Study: Target funds miss the mark in 2011 - February 9, 2012

While they have been incorporated into the financial retirement planning strategies of many investors over the past several years, an evaluation of the performance of so-called target-date funds finds that they had generally poor performance last year compared to other indices. According to analysis from Morningstar, last year, the average fund with a target date roughly four years away dropped about 0.4 percent, SmartMoney reports. By comparison, the Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 8.4 percent over the year, Barclays' U.S. Bond Index rose just under 8 percent and the Standard & Poor's 500 gained 2.1 percent.

Differing opinions remain about possible QE in Europe - January 24, 2012

As parts of Europe continue to deal with significant financial instability, some economists have floated the idea of a potential round of quantitative easing to boost the market. However, those with the European Central Bank have given mixed opinions about such a monetary step.

Despite agreement over European debt, concerns remain - January 4, 2012

While member nations did agree to debt reduction measures at the summit of the European Union last week, continued questions and uncertainty remain ever-present as the credit ratings of all European countries appear in jeopardy.

13 Smart Things to Do in the Next 24 Days - December 7, 2011

The end of the year is always a hectic time, with all of the food that has to be eaten and shopping that has to get done. But in order to start the new year off on the right foot, I suggest doing (or at least consider) the 13 action steps discussed in this article.

Time to Switch Banks? - October 20, 2011

Have you wondered recently if you should find another bank?  If you’re like me, you started receiving letters a month or so ago saying there are new fees coming your way.  My bank was going to begin charging me a few dollars per month if I used my debit card, which I frequently do.  Of course, the new fees are the result of the Durbin Amendment that recently went into effect.

Guideposts on Your Way to Retirement - September 20, 2011

If you take a cross-country road trip (which I’ve done quite a few times), it’s good to have guideposts to make sure you’re on the right path.

U.S. Debt Ceiling - July 15, 2011

If you have turned on the news in the past couple of weeks, it would have been impossible to miss all of the political rhetoric surrounding our Nation’s Debt Ceiling. Democrats and Republicans, alike, have dug in their heels and seem to be miles apart from each. The more I read and listen to press conferences from our elected officials, the more convinced I am that “they just don’t get it”. 

Economic Effects of Disasters (or the Lack Thereof) - July 1, 2011

With everything that is going on in the world, I thought this was a timely article.  It is easy to believe that natural disasters are also problematic for the stock market.  While this is true at certain times….it may not be true all of the time.  Below is a recent article by Bob Veres, who has been a watchdog of the financial planning industry for over 20 years.

Home Buyer Credit or Not? - May 17, 2011

THIS Smart Money article discusses the recent homebuyer credit and how the credit actually costs recipients money. The author makes the point that if buyers had waited until after the credit expired, the subsequent price depreciation of homes would have more than offset any benefit received from the tax credit. 

Will you receive Social Security benefits when you retire? - April 15, 2011

Every now and then, some of our clients will ask if they can realistically assume they will receive any Social Security benefits when they retire. After all, by 2025 we will have 2.3 workers being taxed to support each retiree. That number was 16 in 1950, and if no changes are made, it will only be another 25 years or so until the Social Security trust fund runs out. For people planning their retirement, it is reasonable to question if they will receive any benefits after paying the tax for so many years. 

Have You Considered A Phased-Retirement? - March 28, 2011

Instead of going from fully-employed to fully-retired in a matter of hours, this article talks about the concept of a ‘phased-retirement’ – in which you leave the workforce in stages. The idea is to develop a plan and gradually phase your way into retirement. The phasing period may include cutting back hours, only working a few days a week, finding a less demanding job or transitioning from being an employee to a part-time consultant.

What is Bond Duration and What Does it Mean to You? - February 22, 2011

There has been much discussion of late regarding interest rates. The historically low interest rate environment that we are in comes with positives such as low rates on mortgages, home equity lines, vehicle loans, margin loans and personal loans. The flip side of these positives is that consumers are paid next to nothing on deposits in checking or savings accounts with banks and credit unions.