Blog Archive

What I Learned When I Stopped Watching the Stock Market

WSJ Columnist Jason Zweig, as he returns from a lengthy sabbatical, excellently illustrates Rebalance’s tried and true mantra: think long-term and turn off the “noise”. What I Learned When I Stopped Watching the Stock Market Over-reacting to the news can poison your portfolio and sour your life. Here’s how to keep your investment plan on track.… Continue reading

 

Does the 4% Withdrawal Rule for Retirees Still Make Sense?

Read this Barron’s article to learn why the 4% withdrawal rule for retirees is still relevant amidst changing markets. Discover strategies like adjusting withdrawal rates, optimizing asset allocation, and utilizing Roth conversions to make the most of your retirement savings. Does the 4% Withdrawal Rule for Retirees Still Make Sense? By Elizabeth O’Brien, February 9,… Continue reading

 

A Simple Way to Get Workers to Save More for Retirement

Discover an approach to retirement savings that balances convenience with individual choice, offering insights into strategies for boosting retirement preparedness. In this Wall Street Journal article, Shlomo Benartzi’s proposal of automated account setup sheds light on a nuanced solution to increase retirement savings rates. A Simple Way to Get Workers to Save More for Retirement… Continue reading

 

Retiring Before 65? Make Sure to Know Your Healthcare Options

Navigating healthcare options for early retirement can be complex. From exploring employer coverage to understanding ACA marketplace plans, Gail MarksJarvis provides guidance in the Wall Street Journal article below for securing healthcare coverage before reaching Medicare eligibility at age 65. Retiring Before 65? Make Sure to Know Your Healthcare Options by Gail MarksJarvis, February 3,… Continue reading

 

All Money-Market Funds Have the Same Yield, Right? Not Even Close

Uncover the hidden disparities in money-market funds’ returns and the impact of selecting the right fund amidst changing market conditions and fee structures, as explored by Derek Horstmeyer in this Wall Street Journal article. All Money-Market Funds Have the Same Yield, Right? Not Even Close by Derek Horstmeyer, February 2, 2024   Money-market mutual funds… Continue reading

 

Two Retirees Consider Their Nightmare: What Will We Do if One of Us Dies First?

In this Wall Street Journal article, delve into the emotional journey of retirees confronting mortality and the necessity of a backup retirement plan. Two Retirees Consider Their Nightmare: What Will We Do if One of Us Dies First? by Stephen Kreider Yoder, February 1, 2024 Steve We came 6 inches from death, maybe 4, just… Continue reading

 

New Safeguards for IRA Rollovers?

Enrolling in a 401(k) has never been easier, now that about two-thirds of large employers automatically sign up new employees in their workplace retirement plans. And thanks to the growth of set-it-and-forget-it target-date funds, investing the contributions to your 401(k) is a lot easier, too. But if you leave your job or retire, you’ll need… Continue reading

 

What is the Story of the Last Few Years?

by

As 2023 draws to a close, this question may be on many investors’ minds. Stock markets in the year 2020 started off on an upward trend with the S&P 500 Index increasing from a closing value of $3,230.78 on 12/31/2019 to $3,386.15 on 2/19/2020 (a gain of about 4.8% in less than two months). However,… Continue reading

 

The Value in Automating Required Minimum Distribution Payments (RMDs)

by

As we approach the end of 2023, it is important to look at one’s entire financial picture and decide if any actions must be taken to optimize one’s finances in the coming year.  One such action that our Rebalance team prioritizes is reminding our clients ages 72 and over to automate their RMDs. You might… Continue reading