“If and when the economy bursts, it will take the retirement dreams of millions of Americans with it,” declares the author of today’s article, who examines how the Federal Reserve’s monetary policies since 2008 have reflected a fundamental error that he argues will end up affecting tens of millions of U.S. boomers. That error? Ignoring the demographics of the country,…
They’re not likely to help you become rich, but they can help you maintain your purchasing power. Today’s article provides an examination of TIPS (treasury inflation-protected securities), a form of U.S. Treasury bond which serves as an investment option for those who are worried about their money losing its purchasing power due to inflation (such as investors who are in…
With their low default risk, high dividend yields – with some paying yields above 6% – and ability to provide most Americans with tax-free income, the author of today’s article describes municipal bonds as having “the retirement income trifecta.” Recognizing that it can be difficult to buy quality individual municipal bonds, the author recommends seeking out the kinds of municipal…
Today’s article notes that, in 2013, Social Security benefits made up 52% of household income for those aged 65 and over, and at least 90% of household income for almost a quarter of older retirees. These statistics make the findings of a new study by the Government Accountability Office all the more concerning: The GAO has determined that “Americans getting…
“To me, at these levels, it just screams value, even as you might have to wait a while for this investment to pay off.” This is Mad Money host Jim Cramer’s assessment of Bristol-Myers Squibb, shares of which plunged after “its flagship oncology drug, Opdivo, failed to meet its primary endpoint in a clinical trial”, resulting in analyst downgrades, estimate…
“Preferreds are one of the very few places where you can still get a reasonable income stream by historical standards,” states one manager of preferred funds in today’s article which examines the unique traits of preferred stocks that make them appealing (e.g. the aforementioned reasonable income stream), as well as the unique considerations that buyers of preferreds need to be…
“Even if you were an incredibly well-informed investor and paid a great deal of attention, it’s very hard to succeed in this system.” This is the assessment of law professor William A. Birdthistle, who has penned a new book on the perceived failures of the United States’ do-it-yourself retirement system, specifically mutual funds and 401(k)s. To read what Birdthistle sees…
After cohabitating with the financial sector, real estate is moving into its own place later this year – becoming its own sector in the S&P 500 and MSCI equity indexes – and, as today’s article highlights, this move is expected to increase the profile and appeal of real estate investment trusts among investors. Here’s what Barron’s has to say: “Separating…
“Whether you plan to travel the world, run marathons, serve your community or spend more time with family, retirement will bring radical changes in the ways you spend your time. And whenever life changes, so do the risks you face — which means retirement is a good time to look closely at your insurance coverage.” Today’s article outlines a number…
“We like to think it’s things beyond our control – job layoffs, market downturns, big unanticipated expenses – that undermine our planning efforts and make achieving a secure retirement such a challenge. But the truth is we often inflict the most serious damage on our own by deluding ourselves into believing we’re making reasonable decisions when we’re not.” Today’s article…