9 Reasons Consumers Need Advisors More Than Ever

My Comments: This is a self-serving blog post. While I should apologize for this, there are millions of Americans who will find themselves looking for financial freedom in the years to come and unless they have developed the necessary skill sets, they will find themselves behind the curve in a big way. Somebody has to …

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How to Protect Inherited IRAs After the Clark v. Rameker Decision

My Comments: If you have an IRA today, there is a chance there will still be money in it when the inevitable happens and you permanently leave the building. What then with this money? If you have a spouse, and they are the named beneficiary, that money now belongs to them and it becomes their …

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3 Essentials Missing From Many Retirement Plans

My Comments: One thing I’ve learned over the years is that people in my profession have a profound bias when it comes to trying to explain the dynamics of money. We include a lot of self promotion. I’ve also learned that I’m not immune to this bias. Some of this is justified since probably 95% …

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30 Common Obstacles to Estate Planning

• It’s too expensive • My attorney takes care of that • Planners just want to sell me something • Too complicated • It may jeopardize my own financial security • My children want me to spend it all • Leaving too much to my children can make them unmotivated • My children are financially …

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Essential Legal and Financial Documents to Have

My Comments: This article appeared as An emergency checklist for advisors and clients: essential legal and financial documents. It caught my eye since lists are always useful when it comes to writing a blog post that someone might read. After all, I read this one. More than that, however, is the fact that getting older …

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The Typical Household, Now Worth a Third Less

My Comments: You have read my posts before where I talk about income inequality  (the HAVES vs. the HAVE NOTS) and how if left unchecked, could result in social chaos in this country. Probably not in my lifetime, but definitely affecting the lives of my grandchildren. It’s an issue that demands discussion among ourselves and …

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New Longevity Annuity Rules: 5 Things to Know

My Comments: Earlier this week I introduced the idea of a QLAC. If you didn’t see it, click on the link and check it out. Some of you are going to want to use this contract as soon as it becomes available this fall. Others are going to think about how your investment mix will …

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3 Market Warning Signs Predict 20% Stock Tumble

My Comments: No need for any commentary from me. Just draw your own conclusions, and hope that if the author is right, you’ve talked with me about how to make money when everyone around you is losing theirs. On the other hand, essentially this same argument was made last April and yet the crash has …

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THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK – July 30, 2014

My Comments: I’m involved in a philosophical conflict these days between those on one side who believe there is a universal truth that says investment skill trumps traditional permanent life insurance every time. On the other side is someone who believes permanent life insurance trumps traditional investment methodologies. They argue vehemently that permanent life insurance …

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These 3 Charts Show The Amazing Power Of Compound Interest

My Comments: Math was not and remains not one of my strengths. But I understand this part. If you are younger than I am and have an opportunity to put some money to work, you need to push the envelope and make it happen. Whether you do or not, the price you pay for stuff …

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