Bernie Madoff Prevention | How to Research your AdvisorJuly 1st, 2009 by admin —Bernie Madoff, Let me Introduce you to 150 Years in PrisonNotorious Ponzi scammer Bernie Madoff has been sentenced to the maximum 150 years in prison for the $65 billion fraud that swindled his many devastated victims. Judge Denny Chin said the sentence was a symbolic one for a crime that showed “extraordinary evil” and “took a staggering human toll.” Long Term Care Cost | When Should I Buy LTC Insurance?June 30th, 2009 by admin —What’s the best age to buy long-term care insurance?In general, it’s a good idea to buy long-term care insurance before you’re 60, for two reasons: 1. The younger you are, the less likely it is that you’ll be rejected when you apply for the policy. If you apply in your 50s, there’s a one in ten chance you’ll be rejected. If you apply in your 60s, the chance of rejection is two in ten. If you apply in your 70s, the chance of rejection is four in ten. Disclosure of 401k Expenses and Fees Closer to RealityJune 28th, 2009 by admin —Your 401k Plan | Disclosure of 401k Fees Coming Soon!401k Plan Fees have typically been elusive to say the least. Employees fall into the following categories with regards to knowledge of the charges within 401k plans. Read more » Capital Losses | Save Money on Bad InvestmentsJune 24th, 2009 by admin —Use Capital Losses to Take Advantage of Bad Investment PerformanceUnfortunately, with the recent stock market activity, many investments are much lower than the price at which they were purchased. While this is not desirable, there is a little bit of a silver lining that can be gleaned from the investment losses. You can sell your position, as long as it is held in a taxable account, and deduct a portion of that loss from your income for the year. Here is the definition of a capital loss, followed by a short example of a strategy to put in place to take advantage of a bad situation. College Savings Plans and Education FundingJune 23rd, 2009 by admin —Planning Strategies for CollegeThe cost of a college degree continues to trend upward, year after year. As a result, prospective students who have not done adequate college planning are behind the 8 ball out of the gate. However, the benefit of a college education can not be understated. What about my Healthcare Benefits during Retirement?June 22nd, 2009 by admin —Retirement is Confusing, then Throw in HealthcareMost retirement decisions are unique to each individual or couple. The options open to us, however, are frequently determined by our financial resources…our ability to pay. Please keep in mind, that this is an article about the current environment, and is subject to change as a result of legislation. Obama’s Universal Healthcare Insurance PlanJune 15th, 2009 by admin —The United States Healthcare System and Universal Health InsuranceLove it or hate it, it would appear that we are being faced with a nationalized or universal healthcare system.As it usually is, Democrats and Republicans are refusing to budge an inch on this bit of change that the Obama administration has put at our feet. Democrats argue that healthcare is a right to the masses, while Republicans have taken the stance that a government run health insurance system would end up as a bureaucratic monstrosity. The eRollover Layoff Tracker | Latest Unemployment StatisticsJune 8th, 2009 by admin —The Latest Layoffs and Unemployment StatisticsIt was the quietest week since the layoff tracker started watching layoff announcements last November. However, the unemployment rate is now 9.4%, a figure not seen in a quarter of a century. The latest Layoff and unemployment statistics are listed below. Annuities, a Retirement Income Annuity, and 401k PlansJune 4th, 2009 by admin —Are Deferred and Income Annuities the answer for your 401k Plan? Given the stock market’s volatility, a number of 401k plan sponsors are seriously discussing adding an annuity option to their 401k plans. With most employees’ 401k accounts decimated, the idea of providing guaranteed post-retirement income seems attractive, experts say. GM bankruptcy | Status of Retirement and Health BenefitsJune 2nd, 2009 by admin —GM Pension Plans Remain Ongoing During Company BankruptcyThe automobile industry, some would argue, created the middle class in America. Decades of prosperity brought unprecedented benefits and raised the quality of life for generations of low- and semi-skilled workers. But General Motors Corp.’s filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on Monday has many wondering: Did GM’s past write checks its future can’t cash?  |