Year: 2005

Over the past two weeks, I have reviewed key elements of the new bankruptcy law signed by President Bush last month.  In the first article, I discussed how the new law will make it very difficult to qualify for Chapter 7 bankruptcy and thereby wipe out your debts and give you a fresh start.  Instead, […]

Last week, I discussed the new bankruptcy law signed by President Bush and how the law would make it much more difficult for people to wipe out their debts by filing Chapter 7 bankruptcy.  Under the new regulations, in most cases, they will be forced to go on a repayment plan (Chapter 13 bankruptcy).  An […]

  Erasing debts by filing for bankruptcy is about to get much tougher. The Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Act of 2005 was signed by the President this week. This new law will sharply reduce the number of people eligible to relinquish their debts through bankruptcy.   Currently, individuals file for bankruptcy under Chapter […]

Last week, I wrote about investing ‘into’ an IRA. One of our California clients called with questions about taking money ‘out of’ an IRA early.  This question is a good one because most people aren’t sure what the rules are.  I will explain them—one at a time–because the rules are slightly different for a Traditional […]

Last week, I discussed the importance of having a Living Will which the Terri Schiavo case had brought to the public’s attention.  If you missed last week’s column and would like to download a Living Will document that you can complete and sign, go to the Resource Center at www.welchgroup.com and click on ‘Healthcare Directive’.  […]

In February of 1990, Terri Schiavo collapsed in her home and was rushed to the hospital. This was the beginning of what has become a very public story that has brought world attention and inspired the Vatican, the Governor of Florida and the President of the United States to weigh in on the heated debate.  […]

Interest rates are clearly on the rise.  The Federal Reserve lead by Alan Greenspan has been raising short-term interest rates.  Many investors continue to have their bond money parked in money market accounts hoping to wait and invest when interest rates peak.  But will it really pay to wait? There is a good calculator you […]

According to the New Webster’s Dictionary, the definition of stupid is: Stupid: “Someone who is age 59 ½ or older, and who is eligible but not contributing to their 401(k) plan where the employer offers a matching contribution.”  Well, this isn’t actually what Webster’s says, but it could be one definition.  Most employer 401(k) plans […]

  Last week, I discussed the most effective way to find and work with a top realtor when selling your home.  An experienced realtor really can make selling your home easier and help you get your highest price.  Today, I’m focusing on some simple and inexpensive things you can do to help your home show […]

  If you are considering selling your home, one of the most important decisions you will make is which realtor to list your home. A good realtor is worth his or her weight in gold because of their experience, sales ability, and contacts with prospects and other agents.  The following checklist will give you the […]