For Mark Roberts' Use: In recent years, many Americans have expressed concerns over their eventual retirements. They worry that they started saving too late, that their retirement accounts aren’t performing as hoped, or that the rising cost of living will prevent them from retiring at all. These are valid concerns, but luckily we are seeing [...]
For Mark Roberts' Use: When we discuss estate planning, most people know that creating a Last Will and Testament is generally the cornerstone of these plans. And yet, you might be surprised at how many people have procrastinated on this important legal step! According to at least one survey*, 40 percent of those aged 53 [...]
For Mark Roberts' Use: Although most of us don’t like to think about it, estate planning is an important part of retirement preparations. You’ve planned for an income that hopefully lasts the rest of your life, and you’ve accumulated assets both in the bank and otherwise. But what happens if you don’t live as long [...]
For Mark Roberts' Use: Most people know that when they turn 65, they will become eligible for Medicare. For most retirees, the program is the backbone of their healthcare planning. However, many are surprised to learn, after retirement, that Medicare does not cover all of their medical expenses. In fact, it will only cover about [...]
For Mark Roberts' Use: Retirement planning is a complicated topic, and over the years financial planners have attempted to simplify the process by offering some basic guidelines. So, you might have heard that you should plan to replace 70 percent of your current income to provide for your needs in retirement, or that a good withdrawal [...]
For Mark Roberts' Use: Any day now, we will receive the news of next year’s cost of living adjustment (COLA) for Social Security beneficiaries. These numbers are typically released mid-October, with the increase (if any) taking effect in January of the following year. While we wait for the official announcement, let’s take a look at predictions, [...]
For Mark Roberts' Use: Imagine you receive a phone call, and the voice on the other end of the line informs you that they are a representative from Social Security. This person goes on to tell you that due to suspicion of illegal activity, all of your accounts have been suspended. Unless you call another number [...]
For Mark Roberts' Use: We all know that the ideal way to prepare for retirement includes early planning and saving. Hopefully, you got started in your twenties or at least by your thirties. But in most cases, we really start to think about retirement (and feel concerned) in our forties and fifties. At this point your [...]
For Mark Roberts' Use: For most of us, our retirement income will be generated from at least two sources. We frequently focus on the sources that you can establish for yourself, such as utilizing a 401(k), IRA, annuities, and other options. But you will probably receive Social Security benefits as well, so let’s shift gears [...]
For Mark Roberts' Use: We often hear about the wage gap between men and women, but what does it really mean? Statistically, women do earn less than men, but of course we know those figures aren’t due to lack of education or skill. This situation often arises simply because women tend to take more time [...]