Wealth Management Blog | WrapManager (43)

Keep Your Retirement Plan on Track with Quarterly Reviews

Posted by Seton McAndrews | CFP®, Vice President Investments

October 2, 2014

Keep Your Retirement Plan on Track with Quarterly Reviews

Your Financial Advisor is there to keep an eye on your investments and make adjustments to keep your finances on track. But if your journey through retirement is going to stay on track, you should regularly check in with your Financial Advisor as your life and the economy change.

These reviews (at least quarterly) give you an opportunity to evaluate your goals and make adjustments to your investment and retirement income plan. They also help make sure your investment strategies are still appropriate for you. It is also a good time to take care of housekeeping items such as updating beneficiaries. Tasks like these may seem minor, but they could have a big impact on your finances if they’re neglected.

It doesn’t take long to review your investment plan with your Financial Advisor. Just an hour or two per quarter can keep everyone on the same page and help you to meet your goals.

Social Security Strategies for Divorced Spouses

October 1, 2014

Planning for Social Security benefits is complex, and if you’re divorced, you may have wondered how spousal benefits will work for you in your retirement years. One thing is for certain: when it comes to Social Security, timing is everything. Knowing and understanding your options can help improve your retirement income plan. General Options Just as there is flexibility for married retirees, divorced retirees have several options when it comes to Social Security. Spousal benefits are generally 50% of your ex-spouse’s full retirement benefits if you file at your full retirement age (66). [+] Read More

Retirees Beware: Popular Investments You May Want to Avoid

September 30, 2014

There was once a time when investing in the markets was as simple as choosing how much money to have in stocks, versus bonds, versus cash in the bank. Since that time the investment landscape has evolved and the menu of investment options has grown, giving you several products like hedge funds, annuities, ETFs, mutual funds and private REITs. Unfortunately, many of these investments often lack transparency and come with hidden risks and inconsistent returns. Take care in analyzing these three investments as you work with your financial advisor to plan your investment portfolio and retirement income plan. [+] Read More

Two Heads are Better: Financial Planning with Your Spouse

September 25, 2014

Much like a successful marriage, the managing of your finances is like a flourishing garden. Proper care and attention can help it grow and thrive. An essential part of this is discussing and planning financial matters with your spouse. Not only can this help prepare both of you to manage the finances individually, it can actually help enhance your relationship and financial future. Make the best use of your financial advisor by having them review your finances with you both. You'll be happy you did. [+] Read More

Economy Poised for Growth, Equities Higher – Federated Investors

September 24, 2014

Dividend money manager Federated Investors’ commentary discusses why they believe the economy is poised to grow even further this year, driving equities to new highs. “2014 hardly could have started worse, with a brutal and seemingly never-ending winter bringing activity to a halt and keeping shoppers at home in much of the country. The final first-quarter estimate told the story, with real gross domestic product (GDP) contracting a much worse-than-expected 2.1%. But there’s a reason the equity market shook off the number. It was, after all, so yesterday. What today and the rest of the year look like are much different, as manufacturing and jobs appear to be accelerating, auto and retail sales are on the upswing and even housing is showing some signs of pulling out of its funk. The government’s estimate of second-quarter growth was a well-above-consensus 4.2%, in line with our view that the economy is settling onto a higher growth plane that will drive equities to new highs this year and into 2015.” Download Federated's Full Commentary Here Get Free Research Reports on Federated Investors [+] Read More

Your Checklist to Starting Retirement with Confidence

September 23, 2014

You’ve arrived at (or are fast approaching) retirement and you’ve worked hard to get here. Congratulations! We’ve prepared a list of items to consider and take care of to start your retirement with confidence. Think about this new stage in two ways: 1) Defining your goals and establishing all the great things you want to do; and, 2) Structuring your financial life so you can make it all happen Just a little bit of time and planning can help make your retirement even more enjoyable and smooth. Retirement Planning Strategy: 13 Steps for Success 1) Build an Investment Plan with Your Financial Advisor An investment plan is your ultimate guidebook for retirement – the roadmap you can reference to see where you are on your retirement journey and to help you navigate issues that arise along the way. A comprehensive investment plan should include the following features: [+] Read More

Will Rising Interest Rates Hurt Stock Performance?

September 22, 2014

In response to the 2008 global financial crisis, the Federal Reserve cut interest rates to near zero in an effort to save the economy. As the US economy strengthens, it becomes more likely the Fed will reverse course,1 and the possibility of rising interest rates has some investors worried. Higher rates imply the cost of doing business (or buying a home, for instance) could become more costly, which could hurt the economy. Does this mean that rising interest rates could mean poor stock performance ahead? If so, are adjustments to your portfolio warranted? [+] Read More

Protect Your Identity: Guarding Against Online Scams

September 17, 2014

“Phishing” attacks have been on a steady rise since 2005 and are used to steal sensitive information like Social Security numbers, bank account numbers and passwords. According to the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), over 70% of the phishing scams detected this year involved hackers pretending to be banks.1 Cybercrime is an unfortunate byproduct of the digital world, but there are steps you can take to protect yourself and lower your chance of falling victim to online scams, which we’ll walk through for you below. [+] Read More

3 Things Your Financial Advisor Isn’t Telling You

September 16, 2014

Your life is busy and full. You have your family and friends, your business, your hobbies and more. These fill up your days, leaving precious little time for other important cares like your finances. That's why you find a financial advisor, an expert who can steer you through the confusing world of investments, planning, and legal and tax ramifications while you focus on the other significant things in life. While you're taking care of these, your financial advisor can pay attention to the issues surrounding your investments and retirement plan. They can keep tabs on the markets, changes in legislation, investment pitfalls and opportunities, and more. That's the way it should be. Unfortunately there are financial advisors who neglect to tell you the whole story, including their fees, their shortcomings, and their loyalties. [+] Read More

WrapManager's Top Money Manager Picks 2014 - Q3 Update

September 11, 2014

WrapManager's Investment Policy Committee highlights certain money manager strategies each quarter for investors to consider. Download the report to learn more about: Risk-Managed - Newfound Research LLC Dividend Equity - Brookmont Capital Management Multi-Cap Growth - ClearBridge Investments Small Cap Growth - Granite Investment Partners International Equity – Cambiar Investors [+] Read More