Has “Sell in May” Gone Away? Investors aren’t yet backing out of stocks this spring. Healthy skepticism hasn’t motivated much selling. An old belief has lingered on Wall Street for years – the belief that investors should get out of stocks in May and get back into stocks in October. But here we are in May – and while analysts are wondering how much more upward progress stocks can make, gains are still occurring. On May 9, the S&P 500 [...]
IRA Contribution Reminder Here’s an important reminder: April 15 is the deadline for funding your IRA for 2012. (If you have a SEP IRA, you have until October 15 if you filed an extension on your personal tax return.) You may contribute up to $5,000 to a traditional IRA or a Roth IRA for the 2012 tax year. If you were 50 or older in 2012, your contribution limit is $6,000. (If you own multiple IRAs, your total IRA contributions [...]
WHY IT IS WISE TO DIVERSIFY A varied portfolio is a hallmark of a savvy investor. You may be amused by the efforts of some of your friends and neighbors as they try to “chase the return” in the stock market. We all seem to know a day trader or two: someone constantly hunting for the next hot stock, endlessly refreshing browser windows for breaking news and tips from assorted gurus. Is that the path to making money in [...]
Many people underestimate lifestyle costs, medical expenses and inflation. What is enough? What is not enough? If youre considering retiring in the near future, youve probably heard or read that you need about 70% of your end salary to live comfortably in retirement. This estimate is frequently repeated but that doesnt mean it is true for everyone. It may not be true for you. You wont learn how much retirement income youll need by reading this article. Youll want [...]