How to protect your portfolio this year
I have received many questions about investment strategies for the rest of 2022. It’s no secret that the values of many equities, as well as bonds, have fallen significantly since the beginning of the year. Investors want to know if they should be selling some of their equity and bond holdings — or should they be investing more because there is a high probability that equity prices... READ MORE
Free answers to your pension questions
I have written often about retirement benefits in general, and about pension plans and retirement plans in particular. A very helpful resource to me in writing these columns has been the Pension Rights Center, a national consumer organization that works to protect the retirement income security of workers, retirees and their families. The Pension Rights Center also provides services,... READ MORE
Down market suggests Roth conversion
While a down market may not be a fun time for investors, there are some bright spots and opportunities to be had. Stock market drops like we’ve seen recently might make a Roth IRA conversion more appealing as a strategy for investors. Should you consider converting a traditional IRA to a Roth during a down market? There are a few things to consider. What is a Roth conversion? online... READ MORE
To fight inflation, reduce food expenses
Like many shoppers, I’ve noticed my grocery bill getting bigger each week: Last month, food prices were almost 8% higher than they were a year ago, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Economic Research Service. (I had also been turning to shortcuts like prepackaged snacks and meal kits, which further added to our total bill.) To counteract these pressures, I applied all ... READ MORE
Apps address end-of-life planning issues
Before the pandemic, entrepreneurs Liz Eddy and Alyssa Ruderman had trouble getting venture capitalists to invest in their end-of-life planning app, called Lantern. Potential business partners were skeptical as well. “We would hear, ‘Oh, this is really a niche issue,’ which I think is pretty hilarious,” Eddy said. “Death is quite literally the only thing on the planet that... READ MORE
Guaranteeing income in uncertain times
I have discussed single-premium immediate annuities, or SPIAs, in previous columns. They have features that are very important because of the uncertainty in the stock and bond markets, and because some politicians would like to reduce future Social Security benefits. When stock markets were bullish for several years, some investors expected equity prices to always go up. Because of the... READ MORE
How are gas prices set?
As gasoline prices keep climbing, many frustrated drivers might be asking, “Who controls gas prices?” The short answer is: No one person, company or government can really be said to set gas prices. But it is possible to break down some of the major factors that go into determining the cost of a gallon of gas. Let’s take a look. Crude oil online pharmacy cymbalta online with best... READ MORE
What are the safest places to invest now?
Many who have invested in various forms of bond funds have been disappointed to see that, despite receiving regular interest payments, the value of their investment has decreased significantly in 2022. I have received quite a bit of mail from readers asking whether they should bail out of bond funds and instead make new investments in money-market funds, CDs or I bonds. Here are some... READ MORE
Many different types of financial advisers
Registered adviser, fiduciary, independent adviser, investment adviser representative, RIA, licensed, designated, unbiased — what do all these terms mean? As an investor seeking an adviser, it can certainly be confounding. The many different types of licenses, designations, financial industry jargon and affiliation options are a lot for anyone to digest. Twenty-two years of helping... READ MORE
Times when you need an expert’s advice
You can now manage most aspects of your money without ever consulting another human being. You can budget, borrow, save, invest, buy insurance, prepare your tax return and create a will — among many other tasks — by using apps, websites and software. But technology still has limitations, especially when you’re facing a money situation that’s complex or involves judgment... READ MORE
