Posts by Wharton Wealth Planning, LLC
Should You Roll Over the Employer Retirement Plan from Your Former Employer into an IRA?
In many instances, people have changed jobs throughout their careers and need to decide what to do with their old 401(k) or 403(b) from their previous employer(s). Having many different accounts at different places and receiving numerous statements throughout the year can feel complicated, disorganized, and hard to keep track of. In many cases, rolling…
Read MoreShould You Buy an Annuity?
Annuities are contracts sold by insurance agents or financial advisors who have licenses to sell insurance. The insurance industry invests a significant amount of money to advertise and actively promote the benefits of these products. However, in addition to the advantages frequently marketed in advertisements, annuities have disadvantages, which everyone should be mindful of. Many…
Read MoreLooking for Higher Yields? Avoid These Mistakes
Higher interest rates are primarily favorable, but investors must also watch out for pitfalls. Since the Federal Reserve began raising interest rates in 2022, the Fed has raised its benchmark fed funds rate to 5.25 to 5.50%, the highest level in 22 years. Twenty-four months ago, yields on 10-year government bonds were under 2%. They’ve…
Read MoreHow Can Bonds be Used as Part of Your Investment and Retirement Planning Strategy
Using Bonds as Part of Your Investment Strategy Inflation-adjusted yields are at some of their most attractive levels in decades. While higher yields may put a dent in price appreciation, they also mean a bigger coupon payout for investors when a bond matures. Investors can thank high interest rates for that. Yields, in general, are…
Read MoreHow Much Do Fee-Only Financial Advisors Typically Charge?
Most people want to help ensure that the financial advice they receive is unbiased and truly in their best interest. A financial advisor’s compensation structure can significantly impact their recommendations. Fee-only financial advisors are independent of financial services firms (such as brokers or insurance companies) and are legally held to the fiduciary standard. A fee-only advisor’s…
Read MoreIs the Best Place to Invest the Money in Your Retirement Account (or Individual Account) a Target Date Fund?
How do target date funds compare to other investment choices? It can be common and easy to put your financial planning and retirement investing behind your day-to-day activities. However, it is important not to overlook where you are investing your monthly retirement contributions. Many investors use retirement date funds because this is a ‘default’ investment…
Read More5% CD, Stocks, Bonds: What’s Best for You?
Should I buy a CD today? Many individual investors have recently demonstrated a strong appetite for various cash instruments (such as CD’s), especially as yields have been rising. It is important to note, however, that it may not be the best idea to over-allocate to cash right now. Below are some key advantages and disadvantages…
Read MoreWhat is Lump-sum Investing and How does it Work?
Is it better to invest in lump-sum or monthly payments? Lump-sum investing is investing a large amount of money all at once, rather than by making smaller investments over time. Most commonly, significant lump sums come from selling a business or real estate property, stock options (such as Incentive Stock Options (ISO’s) awarded by your…
Read MoreWhat is a Fiduciary Advisor and is the Best Advisor to Work with a Fiduciary Advisor?
Fiduciary versus Financial Advisor Advisors who possess a fiduciary duty to their clients are required to put their clients’ best interests above their own at all times. Many people are surprised to find out that this obligation isn’t required of all advisors. In fact, most advisors aren’t required to act as a fiduciary in all…
Read MoreThe Retirement Wisdom Podcast – Podcast Guide to Retirement Income and Saving Strategies and How to Make a Financial Plan
Sound retirement planning can provide you with a solid foundation for your next phase of life. David Rosenstrock, Certified Financial Planner, explains why you should have a formal financial plan as the cornerstone for your retirement planning and what common mistakes you can avoid. Click here to listen to podcast. Transcript for Podcast Below: Joe…
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