Retirement Watch Weekly
Know the Differences Between Social Security Spousal and Survivor Benefits
Among the most confusing and important Social Security issues are the differences between spousal and survivor’s benefits. Not knowing the differences can cost you or your spouse thousands of dollars in lifetime benefits. The rules are so confusing that the Social Security Administration (SSA) often makes mistakes, as documented by its Inspector General. Though survivor’s […]
Bob’s Journal for 6/15/23
Don’t Overlook This Key Factor When Considering Retirement Relocation A long-neglected factor to consider when choosing a residence is becoming more and more important to those who relocate in retirement. Because too many people don’t consider that factor, it’s causing a lot of financial pain. The overlooked factor is homeowner’s insurance, something that most people […]
The End Game Approaches: Investment and Economic Review
In my new Retirement Watch Spotlight Series, I’ll share my newest breakthrough strategies for protecting your assets and growing your portfolio, including how to prepare for the next market downturn. Click here now to learn more. […]
Bob’s Journal for 6/8/23
The Stock Indexes Are Misleading Investors The S&P 500 is up 12.11% so far in 2023, but many investors didn’t earn those returns because only a few stocks contributed to the index’s gains. In the month of May, the S&P 500 had a 0.25% return. But the 10 largest stocks in the index had a […]
What First Quarter Earnings Reports Revealed About the Economy
Stock and bond markets are priced for an extremely optimistic outcome, but first-quarter earnings and recent economic data point to a different future. The futures markets indicate investors expect the Federal Reserve will expand the money supply and reduce interest rates rapidly starting this summer. Inflation is expected to retreat to the Fed’s 2% target […]
Know the Differences Between Social Security Spousal and Survivor Benefits
Among the most confusing and important Social Security issues are the differences between spousal and survivor’s benefits. Not knowing the differences can cost you or your spouse thousands of dollars in lifetime benefits. The rules are so confusing that the Social Security Administration (SSA) often makes mistakes, as documented by its Inspector General. Though survivor’s […]
Now Is the Optimum Time to Plan Your 2023 Charitable Gifts
Don’t wait until late in the year to plan your charitable gifts. Maximize the benefits to both the charity and you by considering contribution strategies throughout the year and implementing them well before December 31. When most people think of the benefits of charitable gifts, they think of tax deductions. But many giving strategies provide […]
The Legacy IRA: The New $50,000 QCD for IRAs
The SECURE Act 2.0, enacted at the end of 2022, created a new type of qualified charitable distribution (QCD) that generally is being called the Legacy IRA. I’ve discussed QCDs in the past and consider them the best way for most people age 70½ or older to make charitable contributions. When you are 70½ or […]
