By Joel Dresang
A study published in the Journals of Gerontology: Social Sciences found “clear and alarming” evidence of declines in cognitive functioning among baby boomers. Findings could mean a reversal in recent trends of less dementia among older Americans. The financial fallout from a drop-off in cognitive skills is that it tends to coincide with the time in life when wealth is near its peak. [..]
By Joel Dresang
My age defines me as a digital immigrant, but I have learned to embrace technology that makes my life easier, especially when I think of retirement and beyond. Regardless of age, technology is playing an increasing role in keeping track of and communicating about our investments. […]
Because of the pandemic, more people have become familiar with videoconferencing and interacting virtually with financial professionals, which might make them more curious about ways technology can enrich them. Jason Scuglik has tips for how to learn more about devices and applications. […]
With offices closed for visits, we offer tips for making the most of remote reviews with investment advisors. […]
By Joel Dresang
In our 30 years as homeowners, my wife and I have had occasional conversations about the urgency of retiring our mortgage. Math always settles it: At a fixed rate below 4%, our home loan is costing us less than the average 6%-7% a year that balanced investments have returned historically. […]
As part of the $2 trillion initiative to stimulate the economy during the COVID-19 pandemic, Congress has suspended required minimum distributions for calendar year 2020. That means retirees in their 70s who were supposed to withdraw money from tax-advantaged retirement accounts such as IRAs can skip a year, thus avoiding the income tax they’d have to pay on such withdrawals. […]
Most of the Landaas & Company staff have been able to work from home during the COVID-19 pandemic, but a core of 11 employees continues going to the office to answer phones, process mail, prepare reports and administer documents. Their efforts are crucial to enabling the remote work of the rest of the firm. […]
By Joel Dresang
Like news editors, investors can plan and prepare with the best information available at the time, but they cannot foresee every possible cataclysm. […]
The $2 trillion emergency spending bill passed by Congress and signed by President Trump at the end of March includes several provisions of interest to investors and retirees. Chris Evers and Patrick Weyer compiled some highlights, based on what was known at the time the bill was signed into law. To learn how any of the provisions apply to you individually, please consult with your investment advisor as well as a tax professional, if appropriate. […]
By Joel Dresang
It’s only human to want to do something, so here are actions I have taken, specifically on investments. […]
By Joel Dresang
Each year, Social Security emails me a reminder to review my individualized online statement to check for possible errors and to consider the progress I’m making toward funding my retirement. This year, I am extra motivated to give my statement more than a casual once-over. […]
By Joel Dresang
Each year, I weigh whether we’re better off staying stuck on paper or giving in to all-digital documents. […]