A shared goal, a stronger relationship. Why are more and more financial advisors fee-based? It comes down to philosophy. Advisors are increasingly choosing a business model that promotes a trusted, ongoing relationship with a client, rather than just a sale. Would you rather meet with an advisor,...
WEEKLY QUOTE“Don't ever take a fence down until you know why it was put up.” - Robert Frost WEEKLY TIP A good will should propose at least a few executors, as there is always the possibility that your first choice for executor might not outlive you. WEEKLY RIDDLE Four grown men decided to...
What are they? How do they differ from “traditional” investments? If you’re seeking a different investment path and have a large amount of money to invest, you may already be considering an alternative investment. Alternative investments sidestep the traditional investment paradigm, such as real estate, cash,...
WEEKLY QUOTE“The path to success is to take massive, determined action.” - Tony Robbins WEEKLY TIP Take a look at your insurance policy and read the fine print about long-term or progressive illness in case you or a loved one are one day diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease, Parkinson’s Disease or...
Many people underestimate lifestyle costs, medical expenses and inflation. What is enough? What is not enough? If you’re considering retiring in the near future, you’ve probably heard or read that you need about 70% of your end salary to live comfortably in retirement. This estimate is...
Who might want to take advantage of it? Who might not? Do you have a Thrift Savings Plan account? Then you should know about an important new development. Starting in spring 2012, FERS and CSRS employees will be able to have two types of balances in...
What could that money do for you? Is a tax refund coming your way? If you have already received your refund for 2012 or are about to receive it, you might want to think about the destiny of that money. Here are some possibilities. Start (or add...
April is nearly here. Keep your IRA in mind. Many of us associate April with taxes. We should also associate it with IRAs, for April is the month with the deadlines for IRA contributions and mandatory IRA withdrawals. The deadline for your 2010 IRA contribution is April...
What kind of relief will it offer? Big news, but will it make a big difference? On February 9, the Justice Department announced it had struck a settlement approaching $26 billion with the major U.S. mortgage servicers. This is the biggest multi-state settlement of any kind...
Little details worth paying attention to as April approaches. Every year, the IRS institutes big and little changes – and some don’t get as much notice as they should. This year is no exception. Here is a rundown of some of alterations and asterisks affecting taxpayers...