Social Security: Where Can I Find My Statement?
In 2011, the Social Security Administration stopped mailing physical Social Security statements to workers. The SSA just recently rolled out a website that allows workers to access information about benefits and to review their personal earnings record. It's fairly simple…
How Risky are Stocks Today?
How risky are stocks today? How likely are investors to lose money if they hold for longer time periods, like three or ten years? We believe that valuations may help investors to assess that risk. Often, valuations are presented as…
HSAs – Have it Your Way! Maximize Tax-Free Savings for Retirement or Health Care
We believe that HSAs may be the most overlooked retirement savings account. Many individuals now have high deductible health insurance plans coupled with a Health Savings Account that they, their employers, or a combination of both, can contribute to annually.…
Selecting a Retirement Destination? Throw Away the Rankings Lists and Focus on the Important Stuff!
If you're in the process of deciding where to retire, you've probably seen several lists published by financial publications ranking various cities and states as potential retirement destinations. You may have even begun to develop opinions on where you might…
Fireworks and 401(k) Fee Disclosure
Can July get any better? I am sure you are all up to speed on fireworks, so please give me a minute or two to talk about 401(k) fee disclosures and how new legislation is changing how fees are disclosed…
Think Twice Before Turning to Dividend Strategies
Year-to-date large cap exchange traded funds focused on dividend paying stocks have lagged their total return counterpart, the S&P 500. During periods of uncertainty and high volatility people tend to focus on dividends because they're seen as a reliable source…
Don’t Let Your Employer Treat You to Disability Insurance
It's very rare when a company offers a free benefit that an employee should pass on... 401k matching contribution? – Yes Please! Three weeks paid vacation? – Don't mind if I do! Group disability income insurance – Um, no thanks,…
Don’t Ignore Your Female Financial Intuition
By nature, women tend to see the big picture when making decisions - big and small. So why is it that we often drag our feet when it comes to planning for our financial future? 80% of women will be…
“Citigroup” – What’s in a Name?
Investors appear to be punishing stocks that played inauspicious roles in the credit crisis of 2008. One stock in particular, Citigroup, stands out as a world class bank with a global presence and a strong brand. In my view, Citigroup…
Happy Birthday = Happier Retirement!
What do Jon Bon Jovi, Jon Stewart and Chris Cordaro all have in common? Rock star status? Good sense of humor? New Jersey residents? All true, but additionally, these gentleman were also all born in 1962, which means they will…