My Comments: We claim to be a rich and sophisticated country. We agree we have exceptional health care, just that it costs a lot of money. We also like to think our life expectancy reflects our sophistication when it come to health care. I’ve written before that there are five principal stakeholders in our health …
Continue reading The Average Cost of Healthcare in 21 Different Countries
My Comments: Until recently, I always envisioned retirement as a date in time when I left the work force and became ‘retired’. That probably meant that I was no longer working for money and instead using whatever credits or savings I’d accumulated to pay my bills. Only for many of us, it hasn’t worked out …
My Comments: A tragedy for whom, you might ask. I interpret this to mean everyone with money invested who cannot afford to lose a bunch of it. And especially those no longer working, whose ability to survive financially is dependent on money invested in retirement accounts. Yes, I know, I’ve been telling this tale now …
Continue reading A tragedy is unfolding in the stock market that should worry both bulls and bears
By Tony Kendzior, CLU, ChFC These facts about Social Security are intended as general information for those planning to file for Social Security benefits. The idea is to help you get what you are entitled to and not leave dollars behind that can’t be recovered. You should seek guidance from the Social Security Administration (SSA) …
My Comments: First, a disclaimer: I’m not an attorney. Second, in my 43 years as a financial planner and investment advisor, I’ve run across more than a few beneficiary mistakes that have been problematical. With all of us having a finite time on this earth, the issue of what happens to our stuff when we …
Continue reading Beneficiary Designations: 5 Critical Mistakes to Avoid
My Comments: Which generation are you from? I’m in front of the baby boomers, of whom there are many millions. They surfaced following World War II. And fueled the growth of America and it’s influence across the world. The millennials are essentially the baby boomers grandkids. That leaves Gen X as the children of the …
Continue reading Forget millennials — the real financial time bomb in America is Gen X
My Comments: David Brown says current conditions resemble those of 2007-08, but a wave of populist nationalism spearheaded by the US president is undermining global institutions that ended the Great Recession. Will you be ready for another Great Depression? I've long argued we are years away from the next iteration of the Great Depression of …
My Comments: *Actually, it's not the most important, but... The message that accompanies this chart is very important. Read further before you start looking for the chart. No one has ever said this was going to be simple and it’s not. But it’s critical you make an effort to understand all this since Social Security …
Continue reading The Most Important Social Security Chart* You’ll Ever See
My Comments: Those of us with years under our belt know how confusing issues about money become. Without a working knowledge of how it works, we become quick victims of those willing to reach into our pockets and help themselves to our money. But, you say, it’s the American way. Some argue vehemently to limit …
Continue reading Should high schools be required to teach financial literacy?
My Comments: Retirement is not all about money. Yes, having enough money helps a lot, but it’s only part of the puzzle. These 20 steps leaped out at me because so many of them are the default response for millions of people these days. For over 43 years, I’ve spent my life helping people grow …
Helping Define Your Financial Future 