Interest rates at historically low levels are great for those looking to refinance a mortgage or borrow money to start a business. However, people who rely on their investments for income have sought out a variety of alternatives to rock-bottom yields on U.S. Treasuries, including high-yield bonds. If you're considering investing in high-yield bonds--sometimes called [...]
If you've lost your job, or are changing jobs, you may be wondering what to do with your 401(k) plan account. It's important to understand your options. What will I be entitled to? If you leave your job (voluntarily or involuntarily), you'll be entitled to a distribution of your vested balance. Your vested balance always [...]
In these challenging economic times, you may be considering taking a withdrawal from your traditional IRA. While you're allowed to withdraw funds from your IRAs at any time, for any reason, the question is, should you? Why you should think twice Taxable distributions you receive from your IRA before age 59½ are generally referred to [...]
You may recall that in my last blog, I wrote that some surveys conducted in recent years reported that the majority of Americans are not prepared for retirement(1). And I suggested that the reasons for this apparent lack of interest in the subject may not, in fact, reflect lack of interest at all. Instead, I suggested [...]
I wanted to post a quick reminder about our upcoming retirement planning workshop in San Francisco on June 1, 2012! The challenges in the housing market, fluctuating stock prices, and US companies seemingly reluctant to bring on new workers are making people’s financial lives complicated! With uncertainty about the future value of retirement accounts and [...]
Some of you might remember the famous phrase from a General Motors commercial many years ago – “this is not your father’s Oldsmobile.” Well, for those of you considering eventually retiring, I have news for you: “This is not your father’s retirement.” Unfortunately, surveys conducted during the past several years have shown that the majority of [...]
Last week, I visited with the former employees of New United Motors Manufacturing (NUMMI), the Fremont car company which ceased operations in 2010. NUMMI recently notified its former workers that they would be receiving assets from the company’s now terminated Pension plan, and I was among a select group of financial professionals invited to help. [...]
I don’t know about you, but I have become increasingly concerned about inflation over the past few years. And I make that statement not only as a financial advisor, but as a consumer who goes the supermarket, to the gas station and plenty of other stores. I have personally experienced the sting of higher prices [...]
Welcome to my very first blog posting! Since I am launching this site at the beginning of the year, it seems fitting to post my recommendations for New Year’s resolutions. Of our many cultural traditions, the annual writing down of our self-imposed vows to improve or completely overhaul our lives is one of the most [...]