Monthly Archives: October 2015

Wow! Just like that, two strategies that have helped my clients take full advantage of Social Security spousal benefits have been wiped out. As part of the budget deal struck by House Republicans and President Obama to raise the U.S. debt limit, two key Social Security “loopholes” have been closed: “file and suspend” and “restricted application” for spousal benefits. While I’m still working my way through all of the changes (and few exceptions or some delays in taking effect). The … Continue reading

How much risk do you need to take to get the investment returns that you want? To find out my answer, watch my 60 second video by CLICKING PLAY below: *** By the way, a client texted me this morning to let me know that I’ve been quoted (and my book mentioned) in today’s edition of the USA Today. Check it out in the money section (pg 3B in the November 4, 2015 issue). all the best… Mark

Watch the video below and play the Income Game! If you have a pen and paper to jot down 5 quick numbers that would be great. But if not, just try and remember your 5 numbers. Let’s play…

Below you will see a year-to-date chart of some of the major market indexes for 2015. As you can see, in most of the asset classes there has been a pretty high amount of volatility – especially since June or so. Here are the asset classes shown: Blue – SPY – the S&P 500 Red – AGG – the Barclay’s Aggregate Bond Index Aqua – EEM – the Emerging Market Index (stocks – India, Brazil, Russia,         … Continue reading