Retirement Watch Weekly
Bob’s Journal for 12/5
Value stocks finally might be ending their long period of lag. Historically, value stocks generate higher long-term returns than growth stocks. But the two types of stocks take turns having better performance over shorter periods. In recent years, however, value stocks have lagged well beyond growth stocks for such a sustained period that analysts were […]
How To Plug the Estate Tax and Estate Liquidity Leaks in Your Will & Estate Plan
Everyone needs a will… even if all your assets are owned by a living trust or held in joint title. A will is a legal document in which a person, known as the testator, sets forth his or her wishes about how to distribute an estate’s assets, pay debts, care for any minor children, and […]
Bob’s Journal for 11/27/19
Some Notable Events That Grabbed My Attention This Week I wish all my readers a Happy Thanksgiving. I completed this week’s Bob’s Journal a day early to accommodate the holiday. Stock investors certainly have a lot to be thankful for this year. The S&P 500 hit a record closing high on Nov. 1. In 12 […]
Bob’s Journal for 11/21/19
Some Notable Events That Grabbed My Attention This Week Prescription drug expenses absorb more and more of retirement income, but it’s not because medicine prices are soaring. There are a few well-publicized cases of significant increases in prescription drug prices, with insulin probably drawing the most attention. But in general, the price of medicine isn’t […]
Everything You Didn’t Know About Social Security (Facts & Myths)
Almost everyone has a Social Security number and is eligible for Social Security benefits. Yet, survey after survey indicates people know little about the program and their benefits. Moreover, much of what people think they know is wrong. Let’s take a look at some key misunderstandings and oversights about the program. Understanding Benefit Statements The […]
The Fed Recognizes the World Has Changed
Central banks in the developed world made a historic shift in their policies the last few months, and many people haven’t noticed or don’t realize the significance. The Federal Reserve and other central banks now are actively and preemptively fighting deflation. In the past, central banks were most concerned about containing inflation and they’d tighten […]
What You Need to Know About Social Security Survivor’s Benefits
Survivor’s benefits are one of the most valuable features of the Social Security system. Their downside is that the rules and options can be so complicated that people fail to maximize the benefits. Married couples should know that after one spouse passes away, one Social Security benefit will end; the surviving spouse will receive only […]
How to Decide When to Take Taxable Gains
Investors have a tax conundrum as we approach the end of 2019. Major U.S. stock indexes are hitting record highs. Bonds had a strong run in 2019. Gold has been a strong per-former as well. Owners of some individual stocks and other assets have substantial paper gains. But the outlook is shaky to many people. […]
