Retirement Watch Weekly
Bob’s Journal for 5/23
The first-quarter gross domestic product (GDP) estimate led many investors to believe that the economy is stronger than it really is. The estimate indicated that GDP grew at a 3.2% annualized rate in the first quarter. That’s a big jump from the 2.2% rate of the fourth quarter of 2018. A major reason for the […]
Why the Fed and the Markets Are in Conflict
The Federal Reserve successfully used its messaging ability to stem the economy’s decline and help investment markets. But what comes next? The Fed tightened policy too much in 2018. The effects were felt globally. Economic growth slowed and most asset markets declined. Market interest rates rose higher than the interest rates the Fed controls. The […]
Tax Secrets of Mutual Funds
Many mutual fund investors focus on the fees they pay but don’t pay enough attention to the taxes on their investment returns. Taxes are a greater drag on net investment returns than expenses and fees, according to a study by Rob Arnott of Research Affiliates. Most investors leave a lot of money on the table […]
An Answer To Today’s Long-Term Care Crisis
My favorite long-term care protection plan has been improved and has become attractive to more people than before. You have more options than ever to help pay for future long-term care, and these newer options are significantly more appealing and rewarding than traditional long-term care insurance. I’ve covered in the past the many troubles in […]
How Conflicted Is Your IRA Advisor?
Government regulators believe that many financial advisors give bad advice about IRAs because the advisors have inherent conflicts. The main concern of regulators was what happens to an individual’s 401(k) account after leaving a job. The regulators concluded that too many advisors recommended that the 401(k) account be rolled over to an IRA, but that […]
7 Essential Estate Planning Documents, Forms, and Strategies
You can save your loved ones months or years of time, frustration and anguish. All you have to do is make sure your estate plan has all the essential documents and that key people know where to locate them. As I’ve said before, Estate Planning is about much more than tax reduction. A complete estate […]
Bob’s Journal for 5/16/2019
The latest annual report from the Trustees of Medicare and Social Security sparked a lot of discussion, but many of the conclusions people made are wrong. Every year, the trustees of Social Security issue a report to Congress and the public on the financial status of the program and its trust funds. You can find […]
How Your Estate Plan Should Be Changed Because of the Latest Tax Law
In my new Retirement Watch Spotlight Series, I’ll share my newest breakthrough strategies for protecting your assets and growing your portfolio, including how to prepare for the next market downturn. Click here now to learn more. […]
