Have you made your IRA contribution for 2014? You can do so now through April 15. Call us at 636.527.5010 if you have questions. Did you know that you don’t have to wait until the following year to make your IRA contribution? You can make your 2015 IRA contribution now. In most cases making your contribution earlier results in a larger… Read more →
2014 becomes 2015, a.k.a., “What now?”
Investment management clients of Financial Planning Associates, Inc., please note that your 4th quarter reports have been posted to your secure web folders. The table below will provide some insight concerning the rewards (or not) enjoyed (or not) by investors in 12 standard investment categories during the 4th quarter of 2014, and during the full year. Investment Category Representative ETF… Read more →
It’s yearend, let the predictions commence.
I have just been reading some predictions made by various people over the years that have been, how shall I say this, less than 100% accurate. It would seem that seeing into the future is a power that humans don’t generally possess. If you desire proof, or perhaps need a laugh, I suggest that you enter “failed predictions” into your internet search… Read more →
A Tale of Two Clients, Some Other Stuff, and a Thanksgiving Prayer.
Do you remember how it felt to be a common stock investor during the last 5 years of the 20th century? It felt good. Very good, in fact. The total return of the S&P 500 stock index was 26.39% per year from January 1st, 1996 to December 31st, 1999. Every investor was a stock picking genius. People retired early. One… Read more →
Retirement contribution limits, QLACs, a case of fraud and the circle of life.
The IRS recently announced adjustments to retirement plan contribution limits. In 2015 the elective deferral limit for 401(k) participants will be increased to $18,000. Most similar plans, 403(b), 457, etc. will allow increased contribution limits as well. The catch-up contribution limit for employees age 50 and over will increase to $6,000. Therefore, older employees can defer as much as $24,000 next… Read more →