Your Unbiased Advisor: mask or work

Showing posts with label mask or work. Show all posts

Friday, November 5, 2021

Is a traditional 60/40 portfolio right for you?

Savers and investors who tell their advisor that they do not want to take excessive risk are usually given the 60/40 option—60% of their investments are in stocks and 40% are in bonds. If you pay an advisor to pick your stocks and bonds, this traditional portfolio may work for you and let you sleep through the night. When they quit working, their stock holdings are reduced to 30%. But what if you have not saved enough for the retirement you envision? Buffett has suggested a 90% stock 10% cash position for his eventual widow's retirement portfolio. This does not work for most of us since we don’t have the level of assets Buffett’s widow will have. Some of my readers operate on a LOW-COST 70/30 option in retirement since they have a balanced portfolio and large pension/IRA/SS income. Others have been lucky to rely on a “total return” strategy during one of the longest bull markets in history. They try to reduce their taxable income by buying non-dividend stocks like Buffett’s well-diversified firm with no commissions. They built emergency funds to pay for 2 years of expenses to survive a market drop. For most of us, the Target Date funds offer the best compromise for pre- and post-retirement portfolios. The key to success is low-cost funds or securities since we earn more when paying less.

https://www.amazon.com/Warren-Buffetts-Vanguard-Funds-Retirement/dp/1496148592

Should you invest 10% or 20%?

This is a constant question I hear. Answer: it depends. First, more savings is always better since we are living longer and the prices will be higher later. Talk of higher inflation is already moving money from bonds to stocks. Second, if we have time to invest (retirement is 5+ years away), we should be investing in stocks not bonds. Yes, the stock market has already gone up over the historical average of 11% per year but there is no alternative. Savings at under 2% per year will not even cover the price increases for one year let alone for our future. Third, given the historical inflation rate of 3%, we must invest in stock or balanced funds and the cheaper the better. There is no reason to pay 2% commission, fees, trading timing failures to someone who cannot guarantee inflation-beating returns. Most of us have not invested enough during out working years, so starting at 10% and increasing the percentage each time we receive a raise makes sense. Obviously, if your nest egg is low due to low returns or employment pause, you must increase it to stay on track for the future benefits of income. You can run simulations of your final nest egg balance and how long it will last here: https://retirementplans.vanguard.com/VGApp/pe/pubeducation/calculators/RetirementNestEggCalc.jsf

https://www.amazon.com/Your-Plan-Live-Age-100/dp/1548180793

Is AFLAC insurance right for you?

This pays you cash if your accident or illness is covered. You will not receive what you might expect given the premiums you have paid. The insurer pays claims at about HALF what you might expect to receive after your health insurer pays your medical bills. This is an insurance company and they determine how much your payout for an illness or accident will be. Not every situation is covered. For many folks, this is a “forced savings” product. That means you might be better off putting your premium into an emergency fund—a balanced mutual fund at low cost or high-paying bank CD. A disability policy that your employer pays means that the benefit you receive is taxable income to you.

https://www.amazon.com/dont-have-money-Financial-Emergencies/dp/1537636707

Will any of these 55 tax avoiders actually pay the 15% global tax?

The global minimum tax is a way to prevent large multinational corporations from shifting their profits to low-tax countries, such as Ireland (12.5% corporate rate) and Switzerland (8.5% corporate rate). Until now, this has been done by setting up subsidiaries in these tax havens. By maintaining a minimum tax rate of 15% in the vast majority of countries, there is virtually no place remaining (other than Kenya, Nigeria, Pakistan and Sri Lanka, which have not yet agreed to the rate) to shift profits to—particularly from intangibles (patents, trademarks, software, royalties on intangibles). Those who support the tax expect it will boost the global economy and incentivize multinationals to keep more profits—and the tax on them—at home. As it stands now, the tax would only apply to large multinational corporations. This means corporations with profits outside their borders exceeding $868 million. It would not impact the tax rate charged by the corporations’ home countries. Yet another layer of the global minimum tax is for the largest multinationals, with excess profits (profits in excess of 10% of revenue). The tax rate here would be 25%. The law has not yet been enacted by the U.S. So only the little people pay tax and the wealthy pay our Reps to keep it that way.

https://www.amazon.com/Americas-Socialism-Rich-only-little-people-pay/dp/1535218584

Wealthy folks avoid taxes by claiming dual citizenship in city, beach, mountains

You have your choice of 25 capitals and cities around the world where you can acquire residence through investment migration programs. The places are ranked according to 10 main categories that represent the most pressing relocation considerations: lifestyle, tax, education, real estate, health care, security, infrastructure and stability, as well as COVID-19 safety and the relevant investment migration program. All 25 locals are proactively welcoming foreign investors, and while some are clearly leading the pack, each has its strengths and particular appeal. And special companies will help you make it happen. Zurich, St. Helier, Lisbon, Rome, Monaco, Cyprus, Athens, Malta, Kuala Lumpur, etc. Avoid bad weather and taxes.

https://www.amazon.com/Your-Hidden-Wealth-Reserve-Reduce-Taxes/dp/1540435148

Is working as long as you can right for you?

One of the biggest regrets some folks have is not seeing their co-workers on a regular basis. Many say they plan to get together but somehow it never happens. The benefits of working, even part time, are many. Many feel lost in retirement since their lives revolved around their mates at work. ‘Friends for life’ is how they describe those they have seen for 5, 10, 20 years. Unless you are working in a coal mine or warehouse, you should stay connected to your network. 1^st health benefits of seeing your group and receiving health care benefits can’t be discounted. Working requires using your body parts. The old saying, “use it or lose it” is true for many retirees. You may enjoy many more years with family and friends when you are active. You don’t have to gym or golf or run to stay healthy according to new research. Walking is fine. 2^nd because you are called upon to make decisions—any decision—you will ward off the onset of some possible memory or dementia problems. You won’t get stuck watching TV, playing computer games or staring at the monitor all day. You may even increase your skills in case you want another career. 3^rd you can spend more money. In fact, adding more to your nest egg will provide you with peace of mind. Your SS benefits will be greater since every year you do NOT take benefits adds 8% to your payout. You can work and take extra benefits after your Full Retirement Age without penalty. After age 70, your benefits do not grow larger but they may have doubled from the amount you would have received at age 62. If you are still working and contributing to FICA after FRA, your benefits are recalculated each year. So instead of $1,463.80 a month you could receive $2,975.00. Eventually, you will have to withdrawal funds from your 401k, IRA, etc so you need to plan your spending.

https://www.amazon.com/What-your-RMD-much-spend/dp/1718946716

Can you live on dividends alone?

Some investors accumulate enough stocks that pay dividends they can live on them as retirement income. The list of so called Dividend Kings provides a broad selection of stocks with a solid history of dividend payments. You know many of these firms already: Coke, 3M, J&J, but there are many not well known. Now you have mutual funds and ETFs of these stocks. The downside to ever increasing dividend income is dividend tax. To become a Dividend King, a company must have at least 50 consecutive years of dividend increases. Because of that high standard, it likely doesn’t come as a surprise that only an exclusive list of firms make the list. In 2021, there are just 31 Dividend Kings. This strategy provides the value tilt to your portfolio—growth stocks are light on dividends. “Dividends can offset losses if the market is declining and help with inflation.”

Make your plan complete: https://www.amazon.com/Your-Retirement-Spending-Plan-enough/dp/1461084016

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

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

Our Jan 6 ‘Truth and Reconciliation Commission’

“The coup is ongoing”

Sentence for overthrow government: free to do it again

Judge: “attack on democracy ... unparalleled in American history.”

GOP aided and abetted the coup attempt

Supremes: overturn 700-year tradition restricting weapons in public?

How Govt wastes our money:

Manchin cancels paid leave for family health: women have baby on lunch break?

Manchin demands getting his way or gut services and structures: coal pays $491,949

Too little too late: countries to stop cutting trees by 2030: why wait?

Supremes: the bullies, mafia, criminals will be packing on/under the streets of New York

8,000 Air Force Service Members Miss Vaccine Mandate Deadline: 5,000 turn to religion

Navy Cmdr runs sub into mountain in SCS: Tesla autopilot or just incompetence?

SCAMS/SPINS:

Trump: take away Pulitzer Prize from newspapers I hate; “I am the chosen one”

Supremes TX ban: women can just “stop having sex” to avoid pregnancy decision

Supremes: TX sets up vigilante law: $10,000 if see abortion, illegal sex, devils, books,etc

TX to ban books from teens if “psychological distress”: can’t read of sex, race, etc

TX leaves Covid decision to parents but book & birth decided by TX gov: my rights?

Arbery trial: GA jury of all white men: judge admits “discrimination” already: fair trial?

Fake news is easy to poison our lives: Covid, immigration, pipe bombs to scare us

Fake news created by only 10 publishers: study shows who does most wrong info

Attempted overthrow of US government Jan 6 now called just ‘riot’: misinfo?

Trump: VA election of GOP gov was ‘fraud’: GOP win with ‘racist education’ ideology

Q delusion: QAnon believers Lemmings outfitted with “Trump-Kennedy 2024” shirts

Kenneth Welsh NJ caught stealing $3M tricked WellsFargo client accounts

Xlear caught claim nasal spray prevents COVID "without … evidence"

Tech Support Scams No. 1 Phishing Threat: pop-up alert disguised brand names

scammers claimed from Amazon, IRS, SS: takes over computer for ‘refund’ to rob

Tactics Scammers Use to Lure Consumers based on science

GA GOP paid by robocallers to allow unlimited voicemail on our phones: tell him NO!

Big banks caught fixing ATM fees: pay fine and continue as usual: no jail time

Scams using your phone ID: Google Voice verification: use your phone ID as scam tool

Dealers caught overcharging for car loans even with great credit: pay $59K for $29K car

CA passenger assaults plane crew: flight diverted: give assaulters parachute; flight go on?

Tesla recalls 12,000 vehicles: bad software may stop car on a dime when you don’t want

Tesla autopilot trial: kills Banner by running into semi truck it did not ‘see’ at night

Jobs

Biden: Pope called me a ‘good Catholic’ and blessed my rosary?: US bishops deny Host

Unemployment comp NOT taxed: IRS sends 430,000 refunds $510 million for 2020.

FL women get prize for killing big shark: what fun! “We kept the tail, the head”

Denied job or rental or credit bec/ credit bureaus have wrong history on file for you?

Who owns your account now?

GOP or Trump Mafia? Another Trump critic is silenced: Gonzalez fears for family

How to separate the info from misinfo: you can learn to tell the difference: https://newslitproject.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_stGsEmUpTGKuxLoxKkvEeA

ESCAPING FEDERAL TAX PENALTIES

Best college savings plans: 529 state choices rated

Vax effectiveness falls 50% in 6 months: study 800,000 complete

Miracles:

Conner Doss and Kane Daugherty saved bus driver with quick thinking action

Covid kills priest so congregation gets vaccinated in his honor

ObamaCare is more affordable in 2022 so more folks have health care

We have now melted the Earth “back to the Stone Age in some places”

Chile desert glass sheets from fireball exploding just above sand 12K years ago

Two condor chicks had hatched from unfertilized eggs: females can only make males

Finding a replacement for battery power: batteries are bad for environment

First oral covid-19 treatment pill approved in UK for UK test: replace costly antibody

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/

Friday, August 6, 2021

Save $3,000 a year; more later

Have fun living frugally so you have enough for more!

Every retiree says they wish they had learned to enjoy saving money. They don’t want to be misers but they remember wasting money on stuff they really could have done without or a substitute less cost. In financial services, I have learned from those who live the frugal life that they actually have fun while saving at least $3,000 a year for later. The greatest savings they experienced was finding out from their own experience that they don’t need a high-cost financial person. They don’t trade to beat the market since all the research says that they can do better with buy and hold using low-cost mutual funds—both stock and bond. The study that impressed me the most was the reason John Bogle founded Vanguard: that little 2 percent fee will erode 63 percent of what you would have had. Also when analysts look at returns actual clients earn over time, the index earns 11% compared to 3.79% for managed equity funds. When they need specific advice, these happy folks buy it from an unbiased licensed planner—one fee not annual fees for years.

https://www.amazon.com/Best-Robo-Advisor-Ultimate-Automatic-Management/dp/1537111957

Why are real-estate trusts doing well when rental property rents are frozen?

If you are invested in rental real estate, you may have lost money in the last year. So why are REIT mutual funds doing so well? Vanguard’s low-cost fund is up 34% for 1 year and up over 10% a year since 2001. The fund owns malls, industrial and residential REITs but 38% of the fund is in “specialized REITs.” This category also includes companies that do not generate a majority of their income from real estate rental or leasing operations. They dabble in just about everything, including student housing, casinos, prisons, senior housing, cannabis facility. The major benefit of specialized REITs is the ability to diversify one’s exposure to various aspects of the real estate market. So, this category requires considerably more research. Asset selection in specialized REITs is also more limited when compared with other categories. Companies or trusts engaged in the acquisition, development, ownership, leasing, management and operation of properties that don’t fit the traditional types. With low interest rates, specialty REITs have expanded choice and thus diversification.

Lower costs; keep more: https://www.amazon.com/Wall-Streets-Secret-Sauce-S-h/dp/1536845248

Save on highly depreciated used cars

Used vehicles prices have increased as new car/truck chips have not been made since 2020. Covid stopped car buying and chip making. Apparently it takes time to work up a silicone chip into a mini computer to run our vehicles. What can we do if we need new transport? These 3 year old models may fit your needs. Most are the expensive luxury models that lose value very quickly (over 50%). They may have experienced mechanical troubles according to JD Power survey of owners. If they are fixed or you are willing to take the risk of huge repair bills, these Audi, Benz, BMWs may suit you. Don’t forget to ask for your insurance discounts: save up for the high cost of luxury model repairs.

Save: https://www.amazon.com/Vehicle-Insurance-Beware-Double-Coverage/dp/1480027634

Are you ready for retirement?

Most retirees have no idea what it’s like to be living without a regular paycheck. If you are used to using credit cards for unusual expenses because you knew you could pay off the balance with your next check or two, consider how to handle that expense now. Successful retirees make a written spending plan so they avoid running up debt for an emergency. They have totaled their expected incomes and expenses so they know where to go for the unexpected expense. Some have a line of credit backed by their home or other asset. Some have a designated asset to draw on. I call this a Wealth Reserve. It is assets that can continue to grow if not needed. Some are building this Reserve with savings from cutting expenses they don’t have anymore. They raise the deductible on their insurance policies. They move their brokerage and mutual funds to a low-cost provider. They stop trading and move their money into a balanced fund. They have transferred their company 401k or pension to the same mutual fund rollover-IRA provider. They are taking their retirement income according to the IRS schedule (RMD) as calculated by their fund provider. They know what they can spend and where their monthly income/expenses come and go.

Retirement security: https://www.amazon.com/What-your-RMD-much-spend/dp/1718946716

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

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

Our Jan 6 ‘Truth and Reconciliation Commission’

GOP enablers barred from terrorists in jail

Trumpists raise $82 mil for his defense

“Domestic extremists are our greatest threat”

How Govt wastes our money:

Can IRS catch wealthy suspected of using a Panamanian law firm to evade taxes?

IRS enforcement budget increase cut out of infrastructure bill: lobbyists win; we lose

GOP and Dem Manchin to add Trump Wall money to highway bill

States are hoarding $46 Billion rental assistance money: tenants/landlords lose to Gov

Crypto brokers holding up infrastructure bill’s regulations on tax-free trading: Free lunch

Gov has no idea how to execute Fed mask mandate: most offices stay empty

SCAMS/SPINS:

‘I should have gotten the damn vaccine’ father of 5 dies of preventable condition

FL has highest number new Covid cases in 1 day ever

TN Rep. Byrd antivaxer suffered 2 mo now wants vax: TN just fired state expert

All TN children hospitals are full already

Unvaccinated Americans believe the vaccines are more dangerous than Covid-19

TN pays to vaccinate cows not humans: Gov is farmer and GOP ideolog

You may have to wait for your elective surgery: hospitals full of delta Covid

Arkansas’ governor: emergency but no masks: “we will have to live with the virus.”

Banning some from communion “now we’re back in the Middle Ages,” Rev McDermott.

Child-abusing priests not banned from communion, not even on sex offender list

Facebook using evangelicals to build affinity groups for sales: religion drives hate online

OH Trumpist wants to pay parents to have kids and stay together like Fascist Hungary

Daniel O’Neill caught excessive trading w/o permission lost $147,000

Robinhood shares fall after making founders $2.4 and $2.8 Billion each

Doctors take money to assign certain devices and drugs whether work or not: Hidden $

Your business interruption insurance may be worthless: courts dismiss valid claim

Hedge funds: Congress to stop GameStop-type gamblers from beating them at their game

You buy a gun because everyone else has one but no bullets left to buy: make ‘em?

When kidnappers say they have your Mom: police: ask for a specific memory to verify

Did you buy one of these recalled items: Propane, RV, fans, toys, clothes,

Population of flooded areas grew at nearly twice the average global rate: history at risk

Jobs

High pay jobs with 2 year certificate: medical specialist

Poll workers/vote admin becomes dangerous work: party thugs rule voting system

GA chicken plant kills 6 workers: 59 health citations: no hazard training: no exec jailed

Hiring surged in July: added 943,000 jobs, with the unemployment rate dropping to 5.4%

Who owns your account now?

Have you protected your ‘unmentionables’ from ransom hackers?

Your state’s sales tax free day: buy buy buy with no sales tax except big ticket eg: cars.

Best hospitals by specialty:

Miracles:

Warming: Western fires could burn thru October: hydropower shut down—no electric

https://www.vaxteen.org/about: when you know a vax is right for you

Earth’s oxygen level created when days got longer: billions of years ago and still longer

two-headed baby sea turtle on shore in SC: genetic mutation

Booster shot needed before winter for Moderna vaccine: Covid mutants

There are 331 million separate opinions in America on just about every topic: GO USA

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/

Friday, June 4, 2021

Why Warren Buffett is your best financial advisor

Give your graduate the best gift you can give them: tax-FREE money

High school and college graduates need the best gift you can give them: a future of tax-FREE income. Get them started now since your gift can grow a THOUSAND times its value over time. For instance, $50 invested now can provide them with $20,000 when they need it later. Since you have started your grad off with this special IRS-approved tax shelter they will find it easier to keep saving/investing the right way. They will end up with a tax-FREE retirement. They can create a $500,000 tax-FREE account. Some young people have grown their accounts to over $1 million by investing $167 a month while they work. They will pay NO taxes on their wealth. They can avoid future tax increases. They can boost their savings by 30% just with the fed/state tax savings alone. And if they need a home down payment or business start up fund, they can use the contributions tax and penalty FREE.

Perfect gift: https://www.amazon.com/Tax-Shelter-Young-Americans/dp/1500426520

Most folks in or near retirement fear outliving their money

Advisors usual solution: guaranteed income from an annuity. Because the commissions and fees can be large and are hidden, retirees usually buy these no-refund contracts. The contracts are usually thick with legal protections for the insurer and sales agent. There are expensive provisions that can help protect you but the bottom line is that you are paying a lot of money for a stream of payments that may not overcome inflationary costs. So for a 65 year old female with $100,000 payment, she will receive $454 a month for life. However, by age 85, her fixed $454 a month will buy about HALF the necessities it originally did. She can purchase a ‘cost-of-living’ rider like the COLA SS benefit but that reduces the amount per month. Also she can get a refund: for $415 a month, her heirs can get back whatever is left if she dies early (before age 86). She may need more than $227 a month for living expenses. There are better alternatives.

Check options: https://www.amazon.com/Not-Buy-That-Annuity-Guaranteed/dp/1466494573

Invest the money you now waste

My readers have offered suggestions on how to take money they used to waster and use it to build their wealth. Building your Wealth Reserve with money you waste has been the goal I have shared with many readers for years. First I moved my IRAs to a low-cost mutual fund. Then I moved my brokerage account to a discount broker since I did not need to pay 2% a year for financial advice I found elsewhere. Third, I started shopping for car insurance to save on premium. I have moved coverage 4 times. I cashed in my universal life insurance policy for a term policy of 10 years until my Wealth Reserve could support my family after death. I stopped leasing our vehicles and bought used ones—investing the monthly payments instead of wasting the money on new every 3 years. I started doing my own home repairs saving $ hundreds over the years. Most home repairs are illustrated on YouTube. I started my own publishing company, using Amazon books to handle the merchandizing. My former colleagues from financial services firms helped with the content. A small business provides ways to deduct certain expenses, saving $ hundreds over time. Readers who have followed my advice have accumulated $ millions instead of $ thousands over time using this strategy.

https://www.amazon.com/DIY-Financial-Independence-Freedom-Workbook/dp/1088908500

Why Warren Buffett is your best financial advisor

Mr Buffett does not need your fees and commissions. He has $ Billions. He has more experience than any paid advisor or brokerage firm. Most advisors and brokerage firms provide standard advice and portfolio models pre-packed for retail customers. Unless your wealth includes special assets totaling in the $ billions, you get the regular firm products. Sellers sell only what supplies the firm with profits. When you need specific unbiased advice you can buy it from a fiduciary for a single charge. Most of us are going to accumulate less wealth over time by paying the annual fees and charges firms need. Those who pay 1-2% a year in fees and trading mistakes will give away 50 to 60% of their possible accumulation over time. Buffett credits “compound interest” for his success. Thus your $250 a month investment can become $2 million over time IF you don’t pay for advice you don’t need. Buffett’s advice is unbiased and simple to follow. Use Buffett’s advice:https://www.amazon.com/New-American-Retirement-System-ReserveTM/dp/1461030072/

The Warren Buffett retirement portfolio: save $3-6,000 a year

Do you really need to waste $3,000 or $6,000 or more on portfolio advice in retirement? If you have a pension and IRA, the amount you withdrawal from your accounts monthly or annually is already calculated. Unless you are wealthy and can live on T-bills paying 0.09% to 0.17%, you will need to own stocks to overcome inflation during the 30-40 year income needs. You can always hire a fiduciary planner for specific retirement concerns. There is no reason to pay an expensive product salesperson to help you secure income during retirement. First, the IRS will determine how much you will take from your 401k and IRAs. You must pay tax on your tax-deferred money. Second, you could lose up to 63% of your possible nest egg by paying an advisor/broker. Paying 2% of your $500,000 nest egg means you lose $300,000 in 30 years. You may need that money for health care.

Buffett’s advice is free: https://www.amazon.com/Warren-Buffetts-Vanguard-Funds-Retirement/dp/1496148592

Is investing in real estate right for you?

Commercial real estate returns have shined during the last year despite the pandemic challenges. Like stocks, real estate investment trusts (REIT) are up 35% or more. REITs have often performed differently than stocks and bonds, so this fund may offer some diversification to a portfolio already made up of stocks and bonds. Since 2001 the Vanguard REIT has returned over 10% a year. Your contributions to a REIT inside a tax-FREE account may help you achieve a tax-FREE retirement.

Go Tax-FREE: https://www.amazon.com/Tax-FREE-Retirement-code-lifetime-income/dp/1475206976

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

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

Trump violates Constitution: seized reporters’ phone records

GOP & Trump involvement in Coup ends Jan 6 probe

No ‘Truth and Reconciliation Commission’ ?

GOP to skip 2024 prez debates

Democracy slipping away?

How Govt wastes our money:

$ 0.5 Billion warship can’t stop ballistic missile target in test: wasted taxes

NASA expensive Venus trips instead of cleaning up orbit debris wrecking space station

SCAMS/SPINS: