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Creative Ways to Motivate Employees

Jose "Rafi" Rodriguez, Colonel (Ret), USAF

Friday, October 15, 2021

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Mortgages in Retirement

Jose "Rafi" Rodriguez, Colonel (Ret), USAF

Thursday, October 14, 2021

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The Week on Wall Street Shrugging off COVID-19 infections and the disruption at the Capitol on January 6, stocks powered higher to kick off a new year of trading.The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 1.61%, while the Standard &...

The Week on Wall Street Stocks moved higher during a holiday-shortened week of trading, capping off a turbulent, but otherwise strong year for equity investors. The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 1.35%, while the Standard &...

The Week on Wall Street Stocks climbed higher amid the COVID-19 vaccine rollout and an improving outlook for a fiscal stimulus bill.The Dow Jones Industrial Average, which has lagged all year, gained 0.44%. The Standard & Poor’s 500...

The Week on Wall Street Stocks retreated last week on rising COVID-19 infections and slow progress on an economic relief bill. The Dow Jones Industrial Average dipped 0.57%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 dropped 0.96%. The Nasdaq...

Investing in the market over the past two decades has been quite a ride, and although everyone agrees that preparing for the future is smart, the volatility can be tough to take. Unfortunately, if you worry about day-to-day...

There are lots of positives to adulthood. You make your own money, you make your own rules, and you make your own decisions. But with that freedom comes responsibility too, and some are harder than others. Particularly difficult is...

The Week on Wall Street Stocks marched higher last week on an improving outlook for the passage of a fiscal stimulus package. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 1.03%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 tacked on 1.67%. The Nasdaq...

The Week on Wall Street Stocks surged last week, ignited by another COVID-19 vaccine announcement, encouraging economic data, and the easing of political uncertainty.The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 2.21%, while the Standard &...

The Week on Wall StreetDespite news of another COVID-19 vaccine candidate, stocks were mixed amid investor anxiety over an increase in new infections and economic lockdowns.The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 0.73%, while the...

The Week on Wall Street News of a COVID-19 vaccine ignited a rally in economically sensitive stocks and a broad retreat in technology companies last week, though enthusiasm was tempered by reports of rising new infections and fresh...

The Week on Wall Street Stocks soared last week as investors anticipated that a split Congress would raise legislative hurdles to changing corporate taxes and adjusting regulatory oversight of big technology companies.The Dow Jones...

The Week on Wall Street Stock prices dropped last week as hopes for a fiscal stimulus bill faded and investors focused on rising COVID-19 infections, here and abroad. The Dow Jones Industrial Average slid 6.47%, while the Standard &...

Medicare and Long Term Care Insurance – How They Work Together

Jose "Rafi" Rodriguez, Colonel (Ret), USAF

Friday, October 30, 2020

While it may be hard to think of now, it’s likely that you’ll need some type of healthcare or daily living assistance as you age. People often think that Medicare covers long-term care, either at home or in a nursing...

November 2020: Retirement Readiness

Jose "Rafi" Rodriguez, Colonel (Ret), USAF

Friday, October 30, 2020

This month's Retirement Readiness Newsletter discusses managing retirement expectations while maintaining optimism for the future, includes a checklist to provide a quick snapshot of how prepared you are for retirement, and a few...

The Week on Wall Street The failure to reach an agreement on a new fiscal stimulus bill soured investor sentiment and sent stocks modestly lower for the week. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 0.95%, while the Standard & Poor’s...

The Week on Wall Street Stocks treaded water last week amid fading prospects for a stimulus bill, fears of a second wave of COVID-19 cases, and increasing political and regulatory pressures on Big Tech companies.The Dow Jones...

October 2020: Retirement Readiness

Jose "Rafi" Rodriguez, Colonel (Ret), USAF

Thursday, October 15, 2020

Our newsletter this month discusses a few misconceptions about social security while sharing some truth, covers a handful of really good reasons to start investing, how women can prepare for retirement, and bridging the confidence gap...

October Is Financial Planning Month

Jose "Rafi" Rodriguez, Colonel (Ret), USAF

Thursday, October 15, 2020

When training to become a financial professional, much of our course work centers on the six critical areas of creating a financial strategy. Some recognize October as Financial Planning Month, so it's an excellent opportunity to...

The Week on Wall Street Stocks staged a powerful rally last week, riding a wave of optimism over the prospect of the passage of a new fiscal stimulus bill.The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 3.27%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500...

The Week on Wall Street Stocks advanced last week, propelled by hopes that legislators may reach an agreement for a new fiscal stimulus package and optimism generated by a few corporate deal announcements and initial public offerings....

The Week on Wall Street Stocks were mixed last week as worries that stretched from Washington D.C., where prospects of a new fiscal stimulus bill dimmed, to Europe, which saw an increase of new COVID-19 cases.The Dow Jones Industrial...

To Newly Eligible Medicare Participants

Jose "Rafi" Rodriguez, Colonel (Ret), USAF

Friday, September 25, 2020

In the next few months, you will be newly eligible for Medicare. That means considering your coverage options. Should you sign up for traditional Medicare? If you do, should you complement it with a Medigap policy? Or should you opt...

Facts About Medicare Open Enrollment

Jose "Rafi" Rodriguez, Colonel (Ret), USAF

Friday, September 25, 2020

Medicare’s open enrollment period runs from October 15 to December 7. If you are enrolling in Medicare for the first time, give yourself plenty of time. You may discover that it is much more complex than an employer-sponsored...

Election 2020: Preparing for Any Outcome

Jose "Rafi" Rodriguez, Colonel (Ret), USAF

Friday, September 25, 2020

As the U.S. presidential election draws near, expect to see more and more headlines that propose, "What will happen next if this person is elected?" or, "What policy changes to prepare for in the next four years?"In reality, however,...

Facts About Medicare Open Enrollment

Jose "Rafi" Rodriguez, Colonel (Ret), USAF

Friday, September 25, 2020

Medicare’s open enrollment period runs from October 15 to December 7. If you are enrolling in Medicare for the first time, give yourself plenty of time. You may discover that it is much more complex than an employer-sponsored...

The Week on Wall Street Stocks slipped as the technology sector remained under pressure and a mid-week announcement by the Federal Reserve failed to inspire investors.The Dow Jones Industrial Average declined 0.03%, while the Standard...

As we approach the upcoming national elections, many are concerned about the impact on your investments portfolio. The attached analysis shows their impact on market returns has historically proven to be negligible--click on the link...

The Week on Wall Street Stocks traveled a volatile path last week as investors appeared concerned about the upcoming elections, an uncertain economy, and more delays with additional fiscal stimulus. The Dow Jones Industrial Average...

The Week on Wall Street A late week sell-off sent stocks broadly lower as investors took some profits after stocks reached all-time highs earlier in the week. The Dow Jones Industrial Average slid 1.82%, while the Standard & Poor’s...

The Week on Wall Street Stocks advanced relentlessly last week on positive COVID-19 developments, encouraging economic data, and a supportive policy shift in the Fed’s approach to its target inflation rate. The Dow Jones Industrial...

The Week on Wall Street Stocks powered to another week of gains as the S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite set multiple new record highs along the way.The Dow Jones Industrial Average was essentially unchanged while the Standard & Poor’s 500...

The Week on Wall StreetStock prices drifted higher in an otherwise quiet news week, as a slowdown in new COVID-19 cases outweighed a Congressional impasse on a new fiscal-spending measure. The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 1.81%...

The Week on Wall StreetOverlooking stalled efforts by Congress to pass a new fiscal stimulus bill, stocks marched higher last week with the Dow Jones Industrials leading the way and the NASDAQ Composite setting multiple fresh record...

The Week on Wall Street Stocks were mixed last week amid a busy week of earnings, some troubling economic data, and seemingly little progress on a new fiscal stimulus package.The Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped 0.16%, while the...

The Week on Wall Street Stocks slipped in the final days of trading last week on higher jobless claims and rising tensions in the U.S.-China relationship. The Dow Jones Industrial Average lost 0.76%, while the Standard & Poor's 500...

The Week on Wall StreetStocks were mixed last week as investors reacted to positive economic data, progress on a COVID-19 vaccine, and the continued nationwide increase in COVID-19 cases. The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 2.29%,...

The Week on Wall StreetStock prices notched solid gains last week, looking past an increase in COVID-19 cases and any potential economic concerns raised by the trend. The Dow Jones Industrial Average increased by 0.96%, while the...

To see the video, click the link below A Bucket Plan to Go with Your Bucket List To see the complete weekly Educational update for Aug 7, click the link below Weekly Educational Update, Aug 7, 2019

The Week on Wall StreetIn a holiday-shortened week, stock prices turned higher as encouraging economic data outweighed an increase in COVID-19 cases and a rollback in economic re-openings.The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 3.25%,...

The Week on Wall StreetA jump in COVID-19 cases dampened investor enthusiasm last week, sending stock prices lower on worries that rising infections could derail the economic recovery. The Dow Jones Industrial Average slumped 3.31%,...

The Week on Wall StreetStocks moved higher last week on news of more Federal Reserve market support and diminished concerns that new COVID-19 cases might lead to another economic shutdown. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 1.04%,...

Do You Want to Be a Medicare Mogul?

Jose "Rafi" Rodriguez, Colonel (Ret), USAF

Friday, June 19, 2020

No matter what your age, you probably have big plans for the future. Luckily, worrying about health care doesn’t have to get in the way of those plans. U.S. citizens aged 65 or older are eligible for Medicare Part A and Part B...

Have You Enrolled in Medicare Part D or a Medicare Advantage Plan?

Jose "Rafi" Rodriguez, Colonel (Ret), USAF

Friday, June 19, 2020

Have you enrolled in Medicare, or are you considering it? If so, you should know that anyone who receives Medicare is eligible to receive Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage.However, if you don’t enroll for that coverage...

To Newly Eligible Medicare Participants

Jose "Rafi" Rodriguez, Colonel (Ret), USAF

Friday, June 19, 2020

In the next few months, you will be newly eligible for Medicare. That means considering your coverage options. Should you sign up for traditional Medicare? If you do, should you complement it with a Medigap policy? Or should you opt...

Pro tip: apply for Medicare early.

Jose "Rafi" Rodriguez, Colonel (Ret), USAF

Friday, June 19, 2020

If you’re like most of us, you’ve probably been thinking about your health quite a bit lately — especially if you’re approaching retirement. Trust me, I understand. Anticipating your future medical costs can...

Let's Talk About Extended Care

Jose "Rafi" Rodriguez, Colonel (Ret), USAF

Friday, June 19, 2020

In your retirement strategy, you’ve likely put a good deal of thought into putting away enough money to enjoy your life, once you’ve put the daily grind in the rearview mirror. Like many, you’ve probably planned for...

The Week on Wall StreetInvestor sentiment turned negative last week, amid an increasing number of COVID-19 cases in states where reopening has been underway as well as a subdued economic forecast from the Federal Reserve. The Dow Jones...

The Week on Wall StreetA positive jobs report sent stocks soaring last Friday, capping a solid week as evidence of a global economic recovery outweighed concerns over civil unrest and tensions with China.The Dow Jones Industrial...

The Week on Wall StreetThe shortened week, which began with a powerful two-day rally of trading, was enough to drive the markets into another week of solid gains. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 3.75%, while the Standard &...

The Week on Wall StreetUpbeat comments by the Federal Reserve Chairman and more signs of an economic turnaround combined to help fuel a powerful rally in the stock market last week.The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 3.29%, while...

The Week on Wall StreetStocks drifted lower last week, weighed down by Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell's unsettling comments on the economy and signs of renewed tensions with China.The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 2.65%,...

The Week on Wall StreetDespite a historic downturn in employment, stocks managed to climb higher last week as investors were emboldened by the pace of economic re-openings, both here and abroad.The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 2...

5 Reasons why you should have a Financial Plan

Jose "Rafi" Rodriguez, Colonel (Ret), USAF

Wednesday, May 6, 2020

Here are five reasons why you should have a financial plan: 1. A Roadmap: A financial plan provides a roadmap to guide you go from where you are to where you are going for the reasons that are important to you. The plan should have...

The Week on Wall StreetStock prices ended the week slightly lower, despite news of positive results from a test trial of a COVID-19 drug treatment and several states easing their economic lockdowns. The Dow Jones Industrial Average...

The Week on Wall StreetStock prices bounced around last week as investors reacted to wild swings in the price of oil and reports that called into question the efficacy of two potential virus treatments.The Dow Jones Industrial Average...

The Week on Wall StreetStock prices pushed higher last week as news of a White House plan to reopen the economy and reports of a potential COVID-19 treatment helped the market overcome weak economic data and an ugly start to the...

The Week on Wall StreetThe stock market staged a broad rally this week, buoyed by the prospect that COVID-19's grip on the nation may be easing and news of another Federal Reserve program to help stabilize businesses.The Dow Jones...

The Week on Wall StreetModest declines in stock prices this week masked the volatile inter- and intraday price swings as investors digested poor economic data and a warning from the president that the worst days of the COVID-19...

An open-ended commitment by the Federal Reserve to support American businesses and capital markets along with the passage of a $2 trillion aid package improved investor sentiment and drove a strong rally in stock prices. The Dow Jones...

The Week on Wall StreetThe stock market suffered through another volatile week as it wrestled with the health and economic fallout of the domestic spread of the coronavirus. Swift and decisive actions by the Federal Reserve and policy...

The Week on Wall StreetMarkets remained exceptionally volatile, buffeted by the spreading impact of coronavirus, uncertain responses from federal policymakers, and the sudden drop in oil prices.The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 10...

Weathering Volatile Times

Jose "Rafi" Rodriguez, Colonel (Ret), USAF

Wednesday, March 11, 2020

Market volatility, especially dramatic sell-offs, are unsettling to most of us. Here are a few reassuring facts to help you keep a positive perspective and some precautions that may reduce your risks. Things to remember: Historically,...

The Week on Wall StreetHeightened coronavirus fears, falling yields, and Super Tuesday primary results sent stocks on a rollercoaster ride of sharp price swings, leaving stocks marginally higher for the week.The Dow Jones Industrial...

The Week on Wall StreetStocks fell sharply last week as Wall Street considered how the coronavirus outbreak might influence global business activity and household spending.The selloff became a correction for the U.S. markets. The S&P...

The Coronavirus and the Global Economy

The Week on Wall StreetTraders paid close attention to coronavirus developments and earnings last week, while wondering how the former might eventually impact the latter. Concern over updated infection numbers moderated risk appetite.A...

The Week on Wall StreetDaily headlines about the coronavirus had little impact on stock market averages last week. Earnings and mergers had more influence. All three Wall Street benchmarks improved. The Nasdaq Composite rose 2.21%,...

The Week on Wall StreetStocks advanced four days out of five during the past market week, erasing the losses of the week before. The Nasdaq Composite surged 4.04%, the S&P 500 3.17%, and the Dow Jones Industrial Average 3.00%. Foreign...

The Week on Wall StreetStock benchmarks declined for a second straight week as coronavirus news tempered risk appetite.The S&P 500 fell 2.14% on the week. The Nasdaq Composite dipped 1.76%, and the Dow Jones Industrial Average, 2.55%....

The Week on Wall StreetStock prices fell last week as investors considered the potential health and economic risks of the flu-like coronavirus.Foreign stock markets, as tracked by the broad MSCI EAFE index, fell 1.03% for the week....

The Week on Wall StreetTraders were in an upbeat mood last week, reacting to news out of Washington: the signing of the phase-one trade deal between the U.S. and China as well as the Senate passage of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement...

The Week on Wall StreetThe market had a choppy five days, with traders reacting to geopolitical developments and weaker-than-expected jobs data. Even so, the three major U.S. equity indices posted weekly gains and continued their...

The Week on Wall StreetThe market had a choppy five days, with traders reacting to geopolitical developments and weaker-than-expected jobs data. Even so, the three major U.S. equity indices posted weekly gains and continued their...

The Week on Wall StreetThe market had a choppy five days, with traders reacting to geopolitical developments and weaker-than-expected jobs data. Even so, the three major U.S. equity indices posted weekly gains and continued their...

The Week on Wall Street Stocks descended from record highs Friday, as traders reacted to a U.S. drone strike that killed Iran's top military officer. Oil prices rose more than 3% following the breaking news.[1] Wall Street benchmarks...

What Drove the Markets? Four factors influenced investment performance in 2019: a shift in U.S. monetary policy, the ongoing trade dispute between the U.S. and China, earnings, and the economy. Stocks reached record highs in 2019. The...

The Week on Wall Street The U.S. and China announced a limited trade agreement last week. That news lifted U.S. and foreign stocks, leading to weekly gains. Advancing 0.91% on the week, the Nasdaq Composite outperformed the S&P 500...

The Week on Wall Street Key Wall Street benchmarks were up and down last week – or rather down and then up. A Tuesday retreat was offset by a Friday rally spurred by the Department of Labor’s November jobs report. While the S&P 500...

Five Tips for Keeping Your Financial Resolutions

Jose "Rafi" Rodriguez

Monday, December 9, 2019

With the New Year approaching, take time to make a list of your financial resolutions. Financial resolutions can be especially difficult to stick with because, like eating and exercising, our spending, saving and investing habits tend...

The Week on Wall Street As November wrapped up, U.S. equity benchmarks advanced. Stocks were again aided by a sense of optimism that a preliminary U.S.-China trade deal could be near. For the week, the Nasdaq Composite added 1.87%;...

What if you get audited?

Jose "Rafi" Rodriguez

Wednesday, November 6, 2019

“Audit” is a word that can strike fear into the hearts of taxpayers. However, the chances of an Internal Revenue Service audit aren’t that high. In 2017, the most recent statistics available, show the IRS audited 0.5%...

To see the video, click the link below Video: Inherited 401(k) To access the commentary, click the link below SA Market Commentary for week of August 26, 2019

To watch the video, click the link below Video: Is your Estate Plan up to date? To view the Market Commentary, click the link below Weekly Market Commentary for Aug 19, 2019

To watch the video, click the link below Global versus International Investing To read the Weekly Educational Update, click the link below Weekly Educational Update, Aug 14, 2019

Video on Life Insurance Needs

Jose "Rafi" Rodriguez

Wednesday, August 14, 2019

To watch the video, click on the link below Life Insurance Needs To read related articles, click on the link below https://www.askrafi.com/resource-center/articles

To see the video, click the link below Inherited IRAs To see the article, click the link below Market Commentary for Aug 12, 2019

To view the video, click the link below Protecting Your Financial Legacy To view the Weekly Commentary for 08-05-2019, click to link below Weekly Commentary for August 5, 2019

To view the video, click the link below Conversation about Long Term Care To read the article, click the link below

To watch the video, click the link below Medical Identity Theft Video To view the full article, click the link below Weekly Commentary for July 29

To see the video, click on the picture To access the Weekly Educational article, go to Weekly Educational Update-July 25, 2019

To view the video, click the link below Withdrawal Plan To see the complete Weekly Commentary, click the link below Weekly Commentary for July 22

To watch the video, click on the picture For the full article, click the link below Weekly Update AdTrax Notification - item 2644052.1

To view the Weekly Educational Update, click on the link below Protection Against Uninsured Drivers

To view the Weekly Update, click the link below 8 Mistakes That Can Upend Your Retirement

To view the update, click the link below Weekly Educational Update-June 26-2019

Video: TSP Withdrawal Options for Federal Employees

Jose "Rafi" Rodriguez

Thursday, June 20, 2019

TO ACCESS THE VIDEO, CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW TSP Withdrawal Options for Federal Employees Presentation approved under AdTrax Notification - 2601964.1

To read the full article, click the link below Trends in Charitable Giving

To read the full article, click on the link below: A Decision Not Made is Still a Decision

RECORDED WEBINAR ON SECURING SOCIAL SECURITY

Term insurance is the simplest form of life insurance. It provides temporary life insurance protection on a limited budget.[1] Here’s how it works: When policyholders buy term insurance, they buy coverage for a specific period...

Social Security may be a critical component of your financial strategy in retirement, so before you begin taking it, you should consider three important questions. The answers may affect whether you make the most of this retirement...

Strategies for Volatile Markets

Jose "Rafi" Rodriguez, Retirement Income Certified Professional ®

Friday, December 21, 2018

It’s important to stay calm when the markets aren’t. Market volatility, especially dramatic sell-offs, are unsettling to most of us. Here are a few reassuring facts to help you keep a positive perspective and some precautions that may...

Retirement readiness is a concept many people may not realize how many factors to consider. In my experience, here are the most prevailing: Lifestyle: as we plan for retirement, we should consider when to retire, where to retire and...

Successful Succession Planning

Jose "Rafi" Rodriguez

Tuesday, April 24, 2018

Before you can choose a successor, you need to know what your business needs to succeed after your departure. Entrepreneurs often spend so much time building their business, they give little thought to how they’ll leave it and...

Retirement Option Overload

Jose "Rafi" Rodriguez

Tuesday, April 24, 2018

Too many choices can be as frustrating as too few. A financial professional can help you find the right retirement plan for your small business. Establishing a retirement plan for yourself and your employees can help you attract and...

Create a Road Map for Your Retirement Lifestyle

Jose "Rafi" Rodriguez

Tuesday, February 6, 2018

Welcome to our webinar on how to create a road map for your retirement lifestyle with purpose in mind. You will learn how a Ready to Retire Assessment can outline for you how to start building your retirement plan, especially for the...

How the military “Cradle to Grave” concept inspired my passion and how you can use my “misfortune” to plan for YOUR Retirement Rafi & Nidy Rodriguez This is my journey--going from a successful military career in...

3 Major Retirement Hazards to Avoid

Jose "Rafi" Rodriguez

Tuesday, December 5, 2017

3 Major Retirement Hazards to Avoid Retirement can mean the beginning of a new life. Here are a few common dangers to avoid. Retirement planning is a tricky process, one that requires careful planning and patience. But even if you have...

Caring for a Family Member With Alzheimer’s

Jose "Rafi" Rodriguez

Monday, June 12, 2017

Alzheimer’s is one of our nation’s costliest diseases. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, total health care, long-term care and hospice payments related to Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias will...

TSP Life Annuity Options

Jose "Rafi" Rodriguez

Thursday, November 10, 2016

The TSP program offers several annuity options as retirement income. Single Life Annuity: an annuity that provides monthly payments only to you as long as you live. You may elect a Level Payments option or Increasing Payments option....

Sustainable and Responsible Investing

Jose "Rafi" Rodriguez

Monday, November 7, 2016

Sustainable and Responsible Investing Increasingly, investors seek to align their personal beliefs with their financial actions. Not so long ago, the phrase “socially responsible investing” might have brought to mind...

TSP Withdrawal Options

Jose "Rafi" Rodriguez

Tuesday, October 25, 2016

For military and Civil Service personnel, Here are salient bullet points on TSP Withdrawal Options: Partial Withdrawal--use TSP-77 form – One-Time Only Amounts >$1000 Full Withdrawal--use TSP-70 Form – Single Payment...

Stick to the Plan

Jose "Rafi" Rodriguez

Monday, July 25, 2016

Stick to the Plan Having a long-term financial plan gives your logic a leg up over your emotions during times of market volatility. When stock markets are highly volatile, the roller coaster ride can test even the most stoic of...

Basics of Passive & Aggressive Investment Management

Jose "Rafi" Rodriguez

Monday, July 18, 2016

Basics of Passive & Aggressive Investment Management Does passive investment management merit its “couch-potato” nickname or is it not getting the respect it deserves? Passive investment management may be the Rodney...

Basics of Dollar Cost Averaging

Jose "Rafi" Rodriguez

Monday, July 11, 2016

Basics of Dollar Cost Averaging Dollar-cost averaging is a popular method of investing for the long term. If you’ve been burned before by buying high and selling low, you may want to consider putting your investments on cruise...

Preparing for Widowhood

Jose "Rafi" Rodriguez

Monday, June 27, 2016

Preparing for Widowhood Women who avoid preparing for life as a widow only add to the pain of losing a spouse. Life ends with only one possible conclusion: death. And while no one wants to spend any more time than necessary thinking...

Financial Tables for One

Jose "Rafi" Rodriguez

Monday, June 20, 2016

Financial Tables for One Whether fresh out of college or after a marriage, women will some day go it alone in taking care of their financial needs. With the combination of later marriage, divorce, widowhood and longevity, almost 90...

Feast or Famine: Finances for Surviving Spouses

Jose "Rafi" Rodriguez

Monday, June 13, 2016

Feast or Famine: Finances for Surviving Spouses Faced with the loss of a spouse’s income or large payments from insurance or retirement plans, surviving spouses may need help avoiding the extremes of lavish spending or fearful...

Anti-Scam Tips for Surviving Spouses

Jose "Rafi" Rodriguez

Monday, June 6, 2016

Anti-Scam Tips for Surviving Spouses In the grief, confusion and stress of losing a spouse, survivors make the perfect target for scam artists. Newspaper obituaries provide a service in notifying a large number of people in a short...

The Costs of Being a Caregiver

Jose "Rafi" Rodriguez

Monday, May 30, 2016

The Costs of Being a Caregiver Becoming the caregiver for a sick or disabled loved one can be stressful physically, emotionally, mentally – and financially. Sixteen percent of the U.S. civilian population were eldercare providers...

Protect Your Income With Disability Coverage

Jose "Rafi" Rodriguez

Sunday, May 29, 2016

Protect Your Income With Disability Coverage You’ve insured your home and personal property, your vehicles and your life, but are you overlooking your most substantial asset – your ability to earn income? Disability...

Help Your Family Plan Your Care

Jose "Rafi" Rodriguez

Monday, May 23, 2016

Help Your Family Plan Your Care Avoid misunderstandings by planning now for the day you can no longer care for yourself. Becoming increasingly dependent on others for the normal activities of daily life can be a harsh reality. It can...

Long-Term Care Insurance Offers More Choices

Jose "Rafi" Rodriguez

Monday, May 16, 2016

Long-Term Care Insurance Offers More Choices As healthcare costs increase, long-term care insurance companies offer more options. A 2014 study by Genworth and the American Association for Long Term Care Insurance found that the...

Impact of Health Care on Retirement

Jose "Rafi" Rodriguez

Wednesday, May 11, 2016

Impact of Health Care on Retirement Will health issues force you to retire earlier or spend your nest egg quicker than you planned? Nearly half of Americans retire sooner than they expected, many of them because of health issues or...

Retirement Saving Versus College Saving

Jose "Rafi" Rodriguez

Thursday, April 28, 2016

Withdrawing savings from an IRA is one option to pay for college tuition. But is it a good idea? If you’re like many Americans, you face a variety of challenges every day. Most parents and some grandparents find themselves...

Start Early on College Saving

Jose "Rafi" Rodriguez

Sunday, April 17, 2016

College costs can be more than a little painful, but with the proper financial planning, you could be whistling your child’s college fight song all the way to the bank. Federal and state financial aid for college students may be...

529 Plans: Prepaid Educational Arrangements

Jose "Rafi" Rodriguez

Thursday, April 7, 2016

529 prepaid college tuition plans offer an easy way to save for an education. Section 529 of the tax code established two types of higher education investment plans that receive preferential tax treatment. The 529 college savings plan...

529 College Savings Account Basics

Jose "Rafi" Rodriguez

Tuesday, April 5, 2016

529s have become one of the most popular college savings options. Here are some basics. Looking to save for college? Take a number – the number 529 to be exact. College Savings Accounts, or 529s as they’re nicknamed (after...

Stick to the Plan

Rafi Rodriguez

Saturday, April 2, 2016

Stick to the Plan Having a long-term financial plan gives your logic a leg up over your emotions during times of market volatility. When stock markets are highly volatile, the roller coaster ride can test even the most stoic of...

Basics of Dollar Cost Averaging

Rafi Rodriguez

Friday, April 1, 2016

Basics of Dollar Cost Averaging Dollar-cost averaging is a popular method of investing for the long term. If you’ve been burned before by buying high and selling low, you may want to consider putting your investments on cruise control...

Calculating The Kiddie Tax

Rafi Rodriguez

Wednesday, March 30, 2016

Calculating The Kiddie Tax Originally applicable to children under age 14 (hence the name), today’s “kiddie tax” governs the calculation of taxes on investment income for dependent children. The law is intended to prevent parents from...

Impact of Health Care on Retirement

Rafi Rodriguez

Monday, March 28, 2016

Impact of Health Care on Retirement Will health issues force you to retire earlier or spend your nest egg quicker than you planned? Nearly half of Americans retire sooner than they expected, many of them because of health issues or...

Alternative Minimum Tax

Rafi Rodriguez

Thursday, March 24, 2016

Alternative Minimum Tax Created to ensure the wealthy paid at least some taxes, the AMT is hitting some tax payers well below that belt. It’s the IRS sucker punch: make too much money and have too many deductions, and you get ejected...

Recent NextPhase™ Seminar

Rafi Rodriguez

Tuesday, March 22, 2016

Thanks to all who attended our recent NextPhase™ Retirement Income Seminar.

Matchmaker: Maximizing Your Employer 401(k) Contributions

Rafi Rodriguez

Friday, March 18, 2016

Matchmaker: Maximizing Your Employer 401(k) Contributions How a 401(k) plan, (which may be employer-matched), could help you fall in love with the thought of a comfortable retirement. There can be a lot of confusing numbers floating...

The Wobbly Stool

Rafi Rodriguez

Friday, March 11, 2016

The Wobbly Stool The “three legged stool” has long been the approach to retirement planning. But many Americans don’t even have a stool, and for some who do, the stool is becoming a bit shaky. The “three-legged stool” is considered the...

Helping Your Parents Through Their Retirement

Rafi Rodriguez

Wednesday, February 24, 2016

Helping Your Parents Through Their Retirement In 1900, life expectancy at birth in the U.S. was 47 years. Now that number is closer to 86, and many of today’s children could live to see 100. But with an increase in longevity comes a...

Budgeting For Your Retirement

Rafi Rodriguez

Thursday, February 18, 2016

Budgeting For Your Retirement Retirement planning requires determining your retirement expenses, and that starts well before you retire. Start your budget planning process at least five years before you plan to retire to help you...

A New Mindset for Income Distribution

Rafi Rodriguez

Monday, February 15, 2016

A New Mindset for Income Distribution A distribution plan focuses less on accumulating wealth and more on making it last through retirement. In terms of your finances, your preretirement earning years focus on accumulation and growth...

Your Life’s Work--Leaving A Legacy

Rafi Rodriguez

Thursday, February 11, 2016

Your Life’s Work--Leaving a legacy A person’s legacy cannot be measured by one solitary event in his or her life. Rather, legacies, like lives themselves, must be measured as a whole. If you’ve ever taken a step back and examined your...

Income Distribution

Rafi Rodriguez

Wednesday, February 10, 2016

Income Distribution With improvements in healthcare, diet and exercise habits, Americans are generally living longer lives and enjoying more active and vibrant retirements. Early retirement has also become more common, thus resulting...

401(k) Distribution Dilemmas

Rafi Rodriguez

Friday, February 5, 2016

401(k) Distribution Dilemmas How you will take your 401(k) distributions when you retire can be an important consideration in executing your post-retirement plan. We all look forward to the day when we can finally kick back, relax and...

3 Major Retirement Hazards to Avoid

Rafi Rodriguez

Thursday, February 4, 2016

3 Major Retirement Hazards to Avoid Retirement can mean the beginning of a new life. Here are a few common dangers to avoid. Retirement planning is a tricky process, one that requires careful planning and patience. But even if you have...

Divorce and Insurance

Rafi Rodriguez

Wednesday, January 27, 2016

Divorce and Insurance Because we often forget about insurance until we need it, life, health, homeowners and disability coverage issues can get overlooked during a divorce settlement. In working through your divorce, don’t forget your...

Dividing Assets In A Divorce

Rafi Rodriguez

Friday, January 22, 2016

Dividing Assets In A Divorce In a divorce settlement, you don’t get do-overs. Doing your homework and enlisting the help of trusted professionals can prevent costly mistakes. Few times of crisis require immediate, clear-headed...

Financial Confidence for Facing Divorce

Rafi Rodriguez

Tuesday, January 19, 2016

Financial Confidence for Facing Divorce The emotional upheaval of a divorce is no time to be learning money basics and selecting professional advisors. Preparing now isn’t cynical – it’s smart. In the late 16th century, when death...

Dancing with Debt

Rafi Rodriguez

Friday, January 15, 2016

Dancing with Debt After age 30, you are expected to really begin thinking about not only your own future but the future of your children as well. Appropriately named, Generation X-ers are at the crossroads of life and often have to...

Strategies for Volatile Markets

Rafi Rodriguez

Tuesday, January 12, 2016

Strategies for Volatile Markets It’s important to stay calm when the markets aren’t. Market volatility, especially dramatic sell-offs, are unsettling to most of us. Here are a few reassuring facts to help you keep a positive...

Are You Confident Your Investments Are Positioned to Support You?

Rafi Rodriguez

Thursday, January 7, 2016

With all the market turmoil during the past few years, most investors are scrutinizing their investments and associated costs like never before. More importantly, they’re feeling increasingly uncertain about being on track to reach...

4 Characteristics of Setting Goals

Rafi Rodriguez

Thursday, January 7, 2016

As we embark into 2016, the New Year provides us with renewed enthusiasm, energy and hope for the future. The New Year provides us with the opportunity to review our current goals and embark on new ones. In my experience, there are...

Understanding Long Term Care Insurance

Rafi Rodriguez

Monday, November 16, 2015

If you’re like me, getting older has brought with it the quicker passage of time and a handful of new aches and pains. But what hurts more than the occasional morning stiffness is witnessing cherished friends or family members fall...

3 Challenges Hispanics Need To Know About Long Term Care

Rafi Rodriguez

Tuesday, November 26, 2013

As the fastest growing minority in the U.S., Hispanics will likely face a Long Term Care challenge in their families. According to a recent AARP article: “Challenges of Long Term Care” (November 2013, Vol. 54, No 9), 18 million people...