For Mark Roberts' Use: Bond ladder may sound like a funny name, but it's actually a pretty simple investment strategy. The basic idea behind bond ladders is that the investor protects himself against changes in interest rates by purchasing bonds which have staggered maturity dates. The bonds mature at intervals, rather than all at once. How [...]
For Mark Roberts' Use: For many families, saving for college and paying off the subsequent loans has an enormous impact on retirement timing. While it is always a great idea to pay off large debts like college loans before retiring, you shouldn't assume that your children will automatically have a lot of educational expenses. There are [...]
For Mark Roberts' Use: As you manage your retirement funds – whether you're already retired or just preparing for that stage of your life – one of the many aspects of your financial activity you should continue to manage is your credit score. You already know that credit scores are important, but just how important are [...]
For Mark Roberts' Use: Consumer needs are always changing, and most industries know they have to change their products to keep up with demand. This is certainly true in the case of life insurance. If traditional life insurance products don't appear to meet your needs, there may be other options that are better suited to [...]
For Mark Roberts' Use: On October 15, Medicare began their annual open enrollment period. Each year the program makes various changes in covered services, from provider options to which procedures and medications it will cover. In response to changing needs of patients, Medicare provides this period for current plan participants to reexamine their coverage options, and [...]
Some retirement plans, such as 401(k) plans and IRA's, require mandatory distributions when you hit age 70 1/2. Failure to adhere to these rules could result in penalties. Make sure that your retirement accounts are being handled properly and that you are fully informed. The video below offers more information. Contact our office if you have questions.
For Mark Roberts' Use: As we grow older, birthdays sometimes seem less significant. Unlike the major milestones of turning 18 or 21, going from 55 to 56 may not seem all that exciting. But since there are significant laws attached to several birthdays that can affect your financial planning decisions, you should keep these in [...]
For Mark Roberts' Use: Many people plan to retire utilizing income from a combination of Social Security and a pension from work. This might be a good plan for a comfortable retirement, but you should be aware of how your pension could affect benefits from Social Security. Most workers who earn a pension have also [...]
For Mark Roberts' Use: Many people don't like to think about estate planning, but it's a fact of life for all of us. Becoming familiar with the basics before meeting with an attorney or financial planner can help you narrow down your options and decided what you may need. The two most popular estate planning tools [...]
For Mark Roberts' Use: Have you ever wondered, if you started saving right now, how long it would take you to accumulate one million dollars in the bank? Obviously, the answer to that question is going to depend upon a variety of factors. Your investment strategies and your rate of return will vary depending upon [...]