BlogEconomy May be “Teetering on the Edge” of Financial Ruin: Are You Prepared? Wednesday, May 15th, 2013 The financial meltdowns experienced in Greece and in Spain have drawn plenty of media attention. But many economists believe that we could be heading towards a similar crisis, right here in the USA. Recently, Donald Trump gave a grim analysis of the economy, as reported in this article published by MoneyNews.com: The United States could soon become a large-scale Spain or Greece, teetering on … The Economy is Supposedly Getting Better… But is Your Money Really Safe? Wednesday, February 27th, 2013 Recently there have been a number of economic reports which would seem to indicate that the economy is finally getting back on track. The housing market is strengthening, the stock market has stabilized, and now according to a recent CBO report, we are close to getting our debt levels under control. This came as quite a shock to many of us—particularly to those who have … Financial Planning 101: Are You Gambling With Your Retirement Funds? Wednesday, January 30th, 2013 Thirty years ago, the formula was simple. Go to college, get a good job, and invest a portion of each paycheck into the stock market. By the time retirement approached, you would have a suitable nest egg built up—plenty to retire on and enjoy a suitable lifestyle. But things have changed. No longer can Americans trust Wall Street to act responsibly. In fact, investing into the … Fiscal Cliff or No Fiscal Cliff: Will Increased Taxes and Inflation Ruin Your Retirement? Monday, December 31st, 2012 While the “fiscal cliff” has dominated the headlines recently, the more important question facing our nation is whether or not we will be able to bring our deficit under control. We simply can’t sustain our current track. As an individual, you need to keep in mind the impact that runaway government debt may have on you and your plans for retirement. The real threat created by this … Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke: Resolve the Fiscal Cliff or Risk Recession Wednesday, November 28th, 2012 For months economists have been warning of the catastrophic consequences that failing to resolve the fiscal cliff would have. Now, the chairman of the Federal Reserve, Ben Bernanke, has said as much. MoneyNews.com reports: Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke said on Tuesday that 2013 could be a “very good year” for the U.S. economy if politicians can strike a quick deal to avoid … The Fed Erased All Doubt: Massive Inflation is on the Way Wednesday, November 21st, 2012 We’ve been warning of the potential for massive inflation for several years now, as a result of the Federal government’s runaway spending. As you know, a huge percentage of this spending is debt financed—meaning the government is borrowing or printing the money it spends. And as you know from Economics 101, when the marketplace is flooded with money, inflation is inevitable. As if we didn’t already … Getting Real About Real Estate Monday, November 19th, 2012 I have and will continue, with even more conviction than before, to encourage our clients to sell their real estate, immediately! Do not wait because prices are heading down and interest rates are heading up. This is not a good formula for selling. The capital gains tax is heading up as well as the taxes on the recapture of depreciation. The reality of real estate … Credit Rating Agencies Don’t Trust Wall Street… Why Should You? Tuesday, August 7th, 2012 It is no secret that the US economy has been struggling for the last several years. However, while middle-class Americans on “Main Street” have struggled, Wall Street has benefitted from government assistance in the form of bailouts and easy access to credit. Now, it’s apparent that despite this favorable treatment, Wall Street firms aren’t as healthy as they would like us to believe. On June 15, … Tax Hikes Are Coming for You… Are You Prepared? Wednesday, August 1st, 2012 Do you LOVE paying taxes? Well then, 2013 should be a great year for you! Because tax hikes are coming, they’re coming soon… and they are coming for YOU! BizJournals.com recently published the results of an economic study which sheds light on the subject: A new study by Ernst & Young concludes that increasing taxes on higher-income Americans will hurt economic growth and lead … Will The European Debt Crisis Wipe Out Your Retirement Savings? Thursday, May 31st, 2012 We have known for years that Europe was facing a debt crisis. Now, it appears that the situation has reached the boiling point—and investors here in the USA are feeling the heat. USA Today reports: Bonds issued by Uncle Sam are once again risk-averse investors’ best friend. The fear factor is again driving trading decisions on Wall Street. Investors looking for a safe place … Friday, April 6th, 2012 Retiring with a million dollars in your portfolio probably sounds good to most people—wouldn’t you agree? You might be surprised to learn, however, that failing to account for the costs of taxation and inflation can drastically change your outlook. In fact, if you haven’t adequately prepared for these factors, you’ll be shocked to learn how much of your hard earned money will be washed away. Experts … Higher Taxes Are on the Way: Here’s What You Can Do about It Today Wednesday, February 29th, 2012 As you may have heard, earlier this month the President released his budget proposal for 2013—and no surprise, it features a significant tax hike for many Americans. As the USA Today explains: President Obama’s proposed budget plan includes $1.5 trillion in new taxes, most of it coming from an item that has divided the White House and the Republicans throughout Obama’s presidency: Tax cuts signed … Friday, February 3rd, 2012 Taxes are heading higher. Brackets up, capital gains tax to increase or even double from 15% to 30% and now a New Medicare Tax is Right around the Corner… What will it Cost You? As 2012 begins, the signs of a weak economy are all around us. Unemployment has remained high. The level of volatility we have experienced in the stock market is nearly unprecedented. Inflation … Greece is the Word and How You Can Avoid Your Retirement Savings From Getting “Greeced” Tuesday, November 8th, 2011 Greek PM to Launch Coalition Talks- AP Embattled Greek Prime Minister George Papandreou is preparing to start talks to try to form a four-month coalition government, aimed at securing continued rescue funds for the near-bankrupt eurozone country. Greece is the word! The markets will start to become more and more volatile. If you don’t think what is happening in Greece can’t happen here you really need … Yes, You Can Protect Your Retirement Lifestyle from the Threat of Inflation! Wednesday, October 19th, 2011 According to the U.S. Energy Administration, in 1981, a gallon of gasoline cost an average of $1.38. Based on current figures from the U.S. Department of Energy, the percentage increase in the price of a gallon of gasoline is 148% over the last 30 years. Meanwhile, data from The Congressional Research Service and the U.S. Administration on Aging show that the median income for persons … Don’t Let Tax Hikes Take Money Out of Your Pocket Wednesday, October 5th, 2011 Lately, there’s been a lot of talk in Washington, D.C. about raising taxes on individuals earning more than $250,000 annually. Rising deficits certainly are a problem but, taxing the wealthy is not going to get our economy moving in the right direction. Here’s one reason why, the wealthiest 2% in this country are responsible for 33% of all consumption. Taking money out of anyone’s pockets … More Wall Street Volatility: Get off of the “Dow Jones Coaster!” Wednesday, September 7th, 2011 Do you have money in the stock market? If so, you are no doubt suffering from whiplash caused by watching the market shoot down, down, up, and then down some more. It’s like riding on a roller coaster that you really didn’t want to get on in the first place. But, it doesn’t have to be this way! There’s no reason to ride on the “Dow … Heavily Invested in the Stock Market? Get Ready for the Rough Remnants of the Summer! Thursday, July 28th, 2011 If you are heavily invested in stocks, you probably won’t like what you’re going to read, but you should pay attention! According to USA TODAY, there are unsettling similarities between the current state of the markets and their position at this time last year. You may recall that, early last summer, the Dow Jones average fell 13.6% before beginning a gradual recovery! Among the factors behind … Do You Want to Work Into Your Eighties? Friday, June 24th, 2011
As the economy continues to sputter and the cost of living continues to increase, baby boomers are becoming increasingly concerned about their ability to retire—and with good reason. For those fortunate enough to still have a job, salaries have typically held steady or even been cut. Meanwhile, gas prices continue to climb, while investments and real estate have largely lost value. … Estate Planning: Make the Most of the 2010 Tax Relief Act Tuesday, May 10th, 2011 Are you taking full advantage of the 2010 Tax Relief Act? The Act was passed into law in an effort to aid our economic recovery—and there are provisions that have a major impact on estate planning. As it stands, the relevant benefits of the Act are slated to disappear in 2013—meaning that in order to take advantage, estate planners must act this year or take … Can Social Security Withstand the Coming Economic Storm Or Is This Really Social Insecurity? Friday, March 18th, 2011 2012 will be the year that the first members of the “Baby Boomers” generation become eligible for full Social Security benefits. Starting last month, there has been an average of over 11,000 new Medicare-eligible applicants each day… a trend that will continue for the next 19 years as the Baby Boom generation reaches retirement age. In addition, 2010 and 2011 are expected to be the … Don’t Let Inflation Wash Away Your Retirement Savings Wednesday, February 2nd, 2011 This year, the US federal government is projected to run a deficit of $1.27 trillion. In the last three years, from 2008 through 2010, we’ve added over $3 trillion to our national debt—which now totals over $14 trillion. This type of borrowing is guaranteed to apply inflationary pressure to the already vulnerable US dollar. Recently, I’ve been writing about the impact of inflation on the … The Loss of Confidence in Traditional Investing Wednesday, November 24th, 2010 Investors seem to be growing tired of the financial roller coaster where their accounts post slow gains for a number of years and then those gains, plus some of their original principal, vanish when today’s volatile markets take an unexpected tumble. In 2008, many people’s 401k and IRA accounts lost 31 percent and most have not recovered back to what they had as their original … Teacher Pensions Plans – $933 Billion Underfunded Friday, August 27th, 2010 Over the past year or so, I have been teaching in my educational workshops that private and government pensions are going away. Here is just the latest example of how this prediction is manifesting itself. In a study published in April, the Manhattan Institute for Policy Research found that the 59 pension plans that cover most teachers in the United States are underfunded by $332 billion. … Worried About Social Security? Prepare Now! Friday, August 6th, 2010 Are you worried about Social Security’s future? Well, join the crowd. As the national debt soars, the pressure on Washington to cut spending is rising. Social Security is bound to become a part of the cost-cutting conversation. The program is projected to pay out more this year than it takes in, which is as much a function of the weak economy as it is an aging population. … Power Principles for Success is a Best Seller! Tuesday, August 3rd, 2010 All of us here at The Hidden Wealth System, The Chuck Oliver Team want to say, “thank you!” Your support has propelled us into the number one spot on one of Amazon’s Best-Seller Lists. We are also currently in the top five on two other lists. We made best-seller on only the second day of sales and we would still be climbing except that the … Monday, July 19th, 2010 As many of you are aware, I have been working on a book with several of my colleagues who were named, along with me, to America’s PremierExperts. America’s PremierExperts is an organization that recognizes experts in their field that are spreading knowledge and creating awareness in area of expertise. The experts have made significant contributions to their industry and the marketplace as a whole. Interacting with … Tuesday, July 6th, 2010 Part of my job as a Wealth Strategist is to help my clients to stay on track with their financial plan. This includes helping them to avoid making big money mistakes. I’ve recently developed a list of five, thought-provoking questions that can help clients to realize mistakes that they may not be aware that they are making: Tuesday, April 6th, 2010 If you had an investment account that would allow you to substantially grow your money, withdraw that money and then transfer that money tax-free to the next generation, all without risking your investment principle; how much money would you put into that account? The correct answer should be, “all of it!” I’m on a mission to let as many people as possible know that such … Tuesday, January 5th, 2010 I’ve just finished reading a new ebook by New York Times best selling author, Douglas Andrew. In his ebook, Doug explains why Baby Boomers are so lax in planning for their retirement and then he explores ten common financial mistakes that Baby Boomers make in regard to their retirement. The good news is that these mistakes can be overcome and, in his ebook, Dough … The Top Five Beneficiary Blunders Tuesday, August 4th, 2009 Dayana Yochim, writing in the Motley Fool (http://www.fool.com/) listed five common mistakes that people make when completing the beneficiary form for life insurance policies. I thought it was worth mentioning them here as well. 1. You assume that your will is going to take care of all the details. Your beneficiary designations always take precedence over your will. Make sure that your will and your beneficiary … Consumers Hold On To Their Investments Thursday, July 16th, 2009 Advisor Today magazine reports that a new survey by the Life Insurance Marketing Research Association (LIMRA) shows that only “16 percent of the consumers polled in the survey have taken any action with regard to their financial portfolios.” The survey also revealed that more than two-thirds of the consumers ranked economic conditions in the U.S. as ‘very unfavorable,’ although an increasing number believe that conditions … Did You Buy a Home This Year? Don’t Forget Your Tax Credit! Thursday, July 2nd, 2009 Legislation passed in 2008 provides a tax credit for first-time home buyers. The credit equals 10% of the home’s purchase price up to a maximum credit of $7,500. The credit applies to homes purchased on or after April 9, 2008 and before July 1, 2009. The credit is available in full for single taxpayers with income up to $75,000 and married taxpayers with combined incomes … |
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