For Mark Roberts' Use: Most workers expect to retire at age 65 or later, but in reality things do not always work out this way. In fact, 7 out of 10 current retirees stopped working before reaching age 65. Sometimes this is due to personal preference, but often an unexpected illness or disability forces an [...]
For Mark Roberts' Use: If you're saving for retirement, chances good that you're focusing on meeting a particular savings goal before you can quit working. This dollar amount is probably based upon your expected living expenses, and the income you expect to receive by taking regular withdrawals from your retirement fund. But there's another important factor [...]
For Mark Roberts' Use: Becoming a millionaire has long been part of the American dream, but many Americans feel that such a goal is out of their reach. Others simply assume it is inevitable, because they earn high incomes, but fail to plan appropriately and therefore never reach the goal. Either way, accumulating a million [...]
For Mark Roberts' Use: If you've been contributing to your employer-sponsored retirement plan, then congratulations! You're making smart decisions about your future, and you're well on your way to a more comfortable retirement. At some point, though, you may change jobs. Whether you're forced to do so due to company downsizing, or choose to go [...]
For Mark Roberts' Use: With average annual costs for a private, four-year college reaching over $39,500 in 2012 – and increasing every year – it's no wonder parents are reaching desperate conclusions regarding their children's tuition. Unfortunately, many are making a common mistake that drastically affects their retirement plans: they're raiding their 401(k) funds to [...]
For Mark Roberts' Use: The federal estate tax, also known as the “death tax”, was first enacted with the Stamp Tax of 1797 in order to pay for naval rearmament. The estate tax has a long and colorful past, having been revoked and reinstated at various times throughout American history. The current system was put [...]
For Mark Roberts' Use: Last year, the U.S. Supreme Court decided a case in which a widow and her deceased husband's first wife were embattled over his federal employee insurance benefits. The man had designated his first wife on the insurance policy, but forgot to change the designation after divorcing her and marrying the second [...]
Investment Commentary – July 16, 2014 Dow – 17,060.68 (7/15/14 close) S&P 500 – 1,973.28 (7/15/14 close) 10-year Treasury – 2.55% (7/15/14) The Fed sent a signal to the market that it will remain on course in reducing the tapering program when it announced at its June meeting the slowing of monthly bond purchases [...]
For Mark Roberts' Use: You have spent years – probably even decades – planning and saving for your retirement. When the time finally comes, it's important to make the most of your golden years. Remember these five ingredients to a fulfilling retirement, and make these years some of the happiest of your life. Avoid regrets. [...]
For Mark Roberts' Use: As we enter our retirement years, many of us find ourselves facing a fixed monthly income. While it's always best to prepare years in advance, and to plan for as much income as possible in retirement, there are always surprises along the way. If you find yourself with less money each [...]