Our Blogs

Christie Whitney, CFP®
Inheritance? Here’s Why Not to Pay Off Your Mortgage

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We all know the stories of famous athletes who go broke. And then there is the infamous “lottery curse,” where winners end up bankrupt a few short years after hitting the jackpot. Most folks think that they’re smarter than that. They believe they will properly manage any inheritances that come their way. If only we… Continue reading

Scott Puritz
What Investors Should Know About Money-Market Funds and CDs

Investors should consider using cash-equivalent investments, such as money market funds or CDs, to make sure that your idle cash is generating attractive short-term gains. Source: The Wall Street Journal May 6, 2023. What Investors Should Know About Money-Market Funds and CDs Investors are turning to these cash-equivalent investments, some of which are yielding 5%… Continue reading

Mitch Tuchman
What is the worst time to hire a financial adviser?

Rebalance Managing Director Mitch Tuchman outlines in this column how one should take financial advice as seriously as they take medical advice. by Mitch Tuchman, January 31, 2024 If the number of digits on your retirement account balance surprises you, that might be a sign you need to get help with your financial decisions. The average… Continue reading

More Americans own stocks. This is great for their financial future.

More Americans own stocks. This is great for their financial future.

For the first time since the stock market crash of 2008, consumer confidence with the stock market has returned. According to legendary Washington Post columnist, Michelle Singletary, investors have had a bumpy ride over the past decade. In the process, they have been rewarded with annual returns of approximately 12%. More Americans own stocks. This… Continue reading

 

What Investors Should Know About Money-Market Funds and CDs

Investors should consider using cash-equivalent investments, such as money market funds or CDs, to make sure that your idle cash is generating attractive short-term gains. Source: The Wall Street Journal May 6, 2023. What Investors Should Know About Money-Market Funds and CDs Investors are turning to these cash-equivalent investments, some of which are yielding 5%… Continue reading

 
With the Odds on Their Side, They Still Couldn’t Beat the Market

With the Odds on Their Side, They Still Couldn’t Beat the Market

The Rebalance tried-and-true adage remains the same, echoed by this NYTs columnist: it is nearly impossible to beat the stock market. The most prudent long-term investing strategy is to “own” the entire stock market through low-cost, broad exposure index funds. Source: The New York Times April 14, 2023. With the Odds on Their Side, They… Continue reading

 

The 60-40 Investment Strategy Is Back After Tanking Last Year

With the perspective of time, the calls for the death of the 60%/40% investment strategy came too soon. The click-bait articles of 2022 did not deter the Rebalance long-term investors. Source: The Wall Street Journal April 12, 2023. The 60-40 Investment Strategy Is Back After Tanking Last Year The recovery has emboldened investors who didn’t… Continue reading

 

Secure 2.0: Wide-Sweeping Retirement Legislation Passed by Congress

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At Rebalance, we strive to make investing and saving for retirement smoother, safer, and easier for our small business owner clients and their employees with our BetterK solution. The recent passage of the new Secure Act 2.0 aims to expand access to retirement plants, increase retirement savings, help Americans preserve income, and streamline retirement plan… Continue reading

 

Inheritance? Here’s Why Not to Pay Off Your Mortgage

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We all know the stories of famous athletes who go broke. And then there is the infamous “lottery curse,” where winners end up bankrupt a few short years after hitting the jackpot. Most folks think that they’re smarter than that. They believe they will properly manage any inheritances that come their way. If only we… Continue reading

 

Does the 4% Withdrawal Rule for Retirees Still Make Sense?

Read this Barron’s article to learn why the 4% withdrawal rule for retirees is still relevant amidst changing markets. Discover strategies like adjusting withdrawal rates, optimizing asset allocation, and utilizing Roth conversions to make the most of your retirement savings. Does the 4% Withdrawal Rule for Retirees Still Make Sense? By Elizabeth O’Brien, February 9,… Continue reading

 

A Simple Way to Get Workers to Save More for Retirement

Discover an approach to retirement savings that balances convenience with individual choice, offering insights into strategies for boosting retirement preparedness. In this Wall Street Journal article, Shlomo Benartzi’s proposal of automated account setup sheds light on a nuanced solution to increase retirement savings rates. A Simple Way to Get Workers to Save More for Retirement… Continue reading

 

Retiring Before 65? Make Sure to Know Your Healthcare Options

Navigating healthcare options for early retirement can be complex. From exploring employer coverage to understanding ACA marketplace plans, Gail MarksJarvis provides guidance in the Wall Street Journal article below for securing healthcare coverage before reaching Medicare eligibility at age 65. Retiring Before 65? Make Sure to Know Your Healthcare Options by Gail MarksJarvis, February 3,… Continue reading

 

All Money-Market Funds Have the Same Yield, Right? Not Even Close

Uncover the hidden disparities in money-market funds’ returns and the impact of selecting the right fund amidst changing market conditions and fee structures, as explored by Derek Horstmeyer in this Wall Street Journal article. All Money-Market Funds Have the Same Yield, Right? Not Even Close by Derek Horstmeyer, February 2, 2024   Money-market mutual funds… Continue reading

 

Two Retirees Consider Their Nightmare: What Will We Do if One of Us Dies First?

In this Wall Street Journal article, delve into the emotional journey of retirees confronting mortality and the necessity of a backup retirement plan. Two Retirees Consider Their Nightmare: What Will We Do if One of Us Dies First? by Stephen Kreider Yoder, February 1, 2024 Steve We came 6 inches from death, maybe 4, just… Continue reading

 

What is the Story of the Last Few Years?

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As 2023 draws to a close, this question may be on many investors’ minds. Stock markets in the year 2020 started off on an upward trend with the S&P 500 Index increasing from a closing value of $3,230.78 on 12/31/2019 to $3,386.15 on 2/19/2020 (a gain of about 4.8% in less than two months). However,… Continue reading

 

The Value in Automating Required Minimum Distribution Payments (RMDs)

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As we approach the end of 2023, it is important to look at one’s entire financial picture and decide if any actions must be taken to optimize one’s finances in the coming year.  One such action that our Rebalance team prioritizes is reminding our clients ages 72 and over to automate their RMDs. You might… Continue reading

 

Financial Gift Ideas for Any Age

Are you wondering what to wrap up and gift to your loved ones this holiday season? The article below showcases financial gifts, and provides excellent options for a variety of ages, from children to seniors and all others in between. Financial Gift Ideas for Any Age Helping a loved one pay off debt or paying for… Continue reading

 

If You Hate Investment Risk, High Interest Rates Are Great. With a Catch.

New York Times columnist Jeff Sommer makes a case that investors who play it too safe with their market portfolios may end up feeling sorry. By Jeff Sommer, December 8, 2023 “All investments involve taking on risk.” That’s a standard Securities and Exchange Commission warning. Be careful. But be aware that unless you take on… Continue reading

 

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