For Mark Roberts' Use: If you've been contributing to your employer-sponsored retirement plan, then congratulations! You're making smart decisions about your future, and you're well on your way to a more comfortable retirement. At some point, though, you may change jobs. Whether you're forced to do so due to company downsizing, or choose to go [...]
For Mark Roberts' Use: With average annual costs for a private, four-year college reaching over $39,500 in 2012 – and increasing every year – it's no wonder parents are reaching desperate conclusions regarding their children's tuition. Unfortunately, many are making a common mistake that drastically affects their retirement plans: they're raiding their 401(k) funds to [...]
For Mark Roberts' Use: The federal estate tax, also known as the “death tax”, was first enacted with the Stamp Tax of 1797 in order to pay for naval rearmament. The estate tax has a long and colorful past, having been revoked and reinstated at various times throughout American history. The current system was put [...]
For Mark Roberts' Use: Last year, the U.S. Supreme Court decided a case in which a widow and her deceased husband's first wife were embattled over his federal employee insurance benefits. The man had designated his first wife on the insurance policy, but forgot to change the designation after divorcing her and marrying the second [...]
Investment Commentary – July 16, 2014 Dow – 17,060.68 (7/15/14 close) S&P 500 – 1,973.28 (7/15/14 close) 10-year Treasury – 2.55% (7/15/14) The Fed sent a signal to the market that it will remain on course in reducing the tapering program when it announced at its June meeting the slowing of monthly bond purchases [...]
For Mark Roberts' Use: You have spent years – probably even decades – planning and saving for your retirement. When the time finally comes, it's important to make the most of your golden years. Remember these five ingredients to a fulfilling retirement, and make these years some of the happiest of your life. Avoid regrets. [...]
For Mark Roberts' Use: As we enter our retirement years, many of us find ourselves facing a fixed monthly income. While it's always best to prepare years in advance, and to plan for as much income as possible in retirement, there are always surprises along the way. If you find yourself with less money each [...]
For Mark Roberts' Use: For many people, tax-advantaged investing is an excellent way to reduce their taxes. And while many of the traditional tax-advantaged strategies have been eliminated, there are still alternatives left that can help you reduce your taxes. Some are described below. Real Estate Partnerships Two of the most common types of real [...]
For Mark Roberts' Use: When you envision your retirement, do you picture yourself playing golf on a tropical island, playing cards in a retirement home, or simply enjoying your own backyard? A 2012 poll by the National Council on Aging found that 9 out of 10 Americans aged 60 and older plan to spend the [...]
For Mark Roberts' Use: Bonds are a common investment vehicle, but you may be unfamiliar with the ratings system you often see associated with them. Since a bond's rating tells you a lot about the potential return of your investment, it makes sense to familiarize yourself with the three main ratings systems. These ratings are [...]