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Fifty-six percent of American workers have saved less than $25,000 for retirement, and 46% have saved less than $10,000.1
Will you outlive your retirement income? How much liability insurance should you have? Should you add stocks to your portfolio? Are your financial expectations for the coming year realistic?
Our financial newsletters are designed to provide helpful information on a wide variety of financial topics. Simply click on one of the newsletter topics below to read the article in its entirety.
Before implementing any strategy discussed herein, you should consult with your own financial, tax, and/or legal advisors to determine its applicability in light of your own situation.
Most insurance policies and annuity contracts contain exclusions, limitations, reductions of benefits, surrender charges and terms for keeping them in force. Your representative can provide you with costs and complete details.
The information contained in this article is not intended to (and cannot) be used by anyone to avoid IRS penalties. These articles supports the promotion and marketing of this [life insurance, annuity, long term care, disability, pension, etc. You should seek advice based on your particular circumstances from an independent tax advisor.
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March
HOT TOPIC: Breaking Down the Proposed FY 2013 Budget
The 2013 budget released by the White House on February 13 contains proposed fiscal measures that could affect the business and investment climate, the income tax code, and government spending. Considering that Congress will debate and discuss the budget in detail, many of these measures are unlikely to become law as proposed, but they may indicate future developments.
Where There's a Will, There's a Way
Only 35% of Americans have a will, yet it's a relatively simple legal document that every adult should have, regardless of wealth or age. Dying without a will can lead to unwanted outcomes and potential problems for heirs. This article discusses the importance of a will and other estate conservation documents.
Balancing Stability and Growth
An investor who is 2 or 3 decades from retirement could decide to be more aggressive in pursuing investment growth than someone approaching retirement. Even though investors address this by transitioning to a more conservative asset allocation, they still need to seek growth while balancing the desire for principal preservation. This article offers some factors to consider.
Rethinking the Role of Household Debt
Many people aspire to pay off their home mortgages before retirement, but the housing situation and a weak economy have taken a toll on the finances of many older Americans. There are some compelling reasons why pre-retirees might want to consider maximizing their retirement plan contributions and avoid carrying large amounts of debt into retirement.
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February
HOT TOPIC: Why Watch the Employment Situation
Labor reports showed some signs of improvement in the second half of 2011. This article takes a closer look at the official reports that track employment, factors that held back job creation after the recession officially ended, and whether recent gains are enough to spark more robust growth.
Keeping Pace with Social Security
In 2012, Social Security beneficiaries will receive a 3.6% cost of living increase for the first time in three years. But a recent study suggests that benefits are lagging far behind real expenses. This article explains how Social Security benefits are indexed and what older workers and retirees might expect from the program in the future.
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January
HOT TOPIC: Looking Ahead in 2012
2011 was a year of slow economic recovery, market volatility, and political conflict over the budget, the national debt, and taxes. All of these challenges continue to face us as we begin the new year. This article presents an overview of some of the issues that bear watching in 2012.
For Better, For Worse: Communicating About Retirement
A recent study indicates that couples are not communicating clearly about retirement goals and strategies, even as they approach retirement age. This article offers suggestions to open a dialogue and encourages couples to discuss their retirement needs and desires with each other and with their financial advisor.
Are Consumers Holding the Keys to a Better Economy?
Consumer spending still accounts for about 70% of gross domestic product, but some government statistics suggest that consumers may have reduced spending drastically in recent years, especially on discretionary items. High unemployment, household debt, and a general lack of confidence can affect consumers' ability and willingness to spend.