Retirement Watch Weekly
Bob’s Journal
Happy Thanksgiving 2024 I’m once again putting retirement finance analysis aside this week to let you know that my wife, Elaine, and I are thankful for the opportunity to help each of you establish and maintain your independence and security during retirement. Over the years, I’ve seen many alternatives to Retirement Watch come and go. […]
The Markets Are Looking Ahead
A lot changed after the Con- sumer Price Index (CPI) began sliding last spring, and those changes helped our portfolios. Since the June CPI data was re- leased, the equal-weighted S&P 500 Index and smaller company stocks have outperformed the S&P 500 In- dex, growth stocks and large compa- ny stocks. That’s a sharp reversal […]
Americans 60 and Older Are Targets of New, Fast-Growing Financial Frauds
Crooks are innovating. Financial fraud against Ameri- cans ages 60 and older is rising rapidly, largely because of newer scams using the internet, electronic commu- nications and cryptocurrency. The FBI recently said that in 2023, losses from cryptocurrency frauds increased by 45% from 2022 to $5.6 billion. The FBI said it received almost 70,000 complaints […]
Which Is Better: Charitable Gift Annuity or Charitable Remainder Trust?
Charitable giving strategies can provide tax, estate planning, financial and other benefits. Maximize the benefits by selecting the strategy that’s best for you. The two main strategies to consider are the charitable gift annuity (CGA) and charitable remainder trust (CRT). Each strategy offers a legacy because part of your wealth will benefit one or more […]
New Reasons a Trust Shouldn’t Be an IRA Beneficiary
You probably don’t want to name a trust as beneficiary of your traditional IRA. If a trust is a current beneficiary, consider making a change soon. There are several potential non-tax benefits to having a trust as IRA bene- ficiary. But, after the SECURE Act and IRS regulations under it, the negative tax consequences override […]
Tips for Leaving a Legacy That’s More Than Money
Part of your legacy planning process is deciding wheth- er you want to leave more than money and property to your loved ones and, if so, the best ways to do that. More and more people are interested in looking beyond finances to leave their heirs something meaningful and intangible. The Covid-19 pandemic seemed to […]
Simple Asset Protection Strategies to Defend Your Estate
Many people would like to grab part of your estate, and they know how to take it. Creditors could be targeting some of your property. A loved one could have a problem with gambling, substance abuse, or debt, leaving at least a por- tion of the estate vulnerable. When you or one of your loved […]
