Archive for May 2018
Music Plays Instrumental Role in Healing Ailments
Hearing a familiar song from a happy period in your life, such as childhood, can instantly make you feel joyful. It’s as if you’re right back there — toe tapping, head bopping and singing along. Just as with our sight, smell and taste senses, positive auditory memories can enhance mood and transport us back to…
Read MoreThe Income Gap and the Economy
The income gap between the wealthy and the poor is widening in the U.S.1 Why does that matter? Because there are studies that indicate a wide swathe of income differentiation is not good for economic growth. In the years following the Great Recession, we often heard how slowly the economy was recovering. That was true…
Read MoreBanking Trends
In its recent 2018 Banking Industry Outlook report, Deloitte identified six key themes that are driving trends for financial institutions today:1 Redefining what makes for a positive customer experience Managing a myriad of technology platforms Mitigating cyber risk Adjusting to competition from fintech (financial technology) companies Aligning business strategy with regulatory compliance Reimagining the workforce…
Read MoreInflation: Expectations for 2018
It seems as if inflation has been biding its time. Since the financial crisis a decade ago, growth in prices and wages has been muted.1 However, many financial analysts believe that’s about to change. A jobs report from early March revealed continued hiring and a moderate increase in wages. The stock markets welcomed the news,…
Read More5 Expenses That Could Blindside You in Retirement. And the One Thing You Can Do Now to Protect Yourself.
Do you think you have a bullet proof budget for retirement? Learn 5 huge expenses that could blindside you, and the strategies that could help protect yourself, on Retirement Solutions Radio show, “5 Expenses That Could Blindside You in Retirement – And the One Thing You Can Do Now to Protect Yourself.” Listen Now! Our…
Read MoreRetirement and Health Care Budgeting
When you estimate a budget for retirement income, remember that health care expenses are likely to be higher in the future than they are before you retire. According to recent analysis by the Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation, Medicare beneficiaries must devote a substantial portion of their household income to cover expenses not covered by…
Read MoreEnrolling in Medicare
Unlike Social Security, the age for Medicare eligibility is the same for everyone: 65 years old, no matter what year you were born. If you have already filed for Social Security benefits by age 65, you will be automatically enrolled for Medicare. If not, your initial enrollment window begins three months before your 65th birthday…
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