What Happens To Pensions During Bear Markets?

Pensions and bear markets are a toxic combination. The combination of near-zero interest rates and double declines in stock prices wreak havoc on future promised obligations. If the teacher’s pensions are an indication of what’s to come, it may be time to prepare for a perfect financial storm. Young teacher’s pensions and salary stagnation wind…

Everyday Is Like Tuesday…..When Is My Retirement?

Happy Memorial Day. Not everyone gets a chance to save for retirement. You do – Don’t blow it. Start by reading this week’s terrific links. Don’t fall for Coronavirus scams. TEBI Does the 4% withdrawal rule still work? InvestmentNews Low-interest rates aren’t so great for some retirees. New York Times The IRS increased contribution limits…

Ten Rules For Teacher’s Retirement Plans (And Yours Too!)

Teachers need a reliable map to guide them through the minefield of terrible 403(b) choices. Recently I covered this with Morningstar Magazine. Charles Keenan interviewed me for this piece. We discussed the various inequities in teachers’ plans and, more importantly, our solutions. The big news – Vanguard decided to join us in the fight. Hoping…

Financial Salespeople Don’t Suck – Their Incentives Do

Imagine paying jurors on their conviction rates? Defendants wouldn’t stand a snowball’s chance in hell of getting a fair shake. Not much different from current financial services models that pay salespeople high commissions to sell the most expensive products. Incentives matter – A LOT! Someone recently told me a story of a school custodian who…

Everyday Is Like Monday…..When Is My Retirement?

You can spend a little time now planning for retirement or all your time worrying later. Make the right choice. Read this week’s terrific links. It’s important to have liquid assets. Of Dollars and Data How to hire the right retirement advisor. TheStreet Take a look at this terrific social security calculator. Morningstar What should…

The Best Way To Get More Financial Aid – ASK

Don’t be bashful about asking colleges for help. The Coronavirus turned the world of college financial aid upside down. Typically, schools use complex algorithms to maximize their profits while handing out funds to incoming first-year students. There are more questions than answers embedded in their models. How many families will change their original decisions by…

Everyday Is Like Monday…..When Is My Retirement?

Like John Dewey once stated, “If we teach today’s students as we taught yesterday’s we rob them of tomorrow.” The same goes for your retirement. Start your modern learning process today by reading this week’s terrific links. Where should you put your retirement contributions? MarketWatch How to manage your retirement portfolio during volatile times. AARP Gratitude…

Introducing Our Personal Finance Webinar Series

People need basic financial advice in the worst way possible. The pandemic and resulting financial crisis fast-tracked demand. We’re here to help. In addition to our playlist, Lesson Plan on the Compound YouTube channel, we’re creating a series of webinars. The first – focusing on college planning during the pandemic. We share valuable tips on…

Yes, Financial Literacy Programs Do Work

Doing nothing about a problem seldom works. Financial literacy programs have been under attack for years. Many question their effectiveness. Some say they hurt more than help. The critics are wrong. In our hearts, we always believed this to be true. Having data as an ally reinforces our beliefs. Financial Education Affects Financial Knowledge And…

Everyday Is Like Monday…..When Is My Retirement?

Proper planning for retirement is like Novacaine. Just give it some time and it works. Start your process by reading this week’s terrific links. Three steps for more efficient tax planning in retirement. The Wall Street Journal Market crashes aren’t rare events. Morningstar The average 401(k) balance fell by 19% during the first quarter. CNBC…