The document discusses factors contributing to the recovery of the US housing market in 2015, including low mortgage interest rates, less stringent lending requirements, low housing inventory, and millennials entering the market. It also notes that owning a home is more affordable than renting in many areas. The recovery is attributed to a variety of factors making home buying easier and more attainable.
This guide helps consumers navigate the mortgage process in 8 steps: 1) defining what is affordable, 2) understanding your credit, 3) choosing between fixed and adjustable rates, 4) selecting a down payment amount, 5) understanding how points affect interest rates, 6) shopping with multiple lenders, 7) choosing a mortgage, and 8) avoiding pitfalls. The goal is to find the best mortgage to fit the consumer's financial situation through informed decision making at each step.
This document provides a step-by-step guide to help consumers choose the best mortgage. It discusses:
1. Defining what is affordable, understanding your credit, choosing between fixed and adjustable rates, selecting the right down payment, and understanding how points affect interest rates.
2. The importance of understanding your credit report and score to qualify for the best rate. Correcting any errors can improve your score.
3. Different types of mortgages and their tradeoffs (fixed vs adjustable rates), the importance of understanding prepayment options, and being wary of risky loan features like balloons payments or prepayment penalties.
4. Steps to take like getting estimates of total monthly costs, calculating the
In November 2011, after months of debate, Congress was unable to arrive at an agreement to gradually reduce
the U.S. deficit. As a result, they deferred any decision by implementing a process called sequestration, scheduled
to take effect in January 2013. This draconian option was thought sufficient to motivate both political parties to
focus on resolving their differences. It was never intended to actually take effect, as it will trigger across- the- board
spending cuts of $1.2 trillion over 10 years to both domestic and defense programs. For more info: www.nafcu.org/nifcus
For newly married couples, financial planning is important to set priorities and evaluate needs. Short term planning includes insurance, savings of 6 months income, assets like cars and homes, and incidental expenses. Medium term includes real estate, children's education, and retirement plans. Long term focuses on higher education, assessing retirement funds, estate planning, and post-retirement expenses. It is advised to discuss finances openly, set monetary goals together, manage accounts jointly or individually, create budgets, have regular money meetings, take measured risks, build emergency funds, and trust each other. Financial planning helps fulfill goals but flexibility is also needed to adjust to life changes.
This document provides information to help readers consider factors when buying a home. It discusses current housing market conditions, the benefits of buying now given low mortgage rates, and tips for navigating the home buying process. The key points covered are:
- The housing market currently favors buyers due to low inventory levels, which can lead to bidding wars and homes selling above listing price.
- Mortgage rates are expected to remain low through 2020, increasing purchasing power and lowering monthly housing costs.
- In addition to building equity over time, buying a home is a way for families to invest in their future through forced savings.
- Navigating the process requires understanding home price points, getting advice, knowing common real
• Infrastructure—the other big fix
• What is the stock market saying about earnings?
• As short-term markets thaw, bond investors focus on long-term risk
• Hedge funds suffer their worst month ever
• Does a $1 trillion deficit matter?
• Q&A: Sizing up Obama’s policies and politics
Experian recently surveyed newlyweds nationwide to see what role credit and finances play in establishing a life together and achieving long-term financial goals, such as buying a home. The results suggest financial discussions should take place before saying “I do.”
This “Buyer Guide” will give you powerful marketing materials to share with clients, and help you simply and effectively explain the current market opportunities to potential buyers.
This guide helps consumers navigate the mortgage process in 8 steps: 1) defining what is affordable, 2) understanding your credit, 3) choosing between fixed and adjustable rates, 4) selecting a down payment amount, 5) understanding how points affect interest rates, 6) shopping with multiple lenders, 7) choosing a mortgage, and 8) avoiding pitfalls. The goal is to find the best mortgage to fit the consumer's financial situation through informed decision making at each step.
This document provides a step-by-step guide to help consumers choose the best mortgage. It discusses:
1. Defining what is affordable, understanding your credit, choosing between fixed and adjustable rates, selecting the right down payment, and understanding how points affect interest rates.
2. The importance of understanding your credit report and score to qualify for the best rate. Correcting any errors can improve your score.
3. Different types of mortgages and their tradeoffs (fixed vs adjustable rates), the importance of understanding prepayment options, and being wary of risky loan features like balloons payments or prepayment penalties.
4. Steps to take like getting estimates of total monthly costs, calculating the
In November 2011, after months of debate, Congress was unable to arrive at an agreement to gradually reduce
the U.S. deficit. As a result, they deferred any decision by implementing a process called sequestration, scheduled
to take effect in January 2013. This draconian option was thought sufficient to motivate both political parties to
focus on resolving their differences. It was never intended to actually take effect, as it will trigger across- the- board
spending cuts of $1.2 trillion over 10 years to both domestic and defense programs. For more info: www.nafcu.org/nifcus
For newly married couples, financial planning is important to set priorities and evaluate needs. Short term planning includes insurance, savings of 6 months income, assets like cars and homes, and incidental expenses. Medium term includes real estate, children's education, and retirement plans. Long term focuses on higher education, assessing retirement funds, estate planning, and post-retirement expenses. It is advised to discuss finances openly, set monetary goals together, manage accounts jointly or individually, create budgets, have regular money meetings, take measured risks, build emergency funds, and trust each other. Financial planning helps fulfill goals but flexibility is also needed to adjust to life changes.
This document provides information to help readers consider factors when buying a home. It discusses current housing market conditions, the benefits of buying now given low mortgage rates, and tips for navigating the home buying process. The key points covered are:
- The housing market currently favors buyers due to low inventory levels, which can lead to bidding wars and homes selling above listing price.
- Mortgage rates are expected to remain low through 2020, increasing purchasing power and lowering monthly housing costs.
- In addition to building equity over time, buying a home is a way for families to invest in their future through forced savings.
- Navigating the process requires understanding home price points, getting advice, knowing common real
• Infrastructure—the other big fix
• What is the stock market saying about earnings?
• As short-term markets thaw, bond investors focus on long-term risk
• Hedge funds suffer their worst month ever
• Does a $1 trillion deficit matter?
• Q&A: Sizing up Obama’s policies and politics
Experian recently surveyed newlyweds nationwide to see what role credit and finances play in establishing a life together and achieving long-term financial goals, such as buying a home. The results suggest financial discussions should take place before saying “I do.”
This “Buyer Guide” will give you powerful marketing materials to share with clients, and help you simply and effectively explain the current market opportunities to potential buyers.
The process of buying a home can be overwhelming at times, but you don’t need to go through it alone.
You may be wondering if now is a good time to buy a home…or if interest rates are projected to rise or fall. The free eGuide below will answer many of your questions and likely bring up a few things you didn’t even know you should consider when buying a home.
Check it out, and feel free to get in touch if you have any questions.
You’re thinking of buying a home? Congratulations -- it’s an exciting
process. And it can be a lot of fun. You get to envision the type
of lifestyle you want for yourself (and your family). Do you want
a beautiful two-story home close to your work? Do you want a
modern, stylish condo in the heart of downtown? Are you yearning
to live near the beach, the mountains, restaurants, good schools,
museums, or family?
One of the greatest things about purchasing your own home is
that you get to make it yours. Even before you move in, you’re in
charge of making the decisions about which home you will buy.
It’s a powerful feeling -- having total control. But it can also be a bit
overwhelming, especially when you’re doing it for the first time.
That’s why we wrote this guide. We want to make purchasing a home
less scary and give you the confidence to move forward through
each step of the process -- from beginning to end, when you move into your new home!
This “Buyer Guide” will give you powerful marketing materials to share with clients, and help you simply and effectively explain the current market opportunities to potential buyers.
Are you thinking about buying a home this spring 2019? Then this Free Guide will help answer a lot of your questions about why you should buy, and when you should do that.
This document provides information for potential home buyers. It begins with an overview of factors impacting the current housing market, including interest rates and inventory levels. It then discusses reasons why buying a home this spring makes financial sense, such as prices continuing to rise and interest rates expected to increase. The document provides tips for buyers, such as getting pre-approved, understanding common real estate terms, and noting that down payments of less than 20% are widely available. Overall, it argues that owning a home is a sound financial decision that builds wealth.
Things To Consider When Buying A Home - Fall 2017 - by Kris and Kim DarneyKris and Kim Darney
E-Book - Whether buying your first home or your fifth, having a local REALTOR® who is an expert in their market on your side is your best bet to make sure the process goes smoothly.
Let’s talk about how we can make your dreams of homeownership a reality!
This document provides tips and advice for improving one's financial situation in the new year. It discusses setting financial goals, creating a money roadmap with short and long-term goals, earning more through freelance work or a side business, reviewing life insurance needs due to major life changes, talking about money with family, and estate planning with a will. It also includes statistics about financial resolutions and savings goals.
This document provides an overview of key considerations for buying a home. It discusses how interest rates and housing inventory impact home prices and purchasing power. It also outlines reasons to buy now rather than waiting, such as how rising prices and interest rates will increase costs. The document provides tips on factors to research like mortgage rates and closing costs to best prepare for the home buying process.
The document discusses the Federal Reserve's plans to potentially raise interest rates in 2015 after keeping them at historic lows since 2008. It notes that while higher rates may benefit savers, they also pose risks and it is difficult to predict how markets will react. The document also analyzes global economic indicators and unemployment data to provide context around the challenges facing the Federal Reserve as it considers interest rate policy.
The passage discusses how Social Security is facing insolvency by 2036 unless reforms are made. It notes that even long-time defenders of Social Security like AARP now acknowledge cuts to benefits are inevitable. As a result, individuals will need to significantly increase personal savings to make up for reduced future Social Security income. The passage provides strategies for boosting savings, such as increasing income, reducing expenses, and reallocating assets.
The document provides information about the home buying process for first-time homebuyers. It discusses determining an affordable mortgage amount, the importance of good credit, different types of loans including government and conventional loans, and what to expect during the application and closing process. The overall goal is to educate homebuyers on choosing the right mortgage program and walking through the steps to purchase a home.
This Month in Real Estate - May 2011 May 2011pdrury
May 2011 issue of This Month in Real Estate. National News by Keller Williams Realty and North Central Ohio regional / local news by Paul W. Drury of Greater Cleveland West
This document provides information and tips for potential home buyers. It discusses reasons to buy a home in the fall of 2018, including that home prices are projected to continue rising and mortgage interest rates are expected to increase further. It also addresses common misconceptions about down payment amounts and credit scores needed to qualify for a mortgage. Overall, the document encourages potential buyers not to wait to purchase a home and emphasizes that less money is needed for a down payment than many believe.
- A survey of 800 registered voters found widespread pessimism about the direction of the country and economy, with 61% rating the national economy negatively, and over 6 in 10 saying the gap between wealthy and other Americans is wider than ever and a problem.
- After a neutral introduction, over 6 in 10 voters said private equity buyouts are bad for the economy. Voters were concerned that buyouts prioritize executive profits over worker benefits and wages.
- There was strong support among voters for reforms to restore balance to buyouts, including honoring worker commitments, equal tax treatment, and increased disclosure requirements.
The document provides a summary of key findings from a survey of 1,000 US adults about personal finance experiences and perceptions. Some key findings include:
- Nearly half have less savings than expected and almost three-quarters feel behind on retirement savings.
- Most hold some type of debt and feel it prevents fulfilling life, but only half feel comfortable discussing debt.
- Lack of income/funds, not behavior, are cited as main reasons for financial issues.
- Financial education is seen as key to debt reduction and savings but many lack access to resources.
Are you considering buying a home? This Home Buyer Guide covers useful information for people buying a home. Should you have any questions, please reach out to me at www.ThePeak.com
This document provides information to help buyers in their home buying process. It discusses trends in the housing market, reasons to buy now rather than wait, how to save for a down payment, and tips for the home buying process. Key points include that home prices are projected to continue rising in most areas, low mortgage rates increase purchasing power, and it may be possible to buy a home with less than a 20% down payment or with a credit score lower than previously thought.
2012 07 Clear View's Smart Money Health Care SpecialSteve Stanganelli
The document discusses health care as a central issue in the 2012 US presidential election. It notes that Republicans argue the Affordable Care Act will increase costs and the deficit, while Democrats say benefits are already apparent and it will provide affordable care. A graphic shows health care is the second most important issue to voters after job creation. The rest of the document discusses the Supreme Court upholding the individual mandate and potential effects on different health care sectors.
This document provides a guide to avoiding common mistakes in retirement financial planning. It discusses underestimating life expectancy, relying on being able to work longer than planned, neglecting healthcare costs, accepting low investment returns, failing to monitor withdrawal rates, and not getting a second opinion on your financial plan. It then provides more details on generating retirement income, sources of guaranteed retirement income, protecting assets with various types of insurance, other retirement considerations like housing and healthcare, and the basics of estate planning.
This document provides a step-by-step guide to help consumers choose the best mortgage. It discusses:
1. Defining what is affordable, understanding your credit, choosing between fixed and adjustable rates, selecting the right down payment, and understanding how points affect interest rates.
2. The importance of understanding your credit report and score to qualify for the best rate. Correcting any errors can improve your score.
3. Different types of mortgages and their tradeoffs (fixed vs adjustable rates), avoiding risky features like balloons payments or prepayment penalties.
4. Factors that determine the right down payment amount depending on the borrower's situation and goals.
The overall document aims
The process of buying a home can be overwhelming at times, but you don’t need to go through it alone.
You may be wondering if now is a good time to buy a home…or if interest rates are projected to rise or fall. The free eGuide below will answer many of your questions and likely bring up a few things you didn’t even know you should consider when buying a home.
Check it out, and feel free to get in touch if you have any questions.
You’re thinking of buying a home? Congratulations -- it’s an exciting
process. And it can be a lot of fun. You get to envision the type
of lifestyle you want for yourself (and your family). Do you want
a beautiful two-story home close to your work? Do you want a
modern, stylish condo in the heart of downtown? Are you yearning
to live near the beach, the mountains, restaurants, good schools,
museums, or family?
One of the greatest things about purchasing your own home is
that you get to make it yours. Even before you move in, you’re in
charge of making the decisions about which home you will buy.
It’s a powerful feeling -- having total control. But it can also be a bit
overwhelming, especially when you’re doing it for the first time.
That’s why we wrote this guide. We want to make purchasing a home
less scary and give you the confidence to move forward through
each step of the process -- from beginning to end, when you move into your new home!
This “Buyer Guide” will give you powerful marketing materials to share with clients, and help you simply and effectively explain the current market opportunities to potential buyers.
Are you thinking about buying a home this spring 2019? Then this Free Guide will help answer a lot of your questions about why you should buy, and when you should do that.
This document provides information for potential home buyers. It begins with an overview of factors impacting the current housing market, including interest rates and inventory levels. It then discusses reasons why buying a home this spring makes financial sense, such as prices continuing to rise and interest rates expected to increase. The document provides tips for buyers, such as getting pre-approved, understanding common real estate terms, and noting that down payments of less than 20% are widely available. Overall, it argues that owning a home is a sound financial decision that builds wealth.
Things To Consider When Buying A Home - Fall 2017 - by Kris and Kim DarneyKris and Kim Darney
E-Book - Whether buying your first home or your fifth, having a local REALTOR® who is an expert in their market on your side is your best bet to make sure the process goes smoothly.
Let’s talk about how we can make your dreams of homeownership a reality!
This document provides tips and advice for improving one's financial situation in the new year. It discusses setting financial goals, creating a money roadmap with short and long-term goals, earning more through freelance work or a side business, reviewing life insurance needs due to major life changes, talking about money with family, and estate planning with a will. It also includes statistics about financial resolutions and savings goals.
This document provides an overview of key considerations for buying a home. It discusses how interest rates and housing inventory impact home prices and purchasing power. It also outlines reasons to buy now rather than waiting, such as how rising prices and interest rates will increase costs. The document provides tips on factors to research like mortgage rates and closing costs to best prepare for the home buying process.
The document discusses the Federal Reserve's plans to potentially raise interest rates in 2015 after keeping them at historic lows since 2008. It notes that while higher rates may benefit savers, they also pose risks and it is difficult to predict how markets will react. The document also analyzes global economic indicators and unemployment data to provide context around the challenges facing the Federal Reserve as it considers interest rate policy.
The passage discusses how Social Security is facing insolvency by 2036 unless reforms are made. It notes that even long-time defenders of Social Security like AARP now acknowledge cuts to benefits are inevitable. As a result, individuals will need to significantly increase personal savings to make up for reduced future Social Security income. The passage provides strategies for boosting savings, such as increasing income, reducing expenses, and reallocating assets.
The document provides information about the home buying process for first-time homebuyers. It discusses determining an affordable mortgage amount, the importance of good credit, different types of loans including government and conventional loans, and what to expect during the application and closing process. The overall goal is to educate homebuyers on choosing the right mortgage program and walking through the steps to purchase a home.
This Month in Real Estate - May 2011 May 2011pdrury
May 2011 issue of This Month in Real Estate. National News by Keller Williams Realty and North Central Ohio regional / local news by Paul W. Drury of Greater Cleveland West
This document provides information and tips for potential home buyers. It discusses reasons to buy a home in the fall of 2018, including that home prices are projected to continue rising and mortgage interest rates are expected to increase further. It also addresses common misconceptions about down payment amounts and credit scores needed to qualify for a mortgage. Overall, the document encourages potential buyers not to wait to purchase a home and emphasizes that less money is needed for a down payment than many believe.
- A survey of 800 registered voters found widespread pessimism about the direction of the country and economy, with 61% rating the national economy negatively, and over 6 in 10 saying the gap between wealthy and other Americans is wider than ever and a problem.
- After a neutral introduction, over 6 in 10 voters said private equity buyouts are bad for the economy. Voters were concerned that buyouts prioritize executive profits over worker benefits and wages.
- There was strong support among voters for reforms to restore balance to buyouts, including honoring worker commitments, equal tax treatment, and increased disclosure requirements.
The document provides a summary of key findings from a survey of 1,000 US adults about personal finance experiences and perceptions. Some key findings include:
- Nearly half have less savings than expected and almost three-quarters feel behind on retirement savings.
- Most hold some type of debt and feel it prevents fulfilling life, but only half feel comfortable discussing debt.
- Lack of income/funds, not behavior, are cited as main reasons for financial issues.
- Financial education is seen as key to debt reduction and savings but many lack access to resources.
Are you considering buying a home? This Home Buyer Guide covers useful information for people buying a home. Should you have any questions, please reach out to me at www.ThePeak.com
This document provides information to help buyers in their home buying process. It discusses trends in the housing market, reasons to buy now rather than wait, how to save for a down payment, and tips for the home buying process. Key points include that home prices are projected to continue rising in most areas, low mortgage rates increase purchasing power, and it may be possible to buy a home with less than a 20% down payment or with a credit score lower than previously thought.
2012 07 Clear View's Smart Money Health Care SpecialSteve Stanganelli
The document discusses health care as a central issue in the 2012 US presidential election. It notes that Republicans argue the Affordable Care Act will increase costs and the deficit, while Democrats say benefits are already apparent and it will provide affordable care. A graphic shows health care is the second most important issue to voters after job creation. The rest of the document discusses the Supreme Court upholding the individual mandate and potential effects on different health care sectors.
This document provides a guide to avoiding common mistakes in retirement financial planning. It discusses underestimating life expectancy, relying on being able to work longer than planned, neglecting healthcare costs, accepting low investment returns, failing to monitor withdrawal rates, and not getting a second opinion on your financial plan. It then provides more details on generating retirement income, sources of guaranteed retirement income, protecting assets with various types of insurance, other retirement considerations like housing and healthcare, and the basics of estate planning.
This document provides a step-by-step guide to help consumers choose the best mortgage. It discusses:
1. Defining what is affordable, understanding your credit, choosing between fixed and adjustable rates, selecting the right down payment, and understanding how points affect interest rates.
2. The importance of understanding your credit report and score to qualify for the best rate. Correcting any errors can improve your score.
3. Different types of mortgages and their tradeoffs (fixed vs adjustable rates), avoiding risky features like balloons payments or prepayment penalties.
4. Factors that determine the right down payment amount depending on the borrower's situation and goals.
The overall document aims
This document provides information on several topics related to personal finance planning. It includes an article discussing the complicated relationship between money and happiness, focusing on spending money on experiences rather than material goods. It also covers planned charitable giving strategies and compares attitudes of baby boomers and millennials regarding finances. Dividends are discussed as a potential source of retirement income but there are risks such as dividends not being guaranteed and tax implications.
This presentation provides seven tips to help manage finances and maintain financial health during difficult economic times. The tips include creating a budget, paying with cash instead of credit when possible, investing when stock prices are low, paying off revolving debt while keeping a small number of credit cards for emergencies, treating your home as shelter rather than an investment, managing tax withholdings, and living within your means by spending less than you earn. Financial Educators of America provides these tips to help people regain their financial freedom.
This document outlines four steps to achieving financial security: 1) control your expenses by spending less than you earn, 2) increase your income through career advancement, 3) reduce debt and build savings, and 4) control risks through proper insurance. It then provides additional guidance on applying these steps at different life stages from your 20s through retirement. The overall message is that consistently following a plan of spending control, income growth, debt reduction, and risk management can lead one to the goal of financial security.
Five Key Elements to protect your family and your legacy written by Lisa Detanna. Estate planning means ensuring that your assets will be applied to the objectives you choose, both now and in the future. Lisa Detanna collaborates with a diverse high net worth clientele that includes both individuals and organizations.
The document summarizes an insurance plan called A Plan for Life from American General Life and Accident Insurance Company. It discusses the importance of planning for future financial security and having insurance to protect against dying too soon, living too long, and ensuring needs are met at death. Specific needs are outlined like final expenses, mortgage, rent, education costs, and more. Steps to developing a financial plan are provided.
260367062 how-to-manage-your-money-erik-wecksZol Has
This book provides advice on managing money when you don't have much. It introduces a simple financial plan divided into strategies and tactics. The plan is based on the author's own experience struggling financially and advising other families. The introduction discusses the current economic challenges in the U.S. and argues that lasting financial change requires altering beliefs about money in addition to changing behaviors. Readers are asked to examine their own thinking and spending habits around debt.
http://ekinsurance.com/financial/retirement/
If you are near retirement or have retired, listed below are several common mistakes that occur in the arena of financial planning for retirement that you can plan now to avoid.
This document discusses the differences between wills and trusts for estate planning purposes. It explains that a will directs how property is distributed after death but requires probate, while a revocable living trust allows assets to avoid probate by transferring ownership of assets to the trust during life. It notes that a trust can be used to manage assets if one becomes incapacitated, but a will is needed to name guardians. Both documents allow directing distribution of assets, but a trust may provide privacy advantages over probate. The decision depends on factors like state probate laws and property holdings.
The document provides tips for improving financial wellness and independence, including paying off debt. It discusses the average amount of debt Americans hold ($52,940), broken down by type and demographics. It recommends creating a repayment plan, prioritizing debts from highest to lowest interest rate, and considering debt consolidation or refinancing while interest rates are low to reduce costs and make progress paying off debt. Building an emergency fund and living debt-free are also presented as important steps toward financial independence.
Tips for mastering the write-ups There rarely exist right answeTakishaPeck109
Tips for mastering the write-ups:
There rarely exist right answers to these questions. That’s what makes the prompts interesting,
useful, and fun (we hope). Good write-ups will always reflect a solid understanding of the
material but more importantly you should be able to apply the concepts to the prompt. This means
that you should not provide definitions and examples from the reading, but instead figure out
what concepts are relevant and how they apply to this business situation.
The following are a few tangible, specific tips based on years of grading write-ups. I offer them to
you in roughly decreasing order of how frustrating their violations are to a grader.
1. Don’t regurgitate the reading. You never need to waste space including definitions from the
reading. Write as if your audience not only has read the assigned materials but also knows
them well. When necessary, cite a concept as briefly as possible. The fact that you’ve done
the reading should be revealed to us by your thinking, NOT by some quotation.
2. Start quickly and end abruptly. For these short write-ups, introductions, background, and
conclusions are entirely unnecessary. Even worse, they take away space that is better used in
other ways. We don’t expect these things to read like English essays. Nor are we strangers to
why you’re writing in the first place. Treat it like an email to a colleague and jump right in.
3. Choose specific over abstract. Precision is good. It’s good for communication, and it’s good
for sharpening thinking. When you feel yourself getting fuzzy, think to yourself: I need an
example. We love examples. Make it real.
4. Be realistic. There is nothing more irritating than a cute suggestion (for example, of how an
organization might mitigate a particular bias) that works theoretically but is utterly infeasible
in the real world. Perhaps the best criterion is to ask yourself if you’d be willing to sit in a
manager’s office advocating his or her use of your recommendation.
5. Less is more. Believe it or not, a common mistake is to include too many ideas — not
because too many ideas itself is bad, but because these ideas, as intriguing, tantalizing, and,
yes, right as they might be, are often too poorly developed. Don’t make this mistake! We’re
not impressed with laundry lists. It’s much better to write about a few things really well.
Oh, and have fun! This is an opportunity to be creative (the risk-reward tradeoff for creativity is
very attractive). A student who is thoughtful and having fun when writing these is generally going
to do pretty well. And get more out of it. Thanks!
Running head: Access to medicines 1
Access to medicines 4
Access to medicines
Student’s name
Name of institution
Date
Access to medicine and affordable healthcare
Many people across the world face many challenges in accessing quality healthcare. This usually affects low income families who find it difficult to access medicine when they get ...
This document discusses the importance of financial education and provides an overview of basic financial concepts. It is published by Primerica, a financial services company, to help consumers overcome common financial challenges through knowledge. The document encourages readers to take control of their finances by learning principles like paying themselves first, eliminating debt, investing for the long term, and starting early to benefit from the power of compound interest and time. It presents savings and investment strategies as ways for working Americans to achieve financial security and independence.
This document provides information about financial planning services offered by World Financial Group (WFG). WFG associates assess clients' unique needs and goals to help them work toward a more secure financial future. WFG offers a broad range of products like life insurance, annuities, investment funds, and retirement accounts from multiple providers. The document discusses challenges to financial security like debt, college costs, retirement and health care savings shortfalls, and inflation. It promotes the benefits of a customized financial needs analysis from WFG to address these challenges through strategies like debt management, emergency savings, asset accumulation, and proper insurance protection.
This document provides guidance on avoiding common mistakes in retirement planning and generating retirement income. Some key mistakes include underestimating life expectancy, failing to account for healthcare costs, and having returns that are too low. The document recommends estimating expenses, totaling income sources, and adjusting plans if there is a shortfall. Sources of retirement income that can be controlled include CDs, annuities, mortgage-backed securities, and municipal bonds, with annuities and mortgage-backed securities providing higher guaranteed rates of return.
First Time Home Buyer's Guide - KM Realty Group LLCTammy Jackson
The process of buying a home can be overwhelming at times, but you don't need to go through it alone.
You may be wondering if now is a good time to buy a home… or if you should continue renting. The free eGuide below will answer many of your questions and likely bring up a few things you didn't even know you should consider when buying a home.
Have questions? Contact us today.
✅ https://kmrealtygroup.net/contact-us/
This document contains a disclaimer and introduction from the author Julio M. Domanais about the information provided in the e-book. It states that the information should be used as a general guide and the author assumes no liability. It also notes that the e-book contains the author's personal opinions. The introduction then provides background about the author and their motivation for writing the e-book, which is to help others follow their passions and achieve financial literacy. It outlines some of the tips and strategies that will be shared in the e-book.
This seminar helps couples communicate about money matters, offers money and budget saving tips, and helps couples develop a spending plan for their future goals.
1. Pinnacle Planning
Investment & Insurance Advisory
Services
Philip J. Fulco, Jr, CFP®
Managing Principal
8 Pulaski Road
Fishkill, NY 12524
845-440-3426
pfulco@ae.cadaretgrant.com
July 2015
What's New in the Housing Market for
2015?
Five Steps to Tame Financial Stress
Prepaid Funeral Arrangements Can
Have Grave Consequences
What is the Roth 401(k) five-year rule?
Pinnacle News
Financial News You Can Use
What's New in the Housing Market for 2015?
See disclaimer on final page
Home buyers and sellers
finally have reason to
celebrate in 2015. After
almost a decade of
limping along toward
recovery, it seems as
though the housing
market has finally hit a
more comfortable stride.
According to the S&P/Case-Shiller Home Price
Indices, well-known gauges of the U.S. housing
market, real estate is finally showing healthy
signs of improvement.
Data released by Case-Shiller at the end of
April indicates that home prices have continued
to rise across the United States. (Source:
S&P/Case-Shiller Home Price Indices, April
2015) And as it turns out, no one factor is
responsible for the trend. Rather, a variety of
factors are being credited for the recovery.
Low mortgage interest rates
This year, mortgage rates have remained at
all-time lows. (Source: Freddie Mac U.S.
Economic & Housing Market Outlook, April
2015) A slower-than-expected economic
recovery may be partly responsible, with the
Federal Reserve holding off on raising interest
rates until the economy is on more solid
ground. And while interest rates are expected
to go up at some point (possibly later this year),
home buyers are taking advantage of the
historically low rates while they can.
Less-stringent mortgage lending
Obtaining a mortgage has gotten easier this
year thanks to less-stringent lending
requirements. (Source: Mortgage Credit
Availability Index, March 2015) A number of
changes are being credited for making
mortgage lending more readily available.
Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac lowered their
down payment thresholds this past December
to as little as 3% of a home's purchase price, a
boon for first-time home buyers and buyers with
low down payment funds available.
In addition, the Federal Housing Administration
(FHA) announced this past January that it will
lower what it charges for annual mortgage
insurance premiums. The 0.5% decrease, from
1.35% to 0.85%, is expected to reduce an FHA
borrower's annual mortgage payment by $900
per year, on average. (Source: U.S.
Department of Housing and Urban
Development, HUD No. 15-001)
Low housing inventory
A low housing inventory frequently gives home
sellers the advantage, since it often leads to an
increase in housing prices. While inventory
does vary by location, total unsold inventory
was on the lower end, with a 4.6-month
available supply. (Source: National Association
of Realtors, News Release, April 2015)
Buying a home is more affordable than
renting
According to Trulia's Rent vs. Buy Index, it was
cheaper to buy a home than to rent one in all of
the nation's largest 100 cities in late 2014. And
nationwide, owning was 38% less expensive
than renting, although the gap varied widely by
location. (Source: Trulia.com, Rent vs. Buy
Index, October 2014)
Millennials are entering the market
Despite living with high student debt and a tepid
job market, millennials are finally entering the
real estate market. In fact, adults age 34 and
younger made up the largest percentage of
home buyers in 2014, accounting for 32% of all
home purchases nationwide. (Source: National
Association of Realtors, Home Buyer and Seller
Generational Trends study, 2015)
Of course, this doesn't mean that all millennials
are buying homes. Those with the highest
student loan debt may have trouble meeting the
debt-to-income ratios required by lenders for a
mortgage. Others are postponing starting a
family, which affects their urgency to purchase
a home.
Page 1 of 4
2. Five Steps to Tame Financial Stress
Do you sometimes lie awake at night thinking
about bills that need to be paid? Does it feel as
though you're drowning in debt? If this
describes you, you might take solace in the fact
that you're not alone. A recent report released
by the American Psychological Association
(APA) showed that 72% of adults feel stressed
about money at least some of the time, and
22% said the amount of stress they
experienced was extreme.1
The bad news is that stress can be responsible
for multiple health problems, including fatigue,
headaches, and depression. And, over time,
stress can contribute to more significant health
issues, including high blood pressure and heart
disease.2 The good news is that there are
some simple steps you can take to reduce or
eliminate some of the financial stress in your
life.
1. Stop and assess
The first step in reducing financial stress is to
look at your situation objectively, creating a
snapshot of your current financial condition. Sit
down and list all of your financial obligations.
Start with the items that are causing you the
most stress. For debts, include the principal
due, the applicable interest rate, and the
minimum payment amount. If you're not already
doing so, review your bank account and
credit-card statements to track where your
money is going. The goal here is not to solve
the problem; it's to determine and document the
scope of the problem. You might find that this
step alone significantly helps alleviate your
stress level (think of it as facing your fears).
2. Talk to your spouse
If you're married, talk to your spouse. It's
important to communicate with your spouse for
several reasons. First, you and your spouse
need to be on the same financial page; any
steps you take to improve your situation are
going to be most effective if pursued jointly.
Second, not being on the same page as your
spouse is only going to lead to additional
stress. In fact, the APA report showed that 31%
of spouses and partners say that money is a
major source of conflict or tension in their
relationship.3 Additionally, your spouse or
partner can be a valuable source of emotional
support, and this emotional support alone can
lower stress levels.4 If you're not married,
family or friends might fill this role.
3. Take control
First, go back and take a look at where your
money is going. Are there changes you can
make that will free up funds you can save or
apply elsewhere? Even small changes can
make a difference. And exerting control over
your situation to any degree can help reduce
your overall stress level. Start building a cash
reserve, or emergency fund, by saving a little
bit each paycheck. Think of the emergency
fund as a safety net; just knowing it's there will
help reduce your ongoing level of stress. Work
up to a full spending plan (yes, that's another
way of saying a budget) where you prioritize
your expenses, set spending goals, and then
stick to them going forward.
4. Think longer term
Look for ways to reduce debt long term. You
might pay more toward balances that have the
highest interest rates. Or you might consider
refinancing or consolidation options as well.
Beyond that, though, you really want to start
thinking about your long-term financial goals,
identifying and prioritizing your goals,
calculating how much you might need to fund
those goals, and implementing a plan that
accounts for those goals. Having a plan in
place can help you with your stress levels, both
now and in the future.
5. Get help
Always remember that you don't need to handle
this alone. If the emotional support of a spouse,
friends, or family isn't enough, or the level of
stress that you're feeling is just too much, know
that there is help available. Consider talking to
your primary-care physician, a mental health
professional, or an employee assistance
resource, for example.
A financial professional can also be a valuable
resource in helping you work through some of
the steps discussed here, and can help direct
you to other sources of assistance, like credit or
debt counseling services, depending on your
needs.
The most important thing to keep in mind is that
you have the ability to control the amount of
financial stress in your life.
1,3,4 American Psychological Association,
"Stress in America™: Paying with Our Health,"
www.stressinamerica.org, February 4, 2015
2 Mayo Clinic Staff, "Stress Symptoms: Effects
on Your Body and Behavior,"
www.mayoclinic.org, July 19, 2013
Seventy-two percent of
adults report feeling
stressed about money at
least some of the time, and
22% say that the amount of
stress they experience is
extreme.
Source: American
Psychological Association
Page 2 of 4, see disclaimer on final page
3. Prepaid Funeral Arrangements Can Have Grave Consequences
An important part of estate planning involves
consideration of funeral or memorial
arrangements, including paying for some or all
of the costs in advance. Planning ahead not
only spares your survivors from the stress of
making these decisions, but prepaying for your
services relieves your survivors from the
burden of worrying about money during an
otherwise difficult time.
Prepaid agreement
One way to prepay your funeral is by entering
into a pre-need agreement with a funeral home
of your choice. The funeral home may agree to
"lock in" costs for future funeral or burial
services at an agreed-upon price. This is often
done through a trust or other arrangement that
you can fund with cash, bonds, or life
insurance. At your death, the funds are
disbursed to pay for your funeral according to
the terms of the agreement.
But before entering into a prepaid arrangement,
you may want to get answers to the following
questions:
• What happens to the funds you've prepaid?
How are they held? Do they earn interest?
Are they safe?
• What happens if the funeral home goes out of
business? What protections, if any, do you
have that your funds will be available when
needed?
• Can you cancel the agreement and, if so, are
you able to receive a refund?
• If you move, can your funds be transferred to
another funeral home? Will the same terms
apply? Is there a fee or cost to transfer your
funds to another funeral home?
The Funeral Rule
There are some legal protections available to
consumers of funeral home services. The
Funeral Rule, enforced by the Federal Trade
Commission (FTC), requires funeral providers
to give consumers accurate, itemized price
information and other disclosures about funeral
goods and services. The Rule also prohibits
funeral providers from misrepresenting
service-related requirements and from
engaging in unfair or deceptive practices.
The key feature of the Funeral Rule is the
General Price List, which entitles consumers to
receive itemized prices for the various goods
and services offered, allowing them to
comparison shop and to purchase goods and
services on an itemized basis, and not solely as
part of a package. For more information on
shopping for funeral services, the Funeral Rule,
and prepaying for some or all of the expenses
involved, visit the FTC consumer website
www.consumer.ftc.gov.
State law protections
The Funeral Rule generally governs funeral
providers. It does not offer specific remedies or
causes of action for consumers who are victims
of funeral providers that do not comply with the
Rule. Laws in individual states regulate funeral
providers and help ensure that advance
payments are available when they're needed.
However, protections vary widely from state to
state, sometimes providing a window of
opportunity for unscrupulous operators.
What can you do?
Before entering into a prepaid agreement, here
are some steps you can take to safeguard your
funds and ensure you'll get the services you've
payed for:
• Find out what kind of consumer protection
your state provides and whether it regulates
the payment methods.
• Be sure that your funds or insurance policy
are held in a trust at a reputable bank or other
financial institution that you can check on to
be sure your money or policy is safe. You
may even be entitled to an annual statement.
• If you're funding some or all of the pre-need
arrangements with life insurance purchased
through the funeral services provider, be sure
the policy is permanent insurance, such as
whole life, and not term insurance (if you
outlive the term of the policy, there will be no
insurance proceeds to pay for your funeral).
• The agreement should address what
happens to any excess funds that may be
available after paying for your services. Some
pre-need contracts allow you to designate
how excess funds are to be disposed (e.g.,
surviving family members, your church or
other charity).
• Along those same lines, if you cancel the
contract, you may be entitled to a partial or
full refund, although some states allow the
funeral provider to retain a portion of the
funds, often depending on how long the
contract has been in existence.
Ultimately, be sure to tell your family about the
plans you've made and where you'll keep
important documents, such as your last will and
testament and any documentation you've
retained concerning your pre-need funeral
arrangements.
Possible long-term care
benefit
Irrevocable funeral trusts may
also help you qualify for
long-term care benefits through
Medicaid. These trusts may be
funded with assets that would
otherwise be countable
resources for Medicaid. Trust
assets, including life insurance
death benefits, are not
countable resources when
trying to qualify for long-term
care benefits through Medicaid.
And you can fund the funeral
trust right before applying for
benefits--there's no "look-back"
period for these transfers. The
legal expense to create an
irrevocable funeral trust (IFT) is
typically paid by the insurance
company, which acts as the
Trustee. There is typically no
expense to the insured party to
create the IFT other than the
one-time cost of the insurance.
Almost all states impose a limit
on the amount of money that
can be placed in a funeral trust.
Not all funeral trusts are
considered to be
Medicaid-exempt assets.
Consult with your estate
planning attorney for help with
your individual circumstances.
Page 3 of 4, see disclaimer on final page
4. Pinnacle Planning
Investment & Insurance
Advisory Services
Philip J. Fulco, Jr, CFP®
Managing Principal
8 Pulaski Road
Fishkill, NY 12524
845-440-3426
pfulco@ae.cadaretgrant.com
Prepared by Broadridge Investor Communication Solutions, Inc. Copyright 2015
Philip J. Fulco, Jr., CFP® is a
registered representative and an
investment advisor representative
offering securities through Cadaret,
Grant & Co., Inc. member
FINRA/SIPC. Pinnacle Planning an
Cadaret Grant are separate
entities. Supervising office, Sterling
Manor Financial (866)450-5655 18
Division Street, Suite 202,
Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.
What is the Roth IRA five-year rule?
Actually, there are two
five-year rules you need to
know about. The first five-year
rule determines when you can
begin receiving tax-free
qualified distributions from your Roth IRA.
Withdrawals from your Roth IRA--including both
your contributions and any investment
earnings--are completely tax and penalty free if
you satisfy a five-year holding period and one
of the following also applies:
• You've reached age 59½ by the time of the
withdrawal
• The withdrawal is made due to a qualifying
disability
• The withdrawal is made for first-time
homebuyer expenses ($10,000 lifetime limit)
• The withdrawal is made by your beneficiary
or estate after your death
This five-year holding period begins on January
1 of the tax year for which you made your first
contribution (regular or rollover) to any Roth
IRA you own. For example, if you make your
first Roth IRA contribution in March 2015 and
designate it as a 2014 contribution, your
five-year holding period begins on January 1,
2014 (and ends on December 31, 2018). You
have only one five-year holding period for
determining whether distributions from any
Roth IRA you own are tax-free qualified
distributions. (Roth IRAs you inherit are subject
to different rules.)
The second five-year rule is a little more
complicated. When you convert a traditional
IRA to a Roth IRA, the amount you convert
(except for any after-tax contributions you've
made) is subject to income tax at the time of
conversion. However, your conversion isn't
subject to the 10% early distribution penalty,
even if you haven't yet reached age 59½.
But what the IRS giveth it can also taketh away.
If you withdraw any portion of your taxable
conversion within five years, you'll have to pay
the 10% early distribution penalty on those
funds that you previously avoided--unless
you've reached age 59½ or qualify for another
exemption from the penalty tax. This five-year
holding period starts on January 1 of the year
you convert your traditional IRA to a Roth IRA.
And if you have more than one conversion,
each will have its own separate five-year
holding period for this purpose.
What is the Roth 401(k) five-year rule?
The Roth 401(k) five-year rule
determines when you can
begin receiving tax-free
qualified distributions from
your 401(k) plan Roth account.
While it's similar to the five-year rule that
applies to Roth IRAs, there are important
differences.
Withdrawals from your Roth 401(k) plan
account--including both your contributions and
any investment earnings--are completely tax
and penalty free if you satisfy a five-year
holding period and one of the following also
applies:
• You've reached age 59½
• You have a qualifying disability, or
• The withdrawal is made by your beneficiary
or estate after your death
The five-year holding period begins on the first
day of the calendar year in which you make
your first Roth 401(k) contribution (regular or
rollover) to the plan. For example, if you make
your first Roth contribution to your company's
401(k) plan in December 2015, your five-year
holding period begins on January 1, 2015, and
ends on December 31, 2019.
If you participate in 401(k) plans maintained by
different employers, your five-year holding
period is determined separately for each plan.
But there's an important exception. If you make
a direct rollover of Roth dollars from your prior
employer's plan to your new employer's plan,
your five-year holding period for the new plan
will be deemed to start with the year you made
your first Roth contribution to the prior plan.
For example, Beth made Roth contributions to
the Acme 401(k) plan beginning in 2011. In
2015, she changed jobs and began making
Roth contributions to the Beacon 401(k) plan.
Her five-year holding period for the Acme plan
began on January 1, 2011, and ends on
December 31, 2015. Her five-year holding
period for the Beacon plan began on January 1,
2015, and ends on December 31, 2019. In
2015, Beth decides to make a direct rollover of
her Acme Roth account to Beacon's 401(k)
plan. Because of the rollover, Beth's January 1,
2011, starting date at Acme will carry over to
the Beacon plan, and any distributions she
receives from her Beacon Roth account after
2015 (rather than 2018) will be tax free
(assuming she's at least age 59½ or disabled at
the time of distribution).
Page 4 of 4