Retirement Watch Weekly
How to Downsize in Retirement: The Financial Impact
This week we’re continuing the downsizing theme by taking a deep dive into its financial impact. I’ve learned over the years that people often downsize only to find that it doesn’t generate the cash flow they expected. Consider, for starters, what you expect to have left over from selling the old house. I’m not referring to […]
Retirement Account Balances Back to Record Highs
The extended bull market in stocks has helped restore IRA and 401(k) account balances hit record highs for the third consecutive quarter, according to Fidelity Investments. Also helping boost balances, of course, are higher contributions from employers and employees. Employees put a record average of $5,850 into their 401(k)s over the past 12 months, a […]
Tips for Downsizing in Retirement
Home equity and the home are the most neglected and misunderstood factors in retirement planning. Since home equity is one of the largest assets for many people, a lot of money is left on the table. Surveys indicate that about 40% of baby boomers plan to move sometime after retiring. Many people assume they’ll downsize […]
Wealth and Poverty among Seniors: Old Folks Aren’t So Bad Off
For years researchers and policy analysts have used government data to show that the over-65 part of the population isn’t doing well financially. The data drove government policy, among other things. This report says that data wasn’t too accurate. The data collection method resulted in significant assets and sources of income being undercounted. Older Americans […]
Second-Half of 2017 Starts with a Rally
Monday’s market close marked the end of the first seven months of the year, and it’s interesting to compare the results so far with what people expected at the start of the year. At the start of the year, many investors and analysts were sold on the notion of the so-called “Trump Trade.” Deregulation and […]
Some Robo-Investment Surprises
Not all of the robo-fundo robo-investment programs are the same, and you might be surprised at some of the differences. Also, an independent program that’s been purchased by one of the major financial firms could change in ways you don’t expect, according to this article. It says a fund might not be allowed in the […]
It Is All about the Earnings
Rising earnings are boosting stock prices. Until recently, central banks (especially the Federal Reserve) were prime movers of the markets. Quantitative easing was designed largely to increase stock prices by pushing money into the markets, and it largely had that effect. But the Fed has been reducing its role since 2014. That pushes earnings and […]
Secrets to Aging in Place
You need a plan if you want to stay in your home for as long as possible. Most older Americans say they want to stay in their homes, or age in place, for as long as possible. An AARP survey in 2015 said almost 90% of those age 65 or older want to stay in […]
