Book explains market cycle and trends
Most stock-market experts don’t claim that they can predict market highs or lows. However, one expert investor and writer believes there are ways to understand market trends, and his success in managing mutual funds for Oaktree Capital Group, a company he cofounded, makes believers out of even the most successful investors. Warren Buffett says that if he gets any mail from Howard... READ MORE
Expect 2019’s market ride to be stressful
No matter which way the stock market goes in 2019 — and Wall Street has ample arguments for either direction — expect it to be another gut-wrenching ride. The market is facing a long list of challenges this year, from expectations for slower economic growth around the world to the restraining effect of rising interest rates. And the global trade war is still creating uncertainty as... READ MORE
IRA contribution limits are higher in 2019
How much can I contribute to my IRA and 401(k) in 2019? What are the income limits to qualify for a Roth? Answer: You’ll be able to contribute slightly more to your retirement savings in 2019. The contribution limit for a 401(k), 403(b), 457 plan or the federal government’s Thrift Savings Plan rises from $18,500 to $19,000 in 2019. You can continue to contribute an extra $6,000 if... READ MORE
To itemize or not is the question for 2018
As the new year begins and taxpayers contemplate another round of 1040s, many are pondering The Big Question: Do I take the standard deduction or spend time hunting for receipts and filling out extra forms to itemize? The decision largely boils down to whether itemizing will reduce your taxable income more than the flat, no-questions-asked standard deduction will, thus saving you... READ MORE
Companies pay investors record dividends
It pays more than ever to be an investor. U.S. companies sent a record amount of cash to their shareholders as dividends in 2018, as their profits continued to pile higher. The increase is key for shareholders, offering a bit of stability in what was a stomach-churning year for the stock market. The S&P 500 index twice plunged by 10 percent, and by Dec. 17 had lost 150 points for the ... READ MORE
Play defense: add utilities to your portfolio
Since the bull market began in 2009, shares in utilities — water, gas and power providers — have lagged Standard & Poor’s 500-stock index. But recent rockiness in the stock market bodes well for the traditionally defensive utilities sector. From the S&P 500’s peak in late September to mid-December, the index surrendered 13.1 percent, including dividends. But shares in... READ MORE
Five mistakes not to make with annuities
Recently, we learned an elderly client had unexpectedly cashed out of an annuity that was part of her portfolio, and moved her money to another product. In the process, she accepted a $13,000 surrender charge, increased the amount of time her funds will be tied up with a different annuity, and guaranteed herself a lower rate of return. When I called her, she said an insurance agent had... READ MORE
Is earnings growth as good as it will get?
Here’s the challenge when something’s as good as it gets: What comes next? Companies across industries are in the midst of reporting another quarter of gargantuan profit growth, driven by lower tax bills and a growing economy. Amazon said its net income surged more than tenfold during the summer from a year earlier, for example. Yet stock prices are not getting the boost that they ... READ MORE
The pros and cons of preferred stock
In many of my articles, I have recommended a balanced portfolio consisting of both common stocks and bonds, especially in or near retirement. In retirement, I have maintained a 50-50 ratio of stocks to bonds, in order to avoid significant fall in portfolio value during a bear market in stocks. Bond investors have many options. When the Federal Reserve raises interest rates frequently,... READ MORE
Can you finally ignore your credit score?
At some point, you’ll buy your last car and refinance your last mortgage. Surely then you can stop worrying about your credit scores. Well, not really, although there are situations when credit scores shouldn’t be anyone’s main concern. Let’s start with some reasons why credit scores still matter, even when you don’t plan to borrow money. Lenders aren’t the only ones... READ MORE
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