Career Stories
This is a list of must read articles filled real life stories about those who found creative ways to make a living and find fulfillment with their second career choices.
This is a list of must read articles filled real life stories about those who found creative ways to make a living and find fulfillment with their second career choices.
Full Retirement Age
Full retirement age – what you need to know about social security benefits, working, and full retirement age.
Full retirement age – what you need to know about social security benefits, working, and full retirement age.
Social Security Strategies
Are there strategies you, or you and a spouse, can use to maximize your social security benefits? Yes, there are a few, but each only works if you fit a specific set of criteria.
Are there strategies you, or you and a spouse, can use to maximize your social security benefits? Yes, there are a few, but each only works if you fit a specific set of criteria.
Buying Rental Property
Rental property can provide a stable source of income, but like any investment, you need to understand what you are getting into before you buy. Here are the three things to consider.
Rental property can provide a stable source of income, but like any investment, you need to understand what you are getting into before you buy. Here are the three things to consider.
Tax Planning Strategies
To implement effective tax planning strategies, use these ideas to look at your expected taxable income each year, and figure out how to shift income to a lower tax bracket.
To implement effective tax planning strategies, use these ideas to look at your expected taxable income each year, and figure out how to shift income to a lower tax bracket.
Variable Annuity Taxation
Variable annuity taxation is talked up, but the reality is you may pay more in taxes by using a variable annuity than if you had used other investment alternatives.
Variable annuity taxation is talked up, but the reality is you may pay more in taxes by using a variable annuity than if you had used other investment alternatives.
Fixed Annuities
A fixed annuity can be in the form of an immediate fixed annuity or a deferred fixed annuity. They provide a guaranteed return, but before investing you should compare them with other alternatives that may provide more flexibility.
A fixed annuity can be in the form of an immediate fixed annuity or a deferred fixed annuity. They provide a guaranteed return, but before investing you should compare them with other alternatives that may provide more flexibility.
Retirement Investments
If you’re searching for information on retirement investments you’re probably looking for an investment that will provide income for you. If so, you’ve come to the right place. Below, you’ll find a comprehensive list of retirement investments with additional information on each.
If you’re searching for information on retirement investments you’re probably looking for an investment that will provide income for you. If so, you’ve come to the right place. Below, you’ll find a comprehensive list of retirement investments with additional information on each.
Active vs. Passive
How does an actively managed mutual fund differ from a passive mutual fund? Academically, which performs better: actively managed investing or passive investing?
How does an actively managed mutual fund differ from a passive mutual fund? Academically, which performs better: actively managed investing or passive investing?
6 Ways to Buy Things For Less
6 Ways to Buy Things For Less
6 Ways to Buy Things For Less
Paying Off My Mortgage Early
If you have the financial assets to pay off your mortgage early, but choose not to do so, in effect you are choosing to invest with borrowed money. This would make sense if, after considering risk and taxes, the rate of return you can earn on invested assets exceeds the interest cost of your mortgage. This is not usually the case.
If you have the financial assets to pay off your mortgage early, but choose not to do so, in effect you are choosing to invest with borrowed money. This would make sense if, after considering risk and taxes, the rate of return you can earn on invested assets exceeds the interest cost of your mortgage. This is not usually the case.
Retirement Income Funds
Managed payout funds, monthly income funds, income replacement funds, or retirement income funds; they each have a different name, but a common goal, which is to provide you a way to invest your money, and receive regular retirement income. They offer a great, all in one investment management solution, and are a more flexible alternative to annuities.
Managed payout funds, monthly income funds, income replacement funds, or retirement income funds; they each have a different name, but a common goal, which is to provide you a way to invest your money, and receive regular retirement income. They offer a great, all in one investment management solution, and are a more flexible alternative to annuities.
High Yield Investments
I’ve compiled a great list of high yield investments but remember with high returns come greater risks; which means when you evaluate high yield investments you should approach them like Sherlock Holmes… with a healthy degree of skepticism. Be sure to question everything, and pay attention to the details.
I’ve compiled a great list of high yield investments but remember with high returns come greater risks; which means when you evaluate high yield investments you should approach them like Sherlock Holmes… with a healthy degree of skepticism. Be sure to question everything, and pay attention to the details.
Retirement Expenses
To determine how much money you will need to retire, you must first estimate your retirement expenses; how much you think you will spend each year in retirement.
To determine how much money you will need to retire, you must first estimate your retirement expenses; how much you think you will spend each year in retirement.
Market Map
A market map provides a unique and colorful way to view the performance of stocks, asset classes, sectors, or an entire country’s stock market relative to its peers.
A market map provides a unique and colorful way to view the performance of stocks, asset classes, sectors, or an entire country’s stock market relative to its peers.
Reduce Estate Taxes
Many estates pay estate taxes that could have been avoided. Hopefully tax reform will change this, but right now estate planning for modest estates can save bundles in estate tax.
Many estates pay estate taxes that could have been avoided. Hopefully tax reform will change this, but right now estate planning for modest estates can save bundles in estate tax.
Retirement Taxes
In the United States, there are no specific retirement taxes. Instead, you continue to pay tax on your income each year as you receive it, much like you did before you were retired. So, if there are no retirement taxes, how do you know how much tax you will pay in retirement? Each type of income you receive will have different tax rules that apply to it. Below is a summary of the most commons sources of retirement income, and the rules that apply.
In the United States, there are no specific retirement taxes. Instead, you continue to pay tax on your income each year as you receive it, much like you did before you were retired. So, if there are no retirement taxes, how do you know how much tax you will pay in retirement? Each type of income you receive will have different tax rules that apply to it. Below is a summary of the most commons sources of retirement income, and the rules that apply.
Investment Advisors
Investment advice and financial planning are two different services. What should you expect from a good investment advisor?
Investment advice and financial planning are two different services. What should you expect from a good investment advisor?
Retire At 55
Want to retire at 55? Here are three things to consider before you retire at 55.
Want to retire at 55? Here are three things to consider before you retire at 55.
Verify Advisor Credentials
Two simple ways to check on the legitimacy of your financial advisor. Be sure to verify financial advisor credentials and complaint record.
Two simple ways to check on the legitimacy of your financial advisor. Be sure to verify financial advisor credentials and complaint record.
Midlife Career Change
Using a midlife career change to extend the life of your career can have a substantial impact on your balance sheet. Begin to think of your career as your greatest asset.
Using a midlife career change to extend the life of your career can have a substantial impact on your balance sheet. Begin to think of your career as your greatest asset.
Do You Need Life Insurance?
I’m Retired…Do I Still Need Life Insurance? To answer this, first you must understand that life insurance isn't really about insuring your life.
I’m Retired…Do I Still Need Life Insurance? To answer this, first you must understand that life insurance isn't really about insuring your life.
Below Average Returns
Average investors earn market returns substantially less than the historical returns they should be earning. Find out why.
Average investors earn market returns substantially less than the historical returns they should be earning. Find out why.
Bond Ladders
What is a bond ladder or laddered bond portfolio? How do you use a bond ladder as part of a balanced portfolio, or to meet upcoming cash flow needs?
What is a bond ladder or laddered bond portfolio? How do you use a bond ladder as part of a balanced portfolio, or to meet upcoming cash flow needs?
Calculate Life Expectancy
It may sound morbid, but we’re all dying. The question is not if, it’s when. Instead of shying away from the great unknown, let’s embrace the reality of the inevitable. Tackle life expectancy head on, and use it to do your planning.
It may sound morbid, but we’re all dying. The question is not if, it’s when. Instead of shying away from the great unknown, let’s embrace the reality of the inevitable. Tackle life expectancy head on, and use it to do your planning.
Financial Advisor Fees
How to choose a financial advisor: learn what compensation structure you must look for when you seek out a financial advisor, financial planner, investment advisor or certified financial planner.
How to choose a financial advisor: learn what compensation structure you must look for when you seek out a financial advisor, financial planner, investment advisor or certified financial planner.
Apply And Suspend
This social security strategy allows your spouse to collect a spousal benefit based on your earnings record while you continue to work, maximizing your own benefit by accumulating delayed retirement credits.
This social security strategy allows your spouse to collect a spousal benefit based on your earnings record while you continue to work, maximizing your own benefit by accumulating delayed retirement credits.
Rich Dad, Poor Dad
Book review: Rich Dad, Poor Dad, by Robert Kiyosaki. A must read for anyone who wants to accumulate wealth.
Book review: Rich Dad, Poor Dad, by Robert Kiyosaki. A must read for anyone who wants to accumulate wealth.
Best Financial Advisor
You want to make sure you hire the best financial advisor possible so before you hire a financial advisor, do your homework. Read through each of the steps below and follow them carefully and you will be able to find the best financial advisor for your situation.
You want to make sure you hire the best financial advisor possible so before you hire a financial advisor, do your homework. Read through each of the steps below and follow them carefully and you will be able to find the best financial advisor for your situation.
Pay Off Mortgage Now Or Later
In general, the higher your tax bracket, the greater the potential mortgage interest deduction. Once retired, your tax bracket is likely to be lower. Before deciding to pay off your mortgage early, consider the tax impact of your mortgage both before and after retirement.
In general, the higher your tax bracket, the greater the potential mortgage interest deduction. Once retired, your tax bracket is likely to be lower. Before deciding to pay off your mortgage early, consider the tax impact of your mortgage both before and after retirement.
Immediate Annuity Alternatives
An immediate annuity can be a good solution if you want to know you can not outlive your money. Once you buy an immediate annuity, however, you can no longer access your principal. Before you make such a permanent decision, consider alternatives to immediate annuities. The best solution may be to build a combination of income producing investments by using an immediate annuity along with one or more of the choices below.
An immediate annuity can be a good solution if you want to know you can not outlive your money. Once you buy an immediate annuity, however, you can no longer access your principal. Before you make such a permanent decision, consider alternatives to immediate annuities. The best solution may be to build a combination of income producing investments by using an immediate annuity along with one or more of the choices below.
How To Invest 401k Money
No need to reinvent the wheel. Most 401k plan now offer foolproof ways to invest your 401k money. Learn how to identify these great choices.
No need to reinvent the wheel. Most 401k plan now offer foolproof ways to invest your 401k money. Learn how to identify these great choices.
What's a Bad Investment?
Five rules to use to help you avoid making a bad investment.
Five rules to use to help you avoid making a bad investment.
Guaranteed Income
The three primary sources of guaranteed retirement income are social security, annuity income and pension benefits. Here's what you need to know about using these vehicles to maximize your own guaranteed income.
The three primary sources of guaranteed retirement income are social security, annuity income and pension benefits. Here's what you need to know about using these vehicles to maximize your own guaranteed income.
Capital Loss For Tax Reasons
Use a capital loss to minimize tax on future gains. By exchanging funds, you can realize a capital loss for tax reasons without necessarily incurring a long term investment loss.
Use a capital loss to minimize tax on future gains. By exchanging funds, you can realize a capital loss for tax reasons without necessarily incurring a long term investment loss.
Itemized Tax Deductions
Bundle expenses to maximize itemized tax deductions.
Bundle expenses to maximize itemized tax deductions.
Mortgage Int Ded Calculator
This mortgage calculator can help you estimate the amount of tax benefit that may be generated by tax deductible mortgage interest.
This mortgage calculator can help you estimate the amount of tax benefit that may be generated by tax deductible mortgage interest.
Variable Annuity Comparison
Before you buy, surrender, exchange or cash in a variable annuity, conduct a thorough review by asking the eight questions below, which will allow you to conduct a fair comparison between your variable annuity and other investment options.
Before you buy, surrender, exchange or cash in a variable annuity, conduct a thorough review by asking the eight questions below, which will allow you to conduct a fair comparison between your variable annuity and other investment options.
Refinance A Home
Learn how tighter lending standards will affect your ability to refinance a home.
Learn how tighter lending standards will affect your ability to refinance a home.
Holiday Gifts On A Budget
Holiday gift giving can wreak havoc on your budget… but not this year. Share the five ideas below with family and friends and you can all agree to start a new tradition, embrace the holiday spirit, and spend wisely - all at the same time!
Holiday gift giving can wreak havoc on your budget… but not this year. Share the five ideas below with family and friends and you can all agree to start a new tradition, embrace the holiday spirit, and spend wisely - all at the same time!
Payoff Debt Calculator
These payoff debt calculators can help you determine not only how much you need to pay to get things paid off in a specific amount of time, but which order to pay them in.
These payoff debt calculators can help you determine not only how much you need to pay to get things paid off in a specific amount of time, but which order to pay them in.
Variable Annuity Alternatives
A variable annuity, especially a broker-sold variable annuity, can have high fees, high surrender charges, and less than favorable tax treatment when compared to many other investment alternatives. For that reason, before you buy a variable annuity, compare it to other investment choices.
A variable annuity, especially a broker-sold variable annuity, can have high fees, high surrender charges, and less than favorable tax treatment when compared to many other investment alternatives. For that reason, before you buy a variable annuity, compare it to other investment choices.
What Is Financial Planning?
What is financial planning, and what type of advice should I expect from my financial advisor? What will a good financial planner do?
What is financial planning, and what type of advice should I expect from my financial advisor? What will a good financial planner do?
dividendyields
The dividend yield on a stock can change just as rapidly as the stock price. Dividend stocks can be a good source of investment but take the time to understand how a dividend yield works so you won't get caught off guard.
The dividend yield on a stock can change just as rapidly as the stock price. Dividend stocks can be a good source of investment but take the time to understand how a dividend yield works so you won't get caught off guard.
Best and Worst Index Returns Over One Year Rolling Time Frames
The charts in this series show you stock market performance in the form of rolling returns. Rolling returns do not go by calendar year; instead they look at every one year, three year, five year, etc. time period beginning anew each month over the historical time frame selected. Rolling returns give you a much better indication of stock market performance than most other ways of looking at market returns.
The charts in this series show you stock market performance in the form of rolling returns. Rolling returns do not go by calendar year; instead they look at every one year, three year, five year, etc. time period beginning anew each month over the historical time frame selected. Rolling returns give you a much better indication of stock market performance than most other ways of looking at market returns.
Bond Yields
Need a simple explanation of bond yields? This example is for you.
Need a simple explanation of bond yields? This example is for you.
Start A Small Business
6 non-financial steps to take to research a small business start up.
6 non-financial steps to take to research a small business start up.
Earned Income
Earned income is the money you earn from working. It includes wages, salaries, tips and net earnings from self employment income. Earned income does not include investment income like annuities, pension income, withdrawals from IRAs and other retirement accounts, capital gains distributions and passive income generated from rental real estate.
Earned income is the money you earn from working. It includes wages, salaries, tips and net earnings from self employment income. Earned income does not include investment income like annuities, pension income, withdrawals from IRAs and other retirement accounts, capital gains distributions and passive income generated from rental real estate.
Managed Payout Funds
Vanguard has three funds called Managed Payout Funds, each designed to provide monthly income while maintaining or growing your original investment. Here's an overview of how they work, expenses, and minimums.
Vanguard has three funds called Managed Payout Funds, each designed to provide monthly income while maintaining or growing your original investment. Here's an overview of how they work, expenses, and minimums.
4 Retirement Myths
These four retirement myths cause people to retire too soon.
These four retirement myths cause people to retire too soon.
Dividend Income Funds
Looking for dividend income, but you don't really want to pick and choose individual stocks? It might be time to dive in and take a good look at dividend income funds. Dividend income funds do the work for you, owning a diversified selection of dividend paying stocks, and collecting the dividends and paying them out to you typically on a monthly or quarterly basis.
Looking for dividend income, but you don't really want to pick and choose individual stocks? It might be time to dive in and take a good look at dividend income funds. Dividend income funds do the work for you, owning a diversified selection of dividend paying stocks, and collecting the dividends and paying them out to you typically on a monthly or quarterly basis.
3 Ways To Look At P/E Ratios
There are three ways to look at price to earnings ratios, or P/E ratios. You can look at P/E ratios based on last year’s earnings, forecasted earnings, or a ten year average of earnings.
There are three ways to look at price to earnings ratios, or P/E ratios. You can look at P/E ratios based on last year’s earnings, forecasted earnings, or a ten year average of earnings.
Reduce Taxable Income
You may be able to rearrange your investments to reduce your taxable income.
You may be able to rearrange your investments to reduce your taxable income.
Collect Now And Later
This social security strategy allows your spouse to collect a spousal benefit based on your earnings record while you continue to work, maximizing your own benefit by accumulating delayed retirement credits
This social security strategy allows your spouse to collect a spousal benefit based on your earnings record while you continue to work, maximizing your own benefit by accumulating delayed retirement credits
Invest Or Pay Off Mortgage
To determine if you should invest or pay off your mortgage, you need to compare the after-tax return on your investments with the after-tax cost of your mortgage, as in the example below.
To determine if you should invest or pay off your mortgage, you need to compare the after-tax return on your investments with the after-tax cost of your mortgage, as in the example below.
Best And Worst Index Returns Over Ten Year Time Frames
This bar chart shows the ten year rolling returns from 1973 - mid 2009 for various stock and bond indexes.
This bar chart shows the ten year rolling returns from 1973 - mid 2009 for various stock and bond indexes.
Mortgage Interest Tax Benefits
Is mortgage interest tax deductible? What about interest paid on a loan for a boat or motor home? Depending on your personal tax situation, this interest may qualify as mortgage interest and be tax deductible to you. Details below.
Is mortgage interest tax deductible? What about interest paid on a loan for a boat or motor home? Depending on your personal tax situation, this interest may qualify as mortgage interest and be tax deductible to you. Details below.
Mutual Fund Fees
All mutual funds have fees; some more than others. Mutual fund fees will fall into one of these 5 categories. Find out which fees your funds have.
All mutual funds have fees; some more than others. Mutual fund fees will fall into one of these 5 categories. Find out which fees your funds have.
How To Look Younger
Creating a youthful look can be an important component of finding new pursuits in the workplace. Read these tips on how to look younger, many from the author of How Not To Look Old.
Creating a youthful look can be an important component of finding new pursuits in the workplace. Read these tips on how to look younger, many from the author of How Not To Look Old.
A Joke on Market Terms
Stock market humor: a funny take on stock market terminology.
Stock market humor: a funny take on stock market terminology.
Buy Social Security Benefits
This social security strategy entails paying back benefits already received; in doing so it is like you buy an inflation adjusted government insured annuity.
This social security strategy entails paying back benefits already received; in doing so it is like you buy an inflation adjusted government insured annuity.
Best and Worst Index Returns Over Five Year Time Frames
This bar chart shows the five year rolling returns from 1973 - mid 2009 for various stock and bond indexes.
This bar chart shows the five year rolling returns from 1973 - mid 2009 for various stock and bond indexes.
P/E Ratio of S&P 500
The price to earnings ratio of the S&P 500 can be a usefull tool in developing long range estimates for market behavior, but it is useless at predicting short term market moves.
The price to earnings ratio of the S&P 500 can be a usefull tool in developing long range estimates for market behavior, but it is useless at predicting short term market moves.
Rolling Returns
Most investment returns are stated in the form of an annual return, or an annual average return. Rolling returns provide a more realistic way of looking at investment returns.
Most investment returns are stated in the form of an annual return, or an annual average return. Rolling returns provide a more realistic way of looking at investment returns.
Online Investment Classes
Online investment classes and online education about retirement planning. These investment courses provide fantastic information. Everyone nearing retirement should have a basic level of investment education and this is a great place to start.
Online investment classes and online education about retirement planning. These investment courses provide fantastic information. Everyone nearing retirement should have a basic level of investment education and this is a great place to start.
Pension Benefits For Spouse
When you retire and you are vested in your pension plan, you will have to choose how you want to receive your pension benefits. Your pension benefit will offer choices like life-only, joint and survivor, or life with ten years certain. How do you evaluate these choices and pick the right one for you and your spouse?
When you retire and you are vested in your pension plan, you will have to choose how you want to receive your pension benefits. Your pension benefit will offer choices like life-only, joint and survivor, or life with ten years certain. How do you evaluate these choices and pick the right one for you and your spouse?
Foreclosure And Credit Scores
There are several ways a foreclosure or short sale affects your credit score. If done correctly, a short sale can have less of an affect on your credit score than a foreclosure.
There are several ways a foreclosure or short sale affects your credit score. If done correctly, a short sale can have less of an affect on your credit score than a foreclosure.
Closed End Funds
What is a closed end fund? Closed end funds can produce consistent income, but their share prices can be volatile. Before investing in closed end funds, take the time to understand how they work.
What is a closed end fund? Closed end funds can produce consistent income, but their share prices can be volatile. Before investing in closed end funds, take the time to understand how they work.
Safe Investment Returns
How much income can I expect to receive from safe investments? See a table showing historical safe investment returns from 1973 to today.
How much income can I expect to receive from safe investments? See a table showing historical safe investment returns from 1973 to today.
Death and Living Benefits
Most variable annuity policies offer features called “riders” that you can add to your policy. These riders allow you to buy enhanced death benefit options and/or living benefit options, but they can be expensive. Learn more here.
Most variable annuity policies offer features called “riders” that you can add to your policy. These riders allow you to buy enhanced death benefit options and/or living benefit options, but they can be expensive. Learn more here.
Avoid Investment Fraud
Investment fraud, such as that perpetuated by Bernie Madoff, could have easily been avoided if investors followed one simple rule.
Investment fraud, such as that perpetuated by Bernie Madoff, could have easily been avoided if investors followed one simple rule.
A Random Walk
Book Review: A Random Walk Down Wall Street by Burton Malkiel
Book Review: A Random Walk Down Wall Street by Burton Malkiel
What Is A Custodian?
What is a custodian and how can you determine if they can adequately protect your assests from investment fraud?
What is a custodian and how can you determine if they can adequately protect your assests from investment fraud?
Best And Worst Index Returns Over Three Year Time Frames
This bar chart shows the three year rolling returns from 1973 - mid 2009 for various stock and bond indexes.
This bar chart shows the three year rolling returns from 1973 - mid 2009 for various stock and bond indexes.
John Deere Investor Joke
Investor joke: John Deere, great for today's investors.
Investor joke: John Deere, great for today's investors.
Broker Sold Annuities
What is the difference between a broker sold annuity and a no load annuity?
What is the difference between a broker sold annuity and a no load annuity?
P/E Ratios
Examples of how to calculate P/E ratios, what they are, and how price to earnings ratios can be misleading when looking at individual stocks, but useful when looking at the market as a whole.
Examples of how to calculate P/E ratios, what they are, and how price to earnings ratios can be misleading when looking at individual stocks, but useful when looking at the market as a whole.
Financial Crisis Humor
The intricacies of the financial crisis are not well understood. The humorous explanation below arrived in my inbox and certainly seemed to assist in debunking the myths of the crisis.
The intricacies of the financial crisis are not well understood. The humorous explanation below arrived in my inbox and certainly seemed to assist in debunking the myths of the crisis.
Best and Worst Index Returns Over Twenty Year Time Frames
This bar chart shows the twenty year rolling returns from 1973 - mid 2009 for several stock and bond indexes.
This bar chart shows the twenty year rolling returns from 1973 - mid 2009 for several stock and bond indexes.
Pay Off Mortgage Early
A study conducted by the Center for Retirement Research at Boston College concluded that “retired households are, in theory, better off repaying their mortgage.” Does that mean you should go cash in your investments to pay off your mortgage now? It depends, of course, on your individual situation. You need to factor in risk and taxes before making a decision to pay off your mortgage early. Below are resources to help you make a smart decision.
A study conducted by the Center for Retirement Research at Boston College concluded that “retired households are, in theory, better off repaying their mortgage.” Does that mean you should go cash in your investments to pay off your mortgage now? It depends, of course, on your individual situation. You need to factor in risk and taxes before making a decision to pay off your mortgage early. Below are resources to help you make a smart decision.
Earning Extra Money
Earning extra money is the fastest way to rebuild retirement plans. Here is a list of articles filled with tips and ideas on how to make extra money to jumpstart your own plans.
Earning extra money is the fastest way to rebuild retirement plans. Here is a list of articles filled with tips and ideas on how to make extra money to jumpstart your own plans.
Best and Worst Index Returns Over Various Fifteen Year Time Frames
This bar chart shows the fifteen year rolling returns from 1973 - mid 2009 for several stock and bond indexes.
This bar chart shows the fifteen year rolling returns from 1973 - mid 2009 for several stock and bond indexes.
Bear Markets
Studying Black Monday and other historical bear markets will help you make smarter investing decisions. See how investors fared through past bear markets.
Studying Black Monday and other historical bear markets will help you make smarter investing decisions. See how investors fared through past bear markets.
15 To Do's Pre-Retirement
15 most important things you must do during your pre-retirement years - ideas about health and fitness, family relationsips, anti-aging, careers, travel, money and more.
15 most important things you must do during your pre-retirement years - ideas about health and fitness, family relationsips, anti-aging, careers, travel, money and more.
One Up On Wall Street
One Up On Wall Street provides insight into the mind of one of history's great money managers. Many years later, Peter Lynch's sage advice is still rock solid.
One Up On Wall Street provides insight into the mind of one of history's great money managers. Many years later, Peter Lynch's sage advice is still rock solid.
Long Term Care Insurance
Long term care insurance has evolved, allowing you to stay in your home longer. It's worth looking into.
Long term care insurance has evolved, allowing you to stay in your home longer. It's worth looking into.
Future Market Predictions
The academics and financial professionals profiled here made some accurate market predictions in the past. What are they saying now?
The academics and financial professionals profiled here made some accurate market predictions in the past. What are they saying now?
Historical Bear Markets
Bear markets, defined as a period where the market goes down 20% or more, from peak to trough, happen frequently; in the last 108 years, from 1900 - 2008, 32 times, or about 1 out of every 3 years.
Bear markets, defined as a period where the market goes down 20% or more, from peak to trough, happen frequently; in the last 108 years, from 1900 - 2008, 32 times, or about 1 out of every 3 years.
Fee Only Life Insurance Advice
Life insurance: is it an investment or an insurance product? How can you get objective advice; advice not influenced by the high commissions that insurance companies pay out to their agents? Try using a fee-only life insurance advisor.
Life insurance: is it an investment or an insurance product? How can you get objective advice; advice not influenced by the high commissions that insurance companies pay out to their agents? Try using a fee-only life insurance advisor.
3 Rebalancing Guidelines
Develop rebalancing guidelines up front: rules that tell you how and when you will change your allocation. These 3 rebalancing guidelines can give you a good start on how and when to change your portofolio.
Develop rebalancing guidelines up front: rules that tell you how and when you will change your allocation. These 3 rebalancing guidelines can give you a good start on how and when to change your portofolio.
Bad Financial Advice
Bad financial advice can cost investors thousands upon thousands of dollars. Protect yourself by using an advisor that is a fiduciary.
Bad financial advice can cost investors thousands upon thousands of dollars. Protect yourself by using an advisor that is a fiduciary.
Stock Market Performance
Stock market performance can be shown in many different ways. There are rolling returns, tables, charts and graphs, and even things called stock market maps. Here you’ll find five ways to view past stock market performance, some bright and colorful, others that take a more intellectual view point.
Stock market performance can be shown in many different ways. There are rolling returns, tables, charts and graphs, and even things called stock market maps. Here you’ll find five ways to view past stock market performance, some bright and colorful, others that take a more intellectual view point.
Investing Basics
Investing basics: the perfect investment would be safe, provide income and grow. Unfortunately, it doesn't exist. Instead you have to understand investing basics so you can combine investments, which is called building a portfolio, to achieve the right combination of safety, income and growth.
Investing basics: the perfect investment would be safe, provide income and grow. Unfortunately, it doesn't exist. Instead you have to understand investing basics so you can combine investments, which is called building a portfolio, to achieve the right combination of safety, income and growth.
Treasury Securities
Treasury securities come in the form of treasury bonds, notes, bills, TIPS, as well as Series EE and I savings bonds. You can now buy treasury securities direct by opening your own Treasury Direct account.
Treasury securities come in the form of treasury bonds, notes, bills, TIPS, as well as Series EE and I savings bonds. You can now buy treasury securities direct by opening your own Treasury Direct account.
Monthly Income Funds
Schwab has three monthly income funds, each designed to pay out monthly income while maintaining or growing your principal amount. Find an overview of expenses, and expected income amounts here.
Schwab has three monthly income funds, each designed to pay out monthly income while maintaining or growing your principal amount. Find an overview of expenses, and expected income amounts here.
1000 Marbles
An inspiring story using 1000 marbles to reflect how many Saturdays we may have left, and how we choose to spend them.
An inspiring story using 1000 marbles to reflect how many Saturdays we may have left, and how we choose to spend them.
Planning or Investment Advice
Financial planning and investment advice are not the same thing. Make sure you understand the difference before you search for the service you need.
Financial planning and investment advice are not the same thing. Make sure you understand the difference before you search for the service you need.
Insurance Policy Review
It is important to conduct an insurance policy review on policies that you may not have looked at for a long time. Here's a step by step guide on what to look for.
It is important to conduct an insurance policy review on policies that you may not have looked at for a long time. Here's a step by step guide on what to look for.
Annuity Terms
When you choose payments from a pension plan or annuity you must elect the term of payments; typically life-only, joint life or term certain. Which term is best for you?
When you choose payments from a pension plan or annuity you must elect the term of payments; typically life-only, joint life or term certain. Which term is best for you?
Investment Growth
Investment growth can be achieved by following these three rules.
Investment growth can be achieved by following these three rules.
Deferred Annuities
With deferred annuities, you deposit your funds with the annuity company (by investing in either a fixed, variable, longevity, or equity indexed annuity) and the taxes on any investment gains are deferred until such time as you take a withdrawal.
With deferred annuities, you deposit your funds with the annuity company (by investing in either a fixed, variable, longevity, or equity indexed annuity) and the taxes on any investment gains are deferred until such time as you take a withdrawal.
Finding Financial Advisors
These five financial advisor search engines allow you to narrow down your search so you can find just the right financial advisor.
These five financial advisor search engines allow you to narrow down your search so you can find just the right financial advisor.
IRA And ROTH IRA Limits
Year by year list of IRA and ROTH IRA contribution and earned income limits.
Year by year list of IRA and ROTH IRA contribution and earned income limits.
Variable Annuity Information
variable annuity info
variable annuity info
Great Depression Ahead
The Great Depression Ahead by Harry S Dent Jr is a bunch of crap. You mind as well read your horoscope.
The Great Depression Ahead by Harry S Dent Jr is a bunch of crap. You mind as well read your horoscope.
Retirement Account Withdrawals
Socking away all your money into tax deductible retirement accounts may not always be the best thing to do.
Socking away all your money into tax deductible retirement accounts may not always be the best thing to do.
Variable Annuity Exchange
After conducting a thorough review of your existing variable annuity contract, you may decide it would be best to either surrender(cash in) your variable annuity contract, or exchange your variable annuity for a new contract that has much lower expenses. Here is how you decide which is better.
After conducting a thorough review of your existing variable annuity contract, you may decide it would be best to either surrender(cash in) your variable annuity contract, or exchange your variable annuity for a new contract that has much lower expenses. Here is how you decide which is better.
Best Finance Magazines
Pick a finance magazine, or two or three, read them regularly, and you'll be amazed at what you learn in a relatively short amount of time. The problem is, with so many finance magazines on the market, where should you start? The list below will get you headed in the right direction.
Pick a finance magazine, or two or three, read them regularly, and you'll be amazed at what you learn in a relatively short amount of time. The problem is, with so many finance magazines on the market, where should you start? The list below will get you headed in the right direction.
Inflation and Life Expectancy
Determining how much money you need to retire requires you to make assumptions about inflation and life expectancy and calculate a best and worst case scenario.
Determining how much money you need to retire requires you to make assumptions about inflation and life expectancy and calculate a best and worst case scenario.
Work 35 Years To Maximize
Social security uses your highest thirty-five years of work history to calculate your social security retirement benefit. Think of this calculation like an average; if you have a zero as one of the numbers, it will pull the whole average down.
Social security uses your highest thirty-five years of work history to calculate your social security retirement benefit. Think of this calculation like an average; if you have a zero as one of the numbers, it will pull the whole average down.
Securing Retirement Income
Book Review: Securing A Retirement Income For Life, by Bill Griffith Jr. CFP(R,is a text book like approach to giving you all the knowledge a financial planner uses when creating a retirement plan for you.
Book Review: Securing A Retirement Income For Life, by Bill Griffith Jr. CFP(R,is a text book like approach to giving you all the knowledge a financial planner uses when creating a retirement plan for you.
Income Replacement Funds
Fidelity has fourteen funds that are designed to provide monthly income by paying out principal and earnings over a set amount of time, functioning much like an annuity. One nice feature: the monthly income is intended to keep pace with inflation, and unlike an annuity, you can change your mind, and cash in your investment at any time.
Fidelity has fourteen funds that are designed to provide monthly income by paying out principal and earnings over a set amount of time, functioning much like an annuity. One nice feature: the monthly income is intended to keep pace with inflation, and unlike an annuity, you can change your mind, and cash in your investment at any time.
Investment Risk
Investment risk is best classified on a scale of one to five, with one representing a safe, guaranteed investment, and five being the risk you can lose all of your money.
Investment risk is best classified on a scale of one to five, with one representing a safe, guaranteed investment, and five being the risk you can lose all of your money.
IRA Minimum Distributions
When you reach the age of 70 ½ the IRS requires that you start taking distributions from your qualified retirement accounts. The amount required to be withdrawn is called a required minimum distribution. Find out when you have to take it, how much you have to take and what happens if you don't.
When you reach the age of 70 ½ the IRS requires that you start taking distributions from your qualified retirement accounts. The amount required to be withdrawn is called a required minimum distribution. Find out when you have to take it, how much you have to take and what happens if you don't.
Surrender Charges
What is a surrender charge?
What is a surrender charge?
2008 Year In Review
This short video makes fun of the catastrophe of 2008 in every way, shape and form. It will have you laughing from beginning to end.
This short video makes fun of the catastrophe of 2008 in every way, shape and form. It will have you laughing from beginning to end.