The average retirement age in the United States is sixty, and the average life expectancy is age seventy-nine. Note that to get the ‘average’ life expectancy, you include many who will live well beyond that age, with more and more people living to centenarian status. It goes without saying that you must carefully calculate that […]
Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, and the unprecedented economic damage it inflicted, many lenders created deferment and forbearance relief programs to assist borrowers in their time of need. While this was welcomed relief for the unemployed and those suffering from severe reductions in income, consumers participating in these programs should understand what is expected of […]
When planning for your financial future, assumptions are one of the most critical factors in the process. While many assumptions are in our control, it is those out of our control that gets us in trouble. In the world of finance, there are no extra points for optimism or pessimism. To give yourself the highest […]
With the presidential elections less than two months away, we hear a lot about how the results are likely to affect the stock market. Some believe a Biden win will sink the stock market due to his commitment to higher individual and corporate income tax rates and more regulations. Others believe a Trump win cause […]
COVID has permeated our lives to such a degree that it is easy to miss significant opportunities that are right in front of you. Currently, one of the biggest opportunities is historically low mortgage interest rates. In March of this year, 30-year mortgage rates dropped to an all-time low of 3.25%. The 15-year fixed-rate was […]
With bonds yields currently at historic lows, I am reminded of the 1970’s hit song “War” by Edwin Starr, where he asked, “War, what is it good for?” and his reply, “Absolutely nothing!” As difficult as it is to appreciate bonds, let me attempt to make the case that bonds, even with a seemingly bleak […]
A few decades ago, I was in the life insurance business, so I had an opportunity to see how they make the sausage. Annuities are products sold by sales representatives through life insurance companies. The product is often complicated and laden with both up-front and ongoing commissions, fees, and expenses. Annuities come in many varieties: […]
In this three-part series, I’ve discussed how to adjust your investment strategy depending on whether you are just getting started in your twenties and thirties or have made steady progress towards saving for retirement in your forties and fifties. Investing for the Ages: 20’s & 30’s Investing for the Ages: 40’s & 50’s If you […]
In the second part of this series, “Investing for the Ages,” I want to focus on people in their forties and fifties. At this point, you should have accumulated forty percent to sixty-five percent of your retirement savings goal. Ok, I’m guessing a lot of people are thinking, “I have no idea what my retirement […]
Even under COVID…no, especially under COVID, people need to be focused on their long-term financial future. If you’re in your twenties or thirties and want to create financial independence, you’ll need to begin an investment program. Here are the key actions you should take now: Don’t wait, invest now. Many people postpone investing because […]