Social Security Retirement benefits are set to increase in 2020- a modest 1.6% increase for the average retired worker that adds an extra $24 per month to their retirement check. Retired couples will see their combined benefits grow to $40 per month. This cost of living (COLA) increase is...
The demographics of retirement and a ‘retired person’ is rapidly changing worldwide. Over the past 200 years, there have been remarkable changes in health and wealth around the globe. Now, there is a converging demographic between countries, thanks to world aid and trade, and technology. Human life expectancy is...
Interest rates can have a positive or a negative effect on the U.S. economy, the stock markets, and your investments. When The Fed changes the Federal Funds Rate (the rate at which banks can borrow money to lend to businesses or you), it creates a ripple effect. The raising...
Consistent growth in net worth is an indicator of positive financial health, but when liabilities grow faster than assets, or the value of assets drop, the result is negative net worth. Net worth calculate by subtracting liabilities (owed debt) from assets owned. Net worth is estimated for both individuals...
Due to the duration risk of holding assets over time, a normal yield curve shows that bonds with a longer maturity have a higher yield and pay more interest than short-term bonds. Investors usually demand higher rates of return if their money is invested for a more extended period....
The financial services industry has classified “advice” as financial planning, not investment advice (the selection of investments), which is just one part of wealth management. If Robo-advisors have done nothing else, they have revealed that much of the investment advice in selecting investments can be automated. With technology doing...
A 529 plan is a state-sponsored tax-advantaged plan designed for saving for future education expenses that are authorized by Section 529 of the Internal Revenue Code. If used for education, the assets grow tax-free. Since 529 plans came into existence in 1996, they have grown to $328 billion in 31.1...
In light of recent media reports on stock market performance, political issues, scandals, and other ‘news-worthy stories,’ keeping yourself removed from media as much as possible may be right for you and your investments. Every day the American public is exposed to media stories that can negatively impact them and...
With real estate prices recovering to where they were pre-2008 in most of the U.S; many people are buying U.S. vacation homes, and homes abroad for various reasons. The appeal of international vacation homes are at an all-time high as property overseas continues to cost less than near home,...
At some point, a successful business faces liquidation for all the right reasons. The business owner has built an asset that is now positioned to sell to another individual, a group of investors, or be acquired by a large corporation. Perhaps as the business has grown, planning has revolved...