My Comments: In an attempt to be positive on this wet and gloomy Tuesday, I will say with some certainty that the Social Security System will NEVER go bankrupt. It’s too easy to make the necessary changes to assure this will not happen. My children and grandchildren will receive a benefit based on their age …
Continue reading Push Is On To Increase Social Security Retirement Age
My Comments: The following is an arcane topic that will bore some of you and cause you to find something else to read. That’s OK. But for those of you interested in what might happen to your Social Security income, you might find it interesting. Economic fundamentals tells you that, over time, a balance has …
Continue reading Chained CPI Could Cut Social Security Benefits
January 3, 2014 • Robert Laura One of the many things I appreciate about this profession is the constant and ongoing challenge associated with traditional retirement planning statistics and percentages. Whether it’s the 4 percent rule being argued, new research on the pros and cons of active versus passive investing, or a new study on …
Continue reading These Retirement Stats Paint A Troubling Picture
My Comments: I have a number of physicians among my clients and friends. Virtually all are uncertain about how the PPACA is going to impact their profession. Those not retired are concerned, but understand that if their commitment to their patients stays as strong as it is now, they will be OK. But that doesn't …
Continue reading Solving the Shortage in Primary Care Doctors
My Comments: For many advisors, estate planning will take a back seat as the combined exemption (husband and wife) now exceeds $10.5M. That eliminates a lot of folks who nevertheless have substantial wealth. But there are still questions that should not be ignored. Here’s a quick summary that will put all this in perspective for …
Continue reading 10 Estate Planning Tax Facts You Need to Know
My Thoughts: If this were my original work, the ttle would more likely be “My Best Guess for the Markets in 2014.” The emphasis is on guess and it only exists because as a so called expert, I’m supposed to know. Only I don’t. I think I know what I’m having for supper tonight because …
Continue reading Forecasting the Year Ahead, and Preparing to Be Wrong
My Comments: You already know my opinions about the PPACA and how it will morph over the next ten years. Here’s another element that will focus people’s attention as contrasts start to appear between states that are willing to participate and those that do not. Since Florida has chosen to NOT participate in the Medicaid …
Continue reading The Affordable Care Act’s Most Important Date: Not What You Think
My Comments: How many of you actually made a list of New Year’s Resolutions? I used to make them, but it became pointless. Very little conformed to reality and few were accomplished. So no list of resolutions for me this year. But it is helpful to be somewhat organized, and if you live a middle-class …
My Comments: Years ago, it was simply a matter of waiting to reach 65, showing up at the Social Security office and then waiting for a check to appear in the mail. Today, that idea is quaint and naive. As the baby boomers reach age 62 and beyond, it’s become a chore to figure out …
Continue reading Restricted Application for Social Security Benefits
By John Gapper | The Financial Times The New York minicab service I used to favour communicated in code. When you rang and gave your address, the radio dispatcher would reply “five minutes” and hang up. This meant a cab would arrive at any time from one to 10 minutes later. “Seven minutes” meant 20, …
Continue reading Why Taxi Cab Drivers Cannot Put Down Their Smartphones
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