Every spring, investors begin hearing the familiar phrase, “Sell in May and go away.” The idea is simple: avoid the stock market during the summer and return in the fall. But does that strategy actually lead to better financial outcomes? The historical pattern has some basis in long-run data. The practical value has been harder to capture. Transaction costs, taxes on any realized gains, and the challenge of knowing when to get back in have frequently offset whatever seasonal effect existed. The investor who sold in May often fared worse than the one who stayed put.

Topics: retirement, retirement planning, planning, Stock Market

When talking about annuities, over the years I have met with many people who get a glazed look on their faces and ultimately they throw their hands up and say, “I am so confused”. I will admit that some investments are confusing. But here is one that almost anyone can get their arms around – a retirement income contract, commonly known as an annuity. (Say "an annuity" 10 times really fast!)

Topics: retirement, Annuities, annuity, investments, retirement income

Americans these days talk a lot about retirement, what they want to do, when they want to retire and where they dream about living. While there are many issues in planning a comfortable retirement, the most important is having enough money.

One fear these days is that a retired person may outlive their money. With people living longer, the 10 year retirement plan that worked for our grandparent’s generation no longer equals security.

To be on the proverbial save side, plan for at least 25 years of retirement. This puts an

Topics: retirement, Saving, Investment, money, planning