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Wednesday, December 14, 2011

http://bit.ly/ub0WrH Three-fourths of CEOs running small and mid-size businesses reported in March 2011 that they were anticipating higher revenues in the year ahead, and nearly 60% expected rising profits. Among those who expressed confidence in their futures, 54% expected to hire more employees and 50% were planning to invest in their facilities.



Growth is often accompanied by change. In fact, the U.S. Small Business Administration has found that increased employment and faster growth are factors that often lead businesses to change their legal form of organization. http://amplify.com/u/a1kejd
http://bit.ly/uBByd3 On October 12, in a demonstration of bipartisan cooperation, Congress passed three separate trade agreements — with South Korea, Colombia, and Panama. They are the first trade agreements in four years. In terms of potential impact, the trade pact with South Korea is the most significant since the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) with Mexico and Canada in 1994. http://amplify.com/u/a1kejb
In the first half of 2011, spikes in food and gasoline prices strained the budgets of many Americans and sparked fears of more persistent inflation. http://bit.ly/rVDzzU



Nonetheless, the Federal Reserve expected such price spikes to be temporary and forecasted the overall inflation rate to stay in the neighborhood of 2.5% in 2011, with the core consumer price index (which strips out food and energy) to grow in the range of 1.5% to 1.8%.1 http://amplify.com/u/a1kej9
Retirement savers are generally wise to take full advantage of the tax benefits that apply to employer-sponsored retirement plans and IRAs. http://bit.ly/tfv3PT. However, because these tax-deferred plans are subject to strict annual contribution limits, many higher-income individuals may not be able to set aside enough money in them to pursue a comfortable retirement lifestyle.



Because a variable annuity is not subject to federal contribution limits, it enables investors to invest more after-tax dollars to supplement the income they could receive from other plans. Taxes on earnings are deferred until withdrawn. http://amplify.com/u/a1keif

Thursday, November 10, 2011

One of the recommendations from the White House Task Force on Middle Class Working Families was for retirees to purchase annuities to help reduce the risks of outliving their savings or experiencing lower living standards because of inflation and investment losses.



The White House is not a common source of retirement information, but its recommendation addressed a common concern: running out of money in retirement. Although the task force wasn’t talking about variable annuities in particular, one of the benefits offered by variable annuities is the potential for a guaranteed lifetime income.



Read more....http://bit.ly/t3ORq6 http://amplify.com/u/a1hjna
Three-fourths of CEOs running small and mid-size businesses reported in March 2011 that they were anticipating higher revenues in the year ahead, and nearly 60% expected rising profits. Among those who expressed confidence in their futures, 54% expected to hire more employees and 50% were planning to invest in their facilities.



Read more...http://bit.ly/va9z5M http://amplify.com/u/a1hjn4
The Consumer Price Index (CPI), a common measure of inflation, grew at a 3.2% annual rate in April, the fastest rate since October 2008.1 For more than two years, the U.S. economy has experienced relatively low inflation, and the current rate remains below the 50-year average.2 Yet anyone who has been to a gas station or a grocery store recently may feel that prices are going up faster than the CPI suggests.



Read more...http://bit.ly/s1HnmM http://amplify.com/u/a1hjn1

Friday, November 4, 2011

There are a variety of retirement planning options that can meet your needs. Your employer funds some; you fund some. Bear in mind that in most cases, withdrawals made before age 59½ are subject to a 10 percent penalty, and withdrawals usually must begin by April 1 of the year after you turn age70½. Income taxes are also due upon withdrawal in most cases. This list describes 10 of the most common options.



Read more.....http://bit.ly/nVWULP http://amplify.com/u/a1golq
Recently, fixed mortgages were near their lowest rates in almost 30 years. And if you are one of the many people who took out mortgages in the few years prior to that, you may be wondering if you should look into refinancing.



If your mortgage was taken out within the past five years, it may be worthwhile to refinance if you can get financing that is at least one to two points lower than your current interest rate. You should plan on staying in the house long enough to pay off the loan transaction charges (points, title insurance, attorney’s fees, etc.).



Read more....http://bit.ly/oo7LGP http://amplify.com/u/a1gokq
Your business may be running smoothly. You could be making money hand over fist. But don’t be lulled into thinking that a catastrophe could never hit your business. Disasters can strike in many ways; even a minor one could wipe out a lifetime of hard work. Fortunately, the appropriate business owner’s insurance policy, sometimes called a BOP, can help protect your company in the event of property damage, business interruption, or legal troubles.



Read more....http://bit.ly/rP42Aw http://amplify.com/u/a1gok7

Tuesday, October 25, 2011

Grow & Protect Your Money WITHOUT Market RISK http://webprez.com/4150/4 http://amplify.com/u/a1fnbj
In a 2011 study by the National Institute on Retirement Security, 84% of respondents expressed concern that current economic conditions could affect their ability to retire comfortably, and 73% said stock market volatility makes it difficult to predict how much they could save by retirement.1 Clearly, uneven market performance has increased anxiety about having an adequate retirement income.



read more...http://bit.ly/u1ivUX http://amplify.com/u/a1fn9u
The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act — signed into law by President Obama on July 21, 2010 — will likely revolutionize the country’s financial system. The sweeping legislation is the most far-reaching financial reform since the Great Depression, touching virtually every corner of the financial world.

The new law is designed to help shield consumers from abusive financial practices, protect taxpayers from funding bailouts for institutions considered “too big to fail,” and improve accountability and transparency in the financial system.



read more...http://bit.ly/u4oWpJ http://amplify.com/u/a1fn9q
The federal estate tax was repealed in 2010, then reinstated by the 2010 Tax Relief Act with new provisions for 2011 and 2012. These provisions include a higher exemption amount and a lower tax rate that could ease or eliminate the tax burden on many estates.



read more....http://bit.ly/reyf2S http://amplify.com/u/a1fn9l

Monday, October 24, 2011

Research across the board shows that seniors with close friends and families live longer happier lives. Whether you live on your own or in an assisted living community, active participation in social events lends itself to a better lifestyle. Recent research into the ability of seniors to grasp modern technology shows that comprehension of social media websites comes easily but not quite as quick as it is for youngsters.



read more...http://www.brpg-inc.com/content/health-wellness-quality-relationships-quality-life http://amplify.com/u/a1fl8a
Planning for retirement is stressful for most people because they aren’t sure what to expect. The plans that a retiree sets in place now actually affect those they love for years to come after their passing. That is why it is important to prioritize and be prepared by answering some important questions. How much will you need to retire? There are many factors that affect this such as the quality of one’s health, the amount of debt one has, the size of one’s house and its upkeep and inflation. If you don’t have enough, it’s probably not a good idea to retire. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing.\\



read more...http://www.brpg-inc.com/content/what-types-strategies-should-i-make-sure-include http://amplify.com/u/a1fl83
The amount of money you will need for retirement is essentially the same amount that you need right now less the expenses that you will no longer have by the time you retire. Most of the time these are long-term expenses such as mortgages, money you’re saving for retirement, etc. This may change as you could decide that you would like to help put the grandkids through college or have another long-term expense that comes up during retirement.



read more...http://www.brpg-inc.com/content/how-much-will-you-really-need-retirement http://amplify.com/u/a1fl7y
Pickleball is a court sport best described as half way between tennis and ping-pong. The court is 44' x 20' and divided in two courts by a 36" high net. It is played as a singles game with one person/side or as a doubles game with 2 people on each side of the net. Each player has a paddle (total length plus width of the paddle cannot excede 23 3/4" or 60.3 cm.) The object of the game is to score points by successfully hitting a 3" diameter plastic ball (that is perforated with holes (commonly known as a whiffle-ball) across the net without it being successfully returned by the opponent(s).



read more...http://www.brpg-inc.com/content/pickleball-gaining-popularity http://amplify.com/u/a1fl7s

Thursday, October 13, 2011

As tax laws change, college investment planning becomes increasingly complex. The most beneficial strategies for creating a college fund are quite similar to other investment tactics. Investment products that are tax deferred, tax exempt, or transferable without tax consequences can be especially advantageous.

This could be even more effective if you do your planning early.

One important aspect of an investment is its balance of yield and risk. Determine the amount of risk you can tolerate, given the amount of time you have to recover from any potential losses.



Read more....http://bit.ly/ppwYH9 http://amplify.com/u/a1emn7
What Happens If I Withdraw Money from My Tax-Deferred Investments Before Age 59½?

Withdrawing funds from a tax-deferred retirement account before the age of 59½ generally triggers a 10% federal income tax penalty; all distributions are subject to ordinary income tax. However, there are certain situations in which you are allowed to make early withdrawals from a retirement account and avoid the tax penalty.

IRAs and employer-sponsored retirement plans have different exceptions, although the regulations are similar.



Read more....http://bit.ly/nj1Zjb http://amplify.com/u/a1emmq
Many Americans facing retirement would love to increase their monthly income.

Faced with fixed pensions, rising medical expenses, limited Social Security benefits, and longer life spans, an increasing number of people are actually being forced to lower their standards of living when they retire.

As you approach retirement, one of your major assets is likely to be your house. By the time the average person retires, his or her home is usually worth significantly more than he or she paid for it.

Now there are techniques that will enable you to use your property to finance your lifestyle without the emotional trauma of having to sell your home.



read more...http://bit.ly/r3ej0L http://amplify.com/u/a1emmh
Long ago, people realized that there is strength in numbers. For hundreds of years, we have been joining forces against all kinds of calamities — including financial troubles.

The concept of insurance is simply that if enough of us can pool our money to form a large enough fund, then together we can handle practically any financial disaster. Our motivation for contributing to this fund is our own eligibility to draw from it in the event of a disaster. One for all and all for one, so to speak.



Read more...http://bit.ly/lEsMPc http://amplify.com/u/a1emm6

Saturday, October 8, 2011

The amount of money you will need for retirement is essentially the same amount that you need right now less the expenses that you will no longer have by the time you retire. Most of the time these are long-term expenses such as mortgages, money you’re saving for retirement, etc. This may change as you could decide that you would like to help put the grandkids through college or have another long-term expense that comes up during retirement.



Read more...http://bit.ly/mX2gt8 http://amplify.com/u/a1eccx
Planning for retirement is stressful for most people because they aren’t sure what to expect. The plans that a retiree sets in place now actually affect those they love for years to come after their passing. That is why it is important to prioritize and be prepared by answering some important questions. How much will you need to retire? There are many factors that affect this such as the quality of one’s health, the amount of debt one has, the size of one’s house and its upkeep and inflation. If you don’t have enough, it’s probably not a good idea to retire. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing.



Read more...http://bit.ly/nHjBqy http://amplify.com/u/a1eccu
The federal estate tax was repealed in 2010, then reinstated by the 2010 Tax Relief Act with new provisions for 2011 and 2012. These provisions include a higher exemption amount and a lower tax rate that could ease or eliminate the tax burden on many estates.



Although the reinstated estate tax may not affect you now, it is scheduled to become more aggressive in 2013 and beyond, potentially affecting many families who might not be considered wealthy.



Read more.....http://bit.ly/reyf2S http://amplify.com/u/a1eccs
The top concern of 86% of retirees is losing their wealth, according to the 2011 March Edition of Financial Planning Magazine. There are many products out there that offer some principal protection such as CDs, SPIAs, FIAs, Bonds (when matured), money markets and basic savings accounts. Looking at the larger picture of products that offer some principal protection, we see a range between solidity and liquidity. Typically, the longer the investment is, the more money it can return.



Read more...http://bit.ly/qWL0J5 http://amplify.com/u/a1eccp
With an abundance of market information literally at investors’ fingertips, the price/earnings ratios of publicly traded companies are easier than ever to find but often more difficult to interpret. In fact, knowing the P/E ratio of a single company, a basket of stocks, or the overall market may not be particularly helpful unless you are in a position to make meaningful comparisons.



Put simply, the P/E ratio is calculated by dividing a stock’s current price per share by the company’s earnings per share over a 12-month period. It quantifies what investors may be willing to pay for one dollar of earnings. Thus, a P/E ratio of 10 means that investors would pay $10 for every $1 the company earns. P/E ratios may serve as a better indicator of a stock’s underlying value than the market price alone, but it’s essential for investors to understand what they represent.



Read more.....http://bit.ly/r6Lv6q http://amplify.com/u/a1eccl

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

Research across the board shows that seniors with close friends and families live longer happier lives. Whether you live on your own or in an assisted living community, active participation in social events lends itself to a better lifestyle.



Recent research into the ability of seniors to grasp modern technology shows that comprehension of social media websites comes easily but not quite as quick as it is for youngsters. Online social media tools such as facebook, twitter and community blogs all have one fast growing demographic in common: seniors.



Read more....http://www.brpg-inc.com/content/health-wellness-quality-relationships-quality-life http://amplify.com/u/a1du75
The top concern of 86% of retirees is losing their wealth, according to the 2011 March Edition of Financial Planning Magazine. There are many products out there that offer some principal protection such as CDs, SPIAs, FIAs, Bonds (when matured), money markets and basic savings accounts. Looking at the larger picture of products that offer some principal protection, we see a range between solidity and liquidity. Typically, the longer the investment is, the more money it can return. Shorter terms usually mean greater liquidity, but smaller returns. For example, a SPIA can offer income for life but your money is locked in for life too, you typically can never get it back. A short term CD can typically offer good liquidity, but your return is minimal.



http://www.brpg-inc.com/content/what%E2%80%99s-best-way-ensure-my-retirement-savings-doesn%E2%80%99t-lose-any-more-value http://amplify.com/u/a1du2u
Eating right is always important and is a major contributing factor to quality of life. As we get older, more factors come into play and the effects of not eating right become more apparent. There are three basic criteria that define what is ‘eating right’ which are age, gender, and physical activity.



Read more....http://www.brpg-inc.com/content/eating-right-isn%E2%80%99t-difficult-you-think http://amplify.com/u/a1du0u

Tuesday, September 20, 2011

Protect Your Money WITHOUT Market RISK



Read more...http://www.webprez.com/4150/4 http://amplify.com/u/a1d7cv
With an abundance of market information literally at investors’ fingertips, the price/earnings ratios of publicly traded companies are easier than ever to find but often more difficult to interpret. In fact, knowing the P/E ratio of a single company, a basket of stocks, or the overall market may not be particularly helpful unless you are in a position to make meaningful comparisons.



Read more...http://www.brpg-inc.com/content/what-do-priceearnings-ratios-really-have-offer http://amplify.com/u/a1d7cu
It’s somewhat disheartening that 40% of working Americans believe they will never save enough money to retire.1



There may be nothing you love more than running your business today. However, you may not be willing and able to stay involved forever, and there could come a time when your interests or passions lead you elsewhere.



When your company’s bottom line improves, it may be tempting to give yourself a raise and use the extra money to enhance your current lifestyle. But if you want to be in a position to finance your retirement dreams, you may want to think about how you can use some of your business proceeds to benefit your financial future.



Read more....http://www.brpg-inc.com/content/settling-salary http://amplify.com/u/a1d7ct
Planning for retirement is stressful for most people because they aren’t sure what to expect. The plans that a retiree sets in place now actually affect those they love for years to come after their passing. That is why it is important to prioritize and be prepared by answering some important questions.



How much will you need to retire? There are many factors that affect this such as the quality of one’s health, the amount of debt one has, the size of one’s house and its upkeep and inflation. If you don’t have enough, it’s probably not a good idea to retire. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing. It is often the case that retirees choose to continue working and find ways to turn their favorite hobby into income. This will reduce the risk of outliving one’s income and ensure leaving a legacy to their beneficiaries.



Read more...http://www.brpg-inc.com/content/planning-retirement-what-types-strategies-should-i-make-sure-include http://amplify.com/u/a1d7cq

Sunday, September 18, 2011

Recently, fixed mortgages were near their lowest rates in almost 30 years. And if you are one of the many people who took out mortgages in the few years prior to that, you may be wondering if you should look into refinancing.



If your mortgage was taken out within the past five years, it may be worthwhile to refinance if you can get financing that is at least one to two points lower than your current interest rate. You should plan on staying in the house long enough to pay off the loan transaction charges (points, title insurance, attorney’s fees, etc.).



Read more....http://www.brpg-inc.com/content/what-are-some-smart-ways-refinance http://amplify.com/u/a1d2uo
More than half of working Americans are concerned that they may not have enough money to live comfortably during retirement (see chart). For most retirees, income will come from multiple sources. It may be helpful to consider mutual funds as a potential source of retirement income.



Read more...http://www.brpg-inc.com/content/earning-income-mutual-funds http://amplify.com/u/a1d2um
Because life insurance typically becomes more expensive as we age, many people may believe they can’t afford to purchase coverage later in life. However, considering that life insurance is significantly less expensive today than it was a decade ago, you might be able to purchase new coverage and pay premiums comparable to those that were available when you were 10 years younger.



Read more....http://www.brpg-inc.com/content/evaluating-life-insurance-needs http://amplify.com/u/a1d2uk

Monday, September 5, 2011

In the first such analysis ever conducted, Swiss economic researchers have conducted a global network analysis of the most powerful transnational corporations (TNCs). Their results have revealed a core of 787 firms with control of 80% of this network, and a “super entity” comprised of 147 corporations that have a controlling interest in 40% of the network’s TNCs.





Read More....http://planetsave.com/2011/08/28/who-runs-the-world-network-analysis-reveals-super-entity-of-global-corporate-control/ http://amplify.com/u/a1cgwo

Thursday, September 1, 2011

To establish a charitable remainder trust, you transfer appreciated property to an irrevocable trust and designate the charity of your choice as the beneficiary of the trust. The property within the trust is then sold and reinvested to provide income. You retain a lifetime interest in the income generated by the trust, and when the trust expires at your death, the property within the trust is transferred to the charitable organization.



Read More...http://www.brpg-inc.com/content/how-can-i-benefit-wealth-replacement-trust http://amplify.com/u/a1casp
Most Americans seem to understand that to pursue financial gains through investing, they typically must assume some level of risk. For example, one survey of investors with household incomes above $150,000 found that 98% were willing to assume at least some risk in pursuit of investment gains (see chart below).



Read More.....http://www.brpg-inc.com/content/what-kind-investor-are-you http://amplify.com/u/a1casm
European Union officials recently announced an agreement to rescue debt-laden Greece for a second time. In addition to providing Greece with 109 billion euros in new loans and some relief from its existing debt, the plan includes measures to help prevent the crisis from infecting the other economies in the monetary union.



Read More....http://www.brpg-inc.com/content/why-global-investors-are-worried-about-european-debt http://amplify.com/u/a1carx
Roth IRAs are quickly catching up to their older counterpart, the traditional IRA. About 19.5 million U.S. households owned Roth IRAs in 2010, compared with 38.5 million households who owned traditional IRAs. But the Roth IRA has been in existence only since 1998, while the traditional IRA has been around since 1974.



Read More...http://www.brpg-inc.com/content/rising-popularity-roth-ira-retirement-vehicle http://amplify.com/u/a1carv
More than half of working Americans are concerned that they may not have enough money to live comfortably during retirement (see chart). For most retirees, income will come from multiple sources. It may be helpful to consider mutual funds as a potential source of retirement income.



Read More...http://www.brpg-inc.com/content/earning-income-mutual-funds http://amplify.com/u/a1carr
Because life insurance typically becomes more expensive as we age, many people may believe they can’t afford to purchase coverage later in life. However, considering that life insurance is significantly less expensive today than it was a decade ago, you might be able to purchase new coverage and pay premiums comparable to those that were available when you were 10 years younger.



Read More....http://www.brpg-inc.com/content/evaluating-life-insurance-needs http://amplify.com/u/a1caro

Friday, August 26, 2011

Charitable giving can be a rewarding experience by allowing you to both give and receive. To enjoy the benefits of charitable giving, you can utilize a variety of strategies.

The Basics of Charitable Remainder Trusts

To establish a charitable remainder trust, you transfer appreciated property to an irrevocable trust and designate the charity of your choice as the beneficiary of the trust. The property within the trust is then sold and reinvested to provide income. You retain a lifetime interest in the income generated by the trust, and when the trust expires at your death, the property within the trust is transferred to the charitable organization.



Read more.....http://bit.ly/nwBCUr http://amplify.com/u/a1bx4i
As tax laws change, college investment planning becomes increasingly complex. The most beneficial strategies for creating a college fund are quite similar to other investment tactics. Investment products that are tax deferred, tax exempt, or transferable without tax consequences can be especially advantageous.

This could be even more effective if you do your planning early.

One important aspect of an investment is its balance of yield and risk. Determine the amount of risk you can tolerate, given the amount of time you have to recover from any potential losses.



Read more...http://bit.ly/ppwYH9 http://amplify.com/u/a1bwrr
Many Americans facing retirement would love to increase their monthly income.

Faced with fixed pensions, rising medical expenses, limited Social Security benefits, and longer life spans, an increasing number of people are actually being forced to lower their standards of living when they retire.

As you approach retirement, one of your major assets is likely to be your house. By the time the average person retires, his or her home is usually worth significantly more than he or she paid for it.

Now there are techniques that will enable you to use your property to finance your lifestyle without the emotional trauma of having to sell your home.



Read more....http://bit.ly/r3ej0L http://amplify.com/u/a1bwrk
Withdrawing funds from a tax-deferred retirement account before the age of 59½ generally triggers a 10% federal income tax penalty; all distributions are subject to ordinary income tax. However, there are certain situations in which you are allowed to make early withdrawals from a retirement account and avoid the tax penalty.

IRAs and employer-sponsored retirement plans have different exceptions, although the regulations are similar.



Read more...http://bit.ly/nj1Zjb http://amplify.com/u/a1bwro
A 403(b) plan is a special tax-deferred retirement savings plan that is often referred to as a tax-sheltered annuity, a tax-deferred annuity, or a 403(b) annuity. It is similar to a 401(k), but only the employees of public school systems and 501(c)(3) organizations are eligible to participate in 403(b) plans.

Employees can fund their accounts with pre-tax contributions, and employers can also make contributions to employee accounts. Employer contributions can be fixed or discretionary. Eligible employees may elect to defer up to 100% of their salaries, as long as the amount does not exceed $16,500 (in 2011). A special “catch-up” contribution provision enables those who are 50 and older to save an additional $5,500. Total combined employer and employee contributions cannot exceed $49,000 (in 2011). Contribution limits are indexed annually for inflation.



Read More....http://bit.ly/nzrBoA http://amplify.com/u/a1bwrf
Most people have good intentions about saving for retirement.

But few know when they should start and how much they should save.

Sometimes it might seem that the expenses of today make it too difficult to start saving for tomorrow. It’s easy to think that you will begin to save for retirement when you reach a more comfortable income level, but the longer you put if off, the harder it will be to accumulate the amount you need.



Read More....http://www.brpg-inc.com/content/save-now-or-save-later http://amplify.com/u/a1bwr2
Long ago, people realized that there is strength in numbers. For hundreds of years, we have been joining forces against all kinds of calamities — including financial troubles. The concept of insurance is simply that if enough of us can pool our money to form a large enough fund, then together we can handle practically any financial disaster. Our motivation for contributing to this fund is our own eligibility to draw from it in the event of a disaster. One for all and all for one, so to speak.





Read More....http://bit.ly/nvW3ca http://amplify.com/u/a1bwqv

Sunday, August 14, 2011

With the stock market crash of 2000-2002 and again in 2008-2009, millions of Americans lost BILLIONS of dollars. From 2000-2002, 80% of Americans lost half or more of their entire financial portfolio during that three year period. It took investors about 3.5 years to recover from that bear market. In 2008-2009, the market crashed again with a decline of more than (-37%) in just over 7 months!



Read More....http://www.brpg-inc.com/ http://amplify.com/u/a1b2vr
Finding a method to leave a lasting legacy to your loved ones without increasing their tax burdens can be difficult and complicated. A “stretch” IRA may be a useful approach that can benefit your heirs for generations to come.

A stretch IRA is not a special type of IRA but rather a term frequently used to describe this IRA strategy, also known as a “multigenerational” IRA, that can be used to extend the tax-deferred savings on inherited IRA assets for one or more generations to benefit future beneficiaries.



Read More...http://bit.ly/olkFmW http://amplify.com/u/a1b2i0
Long ago, people realized that there is strength in numbers. For hundreds of years, we have been joining forces against all kinds of calamities — including financial troubles. The concept of insurance is simply that if enough of us can pool our money to form a large enough fund, then together we can handle practically any financial disaster. Our motivation for contributing to this fund is our own eligibility to draw from it in the event of a disaster. One for all and all for one, so to speak.



Read More...http://bit.ly/nvW3ca http://amplify.com/u/a1b2hf
http://amplify.com/u/a1b2ha
There are a variety of retirement planning options that can meet your needs. Your employer funds some; you fund some. Bear in mind that in most cases, withdrawals made before age 59½ are subject to a 10 percent penalty, and withdrawals usually must begin by April 1 of the year after you turn age 70½. Income taxes are also due upon withdrawal in most cases. This list describes 10 of the most common options.



Read More...http://bit.ly/nVWULP http://amplify.com/u/a1b2h9
Recently, fixed mortgages were near their lowest rates in almost 30 years. And if you are one of the many people who took out mortgages in the few years prior to that, you may be wondering if you should look into refinancing.



If your mortgage was taken out within the past five years, it may be worthwhile to refinance if you can get financing that is at least one to two points lower than your current interest rate. You should plan on staying in the house long enough to pay off the loan transaction charges (points, title insurance, attorney’s fees, etc.).



Read More...http://bit.ly/oo7LGP http://amplify.com/u/a1b2h4

Monday, August 1, 2011

There are a number of different gifting strategies available for planned giving. Each has its advantages and disadvantages.



Instead of making an outright gift, you could choose to use a charitable lead trust. With a charitable lead trust, your gift is placed in a trust. The recipient of the gift draws the income from this trust. Upon your death, your heirs will receive the principal with little or no estate tax.



Read More....http://bit.ly/nUVXPy http://amplify.com/u/a1a4t7
There are a variety of retirement planning options that can meet your needs. Your employer funds some; you fund some. Bear in mind that in most cases, withdrawals made before age 59½ are subject to a 10 percent penalty, and withdrawals usually must begin by April 1 of the year after you turn age70½. Income taxes are also due upon withdrawal in most cases. This list describes 10 of the most common options.



Read More...http://bit.ly/nVWULP http://amplify.com/u/a1a4mn
Long ago, people realized that there is strength in numbers. For hundreds of years, we have been joining forces against all kinds of calamities — including financial troubles. The concept of insurance is simply that if enough of us can pool our money to form a large enough fund, then together we can handle practically any financial disaster. Our motivation for contributing to this fund is our own eligibility to draw from it in the event of a disaster. One for all and all for one, so to speak.



Read More....http://bit.ly/nvW3ca http://amplify.com/u/a1a4gf
Life may be full of risks . . . . . . but as a business owner, your retirement plan shouldn't be!



With the stock market crash of 2000-2002 and again in 2008-2009, millions of Americans lost BILLIONS of dollars. From 2000-2002, 80% of Americans lost half or more of their entire financial portfolio during that three year period. It took investors about 3.5 years to recover from that bear market. In 2008-2009, the market crashed again with a decline of more than (-37%) in just over 7 months!



Read More...http://bit.ly/ljjHmU http://amplify.com/u/a1a4fm

Thursday, July 28, 2011

Named after Section 1035 of the Internal Revenue Code, a 1035 exchange allows life insurance policyowners (and annuity contract owners) to exchange an old policy (or contract) for a new one from a different insurance company without tax consequences. Of course, it must meet the requirements of Section 1035 in order for the transaction to be tax-free. This strategy can be especially beneficial to a person who purchased a life insurance policy or annuity contract many years ago that has less favorable contract stipulations than those available today.



Read More...http://bit.ly/o9sRxy http://amplify.com/u/a19s1h
Most people have good intentions about saving for retirement.

But few know when they should start and how much they should save.

Sometimes it might seem that the expenses of today make it too difficult to start saving for tomorrow. It’s easy to think that you will begin to save for retirement when you reach a more comfortable income level, but the longer you put if off, the harder it will be to accumulate the amount you need.

The rewards of starting to save early for retirement far outweigh the cost of waiting. By contributing even small amounts each month, you may be able to amass a great deal over the long term. One helpful method is to allocate a specific dollar amount or percentage of your salary every month and to pay yourself as though saving for retirement were a required expense.



Read More....http://bit.ly/lUzL1T http://amplify.com/u/a19s1c
A few days ago I wrote about retirement savings advice for folks in their 20’s and 30’s.



But folks in their 30’s and 40’s confront many challenges than can interrupt a good retirement savings strategy. This is the time when other life events, like getting married, buying a home, having children, etc., can compete for more of your income, leaving little if any to save for retirement which is a long way down the road.







Read more: http://moneywatch.bnet.com/retirement-planning/blog/what-works/retirement-savings-advice-age-30s-and-40s/753/#ixzz1TQ1cSb72 http://amplify.com/u/a19s18
A decade ago many people strived to retire young. Now most people are nudging back their retirement date and wondering if they will be able to retire at all. The age workers expect to retire has increased from an average of 60 in 1995 to 66 today, according to a new Gallup poll of 1,077 adults.



[See Why the Retirement Age Is Increasing.]



Most Americans now expect to retire at age 65 or later. Over a third (37 percent) of workers plan to retire after age 65, up from just 15 percent in 1995. Retirement at exactly age 65 also remains a popular choice. A quarter of employees plan to retire at age 65, down only slightly from 29 percent in 1995.



Read More...http://bit.ly/qBxy0k http://amplify.com/u/a19s0g

Tuesday, July 12, 2011

Capital gains are the profits realized from the sale of capital assets, such as stocks, bonds, and property. The capital gains tax is triggered only when an asset is sold, not while the asset is held by an investor. However, mutual fund investors could be charged capital gains on investments in the fund that are sold by the fund during the year.

There are two types of capital gains: long term and short term; each has different tax rates. Long-term gains are profits on assets held longer than 12 months before they are sold. As a result of the 2003 tax law, the long-term capital gains tax was reduced from 20% to 15% (0% for individuals in the 10% and 15% tax brackets) through 2010; the 2010 Tax Relief Act extends the reduced tax rate through 2012. Short-term gains (on assets held for 12 months or less), on the other hand, are taxed as ordinary income at the seller’s marginal income tax rate.



Read More....http://bit.ly/oJ9Xip http://amplify.com/u/a17q1j
All types of IRAs and employer-sponsored retirement plans are subject to annual contribution limits set by the federal government. The limits are generally adjusted periodically to compensate for inflation and the increase in the cost of living.

IRAs

For the 2011 tax year, you can contribute up to $5,000 to all IRAs combined, the limit will be adjusted for inflation annually. For instance, if you have a traditional IRA as well as a Roth IRA, you can only contribute a total of the annual limit in one year, not the annual limit to each.

If you are age 50 or older, you can also make an annual $1,000 “catch-up” contribution.



Read More...http://bit.ly/o2042G http://amplify.com/u/a17q1d
Traditional IRAs and most employer-sponsored retirement plans are tax-deferred accounts, which means they are typically funded with pre-tax or tax-deductible dollars. As a result, taxes are not payable until funds are withdrawn, generally in retirement.

Withdrawals from tax-deferred accounts are subject to income tax at your current tax rate. In addition, withdrawals taken prior to age 59½ are subject to a 10% federal income tax penalty.

If you made nondeductible contributions to a traditional IRA, you have what is called a “cost basis” in the IRA. Your cost basis is the total of the nondeductible contributions to the IRA minus any previous withdrawals or distributions of nondeductible contributions. The recovery of this basis is not seen as taxable income.



Read More...http://bit.ly/jh14jn http://amplify.com/u/a17q19
Most people have good intentions about saving for retirement.

But few know when they should start and how much they should save.

Sometimes it might seem that the expenses of today make it too difficult to start saving for tomorrow. It’s easy to think that you will begin to save for retirement when you reach a more comfortable income level, but the longer you put if off, the harder it will be to accumulate the amount you need.

The rewards of starting to save early for retirement far outweigh the cost of waiting. By contributing even small amounts each month, you may be able to amass a great deal over the long term. One helpful method is to allocate a specific dollar amount or percentage of your salary every month and to pay yourself as though saving for retirement were a required expense.



Read More....http://bit.ly/lUzL1T http://amplify.com/u/a17q12

Monday, June 27, 2011

Traditional IRAs and most employer-sponsored retirement plans are tax-deferred accounts, which means they are typically funded with pre-tax or tax-deductible dollars. As a result, taxes are not payable until funds are withdrawn, generally in retirement.

Withdrawals from tax-deferred accounts are subject to income tax at your current tax rate. In addition, withdrawals taken prior to age 59½ are subject to a 10% federal income tax penalty.

If you made nondeductible contributions to a traditional IRA, you have what is called a “cost basis” in the IRA. Your cost basis is the total of the nondeductible contributions to the IRA minus any previous withdrawals or distributions of nondeductible contributions. The recovery of this basis is not seen as taxable income.



Read more....http://bit.ly/ljjHmU http://bit.ly/jh14jn http://amplify.com/u/a165nj
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Life may be full of risks . . . . . . but as a business owner, your retirement plan shouldn't be!





With the stock market crash of 2000-2002 and again in 2008-2009, millions of Americans lost BILLIONS of dollars. From 2000-2002, 80% of Americans lost half or more of their entire financial portfolio during that three year period. It took investors about 3.5 years to recover from that bear market. In 2008-2009, the market crashed again with a decline of more than (-37%) in just over 7 months!





Read More....http://bit.ly/ljjHmU http://amplify.com/u/a165n4
Most people have good intentions about saving for retirement.

But few know when they should start and how much they should save.

Sometimes it might seem that the expenses of today make it too difficult to start saving for tomorrow. It’s easy to think that you will begin to save for retirement when you reach a more comfortable income level, but the longer you put if off, the harder it will be to accumulate the amount you need.

The rewards of starting to save early for retirement far outweigh the cost of waiting. By contributing even small amounts each month, you may be able to amass a great deal over the long term. One helpful method is to allocate a specific dollar amount or percentage of your salary every month and to pay yourself as though saving for retirement were a required expense.



Read More...http://bit.ly/lUzL1T http://amplify.com/u/a165hh

Saturday, June 25, 2011

32nd annual Ocean Beach Street Fair & Chili Cook-Off heats up Saturday

32nd annual Ocean Beach Street Fair & Chili Cook-Off heats up Saturday: "San Diego has many fun civic events each year, but none rival the annual Ocean Beach Street Fair and Chili Cook-Off. Now in its 32nd year, the event’s location, alongside one of the best beaches in..."

Sunday, June 19, 2011

If you're selling fixed annuities, and you're not using videos in your sales process - you're missing out on a proven way to engage the interest of clients, prospects, leads and referrals.



Studies have shown that 5 out of 6 people prefer to listen to and watch videos - than to read text, listen to a speaker, or click through PowerPoint slides.

That's because audio/video is easier to comprehend, can tell a more interesting story, and make a more compelling impression.



Read More...http://www.alternativeretirementsolutions.com/content/selling-fixed-annuities-faster-easier-videos http://amplify.com/u/a15jm3
One of the most attractive features of an annuity is its tax-deferred status. Generally, you won’t pay any income tax on the interest or earnings until you start taking withdrawals in retirement (age 59½ or later). Qualified and nonqualified annuities are taxed differently. Qualified annuities (such as annuities in an employer-sponsored retirement plan or an IRA) are typically purchased with pre-tax money, so withdrawals are fully taxed as ordinary income. It’s important to understand that purchasing an annuity in an IRA or an employer-sponsored retirement plan provides no additional tax benefits than those available through the tax-deferred retirement plan. Annuities purchased with after-tax money are taxable upon withdrawal, but only the earnings are taxed.



Read More...http://www.alternativeretirementsolutions.com/content/how-are-annuities-taxed http://amplify.com/u/a15jlm

Monday, June 13, 2011

The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act — signed into law by President Obama on July 21, 2010 — will likely revolutionize the country’s financial system. The sweeping legislation is the most far-reaching financial reform since the Great Depression, touching virtually every corner of the financial world.

The new law is designed to help shield consumers from abusive financial practices, protect taxpayers from funding bailouts for institutions considered “too big to fail,” and improve accountability and transparency in the financial system.



Read More...http://bit.ly/mHUKjL http://amplify.com/u/a1512m
Long ago, people realized that there is strength in numbers. For hundreds of years, we have been joining forces against all kinds of calamities — including financial troubles.

The concept of insurance is simply that if enough of us can pool our money to form a large enough fund, then together we can handle practically any financial disaster. Our motivation for contributing to this fund is our own eligibility to draw from it in the event of a disaster. One for all and all for one, so to speak.



Read More....http://bit.ly/lEsMPc http://amplify.com/u/a1512a
It appears that the Post QE2 stock correction is now underway. Unlike with QE1 last year when investors stayed in the stock market until the very end of the Fed’s balance sheet expansion, it seems that investors are anticipating the end of QE2 on June 30 in advance and are already moving to the exits. If you are anticipating that the stock market may continue to correct as we move through the summer, the question then becomes how to best capitalize on this trend. U.S. Treasuries provide a straightforward and relatively low risk way to capitalize on a declining stock market.



Read More...http://bit.ly/lD1bZl http://amplify.com/u/a1511s
When it comes to investing for retirement through 401k's, investors have a lot of options.



Investment management company Vanguard continues to use its heft and low costs to pick off competitors. It has been winning investors with new funds (up to 20 in 2010), free trading in Vanguard's exchange-traded funds, lower minimums for its low-cost Admiral shares and other consumer-friendly features.



Read More....http://on-msn.com/iYvLQy http://amplify.com/u/a1511m

Thursday, June 9, 2011

Life may be full of risks . . . . . . but as a business owner, your retirement plan shouldn't be!



With the stock market crash of 2000-2002 and again in 2008-2009, millions of Americans lost BILLIONS of dollars. From 2000-2002, 80% of Americans lost half or more of their entire financial portfolio during that three year period. It took investors about 3.5 years to recover from that bear market. In 2008-2009, the market crashed again with a decline of more than (-37%) in just over 7 months!



Millions who were planning to retire can no longer afford to retire.



Read More...http://bit.ly/kXQudI http://amplify.com/u/a14tpg
One of the most attractive features of an annuity is its tax-deferred status. Generally, you won’t pay any income tax on the interest or earnings until you start taking withdrawals in retirement (age 59½ or later). Qualified and nonqualified annuities are taxed differently. Qualified annuities (such as annuities in an employer-sponsored retirement plan or an IRA) are typically purchased with pre-tax money, so withdrawals are fully taxed as ordinary income.



Read More...http://bit.ly/jLR1tt http://amplify.com/u/a14tp7
http://bit.ly/jbtup8 http://amplify.com/u/a14tp6
People have traditionally seen Social Security benefits as the foundation of their retirement planning programs. The Social Security contributions deducted from your paycheck have, in effect, served as a government-enforced retirement savings plan.

However, the Social Security system is under increasing strain. Better health care and longer life spans have resulted in an increasing number of people drawing Social Security benefits. And as the baby boom generation (those born between 1946 and 1964) approaches retirement, even greater demands will be placed on the system.



Read More...http://bit.ly/lpSnSS http://amplify.com/u/a14tp5
A self-employed retirement plan is a tax-deferred retirement savings program for self-employed individuals. In the past, the terms "Keogh plan" or "H.R. 10 plan" were used to distinguish a retirement plan established by a self-employed individual from a plan established by a corporation or other entity. However, self-employed retirement plans are now generally referred to by the name that is used for the particular type of plan such as, SEP IRA, SIMPLE 401(k), or self-employed 401(k).



Read More...http://bit.ly/kAGr9e http://amplify.com/u/a14tp4

Tuesday, June 7, 2011

http://bit.ly/il4Bcn http://amplify.com/u/a14qmd
http://bit.ly/lKMxSo http://amplify.com/u/a14qmb
http://bit.ly/jTh440 http://amplify.com/u/a14qlz
Long ago, people realized that there is strength in numbers. For hundreds of years, we have been joining forces against all kinds of calamities — including financial troubles.

The concept of insurance is simply that if enough of us can pool our money to form a large enough fund, then together we can handle practically any financial disaster. Our motivation for contributing to this fund is our own eligibility to draw from it in the event of a disaster. One for all and all for one, so to speak.





Read More....http://bit.ly/lEsMPc http://amplify.com/u/a14qfm
Finding a method to leave a lasting legacy to your loved ones without increasing their tax burdens can be difficult and complicated. A “stretch” IRA may be a useful approach that can benefit your heirs for generations to come.

A stretch IRA is not a special type of IRA but rather a term frequently used to describe this IRA strategy, also known as a “multigenerational” IRA, that can be used to extend the tax-deferred savings on inherited IRA assets for one or more generations to benefit future beneficiaries.



Read More...http://bit.ly/kyrjxX http://amplify.com/u/a14qfg
http://bit.ly/kyZrQh http://amplify.com/u/a14qf9
Join us for a complimentary meal presentation regarding the economic climate June 21, 2011. http://bit.ly/kXQudI http://amplify.com/u/a14qf5

Friday, June 3, 2011

Long ago, people realized that there is strength in numbers. For hundreds of years, we have been joining forces against all kinds of calamities — including financial troubles.

The concept of insurance is simply that if enough of us can pool our money to form a large enough fund, then together we can handle practically any financial disaster. Our motivation for contributing to this fund is our own eligibility to draw from it in the event of a disaster. One for all and all for one, so to speak.



Read More.....http://www.selectivebenefitspecialists.com/content/how-can-you-insure-your-future http://amplify.com/u/a14g9h
Many Americans facing retirement would love to increase their monthly income.

Faced with fixed pensions, rising medical expenses, limited Social Security benefits, and longer life spans, an increasing number of people are actually being forced to lower their standards of living when they retire.

As you approach retirement, one of your major assets is likely to be your house. By the time the average person retires, his or her home is usually worth significantly more than he or she paid for it.

Now there are techniques that will enable you to use your property to finance your lifestyle without the emotional trauma of having to sell your home.



Read More....http://www.selectivebenefitspecialists.com/content/what-reverse-mortgage http://amplify.com/u/a14g8h
Taken by itself, the word "risk" sounds negative. But broken down into what it really stands for in terms of investing, it begins to be a little more manageable. By understanding the different types of risk and keeping an eye on your investments, you may be able to manage your money more effectively. Remember, strategic investing doesn’t mean "taking chances" so much as "making decisions." Long-term investing and diversification may be some of the most effective strategies you can use to help manage investment risk; neither guarantees against investment loss.





Read More....http://www.alternativeretirementsolutions.com/content/what-investment-risks-should-i-know-about http://amplify.com/u/a14g72
People have traditionally seen Social Security benefits as the foundation of their retirement planning programs. The Social Security contributions deducted from your paycheck have, in effect, served as a government-enforced retirement savings plan.

However, the Social Security system is under increasing strain. Better health care and longer life spans have resulted in an increasing number of people drawing Social Security benefits. And as the baby boom generation (those born between 1946 and 1964) approaches retirement, even greater demands will be placed on the system.



Read More.....http://www.alternativeretirementsolutions.com/content/will-social-security-retire-i-do http://amplify.com/u/a14g6w

Friday, May 27, 2011

Capital gains are the profits realized from the sale of capital assets, such as stocks, bonds, and property. The capital gains tax is triggered only when an asset is sold, not while the asset is held by an investor. However, mutual fund investors could be charged capital gains on investments in the fund that are sold by the fund during the year.

There are two types of capital gains: long term and short term; each has different tax rates. Long-term gains are profits on assets held longer than 12 months before they are sold. As a result of the 2003 tax law, the long-term capital gains tax was reduced from 20% to 15% (0% for individuals in the 10% and 15% tax brackets) through 2010; the 2010 Tax Relief Act extends the reduced tax rate through 2012. Short-term gains (on assets held for 12 months or less), on the other hand, are taxed as ordinary income at the seller’s marginal income tax



Read More....http://www.alternativeretirementsolutions.com/content/what-capital-gains-tax http://amplify.com/u/a13zij
All types of IRAs and employer-sponsored retirement plans are subject to annual contribution limits set by the federal government. The limits are generally adjusted periodically to compensate for inflation and the increase in the cost of living.

IRAs

For the 2011 tax year, you can contribute up to $5,000 to all IRAs combined, the limit will be adjusted for inflation annually. For instance, if you have a traditional IRA as well as a Roth IRA, you can only contribute a total of the annual limit in one year, not the annual limit to each.

If you are age 50 or older, you can also make an annual $1,000 “catch-up” contribution.

Employer-Sponsored Retirement Plans

Employer-sponsored retirement plans, such as 401(k)s and 403(b)s, have a 2011 contribution limit of $16,500; individuals aged 50 and older can contribute an extra $5,500 as a catch-up contribution.



Read More....http://www.alternativeretirementsolutions.com/content/how-much-money-can-i-put-my-ira-or-employer-sponsored-retirement http://amplify.com/u/a13zic
Traditional IRAs and most employer-sponsored retirement plans are tax-deferred accounts, which means they are typically funded with pre-tax or tax-deductible dollars. As a result, taxes are not payable until funds are withdrawn, generally in retirement.

Withdrawals from tax-deferred accounts are subject to income tax at your current tax rate. In addition, withdrawals taken prior to age 59½ are subject to a 10% federal income tax penalty.

If you made nondeductible contributions to a traditional IRA, you have what is called a “cost basis” in the IRA. Your cost basis is the total of the nondeductible contributions to the IRA minus any previous withdrawals or distributions of nondeductible contributions. The recovery of this basis is not seen as taxable income.



Read More...http://bit.ly/kH127i http://amplify.com/u/a13zia

Thursday, May 26, 2011

One of the newest ways to network for qualified prospects is by publishing your own insurance blog on your Facebook and LinkedIn pages.



It's not only fast and easy, but it's also free – and it's been proven to work.

Because people really do read the posts you put up on your Facebook and LinkedIn sites.

What's more, they pass them along to all the people in their own network for you.



Read More...http://bit.ly/l2ex3p http://amplify.com/u/a13x3h
Once you’ve determined how much it could cost to send your children to college, your next prudent step is to develop a systematic investment plan that may help you to accumulate the necessary funds.

What are your funding options? Which would be appropriate for your situation? We’ve listed several below, along with a brief description of each.

UNIVERSAL LIFE INSURANCE

Universal life insurance policies build cash value through regular premiums and grow at competitive rates. These policies carry a death benefit. In addition to providing cash to your heirs in the event of your death, this death benefit gives universal life insurance policies their tax-free status. Money can usually be withdrawn from these contracts through policy loans, often at no interest. These withdrawals may reduce the policy’s death benefit.



Read More...http://www.alternativeretirementsolutions.com/content/how-can-i-save-my-child%E2%80%99s-college-education http://amplify.com/u/a13x3g
A self-employed retirement plan is a tax-deferred retirement savings program for self-employed individuals. In the past, the terms "Keogh plan" or "H.R. 10 plan" were used to distinguish a retirement plan established by a self-employed individual from a plan established by a corporation or other entity. However, self-employed retirement plans are now generally referred to by the name that is used for the particular type of plan such as, SEP IRA, SIMPLE 401(k), or self-employed 401(k).



Read More...http://bit.ly/kAGr9e http://amplify.com/u/a13x3d

Sunday, May 22, 2011

Here's a simple insurance "proposition" to share with everyone between the ages of 45 and 65.

This proposition is best shared in the form of a typewritten letter, that you sign and address by hand, and send out in a stamped envelope.

The proposition is Retirement Insurance. And almost everyone needs it. Which means that there is no excuse for not telling everyone about it.

In fact, as an insurance agent, is it not your professional responsibility to inform people of various types of coverage they might need? And let them decide if they want it?

So here's a short, but honest and professional way to introduce retirement insurance to anyone.



Read More...http://bit.ly/jof5kT http://amplify.com/u/a13op8
Finding a method to leave a lasting legacy to your loved ones without increasing their tax burdens can be difficult and complicated. A “stretch” IRA may be a useful approach that can benefit your heirs for generations to come.

A stretch IRA is not a special type of IRA but rather a term frequently used to describe this IRA strategy, also known as a “multigenerational” IRA, that can be used to extend the tax-deferred savings on inherited IRA assets for one or more generations to benefit future beneficiaries.



Read More...http://bit.ly/kyrjxX http://amplify.com/u/a13oov
Growth stocks are associated with high-quality, successful companies whose earnings are expected to continue growing at an above-average rate relative to the market. Growth stocks generally have high price-to-earnings (P/E) ratios and high price-to-book ratios. The P/E ratio is the market value per share divided by the current year’s earnings per share. For example, if the stock is currently trading at $52 per share and its earnings over the last 12 months have been $2 per share, then its P/E ratio is 26. The price-to-book ratio is the share price divided by the book value per share. The open market often places a high value on growth stocks; therefore, growth stock investors also may see these stocks as having great worth and may be willing to pay more to own shares.



Read More...http://bit.ly/mJAvl0 http://amplify.com/u/a13onx
What Happens If I Withdraw Money from My Tax-Deferred Investments Before Age 59½?



Withdrawing funds from a tax-deferred retirement account before the age of 59½ generally triggers a 10% federal income tax penalty; all distributions are subject to ordinary income tax. However, there are certain situations in which you are allowed to make early withdrawals from a retirement account and avoid the tax penalty.



IRAs and employer-sponsored retirement plans have different exceptions, although the regulations are similar.



Read More>>>http://bit.ly/ipAq02 http://amplify.com/u/a13onu

Thursday, May 19, 2011

A 403(b) plan is a special tax-deferred retirement savings plan that is often referred to as a tax-sheltered annuity, a tax-deferred annuity, or a 403(b) annuity. It is similar to a 401(k), but only the employees of public school systems and 501(c)(3) organizations are eligible to participate in 403(b) plans.



Read More....http://bit.ly/j2ShX5 http://amplify.com/u/a13ht7
One of the most attractive features of an annuity is its tax-deferred status. Generally, you won’t pay any income tax on the interest or earnings until you start taking withdrawals in retirement (age 59½ or later). Qualified and nonqualified annuities are taxed differently. Qualified annuities (such as annuities in an employer-sponsored retirement plan or an IRA) are typically purchased with pre-tax money, so withdrawals are fully taxed as ordinary income. It’s important to understand that purchasing an annuity in an IRA or an employer-sponsored retirement plan provides no additional tax benefits than those available through the tax-deferred retirement plan.





Read More....http://bit.ly/jLR1tt http://amplify.com/u/a13g5v
The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act — signed into law by President Obama on July 21, 2010 — will likely revolutionize the country’s financial system. The sweeping legislation is the most far-reaching financial reform since the Great Depression, touching virtually every corner of the financial world.

The new law is designed to help shield consumers from abusive financial practices, protect taxpayers from funding bailouts for institutions considered “too big to fail,” and improve accountability and transparency in the financial system.



Read More...http://bit.ly/mHUKjL http://amplify.com/u/a13ejf
Thanks to a popular 2007 motion picture, many Americans now have a “bucket list” — an inventory of accomplishments they hope to achieve in their lifetimes. Although many bucket list endeavors require courage or tenacity, such as traveling to faraway places or writing a book, there’s at least one task you can resolve to accomplish that is fairly simple but could have lasting benefits for your family, friends, and possibly a favorite charity.



Read More...http://bit.ly/jPLD1P http://amplify.com/u/a13eip
One of the most attractive features of an annuity is its tax-deferred status. Generally, you won’t pay any income tax on the interest or earnings until you start taking withdrawals in retirement (age 59½ or later). Qualified and nonqualified annuities are taxed differently. Qualified annuities (such as annuities in an employer-sponsored retirement plan or an IRA) are typically purchased with pre-tax money, so withdrawals are fully taxed as ordinary income. It’s important to understand that purchasing an annuity in an IRA or an employer-sponsored retirement plan provides no additional tax benefits than those available through the tax-deferred retirement plan.



Read More...http://bit.ly/kKT3yC http://amplify.com/u/a13ehv

Friday, May 6, 2011

People have traditionally seen Social Security benefits as the foundation of their retirement planning programs. The Social Security contributions deducted from your paycheck have, in effect, served as a government-enforced retirement savings plan.

However, the Social Security system is under increasing strain. Better health care and longer life spans have resulted in an increasing number of people drawing Social Security benefits. And as the baby boom generation (those born between 1946 and 1964) approaches retirement, even greater demands will be placed on the system.



Read more....http://www.alternativeretirementsolutions.com/content/will-social-security-retire-i-do http://amplify.com/u/a11p1k

Wednesday, May 4, 2011

Beacon Retirement Planning Group, Inc. | The San Diego Retirement Income Specialists

Beacon Retirement Planning Group, Inc. | The San Diego Retirement Income Specialists
One of the most attractive features of an annuity is its tax-deferred status. Generally, you won’t pay any income tax on the interest or earnings until you start taking withdrawals in retirement (age 59½ or later). Qualified and nonqualified annuities are taxed differently. Qualified annuities (such as annuities in an employer-sponsored retirement plan or an IRA) are typically purchased with pre-tax money, so withdrawals are fully taxed as ordinary income. It’s important to understand that purchasing an annuity in an IRA or an employer-sponsored retirement plan provides no additional tax benefits than those available through the tax-deferred retirement plan.



Read More...http://www.alternativeretirementsolutions.com/content/how-are-annuities-taxed http://amplify.com/u/a11gte
If you're selling fixed annuities, and you're not using videos in your sales process - you're missing out on a proven way to engage the interest of clients, prospects, leads and referrals.



Studies have shown that 5 out of 6 people prefer to listen to and watch videos - than to read text, listen to a speaker, or click through PowerPoint slides.

That's because audio/video is easier to comprehend, can tell a more interesting story, and make a more compelling impression.

And when done by a third party (not you) videos are subconsciously perceived as more objective, credible, and trustworthy.



Read More...http://www.alternativeretirementsolutions.com/content/selling-fixed-annuities-faster-easier-videos http://amplify.com/u/a11gs0

Wednesday, April 27, 2011

Every once in a while, you get to see a market train wreck coming. It should have been obvious in 2006, for example, that real estate was about to be slaughtered, or in 2000 that tech stocks had it coming. Determined not to be fooled again, a lot of smart people are calling for a comparable Armageddon in bonds. Newsletter writer and bond manager Marilyn Cohen calls it “bondland’s nuclear winter,” which gets my vote for best alarmist rhetoric.



You have to admit, the case against bonds is pretty strong:



Today the Federal Reserve said it would continue to hold short-term interest rates near zero percent “for an extended period,” a policy that has no doubt contributed to the decline in dollar and inflation in commodity prices. A lot of economists, including some on the Fed itself, believe the policy can’t help but spread inflation.





Read More...http://moneywatch.bnet.com/retirement-planning/blog/financial-independence/are-you-crazy-to-own-bonds-today/1307/ http://amplify.com/u/b10jp0
Retirement planning is no slam-dunk. To make sure you retire in comfort, you have to start saving early and often. You need to pay attention to your money and not be distracted by the stresses and strains -- or the joys -- of day-to-day life. In the long run, you'll thank yourself for keeping one eye focused on the future.



To help you reach your retirement goals, here's a road map for navigating the decades as you move closer toward retirement age.



In your 20s



If you save $6,000 every year starting at age 20 and earn just 5% in interest each, by the time you're 65, you'll have more than $1 million saved for retirement. While that sounds like a lot, considering inflation, it's not a fortune -- but it can be enough.



Read More...http://www.walletpop.com/2011/04/22/retirement-planning-decade-by-decade/ http://amplify.com/u/b10job
Are you one of the many baby boomers who doesn’t think they’ll have enough money to retire? The reality is that some people just won’t have enough money saved to completely stop working. So what do you do?



To get some perspective, let’s take a quick look back at how we came to the idea of retirement:



Retirement is a pretty modern idea. Before we created Social Security in the 1930s, the vast majority of people never retired or thought about retiring. They simply worked until they couldn’t anymore and then often went to live with family.

Social Security, however, introduced the idea that everyone should have some basic level of income as they age. Then after World War II, American companies started to adopt retirement plans as a part of their wage packages for employees.



Read More...http://moneywatch.bnet.com/retirement-planning/blog/retirement-roadmap/what-to-do-if-you-cant-retire/3892/ http://amplify.com/u/b10jo1

Tuesday, April 26, 2011

More US employers provide 401(k) plans as the only retirement benefit pan for their employees. Employees with these plans will have the full responsibility for saving and investing wisely for retirement. Many workers find out too late that their 401(k) plans come up short of meeting their needs at retirement.



How well you handle this “do-it-yourself” retirement saving system and avoid the common pitfalls will mean the difference to being prepared for retirement or not. But the good advice for saving and investing for retirement isn’t universal to everyone. What you should be doing can vary based on your age and the number of years to save that are ahead of you.



Read More...http://moneywatch.bnet.com/retirement-planning/blog/what-works/retirement-savings-advice-age-20-to-30s/750/ http://amplify.com/u/b109nu
Boomers face significant challenges to make ends meet in their retirement years, and they'll need to make every dollar count -- there isn't much margin for making mistakes. Here are four big mistakes that roughly half of all Americans are making -- and a few tips for avoiding them.



According to Social Security's Annual 2010 Statistical Supplement, 47 percent of Americans who retired in 2009 -- almost half -- started their Social Security income at age 62, the earliest possible age with the lowest possible benefit. Almost three-quarters -- 74 percent -- of Americans started benefits before their full retirement age.



Read More....http://finance.yahoo.com/focus-retirement/article/112591/biggest-retirement-planning-mistakes-moneywatch?cat=fidelity_2010_getting_ready_to_retire&mod=fidelity-readytoretire http://amplify.com/u/b109no
Planning Is Key



Planning ahead can make all the difference in how you spend your retirement years. It is best to have your home completely paid off by the time you retire, since your largest expense is most likely the mortgage on a home. Having a place to live that no longer requires a monthly payment can make a huge difference. The sooner you can get your home paid off the better, since you’ll be able to save more money. It’s also very important to pay off all debts such as credit cards, auto loans, school loans and any other type of debt that you still owe. You shouldn’t owe anyone anything when you retire and the sooner you can pay off everyone you do owe the sooner you can be financially free of burdens.



Read More...http://www2.richmond.com/lifestyles/2011/apr/26/frugal-retirement-planning-ar-994394/ http://amplify.com/u/b109ne

Wednesday, April 6, 2011

As tax laws change, college investment planning becomes increasingly complex. The most beneficial strategies for creating a college fund are quite similar to other investment tactics. Investment products that are tax deferred, tax exempt, or transferable without tax consequences can be especially advantageous.

This could be even more effective if you do your planning early.

One important aspect of an investment is its balance of yield and risk. Determine the amount of risk you can tolerate, given the amount of time you have to recover from any potential losses.

Take the time to familiarize yourself with the financial aid formulas. This could help you determine whether assets and income should be in your name or your child’s name. Structuring your investments ahead of time can have a significant effect on the net amount of funds available for your child’s education.



Read More...http://brp.drupalgardens.com/blog http://amplify.com/u/bxzwv
Step 1. Acquire the company’s financial statements for several years. These may be found in your assigned case study; in a recent annual report; in the company’s 10K filing on the SEC’s EDGAR database; or from other sources found at my LINKS website. As a minimum, get the following statements, for at least 3 to 5 years: Balance sheets, Income statements, Shareholders equity statements, Cash flow statements Step 2. Quickly scan all of the statements to look for large movements in specific items from one year to the next. For example, did revenues have a big jump, or a big fall, from one particular year to the next? Did total or fixed assets grow or fall? If you find anything that looks very suspicious, research the information you have about the company to find out why. For example, did the company purchase a new division, or sell off part of its operations, that year?



Read More...http://smallbiz1.com/Steps-to-a-Basic-Company-Financial-Analysis.html http://amplify.com/u/bxzw2
I appreciate the mention from Time: The 25 Best Financial Blogs. Professor Hamilton's introduction to my blog was much too kind. Thanks!



The editors at Time.com asked if I'd write a review of one of the other blogs on their list, although they wouldn't tell me who was on the list. They asked me to send them a short list of blogs I'd like to write a review for, and then they'd pick one.



The top two blogs on my short list were Hamilton's Econbrowser (with Menzie Chinn), and Mark Thoma's EconomistsView(with Tim Duy who writes FedWatch) - two of my favorite economic blogs. I'm shocked that EconomistsView is not on the Time.com list.



I wish I'd written a better review of Econbrowser - I was under the weather last week, and they edited my piece extensively (it needed editing).



Read More....http://www.calculatedriskblog.com/2011/03/time-top-financial-blogs.html http://amplify.com/u/bxzw4

Tuesday, March 29, 2011

Make the most of what you have—Get more of what you need



How can you set a value on what you do? For family caregivers in the United States, the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) estimates their efforts were worth approximately $375 billion in 2007. In addition, the average family caregiver for someone 50 years or older spent $5,531 on out-of-pocket caregiving expenses in 2007—more than 10 percent of the median income for a family caregiver that year, according to AARP.



It’s clear that being a family caregiver can be financially challenging. Allsup and the National Family Caregivers Association would like to help.



Read More....http://nfca.typepad.com/financial_planning/ http://amplify.com/u/bwz3x
With JPMorgan rumored to be eyeing a minority stake in Twitter that would value the company at $4.5 billion, it’s time for advisors to start taking it seriously. Not surprisingly, like many other aspects of web-marketing and social media, how an advisor uses Twitter is different from most everyone else.



For a financial advisor, having thousands of Twitter followers doesn’t mean much unless you’re reaching the right people. For you, the “right people” means your client base. Chances are some of the people you do business with today are active on Twitter. By establishing your own Twitter identity and inviting your existing clients to “follow” you, you accomplish several things.





Read More...http://www.financial-planning.com/blogs/twitter-facebook-social-media-2671879-1.html http://amplify.com/u/bwz3m
As if you didn’t have enough to worry about—between getting clients, pleasing clients, meeting deadlines, sending out invoices and making sure the yogurt isn’t past its “sell by” date—you have to think about your financial future, too.



If financial planning sounds overwhelming, and you work on contingency, take a look at “structured settlements.”



Here’s how it works: If you work on contingency, you can defer some (or all) of your fee until later and avoid paying tax on it until a time you choose. It could be:



Read More.... http://www.attorneyatwork.com/articles/money-management-for-contingency-fees/ http://amplify.com/u/bwz3a