August 19, 2009 | A new government program is offering some borrowers relief from problems created by recent fluctuations in local real estate markets and the deterioration of the economy. The newly developed Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan is part of President Obama’s strategy to get the economy back on track. The program is designed to help responsible homeowners adjust their mortgage so they can continue to make mortgage payments and gain peace of mind.
August 19, 2009 | On April 23rd, Roger Gibson, CFA®, CFP®, spoke with FJY clients and friends on the topic of Multiple Asset Class Investing. Gibson is a well-known author and financial advisor and an internationally recognized expert in asset allocation and portfolio design. He is the Chief Investment Officer of Gibson Capital Management, Ltd. and author of the book, Asset Allocation: Balancing Financial Risk. Much of the conversation was focused on what Gibson believes are the four key determinants of portfolio performance.
August 19, 2009 | One of the most important decisions a retiree faces is deciding when to file for social security benefits. This decision will not only affect the retiree in his or her lifetime but it will also have a significant impact on a spouse throughout his or her lifetime. Many people have begun to refer to social security as “Longevity Insurance,” as it is arguably one of the best “annuities” available to an individual, with its cost of living adjustment and 100% survivor benefit.
May 3, 2009 | As financial planners, we are sometimes asked to make assumptions about clients’ life expectancies. To assist us with that process, we can turn to generic data provided by the federal government: IRS Rule 2002-62 provides a life expectancy table used to determine annual required distributions; IRS Table CM90 (1999) provides actuarial values relating to estate, gift, and charitable issues; and Treasury Regulation Subchapter A, Sec. 1.72-16 provides the life expectancy table used for annuities and life insurance contracts purchased under qualified employee plans.
May 3, 2009 | Unlike the traditional IRA, the Roth IRA provides no tax deduction for contributions, but instead provides for tax free withdrawal of earnings. For many individuals, the Roth IRA is an excellent financial planning tool because it provides a vehicle for shielding your long term investments from taxes. However, because of limiting eligibility requirements, many of our clients have been unable to take advantage of the Roth’s benefits. That will change in 2010, when a window of opportunity opens, enabling more people to participate in Roth IRA accounts.
December 12, 2008 | If you implement a timely and realistically structured tuition savings program, you might be pleasantly surprised when the time comes to send your future Nobel Prize winners to college. You'll have assets accumulated, equity in your home, and maybe your little wizard will conjure up a scholarship or two.
December 12, 2008 | In the July edition of FJY's Quarterly Newsletter, asset protection was defined and the need for asset protection by those of modest wealth - not just high rollers and bankrupt deadbeats - was discussed. Despite claims to the contrary, asset protection strategies can not guarantee that all of one's property will be completely removed from the reach of creditors. Rather, the goal of asset protection is to create as much distance as is reasonably (and legally) possible between one's assets and his or her creditors or potential creditors. The importance of timing in structuring and implementing an asset protection plan was also addressed. We will now explore several fundamental considerations of effective asset protection.
Recent Due Diligence
October 25, 2009 | The FJY investment committee performs a number of activities each quarter as part of the due diligence process. We investigate the details of potential and current investments, as well as continuously evaluate our investment philosophy, including asset class selection and the allocation to each the asset class. Committee members attend conferences, conduct meetings with investment managers, and conduct independent research regarding investment philosophy, asset classes, and specific investment vehicles.