The “Hidden” Sales Charge

June 17, 2015

I received a call recently from an investor that was a little confused about differences in mutual fund share classes. It seems this individual opened an IRA with a financial advisor a few years ago and purchased an “A” share mutual fund. Then, just a few days ago, they received a letter from the custodian informing them that “B” shares would no longer be available for purchase. The investor had never heard of a “B” share and wasn’t quite sure what this meant, so they decided to call the Financial Helpline. Continue reading “The “Hidden” Sales Charge”

Small Changes Can Have Big Consequences

August 05, 2013

Many financial planners (this writer included) have resorted to the cup of coffee example at least once during their careers. It usually starts with a simple question such as “how much does a cup of coffee cost these days?” The answers depend on individual tastes and how many fancy iterations of a coffee or latte people can come up with (typically $3 to $5). Continue reading “Small Changes Can Have Big Consequences”

Your Retirement Planning Doesn’t Have to Be a “Gamble”

June 27, 2013

A friend of mine recently sent me a link to this much talked about Frontline episode called “The Retirement Gamble” on the problems in our current retirement system. The show points out that half of all Americans say they can’t save for retirement and lays the blame on several main culprits: Continue reading “Your Retirement Planning Doesn’t Have to Be a “Gamble””

Can This Retirement Be Saved? Case Study Age 40

December 17, 2012

When I was a kid, I used to love to read the Redbook magazines my mother had lying around the house. My favorite column was “Can this marriage be saved?” since it gave the wife’s point of view, the husband’s point of view and then finally the therapist’s point of view of the marriage and what could be done to improve it. I realize I am like that therapist now but for finances. Continue reading “Can This Retirement Be Saved? Case Study Age 40”

6 Tips for Making the Best 401(k) Investment Choices

July 18, 2012

Investing for retirement can be an intimidating undertaking. Setting aside money in your 401(k) plan is difficult enough, but determining how to invest it presents its own set of challenges. The good news is that you don’t need to be a seasoned, savvy investor in order to make the right choices. In fact, once you determine your risk tolerance and know what to look for in a fund, picking the right one is largely a process of elimination. Continue reading “6 Tips for Making the Best 401(k) Investment Choices”