The chart I am highlighting this week shows a comparison between the calendar year’s gain (or loss) and the largest draw down (market loss) that occurred within the calendar year going back to 1995. You might remember that draw down is the percentage amount of drop an investment has from it’s peak down to it’s trough. In other words, the intra-year maximum loss. The LIGHT BLUE bars show the calendar year return. THE DARK BLUE bars show the intra-year declines (draw down percentage) of the S&P 500. In each … Continue reading

For people aged 70 and a 1/2 or older and who are charitably minded, we can explore a Qualified Charitable Distribution, or QCD for short. Those who like to give to charities including their place of WORSHIP can make a direct transfer from their IRA to the charity, in ANY amount up to $100,000 a year. By doing this they can avoid adding the distribution to their Adjusted Gross Income which can reduce income taxes. You can even make a QCD … Continue reading

You are likely to agree that 401(k)s and IRA’s have many similarities. They are both retirement plans. Both plans can help you lower your tax bill today, provide tax-deferred growth and help provide a taxable income source in retirement. Although long-time followers of my financial philosophy will know that tax-deferred is just a nicer way to say “tax-postponed”! You NEVER save any taxes with either one – you only postpone both the calculation of taxes (Will tax rates be higher? … Continue reading

On my last BLOG I wrote about why many savvy people pay up to 20 times more for life insurance than a term policy costs. But if term insurance for the death benefit is right for you or someone you love, wouldn’t make sense to get term insurance… with a difference. Term insurance that you don’t have to DIE… to USE! CLICK BELOW to watch a one minute video that explains how some term policies offer Living Benefits – for just a few bucks more! all the best… … Continue reading

Life insurance is such a misunderstood financial tool. I think the reason this is so is that the industry has done a pretty lousy job of educating consumers about it. Many people only think about how the death benefit will not benefit themselves (they’ll be at the pearly gates – lol) because they are unaware of its many other benefits. If you watch this 10 minute video, you will understand more about life insurance than 80% of insurance agents. I … Continue reading