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
Veterans benefits continue after death
Dear Savvy Senior: Does the VA provide any special burial benefits to old veterans? My dad, who has late-stage Parkinson’s disease, served during the Vietnam War in the 1960s. — Only Child Dear Only: Most U.S. veterans are eligible for burial and memorial benefits through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) National Cemetery Administration. Veterans who were discharged under... READ MORE
Five best moves for your portfolio
These portfolio moves will help boost the income you get from your portfolio, shield it from inflation, and make it less volatile, too. Dial down volatility. Stocks with low volatility should weather dips better than jiggier peers. Invesco S&P 500 Low Volatility ETF (symbol SPLV, $48) holds the 100 stocks in the blue-chip index with the lowest volatility; iShares Edge MSCI Min Vol... READ MORE
Shop around to find good savings interest
Savers rejoice — you can finally earn a little more on the money you’ve been setting aside. To draw in customers, banks — particularly online institutions — have been getting more competitive with the rates they are offering on savings, CDs and even checking accounts. That means a savvy consumer may be able to earn far beyond the norm if they are willing to shop around. Take... READ MORE
A year that most of the markets struggled
Even the most balanced investors have gotten knocked on their heels this year. Typically, spreading one’s bets across several different types of investments (diversifying) has helped deliver steadier returns. When U.S. stocks slide, say, bonds and gold can hopefully help offset the losses. Or maybe stocks abroad will hold up better than their U.S. counterparts. Not so this year.... READ MORE
Why give stock to a donor-advised fund?
What are the benefits of giving appreciated stock to a donor-advised fund if I don’t plan to itemize my deductions this year? Answer: Giving appreciated stock to a donor-advised fund — or directly to a charity — gives you a tax benefit even if you don’t itemize. By doing so, you avoid having to pay taxes on the capital gains that have accumulated through the years. If you... READ MORE
Your pet also needs to have an estate plan
Pet obsession is nothing new, but modern life has taken our love affair with animals to another level. Some people post more photos and videos of their animals online than of their children, and people are spending more money than ever on pet indulgences. But while “fur babies” have worked their way into a place in the hearts, homes and wallets of their owners, the law sees these... READ MORE
How to test-drive your car salesperson
If you work with a good car salesperson, the shopping process can actually be fun, and you’ll be more confident you’re getting a good deal. Unfortunately, most people think they have to stick with whichever salesperson latches onto them first, even if they begin to feel pressured, intimidated or misled. But car buyers can and should test-drive, or vet, their salesperson — and be... READ MORE
