Blog
The 4 Essential Elements of a Retirement Plan
Submitted by Breen Financial Management on March 10th, 2016Until recently, many retirees have been able to rely upon the three-legged stool of retirement income sources: A defined benefit pension plan that guarantees a lifetime income, their own savings, and Social Security.
Should You Have a Living Trust?
Submitted by Breen Financial Management on September 26th, 2014A will is the foundation of your estate plan and it is essential if your financial affairs are to be settled in accordance with your wishes. If you die without a will, or “intestate” as the law refers to it, essentially the state becomes your executor and your property will be distributed according to its laws.
Are Advisory Fees Tax Deductible?
Submitted by Breen Financial Management on September 26th, 2014It’s tax season again, and a question we get from a number of clients after receiving their yearend statements is, “Are my investment advisory fees tax deductible?” And the answer is an equivocal, “It depends.”
Determining Your Risk Tolerance
Submitted by Breen Financial Management on September 26th, 2014Perhaps the most important factor in formulating your investment plan is your risk tolerance; that is, the amount of risk you’re willing to assume in order to achieve your most important objectives.
Planning for the New Normal Retirement
Submitted by Breen Financial Management on September 26th, 2014The need for retirement planning didn’t really exist until well into the 1970s. Up to that point, people worked until age 65, spent a few years in leisure through their life expectancy which was about 69. Many retirees of that era were able to coast into retirement with a cushy pension plan.
The Importance of an Investment Philosophy
Submitted by Breen Financial Management on September 26th, 2014If you listen to any of the world’s leading investors they will tell you that nothing is more important to long-term investment success than a clear investment philosophy. More important than a sound investment strategy? Yes, they will tell you, because strategy, while important, is nothing more than a manifestation of an investment philosophy.
Longevity Risk: The Biggest Real Retirement Risk You Haven’t Covered
Submitted by Breen Financial Management on September 26th, 2014This isn’t our parents’ or grandparents’ retirement anymore. Just a few decades ago, many retirees enjoyed the full benefits of the “three-legged stool” of retirement provide by guaranteed pension payments, savings, and Social Security.
Planning a Family – What to Save for Right Now
Submitted by Breen Financial Management on September 26th, 2014The decision to go forward with your plans to start a family is a joyous one, but it can also lead to increased stress especially if your financial house has not been child-proofed. Considering that, on average, the cost of raising a child now exceeds $300,000, there’s little margin for error for most young families that have other important financial goals to achieve.
Saving Versus Paying Off Debt
Submitted by Breen Financial Management on September 26th, 2014The saving versus paying off debt is an age-old quandary that has plagued people since the advent of consumer debt. Pose this question to a group of financial planners and the responses will be split, roughly down the middle. While there might be as many advocates for savings as there would be for paying down debt, the broad consensus will likely be that it really depends on the situation.