If you are part of a family in which there have been divorces, remarriages, and stepchildren, you may want to direct your assets to particular relatives through a qualified terminable interest property (QTIP) trust. Your surviving spouse will receive income from the trust, and the beneficiaries you specify (i.e., your children from a first marriage) [...]
While it is not generally a good idea to withdraw funds early from your IRA account, sometimes it may be necessary. To discourage the use of IRAs for purposes other than retirement, the law imposes a 10% additional tax on early distributions from traditional and Roth IRAs unless an exception applies. Generally, early distributions are [...]
Does Diversification mean that some part of my portfolio will not perform well? It sure does! Asset Class Diversification is one of the central components of both modern portfolio theory and a well-designed portfolio. Everyone agrees that a prudent investor should not “put all of his eggs in one basket.” Modern Portfolio Theory teaches us [...]
Unfortunately, identity theft is a fact of modern life. However, everyday we take steps to protect those things that are important to us. Often, we do it without even thinking. Keeping tabs of your personal information is no different. Take time to do the following: 1. Read copies of your credit card statements every month. [...]
Fixed indexed annuities (FIAs) have become very popular investments in the last several years for investors seeking steady retirement income. But be aware that they are complex, and can vary in quality and security. Before considering these investments, you should consult with your financial advisor. Below are some guidelines to help you better understand fixed [...]
In the recent past, when people needed cash for emergencies, they typically tapped the equity in their homes via a home equity loan or home equity line of credit. Since the Great Recession, retirement accounts have replaced the home-equity loan as the predominant source of cash. They have become America’s new piggy bank. However, there [...]
There is some confusion in the financial market place. Are you speaking with a Broker or a Fiduciary? What is the difference and does it even matter? Watch this short 2.5 minute video and learn the difference:
I have had the opportunity the last few weeks to give some thought to this most important question. Many people I speak with believe that they can determine if a fund or portfolio is “good” based on the returns. It may seem counter intuitive, but fund/portfolio returns is only a very small piece of the [...]
Daniel Betzel of Betzel Wealth Advisors will present three special 2.5 hour CLE courses titled “What Every Attorney Needs to Know about Financial Planning and the Financial Planning Profession” for the Ohio State Bar Association. The first of his series of talks will be given on March 11, 2014 at the OSBA District 9 Annual Meeting in Lancaster, [...]
RESOLUTION or PROCESS or MIND OVER MONEY? Did you make any New Year’s Resolutions? --lose weight; --watch less TV; --spend more time with family; --focus on your faith; -- or maybe even save more money! We focus on something in the short-term with the hopes it will make a significant difference in the long-term. Whatever [...]
