Financial fraud costs older Americans more than $37.5 billion each year. Familiarize yourself with these common scams to protect yourself and your loved ones. Telemarketing Tricks The opponent: Calls or sends letters encouraging retirees to buy fake products, donate to fictional charities or invest in nonexistent businesses. Fight back: Register phone numbers with the National Do Not
Talking to family members about estate planning and legacies can be difficult and even painful. These discussions, however, are an important way to share your choices with your children and prepare them for their financial futures. Here are a few suggestions on approaching this tricky topic. Communicate your values about money in a larger context. Build on the casual conversations you’ve
Ready to decide who will receive what from your estate, and when? It can be an uncomfortable process, even under the best of circumstances. Should you base your decisions on who wants what? Who deserves what? Or, what each family member is actually prepared to handle? With a few practical tips and a bit of
There’s a new associate in your office. She works hard, shows tremendous potential, and the two of you have plenty in common. Recently she approached you about becoming her mentor. Despite the worries about whether your schedule can handle it, should you say yes? Studies show that it’s a good career move for you –
The board of trustees for Social Security recently issued their 2018 annual report. Once again, this year’s report provided a dark reminder that the fiscal health of the program has further deteriorated. Like last year’s report, Social Security’s trustees said the program’s trust fund would be depleted in 2034. However, unlike last year, for
It’s never too early to start thinking and planning for retirement, especially when it comes to the top three expenses: housing, transportation and healthcare. You may have a clear vision of your ideal retirement, but that dream could fade if unexpected healthcare costs start to eat away
One in three seniors will die with dementia.¹ It’s a sobering statistic, and when you consider it alongside increasing longevity, it’s easy to see why planning for the potential impact of diminished capacity on your or a loved one’s future finances is critical. More than 5
Now that spring has sprung, it’s time to look back on your progress this year and discuss any outstanding to-do’s with your advisor. Consider consolidating retirement accounts and requesting your credit report to see where you stand. Spring 2018 Market Closures Monday, May 28: Memorial Day Planning To-Do’s Midyear monitoring: Look back on your to-do list progress, follow up
Parting ways with a spouse can be stressful and challenging, and navigating the process requires careful planning to answer questions like: Where will you live? How will this affect your children? How will the divorce impact your financial future? These questions may lead to difficult conversations, but they’re worth having, no matter how overwhelming the
Tax season isn’t the only time you should be mindful of your taxes. Challenge yourself to tone up your tax strategy and keep your taxes in top form year-round. Of course, also be sure to consult your tax professional and financial advisor. 1. Find a Trainer You’ll want a heavyweight tax professional in your corner. Don’t