‘Death puts’ — aka, the ‘survivor’s option’
Originally published on the Tahoe Daily Tribune’s website, http://www.tahoedailytribune.com/news/opinion/15501217-113/tahoe-truckee-market-beat-death-puts-aka-the-survivors-option Record-low interest rates over the last few years have made it a difficult time for fixed income investors. In a normal interest rate environment, a conservative income investor with $1 million to invest could expect to receive an income of $45,000 to $50,000 per year by […]
Fiduciary vs. suitability standard
Originally published on Tahoe Daily Tribune’s website, http://www.tahoedailytribune.com/news/opinion/15276182-113/tahoe-truckee-market-beat-fiduciary-vs-suitability-standard President Obama is pushing the Department of Labor to make some changes to the rules regarding retirement accounts. He would like to see the industry standard for retirement account advisers raised to what’s known as the fiduciary standard. Under current law, retirement account advisers can operate under […]
What is up with the Yield Curve?
Originally published on Tahoe Daily Tribune’s website http://www.tahoedailytribune.com/news/opinion/15174122-113/tahoe-truckee-market-beat-what-is-up-with-the-yield-curve The Yield Curve walks into a bar. The bartender says, “Hey, you’re really getting into shape!” The Yield Curve replies, “Yep. I believe the Expectations Hypothesis is working on my slope!” The bartender inquires, “Are you sure?” To which the yield curve responds, “I’m positive.” I can’t […]
Possible retirement account changes on tap
Originally published in Tahoe Daily Tribune’s website, http://www.tahoedailytribune.com/news/opinion/15083209-113/tahoe-truckee-market-beat-possible-retirement-account-changes-on-tap Estimating future events is part of the financial planning process. Planners estimate things like life expectancy, inflation, stock market returns and interest rates. We don’t know exactly where any of these factors will be in the future. Another uncertainty are the rules that we follow as we […]
What type of IRA account is right for you?
Originally published on Tahoe Daily Tribune’s website, http://www.tahoedailytribune.com/northshore/14995245-113/tahoe-truckee-market-beat-what-type-of-ira-account-is-right If you’re thinking about funding an IRA this year, you have until April 15, or the day you file your taxes, whichever is earlier, unless you file an extension. Which type of IRA you should establish depends on several factors, and there are calculators available online to […]
How to decide on a Roth or traditional IRA
Originally published on Marketwatch.com’s website http://www.marketwatch.com/story/how-to-decide-on-a-roth-or-traditional-ira-2015-02-09 It’s getting to be that time of the year when people start thinking about their taxes. One decision many taxpayers will face is whether it makes sense to fund an IRA. If you don’t have an IRA established yet, you need to be aware that there are two types, […]