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.

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Ashford Advisors Creative Wealth Strategies Newsletter - May 2010

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