Our Commentary

Over the past several weeks, I’ve discussed retirement strategies based on whether you’re in your twenties to thirties; forties to fifties; or are in your sixties with retirement just around the corner. To review those column’s go to the Resource Center at www.welchgroup.com and click on ‘Stewart’s Column’.    One retirement solution everyone should consider is creating […]

Last week I began a discussion about retirement strategies for those of you who are in your sixties and can see the light at the end of the retirement tunnel. Some of you may have discovered that the light is actually an oncoming train! I began with the importance of figuring out just how much money you […]

Last week, I began a discussion about retirement planning for those of you in your twenties, thirties, forties and fifties. This week I’ll address the special challenges of those in their 60’s for whom retirement is just around the corner. If you fall into this category, it is vital that you clearly understand where you are now […]

In preparing for a speech for a group of retirees, I ran across some interesting research. American’s, on average, owe $53,000 and have only $1,500 in savings. A recent US Today article cited research indicating that almost 50% of Americans age 55 and older have never calculated how much money they need for retirement! Wake up folks! If you […]

  A friend once called me with concern over a gift his parents made to his sister.  His parents had given her $150,000 worth of stock to purchase a home. She then sold the stock and bought the home. The parents didn’t see anything wrong with this. After all, it is their money and they […]

In response to the economic crisis that began in 2007, the Federal Reserve has purposefully driven interest rates down in order to stimulate our economy. This artificially low interest rate environment has wreaked havoc on retirees who are dependant on interest from their investments to pay their bills and run their retirement lifestyle. As a result, retirees […]

Last week I discussed the importance of being prepared for the unexpected, specifically for incapacity.    Another threat looming large is the dismal economy we currently face where layoffs continue to plague workers across the country. If you have money in the bank and a secure job, consider yourself lucky. Most Americans have little or no savings […]

Last week I discussed the importance of being prepared for the unexpected, specifically for incapacity.    Another threat looming large is the dismal economy we currently face where layoffs continue to plague workers across the country. If you have money in the bank and a secure job, consider yourself lucky. Most Americans have little or no savings […]

All of us know of someone who has become incapacitated and unable to tend to their financial affairs. However, most people don’t realize that without proper advance planning, this situation can quickly turn into a nightmare. For example, assume that you are married and your husband is left mentally incapacitated as a result of a stroke. You own […]

With a Roth IRA, you do not receive an income tax deduction for contributions, but your money grows tax deferred and qualified withdrawals are income tax free…forever! This creates an incredible opportunity to amass a small fortune for children. For example if a 10-year old made annual contributions of $1,000 to a Roth IRA until his age […]