Case Studies
Retirement Plans for the Self-Employed
Self-employment can be risky, but it can be made less so with good retirement-saving options. I want to give some love to two under-appreciated retirement plans: (1) the Simplified Employee Pension (SEP) and (2) the Solo 401(k)—available to anyone who generates income...
403b Retirement Plans Massachusetts Public Schools
Public school educators, including university professors and administrators, can save more pre-tax than any other public or private-sector employee. That’s because educators are eligible for two retirement plans, both with unique catch-up options. In 2020, educators...
Fee-Only or Commission What Standard of Care Is Best for You?
Many financial advisors are registered as both representatives of a broker-dealer and as investment-advisor representatives of an investment advisor. Investment advisors are fiduciaries who owe the client a higher oath of loyalty. They must act in their clients’ best...
Massachusetts Public Employees & Social Security Eligibility
Public employees in Massachusetts do not contribute to the Social Security system, but many of them contribute through other jobs. Some also have spouses who take part in the Social Security system. Both scenarios are affected by two federal laws. The Windfall...
Diversification and Investment Portfolio Design
I hope everyone is healthy and has made it through this part of the virus unscathed. It has been a crazy six months for investors. In March, stocks were down by almost 40%. Since then, US stocks have recovered most of their losses. Coronavirus Outbreak Has Caused...
The Importance of Understanding Your Risk Tolerance
For some individuals, nothing feels worse than seeing their account drop; conversely, others regret losing out on potential gains. Perhaps, the first investor’s portfolio was too hot, while the second’s portfolio was too cold. FinaMetrica’s® risk profiling system...