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The Crisis and Money Market Funds

December 1, 2008

Once we left the 1980s behind, I thought this issue would not be addressed again. But for the second consecutive month we are having a discussion about when your money is insured by the government or an entity created by it. Money market funds are this month’s focus. Traditionally a money fund is where you […]

estate planning

Money-Saving Move for Estate Planning in 2008

December 1, 2008

A little-known provision of the estate tax can save quite a bit of taxes for estates of those who passed away in late 2007 or the first part of 2008. The estate tax is based on the value of the estate assets, normally the value on the date of the owner’s death. The executor, however, […]

estate planning

How Safe Are Your Assets?

November 1, 2008

Is your money safe? It is amazing how quickly investors went from not worrying about risk to having that be the first question on their minds. As the financial crisis spreads, people are worried about the safety of their money and how to make their assets more secure. Here’s an overview of the rules for […]

the-financial-crisis-and-young-investors

The Financial Crisis and Young Investors

November 1, 2008

The financial and market disruptions are affecting more people than those in or near retirement. While years from their own retirements, young investors are viewing the recent market turmoil and concluding that the financial markets are not for them. They are reducing 401(k) contributions, taking early withdrawals, and deciding it is better to spend than […]

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high-retirement-medical-expense

How to Avoid the Retirement Medical Expense Surprise

November 1, 2008

The wildcard in every retirement plan is the cost of medical care. It probably is the cause of most retirement plan failures. There are several reasons medical expenses disrupt so many plans: Many people are used to employer-paid medical care. Before they retire, they do not realize the full cost of medical insurance. Employers used […]

financial-fraud-alert

Red Alert for Financial Frauds

November 1, 2008

The financial crisis means it is time to be on high alert for financial frauds. Scamsters know this is the best environment to find vulnerable targets. I dug through my files recently for a 2004 Wall Street Journal interview with imprisoned scamster Eric Stein. He laid out how frauds operate and why now is a […]

how-the-turmoil-can-alter-trusts

How the Turmoil Can Alter Trusts

November 1, 2008

The financial crisis is causing major changes in the banking business, and that will lead to changes at trust companies and in trustees. Trust creators and beneficiaries need to at least monitor the situation and might need to take action. Many trusts have a corporate trustee or co-trustee, such as a bank or trust company. […]

how-improved-websites-boost-your-benefits

How Improved Websites Boost Your Benefits

October 1, 2008

Government benefits are complicated. It often is difficult to understand the rules well enough to maximize benefits from Social Security and Medicare. The government agencies know this and in response recently added features to their web sites to make it less painful to learn your benefit options. I have reviewed these features and believe they […]

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