For Mark Roberts' Use: If you're like many people, Social Security will comprise a significant part of your retirement income. And yet, considering the size and complexity of the government program, it's no wonder that so many people are confused about how to file for their Social Security benefits. You have many options at your [...]
Investment Commentary – November 18th, 2015 Market Indices as of Market Close November 18th, 2015 Dow 17,737 (-0.48% YTD) S&P 2,084 (1.20% YTD) NASDAQ 5,075 (7.16% YTD) Global Dow 2,400 (52 week low 2,203/high 2,644) 10-year Treasury 2.27 % (52 week low 1.64/high 2.50) Gold 1,069 (52 week low $1,062/high $1,310) Oil 40.67 (52 week [...]
For Mark Roberts' Use: According to a study by FINRA Investor Education Foundation, 84 percent of Americans aged 40 and older have been solicited to participate in what appeared to be a fraudulent money scam. Unfortunately, 11 percent reported that they lost money this way. Scammers love to target people as they are approaching retirement, [...]
Investment Commentary – November 4th, 2015 Market Indices as of Market Close November 4th, 2015 Dow 17,868 (0.25% YTD) S&P 2,102 (2.11% YTD) NASDAQ 5,142 (5.58% YTD) Global Dow 2,452 (52 week low 2,203/high 2,644) 10-year Treasury 2.09 % (52 week low 1.64/high 2.50) Gold 1,106 (52 week low $1,074/high $1,310) Oil 46.29 (52 week [...]
For Mark Roberts' Use: As we wrap up 2015, you might already be thinking about your state and federal income taxes. Toward the end of each year, it's a good idea to assess your income over the past year, find possible deductions, and take the right steps to lower your income tax burden. Many Americans [...]
Investment Commentary – November 4th, 2015 Market Indices as of Market Close November 4th, 2015 Dow 17,868 (0.25% YTD) S&P 2,102 (2.11% YTD) NASDAQ 5,142 (5.58% YTD) Global Dow 2,452 (52 week low 2,203/high 2,644) 10-year Treasury 2.09 % (52 week low 1.64/high 2.50) Gold 1,106 (52 week low $1,074/high $1,310) Oil 46.29 (52 week [...]
For Mark Roberts' Use: The life insurance industry has been around since the days of ancient Rome, helping to protect the dependent families of workers from worst-case scenarios. But a lot has changed in society since then, particularly over the last 100 years. Today's life insurance policies are changing quickly with the times, just as your [...]
Investment Commentary – October 28th, 2015 Market Indices as of Market Close October 28th, 2015 Dow 17,779 (-0.31% YTD) S&P 2,090 (1.52% YTD) NASDAQ 5,096 (7.56% YTD) Global Dow 2,444 (52 week low 2,203/high 2,644) 10-year Treasury 2.09 % (52 week low 1.64/high 2.50) Gold 1,157 (52 week low $1,074/high $1,310) Oil 45.98 (52 week [...]
For Mark Roberts' Use: The point of your retirement account, whether you have an IRA or an employer-sponsored plan, is to help you save for your retirement years. Most of these plans offer important tax-deferred benefits, so that you don't pay income taxes on the money until you begin taking withdrawals after age 59 ½. This [...]
For Mark Roberts' Use: As you're planning for retirement, you will be presented with many different options to provide you with a stream of income in your later years. An annuity is one such option, but these financial vehicles are still somewhat misunderstood among investors. Technically, they are insurance-based products, but an annuity serves to [...]