Money Over 55 Sitemap - Page 5
Social Security Calculators
Some Social Security calculators estimate your benefits. Others provide help and guidance. With the right Social Security claiming strategy you can get more benefits, so using the right calculator can pay off.
Social Security Checks - Dates When Social Security Checks Should Arrive
Need to know when your Social Security check will be deposited? Find the Social Security check schedule and answers to additional questions.
Social Security Checks - Dates and Info
Social Security Checks - Dates and Info
Social Security Death Benefits - Who, When and How Much
There are two types of Social Security death benefits paid out. One is a lump sum. The other is an ongoing monthly benefit called a survivor benefit.
Social Security Office Locations By Nearest Zip Code
Social security office locations can be found by inputting your zip code into the social security office location web page at the link below.
Social Security Pay Back - No Longer Allowed
This social security strategy entailed paying back social security benefits already received. As of December 2010, social security only allows you to change your mind and pay back benefits within the first twelve months of starting your social security retirement benefits.
Social Security Q & A
Do you have questions about working and collecting social security benefits? Taxes on social security? Spousal benefits? I’ve just finished a series that
Social Security Quiz
Social Security Quiz: social security quiz security retirement benefits social security retirement sans serif font social security benefits
Social Security Quiz Results [Money Over 55]
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Social Security Quiz Results [Money Over 55]
Thanks for taking our quiz about Social Security.: social security quiz security retirement benefits social security retirement sans serif font social security benefits
Social Security Research On When to Start Benefits and Benefit Taxation
Academically based Social Security research clearly shows who benefits from delaying Social Security benefits, and who benefits from starting earlier.
Social Security Retirement Benefits
Here are the things you need to know about collecting social security retirement benefits; things like how working affects your benefits, if you will have to pay taxes on social security benefits, and how collecting benefits early affects you and your spouse.
Social Security Spouse Benefit – Called A Social Security Spousal Benefit
A social security spouse benefit is called a “spousal benefit”. Here are some key things you need to know about the social security spousal benefit.
Social Security Statistics
I came across these alarming statistics: For almost one in five (19%) of social security recipients, social security is their sole source of income.
Social Security Strategies
I’ve had several readers ask detailed questions about maximizing their social security benefits; specifically strategies that could be used with spouses. There
Social Security Strategy - Collect A Spousal Benefit Now And Your Own Benefit Later
This social security strategy allows your spouse to collect a spousal benefit based on your earnings record while you continue to work, maximizing your own benefit by accumulating delayed retirement credits
Social Security Strategy For You And A Non-Working Spouse
This social security strategy allows your spouse to collect a spousal benefit based on your earnings record while you continue to work, maximizing your own benefit by accumulating delayed retirement credits.
Social Security Survivor Benefits
Are you or a dependent eligible for Social Security survivor benefits? Find out here.
Social Security Survivor Benefits
There are a few key differences between social security survivor benefits and spousal benefits. Knowing these differences helps clear up a lot of questions
Social Security Survivor Benefits for a Spouse
Upon the death of a spouse, you are eligible for a social security survivor benefit as long as you have been married for at least 9 months. Here are additional details on how much, what age, and documents needed to claim a social security survivor benefit.
Some Things Never Change...
On April 22, 2009 I posted a poll which asked Did We See The Market Bottom in March? Only 15% of those who answered chose
Sometimes People Just Don’t Believe Me
It's always frustrating when you're dealing with facts and figures and still people refuse to believe you. Take the case of when to take social security.
Spring Cleaning – 7 Tips to Get Your Financial House In Order
Spring is the perfect time to get your financial house in order. Here are seven spring cleaning tips to get you off to a fresh financial start.
Spring Fever
Spring Fever
Start A Consulting Business - 6 Steps To Take Before You Start A Consulting Business
Later life careers - 6 steps to take before you start a consulting business.
Start A Small Business - 6 Steps To Take Before You Start a Small Business
6 non-financial steps to take to research a small business start up.
Stay Away From Locker Room Talk. It’s Dangerous to Your Wealth.
Stay Away From Locker Room Talk. It’s Dangerous to Your Wealth.
Stir Up The Holiday Conversation
I remember hearing this story years ago. It seems like a good time to pass it along:
Stock Market Humor - A Humorous View of Investment Bankers
A humorous view of investment bankers.
Stock Market Humor - John Deere - Great For Today's Investors - Stock Market Humor
Investor joke: John Deere, great for today's investors.
Stock Market Humor - New Stock Market Terms
Stock market humor: a funny take on stock market terminology.
Stock Market Investing
Stock market investing is not for rookies. Here's an overview of stock market returns, bear markets, and market valuation.
Stock Market Performance – 5 Ways To Look At Stock Market Performance
Stock market performance can be shown in many different ways. There are rolling returns, tables, charts and graphs, and even things called stock market maps. Here you’ll find five ways to view past stock market performance, some bright and colorful, others that take a more intellectual view point.
Stock Market Returns
Looking at past stock market returns will help you understand the level of risk involved in investing in stocks.
Stock Options for Employees - Understanding Your Employee Stock Options
Employee stock option plans can put money in your pocket. If you are new to employee stock options, here are the basics.
Stocks to Bonds - How Much of My Money Should Be In Stocks vs Bonds
As I get older, how much of my money should be invested in stocks vs. bonds?
Stop Saving So Much For Retirement
Love this article. It describes my own personal retirement plan to a tee. Here's how it starts:
Stop Social Security - How to Stop Social Security Retirement Benefits
You already filed for social security retirement benefits; now you want to stop social security and reapply later, can you? Maybe... it depends on how old you are. Details here.
Stories from the Great Depression
Read and share stories from the Great Depression. Know someone who lived through the Great Depression? Help them share their story.
Strategies And Investments For Creating Retirement Income
Learn to maximize your retirement income through planning and proper investment choices. These articles will tell you how.
Stretch Your Retirement Income By Moving
A 2005 study showed the average annual state tax burden for a household earning $150,000 ranged from as little as $4,000 in Alaska, to as much as $24,000 in
Study shows renting was better than buying in the last 30 years
Study shows renting was better than buying in the last 30 years
Study: When You Feel Loved, You Love Stuff Less
Sounds like falling in love might be the secret ingredient to saving for retirement.
Supposed To
One of my good friends is in the midst of a quest; a quest of self-discovery. She wants to narrow her market and develop a niche; a group that she feels
Surrender Charges
What is a surrender charge?
Suze Orman on The NEW American Dream
Each morning I sit on the couch with my coffee in hand, iPad on my lap, reading, viewing and browsing my way through the news. It is truly an enjoyable
Systematic Withdrawals - Definition of and Alternatives to Systematic Withdrawal Plans
When you set up an investment account so that you automatically take money out on a regular basis (such as monthly) it is called a systematic withdrawal. There are alternative to systematic withdrawals that may work better.
T. Rowe Price Retirement Income Calculator Review
Find the best retirement calculator for your situation, see pros and cons of popular retirement calculators, learn what they do well, and what their limitations are.
TIPS vs I Bonds
TIPS vs I Bonds
Take A Vacation Into Your New Career
Take A Vacation Into Your New Career
Take Pictures, Lots of Pictures
Take Pictures, Lots of Pictures
Take Your Side
A few weeks ago I volunteered for Financial Planning Days. There were about fifteen of us financial planners waiting to answer questions from the public. As we
Taking Risks
Taking Risks
Taking Social Security At 62 May Cost You Hundreds Of Thousands In Benefits
I've made a list, with links, to several articles from other leading journalists, explaining the pros and cons of taking social security at 62. The consensus - you'll get more by waiting until at least full retirement age, with only a few exceptions.
Tap Into Your Inner Idol
I will shamelessly admit that this season I am addicted to American Idol. I find it incredibly inspiring to watch these talented people take criticism to heart;
Target Date Funds - What is a Target Date Fund and How To Use One
Many 401k plans offer something called a target date fund as one of the investment choices. Unfortunately many people do not use the target date funds in their plan correctly. Here is what a target date fund is, and how to use it.
Tax Benefit of a Mortgage
You’ve probably heard there is a tax benefit to paying mortgage interest, but have you ever calculated out how much it really amounts to? For those who
Tax Deferral in Variable Annuities: Not as Great as It Sounds
Variable annuities are sold as an investment vehicle that allows you to defer income taxes until such time as you take withdrawals. This can be attractive, but
Tax Deferred Savings Accounts and Tax Deferred Investments
Tax deferred savings occurs when you use a specially designated account that does not require you to claim the investment income earned inside of the account each and every year on your tax return. Instead you get to defer this investment income until such time as you choose to take a withdrawal from the tax deferred savings account.
Tax Managed Mutual Funds - What Is A Tax Managed Mutual Fund
There are two times you may pay capital gains tax when you own a mutual fund. A tax managed fund helps to reduce one of these types of capital gains tax, and also can minimize other forms of taxable distributions.
Tax On Home Sale - Will I Pay Tax On My Home Sale
Will I pay tax when I sell my home? What kind of taxes do you pay on home sales?
Tax Planning Strategies – How To Implement Good Tax Planning Strategies
To implement effective tax planning strategies, use these ideas to look at your expected taxable income each year, and figure out how to shift income to a lower tax bracket.
Tax Tips for Ages 55+
From required minimum distributions on IRAs to the taxation of Social Security, there are tax tips you need to know about as you reach your 50's and beyond. A few key tax tips may save you thousands of dollars.
Taxation of Employee Stock Options - Incentive and Non-Qualified Options
All employee stock options are not taxed alike. Tax rules that apply to non-qualified options are different than those that apply to incentive stock options. Here's a comparison.
Taxes On Home and Mortgage
Will you pay taxes on a home sale? Is your mortgage interest tax deductible? Find answers here.
Taxes On Normal IRA Distributions
Normal distributions (meaning you are over age 59 ½) from a Traditional IRA plan are included in your taxable income in the calendar year in which you take the distribution. The total amount of tax you pay on this IRA distribution will depend on the total amount of income and deductions that you have that year.
Taxes On Social Security Benefits – Your Social Security Benefits May Be Taxed
If you have sources of income in addition to Social Security, then you may have to pay taxes on your Social Security benefits. The amount of taxes you pay on Social Security benefits will depend on your combined income.
Taxes and Social Security
You may pay taxes on your Social Security benefits. Here's what you need to know to potentially reduce the taxes you pay.
Taxes on Social Security
There is a formula that determines if you will pay tax on Social Security income that you receive in retirement. Find out how it works and see case studies.
Ten Financial Life Lessons You Can’t Live Without
Financial memoirs can be a powerful thing. Think about the kind of lessons you want to impart to younger generations. That's exactly what this man did. And he wrote them down.
Ten Financial Life Lessons You Can’t Live Without, Lesson Eight - On Automobiles - There’s Nothing Wrong with Driving Used Cars
There’s nothing wrong with driving used cars, especially ones that provide good gas mileage, reasonable repair costs, and excellent reliability. By getting the most out of my used vehicle, I’ve saved $60,000 over what others have spent.
Ten Financial Life Lessons You Can’t Live Without, Lesson Five: On Buying a Home – A Home Is Not an Investment
Common sense advice on buying a home. If everyone followed this home buying advice our country would be in a rock solid financial situation.
Ten Financial Life Lessons You Can’t Live Without, Lesson Four: On Debt - Retire On The Money You Save on Interest
In a financial bind? Here is what to do. Debt is something you can control.
Ten Financial Life Lessons You Can’t Live Without, Lesson Nine - On Spending – Reduce, Reuse, Recycle and Purchase Things that Last
There are an infinite number of small ways in which you can save money and stretch your income. In the long run, developing the discipline to consistently take advantage of small methods of saving and cutting costs will result in building real wealth. Here are a few ways to get started.
Ten Financial Life Lessons You Can’t Live Without, Lesson One: On Hard Work - There Is Nothing but Honor in Honest Labor
I learned a lot about myself that summer. I learned that if I wanted, I could put in 10 or 12 hours a day of hard work. I learned there is nothing but honor in honest labor. I became an unabashed fan of capitalism. I saw how quickly money could accumulate in a savings account...
Ten Financial Life Lessons You Can’t Live Without, Lesson One: On Hard Work - There Is Nothing but Honor in Honest Labor
I learned a lot about myself that summer. I learned that if I wanted, I could put in 10 or 12 hours a day of hard work. I learned there is nothing but honor in honest labor. I became an unabashed fan of capitalism. I saw how quickly money could accumulate in a savings account...
Ten Financial Life Lessons You Can’t Live Without, Lesson Seven: On Getting Advice - Use Only a Fee Only Financial Advisor
As for financial advice, always discuss any and all investment options that you are considering with a professional. A fee only NAPFA, National Association of Professional Financial Advisor, is always a good person to go to for advice.
Ten Financial Life Lessons You Can’t Live Without, Lesson Six: On Investing - The Stock Market Is Not for Rookies and Part-Timers
The stock market and investment industry are not for rookies and part-timers. Trying to get your hands around the intricacies of the financial markets, you’ll come up against terms such as junk bonds, hedge funds, short selling, stop loss orders, basis points, call and put options, derivatives, negative yield curves, closed-end funds... Only investing in what you understand is among the best financial advice you’ll ever receive.
Ten Financial Life Lessons You Can’t Live Without, Lesson Ten - On Values and Financial Choices - You Can Have Anything You Want
Remember, in this great capitalistic country of ours, you can have anything you want but maybe not everything you want. How? By finding a financial path that is right for you, making financial choices that keep you on that path, and choosing to live with financial discipline.
Ten Financial Life Lessons You Can’t Live Without, Lesson Three: On Savings - If You Fund No Other Accounts, Fund This One
A few simple lessons on savings and our whole country would be in great shape. It's common sense advice - we just have to use it! Help me spread the word on the three savings lessons below.
Ten Financial Life Lessons You Can’t Live Without, Lesson Two: On Banks – Only Do Business with Banks When You Have To
The financial industry (banks, finance companies, loan operations) and the US Government are entities from which you need to protect yourself, for your entire adult life. Here's why.
Ten Years of Stock and Bond Returns Ending in 2011
Ten Years of Stock and Bond Returns Ending in 2011
Thank You Jane Bryant Quinn
Thank You Jane Bryant Quinn
Thanks to the Tax Preparers
I know a lot about taxes. So much so, that over the last few weeks CPAs and tax preparers frequently call me with technical questions, and often ask me to
The $100k Challenge
Last year I challenged one of my clients to a race; I wanted to see how fast he could accumulate $100,000. I talked to him about how it feels to have $100,000
The Bailout Bill Passed…Now What?
After studying the bill, I don’t think it’s a bailout or a rescue; it should be called the “Invest In America” plan. Remember, Paulson used to work for Goldman
The Bailout Loans - Are We Giving The Money Away With Bailout Loans
How many of you have actually read the details of the bailout loans, credit lines and investments, which often involve the purchase of preferred stock? If so, it doesn't exactly look like we're giving the money away.
The Best Armour of Old Age
The Best Armour of Old Age
The Best Thing About This Speaker? His Salsa.
He's an associate professor at Brigham Young. Soft spoken, with a dry subtle sense of humor. When he started talking I didn't think he was going to be a good
The Book I Wish I Had 15 Years Ago
I just finished reading a book I wish I’d had when I started my career as a financial advisor. It teaches you all the things that you need to know – but don’t –
The Boomer's Future
One boomer's success story: she left corporate America and found a career that was right for her.
The Cat And Mouse Game Of Bank Stress Tests
Every day for the past few weeks we see headlines about the bank stress tests. These tests were designed to see if banks could meet their capital requirements
The Coffeehouse Investor
Looking for a last minute gift? The book The Coffeehouse Investor is a great introduction to basic investing concepts. Filled with stories of baking pie and
The Coffeehouse Investor - Book Review of The Coffeehouse Investor
The Coffeehouse Investor is a delightful book, perfect for those looking for a simple introduction to investing, how to diversify and what types of funds to buy.
The Colonoscopy of American Finance
With the rise of the dot coms came a new era of immediate gratification. Every American should have wealth, and have it now. After all, money brings happiness,
The Cost of Bad Advice
A few months ago, my workout partner, a long time friend of mine, began asking me questions about investing. Curious as to why, after all these years, she was
The Cost of Bad Financial Advice
Bad financial advice can cost investors thousands upon thousands of dollars. Protect yourself by using an advisor that is a fiduciary.
The Day I Met The MAN
Most weekends this time of year you can find me out dirt bike riding. No, not peddle, peddle - I'm talking vroom, vroom - a motorcross bike. Specifically, I
The Debt Ceiling... And What You Can Do
The Debt Ceiling... And What You Can Do
The Efficient Market Hypothesis In Simple Terms
By efficient, most proponents of the efficient market hypothesis mean that the financial markets do not allow investors to earn above-average returns without accepting above average risks. In other words, followers of the efficient market hypothesis don’t believe that $100 bills are lying around for the taking, either by the professional, or the amateur investor.
The Equity Risk Premium
The Equity Risk Premium
The Fear of Living Too Long
The Fear of Living Too Long
The Fed Buying Treasuries – What’s It Mean?
The FOMC (Federal Open Market Committee) announced today that they are buying back $300 billion worth of long term Treasury securities. So what does that mean
The First Thing She Said Was…
The Five Year Rule
The Five Year Rule
The Four Bad Bears
This is a great chart called The Four Bad Bears that allows you to compare this current bear market, and market rally, against four other bear markets; the
The Future
The Future
The Government’s Responsibility… Or Yours?
Did anyone see the clip of Rep. Ackerman grilling the SEC about their incompetence? He calls the SEC deaf, dumb and blind. Anderson Cooper ran a short clip on
The Great Depression Ahead - Book Review - The Great Depression Ahead
The Great Depression Ahead by Harry S Dent Jr is a bunch of crap. You mind as well read your horoscope.
The Great Depression Ahead - Book Review - The Great Depression Ahead
The Great Depression Ahead by Harry S Dent Jr is a bunch of crap. You mind as well read your horoscope.
The Great Depression Basics - Pics, Facts, Timeline
The Great Depression effects are still felt today. You see it spending habits of those who grew up under the shadow of the Great Depression. You see it in media references too. See pics, facts and a timeline to learn Great Depression basics.
The Headline in My Local Paper
The Headline in My Local Paper
The How
The How
The Intelligent Investor - Book Review of The Intelligent Investor by Benjamin Graham
The Intelligent Investor by Benjamin Graham contains over 500 dense pages of solid data. It could be considered its own college level course.
The Investment Answer
The Investment Answer
The Investment Answer - Book Review of The Investment Answer
The Investment Answer is a short, straightforward book that covers the five main decisions every investor needs to make.
The Investment Triangle
There it is. The investment triangle. As fundamental as the Great Pyramids. How does it work? Really, it's quite simple. As you move toward one corner of
The Life of a Writer
The Life of a Writer
The Long Term Care Insurance Decision - One Step at a Time
Looking for objective advice and information on long term care insurance from someone who has no incentives to sell it? That's me. I've written and compiled the articles below to help you. Read through them one at a time and you'll have the information you need to make the long term care insurance decision.
The Lost Decade - Don't Blame the Hammer
If you are going to use a hammer to drive a screw into the wall and you end up with a mess, are you going to blame the hammer? That's my view of the lost decade of stock market returns.
The Making Home Affordable Plan
The Making Home Affordable plan is a government program which began in March 2009. Up to 9 million American Families may be eligible to refinance or modify
The Market and Mid-Term Elections? It’s Weird.
A good friend, CPA and client of mine (yes, all the same person) called this week. As we were chatting, he asked,
The Market...Should I Stay Or Should I Go?
When it comes to investing, I don’t propose to have short term solutions any more so than anyone else. Out guessing the market is not – nor has it ever been –
The Money Taboo
The Money Taboo
The Mortgage Crisis - Has it Affected Your Ability to Refinance A Home
Learn how tighter lending standards will affect your ability to refinance a home.
The Most Powerful Word in Existence
The Most Powerful Word in Existence
The Need For Control
An appropriate quote for the times: “Every year I talk to the executives of a thousand companies, and I can’t avoid hearing from the various gold bugs,
The Non-Sugar Coated Seven Steps To A Sound Retirement
The article by Robert Powell editor of Retirement Weekly (which I subscribe to) spells out exactly what you need to do, and doesn't sugar coat it. Retirement
The Number - Book Review of The Number by Lee Eisenberg
Book Review: The Number, by Lee Eisenberg. Great insight into why we do, or do not, plan for retirement and how much is enough.
The Overspender
In March I shared with you a conversation I had with a client who told me that I
The Repeal Of The Glass Steagall Act And Its Contribution To The 2008/2009 Economic Crisis
A quote from a well read book written in 2002 said this,
The Secret To Financial Success
You want the secret to financial success? Spend substantially less than you make. There it is. No excuses. It really is that simple. If you bought a car
The Sky
The Sky
The Social Security Decision Tool
They say a picture is worth a thousand words, and when it comes to retirement planning, and complex decisions like when to take social security, a video can be
The Social Security Decision Tool - Great Short Video On When To Take Social Security
They say a picture is worth a thousand words, and when it comes to retirement planning, and complex decisions like when to take social security, a video can be worth a thousand spreadsheets. Let me tell you, this video by MetLife rocks!
The Social Security Source Book
Many readers post social security questions in the forum. When I don't know the answer, and I can't find it on the social security website, where do I go? On my
The Speed of Trust
The Speed of Trust
The Straightjacket
The Straightjacket
The Superbowl Bet
The Superbowl Bet
The Time To Find Ways To Reduce 2009 Taxes Is NOW!
The Time To Find Ways To Reduce 2009 Taxes Is NOW The time to look for ways to reduce 2009 taxes is now. Don’t wait until February when you are gathering all
The Unknown
The Unknown
The Upside to Inflation: Higher Social Security Benefits
Social security benefits are adjusted annually, based on year over year increase in the Consumer Price Index (CPI-W). The adjustment amount is announced each
The World Is Different…And Yet The Same
My day is now filled with conversations I never thought I would be having. One client of mine owns a small company; they have come upon such a rough month that
There Is A Quote I Keep On My Bathroom Mirror
There is a quote I keep on my bathroom mirror. I read it every morning.
There Is No Substitute For Experience
We got a call this week from a man who had a financial plan done by another fee-only financial advisor. We were shocked at the advice he was given. He wasn't
There's Plenty Of Bad Advice That Follows The Law
Imagine this... a group of fee-only financial advisors meeting with a state securities regulator. Sounds exciting, huh? Believe it or not, it was quite
These Are The Types Of Comments That Terrrify Me
Help me out here... is this reader begin sarcastic, or serious? You see, I have a blog series titled
They Don’t Think, That’s the Problem
They Don’t Think, That’s the Problem
They Simply Mailed Her the Keys
They Simply Mailed Her the Keys
They Sold Out
There is a distinct difference between advice and product delivery. So distinct in my mind that every time I see a company that starts out by providing valuable
They’re Listening :-)
I got a call that made my heart smile this week. It was from a woman I have spoken with off and on for several months. She and her husband are the classic
Things to Know Before You Retire at 62
Should you retire at 62 or 65? Here are several things you'll want to consider before you decide.
Think The Social Security Office Gives You The Right Answer? Think Again.
Below is a transcript of a question and reply from a reader: Dear Money Over 55, I have read your article Key Things to Know About the Social Security
Thirsty for Income
Thirsty for Income
This Is How A Retiree Runs Out Of Money
She retired in 2005 with $356,000 in her IRA (rolled to her IRA from her 401k plan at retirement). She has a modest pension and social security. We set her
This Is How People Do Things Wrong
One of my hourly clients was in earlier this year to do some tax planning. The conclusion was he can convert about $50,000 from his 401k to a ROTH IRA and pay
This Is The Worst Investment I Ever Made
I'm rather entrepreneurial by nature, and definitely a risk taker. That's why with my 401(k) money I follow a disciplined approach, and own a well-balanced
This Kind Of Political Propaganda Makes Me Crazy
There is an email circulating with the title
This Retiree Made Two Major Mistakes
The phone rang. I answered, and she started talking,
Time To Cash In The E Bonds
The last series E bonds, issued in June 1980, will stop earning interest in June of 2010. The Bureau Of Public Debt estimates that over $16 billion worth of
Time To Relax
Time to put worries behind you and dive head first into summer! To help you forget about money, retirement, mortgages, investments, and all of those other
Time for an Electronic Diet
Time for an Electronic Diet
Time – The Cheapskate Blog
Time Magazine has a great online section called It's Your Money, where they provide creative and often entertaining ways to save on everything. I check it out
Tires
Tires
To the Parents of Amanda Knox
To the Parents of Amanda Knox
Too Good To Be True?
A few weeks ago a reader asked my opinion of a website called Verde Retirement, where they appear to be offering fixed savings rates of 7.25 - 9.5%. I
Top Down Or Bottom Up?
There's basically two ways to do your retirement planning: top down or bottom up. Top Down Top down starts with how much you have saved, or how much
Tough Conversations
He's been my client for over seven years. He's in his early sixties. He's been battling cancer for the last three years. The outlook is not good. He just told
Tough Love
I had a fascinating conversation with a long-time client of mine last week - overall he's quite happy with my services - except for one thing. I let him spend
Towels... the most massively useful thing an interstellar hitchiker can have
Towels... the most massively useful thing an interstellar hitchiker can have
Trade Offs
Gus and Sherry came in last week. They had recently received an inheritance and wanted to retire four years earlier than their original plan. I ran the numbers.
Traditional IRA Rules And Contribution Limits
Traditional IRA rules, contribution limits, and earned income limitations.
Traditional IRA or ROTH IRA - How To Determine Which is Best
Use your marginal tax rate to determine if you should make a traditional IRA or ROTH IRA contribution. Here's how.
Treasury Securities - Buy Treasury Securities Direct
Treasury securities come in the form of treasury bonds, notes, bills, TIPS, as well as Series EE and I savings bonds. You can now buy treasury securities direct by opening your own Treasury Direct account.
Treat Yourself to Below Retail Prices
Never pay retail again! Check out this great website that gives you coupon codes and discounts on almost all major retail stores, for both online and in store
Try Before You Buy
A few years ago I began coveting a particular car. It was out of my price range, but I had a plan in mind. Part of my plan involved renting one for the weekend
Two New Social Security Calculators Announced This Week
Two New Social Security Calculators Announced This Week
Two Of My Favorite Finance Writers
Once a quarter, Jeremy Grantham writes his quarterly newsletter for GMO (an institutional investment firm). The day it arrives in my email inbox, I drop
Two Sides To Every Story
If you’re going to voice your opinion, at least make it an educated one. There’s nothing that irks me more than someone who rants and raves without taking the
Types of Mutual Funds
Types of Mutual Funds
US Debt Clock
Terrifying... and interesting. Check out usdebtclock.org. This site provides a running tally of U.S. debt, world debt, state debt, tax revenues, unemployment,
Umbrellas
Umbrellas
Understanding Financial Advisor Credentials
How to choose a financial advisor: learn what credentials you must look for when you seek out a financial advisor, financial planner, investment advisor or certified financial planner.
Understanding Financial Advisor Fees
How to choose a financial advisor: learn what compensation structure you must look for when you seek out a financial advisor, financial planner, investment advisor or certified financial planner.
Understanding P/E Ratios For Stocks - Sample P/E Ratio Calculations For Stocks
Price to earnings ratios, or P/E ratios can be misleading when looking at individual stocks, as the
Unethical Insurance Agent? You Tell Me
Argh! How many people get taken in by the kind of baloney I see occur all too often? This is another one that makes me MAD! I have a wonderfully sweet 77
Unwarranted Piety
Unwarranted Piety
Use Delayed Retirement Credits To Increase Social Security Retirement Benefits
Want to increase your social security retirement income by twenty-five percent or more? Once you reach full retirement age, your benefits do not cap out. As a matter of fact for each year after full retirement age that you delay taking benefits, you will accumulate delayed retirement credits, which result in a permanent increase in your benefits of five to eight percent a year.
Use New Online Tool To Estimate Your Social Security Benefits
Three major factors affect your social security benefits. Your earnings from now until you stop working. The age at which you stop working. The age at
Using Your Pension Properly
Should you take a lump sum or annuity distribution from your pension? Is your pension income guaranteed? Should you take a joint and survivor benefit or life only? To use your pension properly, you must have answers to all of these questions.
Values Based Spending
Values Based Spending
Vanguard Retirement Income Calculator Review
Find the best retirement calculator for your situation, see pros and cons of popular retirement calculators, learn what they do well, and what their limitations are.
Variable Annuity Comparison - Variable Annuity Compared to Index Funds
It is rare you will see an objective comparison of a high fee variable annuity to other lower cost alternatives. This analysis shows you how a variable annuity would have held up under various historical market conditions.
Variable Annuity Death Benefits and Variable Annuity Living Benefits
Most variable annuity policies offer features called “riders” that you can add to your policy. These riders allow you to buy enhanced death benefit options and/or living benefit options, but they can be expensive. Learn more here.
Variable Annuity Fees and Expenses - 5 Variable Annuity Fees To Ask About
Variable annuity fees can be as high as 3.00% or more per year. Take the time to understand all the fees and charges before you buy. Here are the five variable annuity fees to ask about.
Variable Annuity Information - Information About Variable Annuities
variable annuity info
Variable Annuity Information - Information On Variable Annuities
It can be difficult to find objective information on a variable annuity. Here you'll find information on what a variable annuity is, alternatives to variable annuities, fees and expenses in a variable annuity and much more.
Vickie Champion
Vickie Champion, guest author for About.com Money Over 55, is an accomplished speaker and coach, helping people change their attitudes and relationship with money.
Voices of Reason in the Media Blitz of Market and Investment News
Sometimes, in the midst of the media mania of hype and sensation, you find voices of reason. Writers who want to deliver truth, rather than just add to the madness. I don't always agree with what every article below has to say, but I do agree that they are offering intelligent thoughts about the subject. As these voices of reason are discovered, their articles, websites, and video clip links will be added to this list.
Voices of Reason in the Media Blitz of Market and Investment News
Sometimes, in the midst of the media mania of hype and sensation, you find voices of reason. Writers who want to deliver truth, rather than just add to the madness. I don't always agree with what every article below has to say, but I do agree that they are offering intelligent thoughts about the subject. As these voices of reason are discovered, their articles, websites, and video clip links will be added to this list.
Voices of Reason in the Media Blitz of Market and Investment News
Sometimes, in the midst of the media mania of hype and sensation, you find voices of reason. Writers who want to deliver truth, rather than just add to the madness. I don't always agree with what every article below has to say, but I do agree that they are offering intelligent thoughts about the subject. As these voices of reason are discovered, their articles, websites, and video clip links will be added to this list.
Waiting For Prescriptions Is Expensive
For one month I vowed not to spend money on anything I didn’t need; basically no purchases other than food and gas. I didn’t think it would be that difficult.
Walking the Dogs
Walking the Dogs
Want To Increase Your Retirement Income by 30% or More?
Then pay attention to your taxes. An Ernst & Young study has shown that proper tax-smart management of your investments can generate up to 30% more
Want To Save Money? Get Healthy
I am lucky enough that I have always enjoyed exercise. I also make a determined effort to eat healthy. I'm rarely at the doctor, which affords me the luxury of
Want To Watch A Movie?
I'm serious. If reliable retirement plan income is worth ten minutes of your time, you'll spend the 60 seconds needed to read my overview of the Income For Life
Want to Add 5, 6 or even 15 Years to How Long Your Retirement Income Will Last?
Then optimize your social security strategy. Yeah, yeah, I know you hear me saying that all the time, but let me tell you about the conversation I had
Want to Save More for Retirement? Get Married.
Want to Save More for Retirement? Get Married.
Warren Buffett And The Next 100 Years Of Equity Returns
On Nov. 17, 2008, reader Alan S. sent me the following inquiry via email. “Dear Ms. Anspach: I've enjoyed reading your blog for quite some time now, and
Watch Out – It’s Dangerous Out There
A reader sent me a great question last week. He was inquiring about a site called Senior Annuity Alert. My reader asked,
Watch This! It's Worth The Time
Last night’s daily show Cramer vs. Not-Cramer, host Jon Stewart makes the point that it appears that there are two Wall Street’s at work: the one that
Water Heater, Washer, Dryer and Investment Shopping
Last week as I reviewed one of my client's retirement plans with them, they relayed to me their recent experience in shopping for new appliances. They went
Ways To Increase Social Security Retirement Benefits
The best way to increase social security is to learn how social security retirement benefits work, and then do everything you can to get the most possible. These articles tell you how.
We're All Dying
Maybe it sounds moribt to you, but the truth is we’re all dying. The question is not if, it’s when. So don't guess. Instead of shying away from the great
Web's Best Collection of How To Retire Articles - Retire Rich, Early, or With Little or No Money
Want to know how to retire rich? Retire early? How about retiring with little or no money? Or retiring overseas? I've collected the web's most interesting how to retire articles below. They're guaranteed to give you some new ways to think about retirement.
Weekly Allowance - The Weekly Allowance Budget For Adults
If only we had all stuck to the idea of a weekly allowance our whole life, imagine where we would be? Well, it's never to late to use a great idea and the weekly allowance is an idea that shouldn't end with childhood.
What A Romantic Money Saving Idea!
Every once in awhile a client amazes me with their ability to consistently save more than what we planned. One of those unique clients came in last week. We
What About Mom?
What About Mom?
What Are Securities?
Stocks, bonds, options, mutual fund shares and just about any negotiable financial instrument are often referred to as securities.
What Are The Dividend Aristocrats
The dividend aristocrats is a term used to describe the companies within the S&P 500 Index who have followed a policy of consistently increasing their dividends for at least 25 consecutive years. What stocks are in the list? Is there a dividend aristocrat fund? Find out here.
What Are You Betting on With Your Retirement Money?
The only thing certain in life is uncertainty. Yet all too often decisions with retirement money are made as if the future were a known entity. Here are a few
What Are You Saving For?
What Are You Saving For?
What Can You Control?
In running a retirement plan projection for one of our clients this past month, the client had one of those
What Can You Control?
In running a retirement plan projection for one of our clients this past month, the client had one of those aha moments. I want to share it with you. We
What Can You Control?
In running a retirement plan projection for one of our clients this past month, the client had one of those
What Diversification Is… And What It Is Not
William Bernstein, author of The Four Pillars Of Investing, occasionally posts to a blog on his website, Efficient Frontier. I just came across his superb March
What Do You Really Know About Your 401k Plan?
I'd be willing to guess, not much. I'd be willing to guess your financial advisor doesn't know as much as you might think they do either. For example, did you
What Does A Financial Planner Do - What Will A Good Financial Planner Do For Me
What is financial planning, and what type of advice should I expect from my financial advisor? What will a good financial planner do?
What Does An Annuity Do Really Well? One Thing
An annuity does one thing really well. Find out what it is, and decide if you need it.
What Does Retirement Mean to You?
What would your life look like if you no longer had to rely on the work you currently do for income? See reader answers.
What Exactly is 'Natural'?
What Exactly is 'Natural'?
What Happened To The Market On Thursday, May 6?
I heard rumors there was a
What Happens If You Earn More Than The Social Security Earnings Limit?
If you take social security benefits before full retirement age, and you earn income in excess of the annual earnings limit, your social security benefit will be reduced. Working while receiving Social Security benefits can catch you off guard if you don't know the rules.
What Happens If Your Insurance Company Files Bankruptcy
As a policy owner it is natural to be concerned about what would happen to your benefits should your insurance company go bankrupt. It may not be as bad as you think.
What Happens To The Annuity Upon My Death - Question 5 In The Should I Buy An Annuity Series
Questions to ask before you decide to buy an annuity.
What I Do Before I Sell An Investment In An After-Tax Account
If I need to sell an investment in a client's retirement account, I don't have to worry about taxes. No taxes are paid on retirement accounts until you take a
What I'm Doing This Week
I've been in Chicago this week, attending a conference on Retirement Income. The conference is hosted by RIIA, the Retirement Income Industry Association, of
What Is A Billion Anyway?
It is relatively easy to understand a quantity of a million... but when you get into billions and trillions, it's hard to put things in perspective. A long-time
What Is A Covered Call
Suppose you own an individual stock, or an exchange traded stock index fund. You don’t want to sell the stock, or fund, unless it goes up a bit more, but you would like to find a way for your investment to produce investment income for you. One choice you have is to sell, or write, covered calls. Here’s how covered calls work.
What Is A Dividend And How To Use Dividends For Retirement Income
A dividend is simply the company paying some of what it earned out to you - the shareholder. Many companies have a long history of rising dividends which can make dividend paying stocks or dividend income funds a great source of retirement income, as the income may rise with inflation. Learn more here about how to use dividends for retirement income.
What Is A Floating Rate Fund?
A floating rate fund is a mutual fund that holds IOUs made by large companies, but they don't pay a fixed interest rate. Instead the interest rate is adjustable, which makes floating rate funds a good investment in rising interest rate environments.
What Is A Mutual Fund, In Simple Terms
Using a a mutual fund is one way to invest in the stock or bond market without buying individual stocks or bonds. You buy shares of the mutual fund and they pool your money along with thousands of other people's money and make investment decisions on your behalf.
What Is A Variable Annuity - Definition Of A Variable Annuity
A variable annuity, just like any annuity, is a contract with an insurance company. With a variable annuity, you place your funds with an insurance company and you choose how the money will be invested. You choose investments from a pre-selected list of funds.
What Is An Exchange Traded Fund
Using an exchange traded fund is one way to invest in the stock or bond market without buying individual stocks or bonds. Exchange traded funds differ from regular mutual funds in the way they are priced and in the way they trade, which means you can apply certain trading strategies with an exchange traded fund, which you cannot do with a regular mutual fund.
What Is An Inflation Protected Bond Or Inflation Protected Bond Fund
Inflation protected bonds, also known as TIPS, (which stands for Treasury Inflation Protected Securities) are issued by the U.S. Government. The principal value of an inflation protected bond is adjusted upward or downward based on changes in the Consumer Price Index...
What Is Deficit Spending and How It Is Supposed to Work
There are many misconceptions about federal deficit spending. Here it is, explained in plain English. Will it work? We don't know.
What Is Inflation
In everyday terms, here is what inflation is and how it affects you.
What Is Strategic Asset Allocation
What is strategic asset allocation and how does it differ from tactical asset allocation?
What Is Tactical Asset Allocation
What is tactical asset allocation and how does it differ from strategic asset allocation?
What Is The FOMC And What Did They Say?
FOMC stands for Federal Open Market Committee. The committee is responsible for one of the three tools of monetary policy, something called open market
What I’ve Come To Believe About Retirement Planning
I was sitting at the doctor's office today, waiting, of course, but I came prepared... I was armed with 'waiting material': the July 2010 issue of the Journal
What Job Have You Assigned to Your Money?
What Job Have You Assigned to Your Money?
What Language Do You Speak?
One of my brothers is getting his PhD at Columbia University in NYC. He studies South American cultures, and right now he is learning the language of Quechua,
What Makes Your World Go Round?
My best friend's father died last year after a year-long battle with cancer. It was hard to watch the strain it put on the family. It wasn't the death; it was
What One Thing Would I Do To Help Me Reach My Financial Goals?
There is one single thing I would do to help me reach my financial goals. I did it in 2009 for the first time ever. What was it? I kept a financial diary.
What Should I Do With My Money? 8 Steps You Must Take to Answer This
What Should I Invest in Right Now?
What Should I Invest in Right Now?
What Should You Be Doing At… 55, 59 ˝, 62, 66, 70 1/2?
Certain retirement planning events are triggered at specific ages, such as when you can begin drawing on social security, or when you are required to take IRA
What To Invest In When Faced With Rising Rates and Inflation
About once a week someone asks me,
What Was All That Hype About?
A few weeks ago, headlines screamed of raging oil prices, spiraling out of control. Markets were plunging on a supposedly never-ending downward trend. Today,
What Will You Be Doing at 78?
Whether it’s riding or writing, I know what I’m passionate about. My passions dictate how I spend my time, my money, and how I make numerous decisions in my life. A fancy car? No thanks, I need to haul a dirt bike trailer around. An expensive purse? Ha. I’d much rather put a new exhaust system on my bike. Staying healthy? Absolutely - because I want the option to be riding at 78. What is it you want to be doing at 78? Or 82? Or 91? And how is that driving the decisions you make today?
What Would I Do - Buy Individual Stocks or Stock Index Funds?
Every Friday (last week a day late... this week... a day early) I post a
What Would I Do - Do My Own Taxes Or Hire An Accountant?
100% of the time I would hire an accountant. Why? Simple - for me, no questions asked, it is worth the money to pay someone else to deal with the
What Would I Do - Fund A ROTH or Traditional IRA?
What Would I Do - Fund A ROTH or Traditional IRA? Every Friday I post a
What Would I Do - Invest Or Pay Extra On The Mortgage?
Every Friday, I blog on a specific topic and tell you what I would do. It's not necessarily what you should do, but it will give you some perspective. So
What Would I Do - Investment and Planning Ideas From A Personal Perspective
Every Friday I post a
What Would I Do - Investment and Planning Ideas From A Personal Perspective
Every Friday I post a
What Would I Do - Take Social Security Early Or Late?
Every Friday I post a
What Would I Do - Would I Withdraw Funds From Retirement Accounts to Pay Off Debt?
What Would I Do - Would I Withdraw Funds From Retirement Accounts to Pay Off Debt?
What Would I Do If Lost My Job?
What Would I Do If Lost My Job?
What Would I Do With My Safe Money Right Now?
With bank savings accounts and money market accounts yielding less than one half of one percent, it seems every day someone is asking me what to do with their
What Would I Do – Buy Inflation Indexed Bonds Or Regular Bonds?
Contrary to what is seems mainstream America thinks (and when it comes to investing, it seems rarely is the consensus view correct), right now (November 20,
What Would I Do – Buy Investment Property Or Invest In The Stock and Bond Markets?
What would I do? Buy investment property or invest in the stock and bond market? 80% of the time I would invest in the stock and bond markets. Why?
What Would I Do – Buy The Corvette Or Save The Money?
Every week I post a
What Would I Do... Pay The Surrender Charge Or Wait It Out?
Many investments (such as annuities, cash value life insurance and B share mutual funds) have surrender charges; a fee that is imposed if you cash in your
What Would I Do?
Many of the articles I write cause a lot of debate in our office. The debate comes about because after years of providing financial advice we have realized
What Would I Do? Hire A Financial Advisor, Or Do It Myself?
Every Friday (ok, I'm a day late this week, it's Saturday) I post a What Would I Do topic. Keep in mind, it is not necessarily what you should do. Instead, it
What Would I Do? Work For Love Or Work For Money?
Motivational seminars, books, tapes... and one common thing among them all,
What Would You Do?
The best business relationship I ever had was one where we had nothing in writing. It worked because we trusted each other's ethical values. When the business
What You Should Really Ask A Prospective Financial Advisor
Every week potential clients walk in our office. Often they are armed with a list of generic questions and they read them off in a robotic-like voice, obviously
What You Should Really Ask Your Financial Advisor
Every week prospective clients walk in our office, trying to determine if we are the financial services firm they should hire. Many of them print a list of
What are the Activities of Daily Living
There are six activities of daily living that are used to evaluate your eligibility for long term care insurance benefits. Here is a list of what are commonly considered the activities of daily living.
What is Full Retirement Age For My Social Security Benefits
Full retirement age – what you need to know about social security benefits, working, and full retirement age.
What is Long Term Care
When you cannot take care of your own daily activities, like dressing, bathing, etc. for a prolonged period of time, you are then in need of long term care, which are services that assist with such activities.
What is Medicare - Medicare Basics
What is Medicare? Medicare is health insurance for people age 65 or older. There are two main parts to Medicare; Medicare Part A, referred to as hospital insurance and Medicare Part B referred to as medical insurance. Details here.
What is My Social Security Retirement Age
The amount of benefits you receive will depend on the Social Security retirement age that you choose. If you take Social Security at 62, or any time before full retirement age (defined below), and continue to work and earn an amount in excess of the earnings limit, your Social Security benefits will be reduced. Details here.
What is Real?
What is Retirement?
Retirement is achieved when you have enough non-work related sources of income to cover your living expenses and so working for money is no longer necessary. Retirement can be achieved when you plan and save, even if you start planning late.
What is Retirement?
What is Retirement?
What is The Behavior Gap?
The behavior gap is a term used to describe a human tendency to make illogical financial decisions. Behavior Gap is also a website and a book, which both contain great sketches that help illustrate how silly we can be with our money.
What is Your View on Assisted Suicide?
I’ll never forget one particular case in 1996, when one of my sweet, older clients called me to tell me her husband passed away. She said he had cancer.
What is a Bucket List?
The term bucket list has come to refer to a wish list of things you want to do before you
What is a REIT?
What is a REIT, or real estate investment trust?
What is a Retirement Planner - What Will a Good Retirement Planner Do for Me
Find out what a good retirement planner does and where you can find someone with a specialty in retirement income planning.
What is an Early Retirement Age
Many Americans think of age 55 or earlier as an early retirement age. My definition of early retirement age is any age before age 65. Here's why.
What is an IRA
What is an IRA? IRA stands for Individual Retirement Account. Funds that you deposit inside of an IRA have tax advantages over funds that you deposit in a regular bank or investment account. An IRA is not an investment - it is an account that holds investments inside of it. There are two types of IRAs: a Traditional IRA and a ROTH IRA.
What is an IRA Rollover? 5 IRA Rollover Rules To Follow
An IRA rollover can be a smart move if you do it right. Here is what it is, and 5 rules you need to use to determine if an IRA rollover is right for you.
What is an index?
What is an index?
What is the Difference Between a Fee-Only Financial Advisor and a Fee Based Financial Advisor?
What is the difference between a fee-only financial advisor and a fee based financial advisor?
What to Know Before Cashing Out 401k
Is cashing out of your 401k plan a good idea? Is it even possible? Don't make a decision to cash out your 401k plan without knowing what you might be giving up.
What to Know Before You Choose Your Retirement Age
Your retirement age determines when and how you can access your retirement money. Retirement age rules vary from plan to plan and from country to country. Here are the things you need to know before you choose your retirement age.
What's Your Burn Rate?
What's Your Burn Rate?
What's Your Picture Of Retirement
This series of pictures have been sent to me by clients or readers who are happily enjoying retirement. What's your picture of retirement?
What's Your Picture Of Retirement
This series of pictures have been sent to me by clients or readers who are happily enjoying retirement. What's your picture of retirement?