Ashford Creative Wealth Strategies Newsletter - May 2010

To view this month's newsletter, please click on the PDF file located at the bottom of the page.

This month's newsletter features the following articles:

BLIPS ON THE FINANCIAL RADAR

A look at some topics from the financial world currently receiving a lot of attention:

PHASED RETIREMENT

This is a twist on semi-retirement, usually a situation where individuals continue working for their current employer on a reduced basis – while also receiving pension and/or retirement plan benefits. These unique arrangements may benefit both employers and employees, but could also change your retirement accumulation strategies.

STRATEGIC DEFAULTS

Current statistics indicate almost 20 % of all mortgage defaults are made by homeowners who could afford to make the payments, but have decided it no longer makes financial sense to do so. A look at some of the positives, negatives, and consequences from deliberately walking away from a home, and the financial commitments that go with it.

ROTH IRA CONVERSIONS = TAX WINDFALL

When lawmakers make a change, especially one that involves money, it can be difficult to foresee all the consequences that will result. In an interesting development, the provision allowing more people to pay less tax on future earnings in retirement accounts by converting to Roth IRAs could also provide a windfall of tax revenues today for the US government. Are you someone who would be better off in the long run by paying the tax today?

THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN INVESTING AND GAMBLING

When Wall Street firms start running sports betting operations in Las Vegas, there’s certainly reason to wonder if “investing” and gambling” are just two shades of the same color. But some good comments from a financial expert show there are some significant differences between investing and gambling.

FIVE-MINUTE FINANCIAL THOUGHT:

“I wish I had…” or “I’m glad I did…?”

Sorting your past financial experiences into two categories may help you make better decisions, and take positive action right now.

Related Documents

Ashford Advisors Creative Wealth Strategies Newsletter - May 2010

Internet Marketing Firm: Full Media

Guardian, its subsidiaries, agents, or employees do not provide tax or legal advice. The Associates of Ashford Advisors, Inc., are not licensed to sell insurance in all 50 states. To find out if an agent is licensed in your state, please contact Johnny Howard at 770 390-2600. The Registered Representatives are securities licensed in Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, South Carolina, North Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, New York, Colorado, Arizona, Michigan, Illinois and Nevada and is strictly intended for individuals residing in those states. No offers may be made or accepted from any resident outside these specified states. The information or opinions contained in this Internet site should not be construed by any consumer and/or prospective client as an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any particular investment product. The information contained herein is directed solely to those individuals who reside in jurisdictions in which the representative is registered in the state where the consumer and/or prospective client reside. Any subsequent direct communication with a consumer and/or prospective client shall only be conducted by a representative that is registered in the state where the consumer and/or prospective client reside. The information on this web site is designed to be general in nature and for educational purposes only. Guardian, its agents and employees do not give tax or legal advice.

The Living Balance Sheet® and the Living Balance Sheet® Logo are registered service marks of The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America (Guardian), New York, NY. The graphics and text used herein are the exclusive property of Guardian and protected under U.S. and International copyright laws. © Copyright 2005-2009, The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America

* Registered Representative of Park Avenue Securities LLC (PAS), Two Ravinia Drive, Suite 750, Atlanta, GA 30346. Securities products and services offered through PAS, (770) 390-2600. Financial Representative, The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America (Guardian), New York, NY. PAS is an indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of Guardian. Ashford Advisors is not an affiliate or subsidiary of PAS or Guardian.
PAS is a member FINRA, SIPC.

** Registered Representative and Financial Advisor of Park Avenue Securities LLC (PAS), Two Ravinia Drive, Suite 750, Atlanta, GA 30346. Securities products/services and advisory services are offered through PAS, a registered broker-dealer and investment advisor, (770) 390-2600. Financial Representative, The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America (Guardian), New York, NY. PAS is an indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of Guardian. Ashford Advisors is not an affiliate or subsidiary of PAS or Guardian.
PAS is a member FINRA, SIPC.

Material discussed is meant for general illustration and/or informational purposes only and it is not to be construed as tax, legal or investment advice. Although the information has been gathered from sources believed reliable, please note that individual situations can vary, therefore the information should be relied upon when coordinated with individual professional advice.

Disability Income and Long Term Care products underwritten and issued by Berkshire Life Insurance Company of America, Pittsfield, MA, a wholly owned stock subsidiary of The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America, New York, NY. Products not available in all states. Product provisions and features may vary from state to state.

Guardian does not offer Property and Casualty insurance products or services.