The Worst of Human Nature

   No fun; these two words perfectly describe the ordeal public school teachers endure when they attempt to open up a 403(b) retirement account. On January 14, 1978 in San Francisco, California, the Sex Pistols performed their last concert at the Winterland Theater. Before departing, the group’s leader, Johnny Rotten sneered at the crowd, “Ever get the feeling you’ve been…

It’s Monday Again……..When Is My Retirement?

Good Morning. Here are our weekly top ten links for issues concerning 403(b)s, 401(k)s, retirement savings tips, pensions, and various annuity products. Enjoy! Roth vs. Traditional 401(k): Study Finds a Clear Winner – The Wall Street Journal This Hidden Expense Could Derail Those Retirement Plans – CNBC How Much Should You Save For Retirement? – Bloomberg…

Lessons From My Investment Class

What you leave out is more important than what you leave in. This was the key lesson I was able to convey to my students at Stony Brook University. I was privileged to teach an 11-week course at the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute.  This program is for retirees and is designed to keep their minds sharp by offering…

Let’s Make Our Financial System Like 2008 Again!

VOTE is a four-letter word; especially when the House of Representatives is involved. Our elected representatives have concocted something called The Financial Choice Act, A.K.A. “You Gotta Fight For Your Right To Party.”  If this proposed bill is turned into law, the Dodd-Frank Act of 2010 would essentially be gutted. No one is saying Dodd-Frank is perfect.  The way…

It’s Monday Again……When Is My Retirement?

Here are our weekly top ten links for issues concerning 403(b)s, 401(k)s, retirement savings tips, pensions, and various annuity products. Enjoy! IMF Urges Millennials to Prepare for ‘Pension Shock’ – Chief Investment Officer 7 Things to Know About Social Security Before You Retire – U.S. News & World Report Saving $1 Million for Retirement Is Possible Even…

What the Hell Do We Do Now, Sir?

Watch out; you may just get what you wished for when you retire. Saving and investing for retirement can be complicated enough. What is your plan to withdraw your money? Many people focus so much on squirreling away money, but have little concept of the endgame distribution of their funds. This week marked the 73rd anniversary of…

The Financial Pain Equation

Acknowledge, allow and accept. This advice will help you to endure the inevitable pain caused by the next bear market. Experts in the centuries-old practice of meditation have a formula for suffering. S = P x R. The amount of suffering you experience is equal to the actual Pain (P) times the mind’s Resistance (R) to…

It’s Monday Again….When Is My Retirement?

Here are our weekly top ten links for issues concerning 403(b)s, 401(k)s, retirement savings tips, pensions, and various annuity products. Enjoy! Annuities can make sense, but not for everyone – Rick Bloom Big bump needed in Georgia’s contribution to secure teacher pensions – The Atlanta Journal Constitution Debate in Michigan: Teacher pensions or 401(k)? – Detroit Free Press How…

Sexism, Lies and Videotape

Dina here … It’s hard to believe, but in a former life I got sucked into the world of high-end party planning for the Chairman’s Club.  In reality, this was a group of men skilled at selling the hell out of product.  Read on for the sad and ridiculous details…