“Only little people pay taxes”

 

What are the chances of us reaching our goals?

We have a very good chance of reaching our goal of adequate retirement income by just putting our investment contributions on automatic. First, we need to realize that stocks and stock mutual funds are the safest way to reach long-term goals. Historically, a low-cost index of the S&P 500 stocks grows at 11% a year. An example is the Vanguard 500 Index fund which has provided 11.3% annual returns since 1976. Second, TIME invested is the key to success. Over 33 years, our $250 a month, $99,000 total investment accumulates to $1 million total. Third, Compounding over time is the miracle that turns our $250 a month into $1 million. Compounding only works for us if we don’t trade in and out of the market—we “buy and hold.” Fourth, we can set our spending in retirement so we never run out of money. We can determine how long and how much we can spend later in life using a Monte Carlo simulation of 100,000 market situations.

Let money work for you not your advisor: https://www.amazon.com/Best-Robo-Advisor-Ultimate-Automatic-Management/dp/1537111957

 

What should we do when the stock market goes down?

This is the time when most people fail to reach their goals. But take a hint from the wealthy—don’t sell when the stock market falls. Rich people don’t sell when the ‘price’ not ‘value’ goes down. They know the ‘price’ will rise again if they have purchased ‘value’—solid business assets—either their own business or their stocks/stock mutual funds. In fact, the wealthy like Warren Buffett react to a market adjustment by buying; not selling! Stocks are on sale. Since most of us don’t have a ton of new money when the markets go down, we must just grit our teeth and “hold” on to what we have. Over time companies with value will increase in price. Check for yourself: enter 1970 to 2020 in this chart and compare the rise in value of $1. From 1970 to 2020, your $1 increased to $183.71. Some years you lost 37% but some years you gained 38%. Over time the annual increase was 12.19%--a positive increase. Don’t sell. Your $1,000 annual contribution to a tax-deferred account would be worth $3,986,886.77 or your $3,000 annual contribution would be worth $1,034,853.69 in 30 years.

Just buy and hold: https://www.amazon.com/Warren-Buffetts-Vanguard-Funds-Retirement

 

Your advisor may have outsourced your money management

Did you notice during the pandemic that your requests slowed and then speeded up? During the crisis, advisors responsiveness was taxed. Instead of making you wait longer for services or changes in your portfolio, large firms sent trading and asset change requests to others or computers using standardized models. Using new models-based products, advisors may have found an answer for more profits. By applying “pre-set investment models to investors at scale, advisors have been able to delegate less differentiated services, such as trading processes, to trusted third parties, allowing them to instead focus more directly on client service.” In doing so, not only can they save time and energy, but they can also limit vulnerability and reduce strain on the process [read costs]. Thus you may be paying for automated services/products that you can receive from a Robo at a QUARTER the cost.

Hey, you pay the fees: https://www.amazon.com/Pimps-Wall-Street-money-middlemen/dp/151525254X

 

 

“Only little people pay taxes”

Trump’s employees are now under investigation for not paying their taxes. Trump is not. Trump has made it his life’s work to not pay taxes. He boasted in the debates, “I’m smart” to not pay taxes. He believes like Mrs Helmsley that “only little people pay taxes.” Those who have money have hired the smart accountants and lawyers to design their empires in such a way that they themselves don’t pay much of their income/assets in taxes. We are the ones who pay most of the taxes because the American system was built on taxing payroll income taxes—and even taking taxes before we leave work on payday. The wealthy don’t live on normal income. They have worked the system to take revenue as loan proceeds (0% tax) or capital gains (0%, 15% or 20%). For instance, Warren Buffett, one of the wealthiest Americans, pays only 17.7% while his workers pay double: 32.9%. Trump pays less or nothing because his consultants use tax tricks to help him avoid his fair share. For instance, his return claimed a tax deduction of $21 million for promising not sell the trees in his backyard. The IRS would fine you if you tried that.

Use your tax-FREE account: https://www.amazon.com/Tax-Credit-Class-your-credits-ZERO/dp/1539462382

 

Will the new taxes on the wealthy hurt us?

If your family is using a ‘dynasty trust or ‘generation-skipping’ trusts, you should worry. These vehicles that wealthy families use to benefit multiple generations of descendants are being targeted. These tools are used by the top 0.1%—trusts that can move millions, and sometimes billions, of dollars to heirs tax-free. Biden’s plans to make heirs pay more, equalize rates between investors and workers, and boost taxes on corporations and the wealthy by raising rates on low-tax offshore entities, will take time to execute. Meanwhile the wealthy have their specialists working to create new ways to avoid taxes. Those who recently moved to Puerto Rico to avoid taxes are getting letters already. Congress will no doubt try to thwart Biden’s efforts to boost capital gains taxes on the wealthy to ordinary income rates, and to tax gifts and large unrealized gains at death. The final language in any tax bill will be up to millionaires in Congress, and, assuming legislation is eventually enacted, some details might not be even settled until the IRS issues regulations. Our tax situation should not change much—unless you moved to PR.

Start saving tax-FREE: https://www.amazon.com/Pay-No-Taxes-Retirement-legally/dp/1507527977/

 

How to save on homeowners insurance

After you receive your coverage, insurers are unlikely to cancel unless you don’t pay premiums, have too many claims in 1 year, or change your liability profile. Certain dogs, pools, backyard play equipment and hidden businesses are common reasons for cancellations. Flooding is becoming more of an issue in costal areas. Even Trump a climate denier is fortifying his ‘house’. Maintaining your home saves big repairs and the possibility of insurer concerns. I got a notice from my carrier because the sidewalk is uneven. I pointed out that every sidewalk in my town is uneven. I also had to cut down the 200 year old oak in the front yard since it was losing limbs—3 in one year—unsafe future. And NO you can’t deduct your insurance premiums from your tax bill despite what 49% of us think. Only Trump can deduct his premiums and new seawall because he lives in his hotel. Save on financial services by shopping for essential coverage.

Ask for your possible discounts: https://www.amazon.com/Save-3000-every-year-Only/dp/1500681571/

 

Is a religious health care plan right for you?

You may have heard about health care sharing ministries. These are nonprofits with religious overtones that look and sound like health insurance, but rely on contributions of its members to cover fellow members' medical bills. They promote these plans as cheaper than for-profit health insurance. However, if you ask, these plans don't have to follow health insurance regulations, and thus can exclude pre-existing conditions and anything they feel is immoral or too expensive. You many be left with $thousands in unpaid bills because unforeseen things happen. HCSMs are not under a contractual obligation to pay members' medical claims. It is voluntary and you must negotiate the costs of care. Real health care insurance is obliged by law to pay all your bills for covered illness/accident. The current law prohibits health plans from putting annual or lifetime dollar limits on most benefits you receive. With ACA ObamaCare subsidies and no mandate, you are better off using a local network provider of your doctors at contract prices.

Buy what you need: https://www.amazon.com/Health-Insurance-ONLY-right-policy/dp/1480125083

 

How to achieve financial independence on a worker’s wages

Financially independent: the ability to reach all your financial goals. To be free to pursue what is really important to you. Warren Buffett and his partner Charlie Munger have been operating independently for over 50 years. They recently explained: “We made a lot of money. But what we really wanted was independence. And we have had the ability since pretty much a little after we met financially we could associate with people who we wanted to associate with. We’ve had that luxury now for, you know, 60 years or close to it. And, and that beats 25-room houses and, you know, six cars or that stuff is, what really is great is if you can do what you want to do.” Money helps you do that.

True freedom is the ability to control how you spend your time.

https://www.amazon.com/Warren-Buffett-Your-Investment-Advisor/dp/1518690963

 

 

**********ACCOUNTABILITY**************

 

 

Like 1776, this period is a test of democracy—We rejected an "American fascist" once

 

 

Our Jan 6 ‘Truth and Reconciliation Commission’

 

Pied Piper leads terrorists to jail

 

535 terrorists charged; 300 more

 

How Govt wastes our money:

Trump can still evade criminal and tax outcome: skilled at deflection to others: BIG con

Some states don’t want children to learn about institutional racism: What to fear?

Half states see rise in Covid cases: deaths only in unvaxx victims now: Proof vax works

 

Mo Brooks (R-Ala.): I can’t be sued for inciting the coup because I’m an employee.

147 GOP who voted to overturn the presidential election and fueled the insurrection

NJ to exclude more retiree pension income in 2021: $100-150K gets partial tax break

 

New state taxes July 1 for incomes and gas and sales and other: Read small print

Wealthy contributors tell Congress NOT to pay for more IRS auditors: “audit the poor”

 

 

SCAMS/SPINS:

Vatican indicts 10 for financial crimes: but NOT 1700 for sex abuse of kids  Values?

 

Tyson recalls ready-to-eat chicken products due to possible Listeria contamination

Chips are the new oil: takes years to produce more and firms reset after Covid changes

 

11 armed terrorists “who don’t acknowledge US laws” fled police ‘Moors’ captured 

SCAM: “free” genetic testing kits that allegedly screen for heart conditions or cancer. 

Marlon LaShonda Moore “Blessings In No Time” caught pyramid: said ‘8 times’ return

 

Securities America failed to stop Hector May stealing clients’ $8 million; fine no jail

Terrorists use disguise of a Bible study group to build supply of explosives to kill Pelosi

John Robert Jones Jr GA caught selling unregistered funds lost clients $2.6 million

 

Drug pusher Sackler pays $4.5B suit for killing 500,000 from opioids: lawyers win

 

Biden trying to hide windfall from son’s “art”: new way to make contributions?

Trump terrorists still plan to return him to WH by August: planning a WH ‘tour’?

TX deputizing citizens, including outsiders, to stop abortions: medical vigilantes 

 

Jobs

U.S. jobs gain largest in 10 months; employers raise wages, sweeten perks: that’ll do it

Russian ransoms earn $70 Million as companies fail to backup/secure passwords.

Slave labor for the NY wealthy: no one to do lawn, iron, comb, cook, dress them

 

Who owns your account now?

No, you don’t have to use Win 11: you won’t have to buy a new computer either

Consumer Reports: Appliance reliability ratings: fridge, dryer, washer, micro, etc

Air Force will pay 26 victims’ families in 2017 TX church killings

 

Gun maker and seller sued for teen shooter’s crime: our insurance rates up

Surprise: What Did You Earn At Your First Job?  60 years is a long time to wait

 

Miracles:

At age 12, Abhimanyu Mishra became the youngest grandmaster in chess history.

At age 3, National Anthem done right: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=txSuj0GJT90

 

 

We can apply for Medicare online: https://blog.ssa.gov/apply-for-medicare-online

We can apply for Social Security online: https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/retirement/

We can apply for health care online: https://www.healthcare.gov/

 

IAN

41 Watchung Plaza, B242

Montclair, NJ   07042

973.746.2014

www.InsuranceAdvisorsNetwork.com

Alerts available at http://dankeppel.blogspot.com/

 

 

Taxes you just paid gave Boeing greater profits

The taxes you just paid financed Boeing’s most profitable business

Boeing’s $2.72 billion revenue was made possible because our taxes were used to finance sales to wealthy desert dictators. We pay for the “The Bank of Boeing,” as it is called by those who think this “bastion of corporate welfare” must be shut down. Boeing pays about $2.7 million to our “representatives” to keep this “welfare queen” in business. Right-wing power groups ousted Eric Cantor in part for supporting this big business subsidy. Like the oil, gas and farm subsidies, the Ex-Im bank was set up to spur prosperity last century. In this new age, politicians are learning that many groups don’t like giving their tax dollars for corporate tax-FREE profits.

Pay your fair share: http://www.amazon.com/Tax-Shelter-for-Americans/dp/1500426520

Your pension fund is still falling behind despite market surge

The funded status of the 100 largest corporate pensions dropped by $6 billion in March, increasing the deficit to $349 billion, according to the Milliman 100 Pension Funding Index. The stock market hit new highs recently yet pension funding is going south. What happens when markets reset? If you are 5-10 years from retirement, now is the time to act. Use your tax refund to build a tax-FREE Wealth Reserve so you have enough.

Start now: http://www.amazon.com/Tax-Refund-Millionaires-Let-Uncle-Help/dp/149595644X

Many employers unaware of their retirement plan liability

Thirty-seven percent of plan sponsors are unaware they are fiduciaries to their workplace-sponsored retirement plans, according to research by AllianceBernstein, but 82% of those surveyed said fiduciary matters are important or very important to them. Employers that include target-date funds in their retirement plans are more likely to be aware of their fiduciary role. Nearly half of plan sponsors don’t take advantage of the safe-harbor protections that come with offering a qualified default investment alternative. Employers must provide options that are best for us not them—low-cost well diversified funds. Low-earning money funds are NOT safe options for retirement. Retirement account balances reached a record high $91,800 in the first quarter of 2015, and more than 1 million people increased their contributions. 

Pick your best option: http://www.amazon.com/Tune-your-401k-EARN-Tax-FREE/dp/1490591028

Investors moving away from broken Wall Street system—DIY winning

Affluent Americans are now not only diversifying their portfolios, they are also diversifying their brokers, with one-in-three households with greater than $100,000 in investable assets adding a new financial services firm relationship in 2014. The study, "Market Measures: Reach, Share & Other 'Store' Success Measures," surprised researchers when it showed that self-service brokerage firms are popular with the affluent set, reaching 70 percent of households with at least $500,000 in investable assets, compared with just over 40 percent for full-service firms. “It’s astonishing the self-service competitive set has deeper reach into investors with $500,000-plus, engaging more affluent investors than the full-service competitive set.

Try self-management; you’ll like it: http://www.amazon.com/Reasons-Fail-Wall-Street-how/dp/1483913155

DEM crazies

Bernie Sanders, Senator, left-leaning and has no chance! Bernie has no money. He has a voting record that most working Americans would agree with but most politicians don’t. He favors a 30% tax rate on millionaires. Crazy! He did get Congress to clean up the VA. Bernie makes Hillary look centrist and gives her someone to talk to during the primary debates. He just introduced a bill to stop corporations from sheltering income overseas in the Cayman Islands and other tax havens to avoid paying U.S. taxes. The legislation also would end tax breaks for companies that ship jobs and factories overseas.

“At a time when we have a $18.2 trillion national debt and an unsustainable federal deficit; at a time when many of the largest corporations in America are paying no federal income taxes; and at a time when corporate profits are at an all-time high, it is past time for corporate America to pay their fair share in taxes so that we can create the millions of jobs this country needs,” Sanders said at a Capitol news conference.

Bernie, you know this bill will never pass the “millionaire Congress.”

GOP crazies

Will HALF of American voters vote to cancel $100 a month health care? Will they vote to extend age for Social Security and Medicare benefits? Will they really vote to send their kids back to Iraq and Iran to be killed in an oil war? Will they vote to allow states to sanction discrimination based on someone’s religious beliefs? Will they vote to delay fixing our bridges and roads and all other infrastructure until it falls down just so the rich can have more millions? Is Cruz crazy to blame the 2007-8 meltdown on Obama? 

Are these the ways we to make America great?

GOP backers want war?

All of the GOP candidates want to scrub the peace talks—some want war with Iran—and so do their backers. Some are meeting with deep pockets like Sheldon Adelson, who dropped over $92 million for the 2012 circus, and whose hawkish protection views are echoed by party members. Is it possible that our next military venture will be the reward for certain campaign contributions? Could we waste another $3 Trillion because of a new fake-WMD-type scare from the ideological right? President Cheney did it once.

GOP runner Christie hates pot but state needs revenue

Atlantic City gambling has been replaced by online gambling to raise taxes. However, Christie could use the extra pot taxes to replace the $9 billion he gave back to EXXON. Poor management and Wall Street tricks won’t fix the state’s pension shortfall. Property taxes are the highest in the nation. Even the low gas tax should be revised. Christie could sell his helicopter and stop traveling to raise money for the GOP. His sidekick, Weinstein has made a deal so now we may find out about Christie’s BridgeGate.

ObamaCare plans may help more patients get better care

Health insurance plans purchased through public health care exchanges often generate levels of member satisfaction higher than plans obtained through employers, according to a J.D. Power study. One main reason people shopping through the marketplaces are more satisfied is the choice and clear features of plans available. That compares with an employer plan, where choices are often made by the employer and are usually few and more expensive. Agents earn commission on the costs of plans.

Buy only what you need and save: http://www.amazon.com/Health-Insurance-ONLY-right-policy/dp/1480125083

Your small homeowners’ insurance claims can mean cancellation

Small claims on your policy means a money loser to insurers and they will cancel. Since the average big claim is 1 in 38 years, you may lose coverage if you file for amounts less than a full disaster. When you file a claim and it is denied, your claim is still counted against you. Fix small claims on your own and DON’T even call your agent/insurer—they enter it in your cancel file. This is not intuitive (“we paid premiums for 20 years and haven’t asked for a dime”) but insurers see you as an accident waiting to happen.

Buy a HIGH-deductible policy only; save premiums for repairs: http://www.amazon.com/Homeowners-Insurance-Beware-Coverage-Policy/dp/1480100870

Is a simple target-date mutual fund right for you?

According to the TIAA-CREF Investment Options Survey, nearly 40% of Americans say they are not familiar with the investment options in their retirement plan. A target-date fund simplifies your decision. The mutual fund manager picks the right balance of stocks and bonds depending on how long you have until you need the money. At not-for-profit firms like TIAA and Vanguard, you pay low fees and thus earn more over time. You may end up with twice as much for retirement since you paid less for great diversification.

This is the strategy Buffett recommends: http://www.amazon.com/Warren-Buffetts-Investment-Strategy-Forget/dp/1484822900

How much is your broker/advisor worth paying? Do they give refunds?

Most professionals must provide their costs and contingencies up front. If you are not satisfied, you insist they make it right. You know if the job is done right because you give them a guideline or goal or deadline. My house exterior gets painted with good paint by June 30. I check the work as they go. I hold back final payment until the paint is dry and it has rained. I have a guarantee for 4 years.

What if my broker/advisor does not even match market growth and/or protect the downside? Do you realize what it is like to get your money back using the required arbitration method? By law, I can’t even pick the arbitrators—they work for the broker. We would be better off with a professional fortune teller according to much research.

Even Buffett agrees: http://www.amazon.com/Warren-Buffetts-Investment-Secret-Steeple/dp/1484189809

Workers say they want guaranteed retirement income but few buy it

Eighty-nine percent of employees surveyed by BlackRock in 2012 said they would like their plan sponsor to provide them with income generating options in their retirement plan. Yet research from Towers Watson finds when such an option is offered to retiring participants, the lifetime income distribution is chosen by less than 5%. Workers fear high cost, hidden rules and no escape.

Annuity alternatives: http://www.amazon.com/Not-Buy-That-Annuity-Guaranteed/dp/1466494573

SCAMS           Why are we still paying $700 Billion a year for WWII deployments? That is 27 cents of each dollar in taxes—the largest part of our money—and we aren’t even at war. We could pay off our debts and fix our schools, roads and bridges!

We are paying for 164,253 of our active-duty armed personnel to be in 150 countries around the world. We have about 50,000 in Japan and 50,000 in Germany.

Are we preparing for WWII again? There are 1,208,083^[1] armed personnel in the United States. Our taxes pay for about HALF of the WORLD’s military expenditures every year. We have wasted $398.6 billion so far on the F-35 program—they can’t fly safely.

We just can’t afford to pay for everyone else’s defenses anymore.

Japan, Germany and S. Korea can pay to defend themselves.

The War on Terror requires SEALS’ attacks on top terrorists at their homes. Iraq proved converting a nation to Western-style republic doesn’t work. The troops we trained ran away. We are wasting $4 billion a year on Afgan tribal rivalries; paying ransom to Al Qaeda; supporting corruption with our money.

US govt destroys our justice system credibility

Of 28 examiners with the FBI Laboratory’s microscopic hair comparison unit, 26 overstated forensic matches in ways that favored prosecutors in more than 95 percent of the 268 trials reviewed so far.  … and justice for all?

Can America avoid repeating Rome's mistakes of the 4th-5th C?

IRS won’t help finding which ID thieves stole from you—protecting ID thieves’ privacy?

You find out your tax return refund was already claimed by a thief. You ask the IRS for help in securing your ID. IRS says NO. IRS rules encourage its workers to keep a tight grip on the bad returns. Employees face felony charges for giving out private details -- including, possibly, those of the identity thieves -- to those who aren’t authorized. The old “privacy law” excuse to protect the criminals.

It is your tax money at work, or not!

Regions bank owes you money for overcharging you

Today the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) took action against Regions Bank for charging overdraft fees to consumers who had not opted-in for overdraft coverage. The bank also charged overdraft and non-sufficient funds fees on its deposit advance product despite claims that it would not. Regions has already refunded hundreds of thousands of consumers approximately $49 million in fees, and the consent order requires the bank to fully refund all remaining consumers. The Bureau also fined the company $7.5 million for its illegal actions. 

IAN

41 Watchung Plaza, B242

Montclair, NJ 07042

973.746.2014

www.InsuranceAdvisorsNetwork.com

Alerts  

Money scams 2014

Money scams, 2014

Hot funds:

You are the victim when you use hot funds. Big paychecks come out of your account and your investments suffer. Take the most recent example: Bill Gross got a BONUS of $290 million in 2013—just as his Total Return Fund trailed a majority of peers and he was thinking of leaving. His co-manager, Mohamed El-Erian, received a 2013 bonus of about $230 million. By comparison, Laurence D. Fink, CEO of BlackRock, the world's biggest money manager, received $22.9 million in 2013 compensation, and Michael Diekmann, CEO of Pimco's parent Allianz SE, was paid 7.2 million euros ($8.99 million), regulatory filings show. See how you can win this game: http://www.sensibleinvesting.tv/how-to-win-the-losers-game-documentary

Low-cost funds beat high-cost funds everytime: http://www.amazon.com/The-Best-Predictor-Investment-Success/dp/1502524082

Why should you start investing TODAY?

I am asked, “Is this is a good time to invest” almost every week. Since no one knows what the stock market will do tomorrow, let’s assume the best US companies will continue to earn 10-12% for the future. We start investing $250 a month TODAY. If we keep it up for 35 years, we have about $1.6 million. If we wait, say 5 years, we end up with about HALF $0.88 million. That is why you don’t want to wait!

Don’t wait! Start today: http://www.amazon.com/Miracle-Compounding-Turn-day-into/dp/1470176513

ObamaCare site got ½ million hits 1^st day—Americans need health care

ObamaCare had at least 100,000 people submit applications for health insurance coverage this weekend.  “I think the vast majority of people coming to the site were able to get on and do what they were intending to do,” Burwell told Chuck Todd in an interview on NBC’s "Meet the Press," noting that a total of 500,000 people had logged onto HealthCare.gov on Saturday.  

Is a donor-advised fund right for you?

Donor advised funds are charitable foundations that follow your wishes in distributing your money to charities. Benefits include managing, accounting and maintaining your legacy. Your gifts are deductible. You can involve your kids in regular giving programs. You can be an anonymous giver. Foundations are costly but can relieve you of a big tax bill if you have stock with large capital gains. Most large mutual fund firms offer plans. Make them part of your Retirement Spending Plan: http://www.amazon.com/Your-Retirement-Spending-Plan-enough/dp/1461084016

GOP crazies—35 jobs that may cost us $ billions in cleanup and loss of watershed

Republicans in the U.S. House approved the Keystone XL oil pipeline the ninth time. 35 permanent jobs and we don’t even need the oil. We export oil now. Gas prices went down. There are about 8 oil spills per year in America. BP has still not paid all the Gulf fishing and tourist businesses yet. Senate rejects Keystone votes to fix bridges.

Boehner files suit against ObamaCare. It will cost US $1/2 billion. Two law firms had already turned down the case. Our suit will take 3 years to get through the courts.  

Who deports more—Bush or Obama?

This is a trick question because no one defines the terms deport and return. Since Reagan and Bush gave some relief to both groups before Obama, you have to study the issue to know who is doing who a favor—Obama or Bush.

Which company stocks does Congress own?

Now you can own the corps that Congress people own. Half of them are millionaires so this may be a great investment idea for you. Congress must disclose what they own when they run and one group, MapLight, is keeping track of them. Of course, you will not find out what the Congress scoops in committee or in lobbyists’ luncheons so that you know when to sell or buy more shares.

Perhaps you are better off just buying the Vanguard Top Ten: http://www.amazon.com/Vanguards-Top-Ten-mutual-funds/dp/150073909X

Waltons, getting by on $150 billions, keep workers on food stamps paid by US

The fortune of Christy Walton, the world’s wealthiest woman, topped $40 billion Thursday as Wal-Mart Stores Inc. hit an all-time high. Walton, 65, inherited a piece of the world’s largest retailer in 2005, after the homemade airplane of her husband, John T. Walton, crashed in Wyoming. The Walton family, which includes Christy Walton’s siblings-in-law Rob, Jim and Alice Walton, oversee a combined fortune of more than $150 billion. Wal-Mart value jumped more than 4 percent today. Workers scraping barrel with part-time work and food stamps that cost US $300 million a year. Come-on Christy!

Celebrities do NOT use financial products they sell

Just because you recognize the face or voice doesn’t mean they are familiar with the product. Fred Thompson does not know anything about reverse mortgages nor the company who is paying him. This was set up by his agent and they did no due diligence on the seller, American Advisors Group: Reverse Mortgages. 

http://consumerist.com/2014/11/13/why-you-shouldnt-get-a-reverse-mortgage-just-because-fred-thompson-tells-you-to/

More scams: http://www.ftc.gov/news-events/media-resources/consumer-finance

http://www.fbi.gov/scams-safety/fraud

http://www.ncoa.org/enhance-economic-security/economic-security-Initiative/savvy-saving-seniors/top-10-scams-targeting.html

http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/money/consumer-protection/beware-of-these-scams/overview/index.htm

Kevin James, 58, a financial advisor and insurance agent, convinced his elderly clients to cash out their annuities and insurance policies and invest $1 million in a fake security. He got 10 years in jail. Clients are out $ millions.

Junk insurance plans—the pitch

“This fixed annuity with guaranteed interest rates as high as 3.50% will be ending soon. The last day to lock-in the currently available interest rates is Tuesday, December 2nd.”

“This full coverage health plan is guaranteed by an A+ insurance company and is available only through ABC agency. You may never see this complete plan at this price again. Call now to meet the Feb 15 deadline.”

“Cancer insurance pays you a lump-sum if you are diagnosed with a covered cancer.”

“Stock Tips Delivered to your Inbox! Stock Tips is the #1 stock alert service...As always membership is 100% FREE! Sign up now!”

“These abandoned dogs need loving homes. [picture of sad pup] Send cash for vet bills, crating, shipping and inspection costs.” The pet never comes.

Telephone scams:  Government grants—9000 and you don’t have to pay them back—just the cost of processing. College degree loans. Lower electric rates. Computer fix. Telephone number look up at http://whocallsme.com/Phone-Number.aspx. FTC does nothing about these scammers with long list of complaints.

Are annuities in your retirement plan right for you?

Deferred-income annuities — also known as longevity insurance — permit purchasers to buy an income stream for the future. Treasury has agreed that annuities may help workers have an income in retirement. However, annuities are expensive and the rules of use are complicated. Your money is NOT available for emergencies. It is not clear what your family receives if you die early, how much you can buy, what interest rates are used for the benefit and what you have to take out of an IRA starting at age 70.5. So far, Treasury has not made mandatory disclosure of all the questions about annuities. In the past, buyers have been misled about the annuity terms and conditions by sellers.

You might use the best annuity instead: http://www.amazon.com/The-Best-Annuity-Strategy-Income/dp/1497532019

Is your pet uninsurable on your homeowner’s policy?

There are some dogs that insurers refuse to include in your coverage because of their losses. Know where you stand. There are insurers that will cover you.

Beware false coverages and save: http://www.amazon.com/Homeowners-Insurance-Beware-Coverage-Policy/dp/1480100870

SCAMS           Why are we still paying $700 Billion a year for WWII deployments?

We are paying for 164,253 of our active-duty armed personnel to be in 150 countries around the world. We have about 50,000 in Japan and 50,000 in Germany.

Are we preparing for WWII again? There are 1,208,083^[1] armed personnel in the United States. Our taxes pay for about HALF of the WORLD’s military expenditures every year. We have wasted $398.6 billion so far on the F-35 program—they can’t fly safely.

We just can’t afford to pay for everyone else’s defenses anymore. Japan, Germany and S. Korea can pay for their own defenses.

The War on Terror requires SEALS’ attacks on top terrorists at their homes. Iraq proved converting a nation to Western-style republic doesn’t work.

US spy planes over our cities now listening to your smartphone

US Marshals fly planes with cell tower devices to capture our voice/data. The scope of the program is pretty vast, with aircraft operating from at least five metropolitan airports with a “flying range covering most of the U.S. population.” Spying in US used to be illegal without warrant.

IAN

41 Watchung Plaza, B242

Montclair, NJ 07042

973.746.2014

www.InsuranceAdvisorsNetwork.com

Alerts 

Boycott tax evaders?

UK consumers move Starbucks HQ over tax evasion

Starbucks has moved from its tax haven to London after consumer’s protests. Starbucks will move its tax base from the Netherlands to London in an attempt to banish its ‘immoral’ image. Accountant Richard Murphy said: ‘They are not paying any more tax, just paying more tax here. I don’t think they would have made the move if there wasn’t an overall tax advantage as well.’ Starbucks has said it will pay more tax in the UK as it moves its European headquarters here from the Netherlands following a row over tax avoidance.

Can protests move it back to the US?
 

Dem crazies

Dick Durbin, senior senator IL said he has written to Hospira Inc and urged the drug and medical device maker not to move its tax domicile abroad to save on U.S. taxes.

Citing recent reports that Hospira plans to buy the medical nutrition unit of France's Danone SA, Dick Durbin said in a statement he told Chief Executive Officer Michael Ball that Hospira should not "turn its back on American taxpayers and consumers by taking advantage of a tax loophole called 'inversion.'" The statement from the No. 2 Democrat in the Senate came amid growing concern in Washington with inversion transactions, which allow U.S. corporations to shift their tax home-base to a different country and cut their U.S. tax bills. "I strongly urge you and the board of directors not to move your company’s headquarters overseas, since a significant portion of Hospira’s revenue comes from U.S. taxpayers and depends on U.S. taxpayer-funded support."

Of 52 inversions and similar deals done since 1983, 22 have occurred just since 2008, with 10 more being finalized and many more said to be in the works.

Pay your fair share: http://www.amazon.com/Tax-FREE-Wealth-How-laws-free/dp/1475089236

Is a balance fund right for you?

A balance between stocks and bonds in a mutual fund produces returns of 10% over the long run with fewer negative returns. Take one of our clients’ favorites: the Vanguard Wellesley Income fund. This fund has had only two down years since 1999 and with only 0.25% expenses, has provided investors with over 10% return since 1970. This fund is managed by Wellington for Vanguard to contain 2/3 bonds producing 4-5% interest a year. It is used by many for retirement income.

This fund is one of their Vanguard Top Ten: http://www.amazon.com/Vanguards-Top-Ten-mutual-funds/dp/150073909X

Brokers targeting low-cost federal employee investment plans

Federal employees are a tempting target for financial companies. To supplement their traditional pensions, they participate in the Thrift Savings Plan, the largest 401(k)-type plan in the U.S. It oversees $418 billion for 4.6 million current and former federal employees, including the armed forces, park rangers, FBI agents and members of Congress. As in a 401(k), an employee sets aside money in a menu of mutual funds that isn’t taxed until withdrawal. Benefiting from economies of scale, the Thrift Savings Plan offers funds far cheaper than most 401(k)s. Its average fee is .029 percent -- or 29 cents per $1,000 invested vs 1.4%. The average 401(k) plan participant pays about 20 times as much for a stock mutual fund, according to a July study by the Investment Company Institute, a Washington-based mutual-fund trade group.

Don’t be deceived—low-fee beat high-fee investments: http://www.amazon.com/Unbiased-Advisors-Network-helps-tax-FREE/dp/1470106841

Credit score may double your premium

Homeowners with poor credit pay 91% more for homeowner's insurance than people with excellent credit, according to insuranceQuotes.com. Homeowners with median credit pay 29% more than those with excellent credit. People with poor credit pay at least twice as much as people with excellent credit in 37 states and Washington, D.C. West Virginia's 208% increase is the highest in the nation, followed by Virginia (186%), Ohio (185%) and Washington, D.C. (182%). The greatest differences between excellent and median credit were observed in Montana (65%), Washington, D.C. (60%) and Arizona (55%). "This is another example of why credit is such an important part of your financial life," said Laura Adams, senior analyst, insuranceQuotes.com. "Maintaining a good credit history suggests that you're a less risky customer and can lead to several hundred dollars in annual homeowner's insurance savings."

Use all your discounts: http://www.amazon.com/Homeowners-Insurance-Beware-Coverage-Policy/dp/1480100870

Long-term care insurance buyers paying more

The average buyer of LTC coverage is younger than ever before—aged 53. The insurers noticed that they preferred younger clients with a longer "runway" of premiums on average. The LTC Tree study also found that decline rates for those ages 65+ are 220% higher than decline rates for those ages 45-55—younger people are healthier. This means insurers are capturing younger people who will have to pay premiums for an average of 30 years before only 4% of them become an expense. Insurers have a longer income stream ($2000 premium for 30 years) and larger reserves of $500,000+. Consider creating your own reserve: http://www.amazon.com/Long-term-Care-Insurance-better-alternatives/dp/147006877X/

ObamaCare II

Large employers are required to provide affordable coverage beginning in 2015 or potentially face penalties. For 2014, the definition of affordability was set at 9.5% of the employee's income. Some employers will be fined if they do not offer insurance at rates their employees can handle.

Tune up your 401k: EARN 50% more Tax-FREE

Accumulate $1,000,000 free of fees and taxes.
Avoid ALL 401k plan Wealth Killers.
Use a tax-FREE account--better than tax-Deferred.
Buy low-cost mutual funds averaging 10-12%. 

     Accumulating wealth requires that we avoid high plan and advisor fees, commissions, loads and ... taxes--the Wealth Killers.
Since you have a 401k, why not earn 50% more? We avoid fees by buying ONLY the financial services we need at a discount. We avoid taxes by using an IRS-approved tax-FREE account. We reinvest ALL our earnings. We accumulate $1 million by leveraging the Miracle of Compounding over time. 

http://www.amazon.com/Tune-your-401k-EARN-Tax-FREE/dp/1490591028

SCAMS           Why are we still paying $700 Billion a year for WWII deployments?

We are paying for 164,253 of our active-duty armed personnel to be in 150 countries around the world. We have about 50,000 in Japan and 50,000 in Germany.

Are we preparing for WWII again? There are 1,208,083^[1] armed personnel in the United States. Our taxes pay for about HALF of the WORLD’s military expenditures every year. We have wasted $398.6 billion so far on the F-35 program—they can’t fly safely.

We just can’t afford to pay for everyone else’s defenses anymore.

Japan, Germany and S. Korea can pay for their own defenses.

IAN

41 Watchung Plaza, B242

Montclair, NJ 07042

973.746.2014

www.InsuranceAdvisorsNetwork.com

Alerts