By Mike Rowan, 11/23/2009

I have noticed a major uptick in commercials for reverse mortgage income strategies for seniors recently. Many of the catchy taglines include promises that seniors can use their home to generate a lucrative income stream without selling their home. As with any financial planning strategy or tool, the reverse mortgage is right for some, but not for...

Read More >>

By Mike Rowan, 11/23/2009

What does a Strong or Weak Dollar Mean?

The Dollar has been all over the news recently since it is currently extremely weak versus other world currencies. But what does that really mean? When I was new in the industry, I spent years hearing statistics on how the dollar was performing, but never had a clear grip...

Read More >>

By Mike Rowan, 11/18/2009

Meet the DB(k) Retirement Plan

The recent history of the 401k plan has cast doubt on whether the savings plan is the best way for workers to prepare for retirement. As a direct result, there are some possible alternatives coming that might just catch on in a big way. One retirement plan that will become available...

Read More >>

By Mike Rowan, 11/18/2009

401(k) Plans were Designed for an Employee's Retirement

A 401(k) plan is a cash or deferred arrangement under which a covered employee can elect to have a portion of his or her compensation (otherwise payable in cash) contributed to a qualified retirement plan as a pre-tax reduction in salary (however, some plans also accept after-tax contributions from...

Read More >>

By Mike Rowan, 11/13/2009

The Dow Jones Industrial Average

The Dow Jones Industrial Average is one of the best known United States Stock indices, and is generally seen as a barometer of the overall stock market. The DJIA is comprised of 30 stocks that represent the major market sectors, and are among the largest companies in the U.S....

Read More >>

By Mike Rowan, 11/13/2009

HSAs: A Tax-free Medical Investment Fund and Additional Retirement Account

The lack of health insurance is one of the biggest reasons more people don't retire before age 65. In addition, many Americans reach retirement age woefully unprepared for the medical expenses they'll face. Establishing an HSA, or Health Savings Account, is one solution that can...

Read More >>

By Mike Rowan, 11/12/2009

2010 Tax Brackets Coming Soon!

2010 is right around the corner, and we have stressed several different planning thoughts and techniques that would be beneficial to your financial situation. However, after reviewing the suggestions, several readers have expressed interest in the federal tax brackets for next year.

While the 2010 Federal Tax brackets aren’t officially set in stone...

Read More >>

By Mike Rowan, 11/07/2009

$8000 1st Time Home Buyer Tax Credit Extended Through May

The $8000 First Time home buyer tax credit is one of the many year end financial planning tools that we have been encouraging our readers to take advantage of. However, there has been a change in the tax law, which passed on November 6.

The First...

Read More >>

 

By Mike Rowan, 11/05/2009

2009 Tax Time is right around the corner, as it’s November already, and the end of 2009 is quickly approaching. However the 2009 tax year offers opportunities that are a little bit outside the norm. There are numerous ways...

Read More >>

By Mike Rowan, 11/03/2009

Mutual Fund Fees Reviewed by the Supreme Court

The Supreme Court seemed likely that it would maintain the limits on fees investment planners can charge within mutual funds, rather than embrace a new approach proposed by a Chicago judge. investors accuse the managers of the Oakmark series of mutual funds of taking excessive fees, which...

Read More >>

By Mike Rowan, 10/30/2009

2010 Economy More Promising?

Most retirement and investment accounts are still bruised as a result of the last year and 1/2. As the stock market has recovered, many people are wondering if the worst recession since the great depression is behind us for good. Since our retirement is obviously important to us, we would...

Read More >>