Bob Carlson's

Bob's Journal        what's this?     
April 27, 2008: Investors in bond and equity markets are feeling optimistic, and it is easy to see why. read more >>

NOTE ABOUT BOB'SJOURNAL: A more frequent and expanded version of Bob's Journal appears on the members' web site and has a separate RSS.

Current Newsletter
June 2008: This month we ask if the markets are over the hump yet or if there is another spate of bad news due to drag markets lower. We also re-assess our portfolio positions given the market outlook. In this visit we also review how our "hedge fund" mutual fund portfolio is faring in the market turbulence.

You  also will learn some simple steps that will shield assets from lawsuits and other creditor actions. We continue our review of how changes in the markets and interest rates affect estate planning strategies, and examine the choice between a unitrust and an annuity or income trust. We also take a look at equity-indexed annuities and re-visit the discussion of Social Security benefits and spouses. read more > >

NEW! BOB'S LATEST BOOK:
Invest Like a Fox...Not Like a Hedgehog
Why has there been a series of bubbles in technology stocks, home prices, financial stocks, and commodities? How can investors spot such bubbles and invest to avoid large losses and even profit from them? What causes long-term bull and bear markets? Why do successful investment strategies and signals suddenly stop working? Bob's latest book answers these and other important questions. It explains the investment philosophy that underlies our monthly visits and why most investors earn lower returns than they should. Bob also explains why investors want to have more of the characteristics of a fox than a hedgehog. You will learn about the portfolios of the future, and how you can start to invest in them now. For more information and to order, click on the image.

The New Rules of Retirement
Bob Carlson's popular and well-regarded book introduces readers to the ways retirement and retirement planning have changed. It presents innovative strategies for planning retirement spending, withdrawing funds, managing IRAs, investing, reducing taxes, planning for medical expenses, funding long-term care, and all the other financial aspects of retirement. Click on the book cover to learn more or to order.

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About Bob
For over 15 years Bob Carlson has been a leader in identifying changes that affect the finances of retirees and pre-retirees. He uses independent research to study the changes and develop strategies that help readers create the retirements they desire.
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Key IRA Decisions for 2007
IRA owners can squeeze significant additional after-tax dollars out of their accounts — if they plan carefully. In addition to the usual planning strategies, there are new IRA opportunities available in the next few years.

Managing Today's Investment Risks
   We've been optimistic about the economy and stocks in recent months, as have many investors, and the stock indexes have been doing well. But there are many risk factors investors are overlooking. Our belief is that successful long-term investing requires the identification and management of market risks.
   Here are some of the risks that are lurking in the markets.

How Annuities Can Extend a Portfolio
   Annuities received a bad name over the last few decades, with some help from this newsletter. But there are different types of annuities, and they are not all bad investments. For example, the greatest fear of most retirees is outliving their portfolios. The right kind of annuity can reduce the probability of running out of money by making a portfolio last longer.
   Retirees should consider shifting part of their portfolios to immediate annuities, if not immediately than at some point in retirement.

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Money Management through the Carlson Services of Genworth Private Asset Management