In the News
BusinessWeek – October 7, 2008
Is there ANYTHING folks can do to make their college savings go farther amid a market crash? Lisa Dickholtz spoke with industry journalist, Lauren Young, about what parents or grandparents who have funded a 529 plan should consider. Read "College Costs: Coping with the Meltdown" to learn more
“You should carefully consider the Plan’s investment objectives, risks, fees, and expenses contained in the Issuer’s Official Statement before investing. The Issuer’s Official Statement, which contains additional information about the Plan and municipal fund securities, can be obtained by contacting your financial advisor or visiting the respective Plan’s Web site. The official statement should be read carefully before investing. You should be aware that other states may sponsor their own qualified tuition plans and may offer a state tax deduction or other benefits that are limited to residents who invest in that plan. You should consult with a tax advisor about state and local taxes.” “As with other investments, there are generally fees and expenses associated with participation in a 529 savings plan. Qualified withdrawals are tax-free. Non-qualified withdrawals are subject to ordinary income tax and the earnings may incur a 10% penalty. The tax implications of 529 plans can vary significantly from state to state. Most states offer their own 529 programs, which may provide advantages and benefits exclusively for their residents and taxpayers.”
Open Enrollment Season for Employee Benefits – October 2008
The US Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates nearly 30 percent of each employee’s salary comes in the form of benefits. However, if you are like most people, you flip through the glossy brochure of options and push it aside promising to take a closer look next year. “By not investing the time to make informed choices, you may be leaving money on the table and putting your future at risk,” says Lisa Dickholtz. Read Dickholtz’s list of Questions Every Employee Should Be Asking about benefit options
Financial Resilience Requires a Professional – November 2008
Consumer confidence is down and questions about government response lingers. What does that mean for our retirement or the kids’ college savings? Increasingly, consumers are turning to the independent advice of investment advisory firms that are associated with independent broker dealers. Click here to learn more about the distinction between independence and wirehouse as it relates to financial planning.
New Years Finance Tips from Top Advisors – December 2008
If you are flustered by economic conditions that are not likely to disappear too soon, then it’s time to focus on what you can control. To ring in the New Year, a group of experienced financial advisors offer a range of philosophical and tactical advice to help ensure your joys outweigh your anxieties in the year ahead.
Three Steps to Take Today to Survive in the Recession – January 2009
No matter what kind of economic stimulus package comes out of Washington, it’s going to take time to feel the real impact of such action. So how will consumers survive through the coming quarters, until the economy stabilizes? Long-time financial professional, Lisa Dickholtz’s tips for managing personal finances during a recession focus on three themes.
You Deserve a Team of Financial Champions – February 2009
Not only can multiple advisors help provide a reassuring checks and balances system, but their broad range of expertise may help translate into more strategic financial decisions. Lisa Dickholtz looks at the ways teamwork can be particularly beneficial in managing finances in Build a Team of Financial Champions.
Growing up Is Never Easy – but Something We Must Do – March 2009
Faced with plummeting investment accounts, declining home values, and the real prospect of job loss, Americans are suddenly doing what they’ve needed to do all along – spend less and save more. This recession is causing real pain, but according to Lisa Dickholtz perhaps it will lead to more mature financial practices. Click here to read the full story. Growing Up Is Never Easy.
Managing Your Finances during the Great Recession – April 2009
It’s likely that we could be in a secular bear market. So what exactly does that mean, and more importantly, how does that impact investment strategy? While there is no general prescription that will solve the woes of all investors, Lisa Dickholtz suggests any tactical moves should be a function of the safety of your income stream, how much you have already saved, and framed by your life stage and goals. Click here to read Managing Your Finances during the Great Recession.
Lifestyle and Economic Changes May be Permanent – May 2009
The severity of the financial crisis may be laying the foundation for deep, long- term change. Lisa Dickholtz suggests three tips to help adjust to an economic shift by choosing risk management over risky business.
Controlling Risk Mandates Health Insurance Reviews – June 2009
“While an annual health insurance review is always helpful, today’s risk adverse environment makes the evaluation imperative,” says Lisa Dickholtz. Read how overlooking long-term health care could potentially jeopardize your retirement.
Steady As You Go: Dollar Cost Averaging Can Help Reduce Risk – July 2009
Fearful of further decline, some investors are questioning whether it’s wise to continue putting money in the market. Lisa Dickholtz explains how dollar cost averaging remains a valid long-term investing strategy even during a recession. “Sure, it’s possible that the market will retreat further in the coming months, but in the eyes of a disciplined Dollar Cost Averager, the decline presents a buying opportunity,” says Dickholtz.
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