The FFS Blog http://ffscambridge.com/blog Updates, Notes, and Thoughts on Financial Planning - Fisher Financial Strategies, Cambridge, MA en tom@ffscambridge.com Copyright 2009 2009-11-11T18:54:00-05:00 42.362297-71.084129http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/3.0/http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/3.0/http://creativecommons.org/images/public/somerights20.gifSome Rights Reserved New England Economy: Not Out of the Woods in 2010 http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FfsBlog/~3/oGjpnGHyN5c/ http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/new_england_economy_not_out_of_the_woods_in_2010/#When:17:54:00Z Yesterday the New England Economic Partnership (NEEP) held its Fall Economic Conference at the Boston Federal Reserve. Regional economists reported that they expect unemployment in New England to peak next year, despite improvements in the national economic outlook.

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]]> Boston/Cambridge/New England, Economy, Housing, Buying/Owning a House, News 2009-11-11T17:54:00-05:00 http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/new_england_economy_not_out_of_the_woods_in_2010/#When:17:54:00Z One Out of Five Hedge Funds Is Lying http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FfsBlog/~3/E2sDUdLD_uA/ http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/one_out_of_five_hedge_funds_is_lying/#When:19:31:00Z A recent scholarly paper reveals an interesting conclusion: quite a few hedge fund managers misrepresent the truth about past legal and regulatory problems, performance, or assets under management.

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]]> Investing, Hedge Funds, News 2009-11-09T19:31:00-05:00 http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/one_out_of_five_hedge_funds_is_lying/#When:19:31:00Z Homebuyer Tax Credit Extended and Broadened To Aid Existing Home Owners http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FfsBlog/~3/q-IOfldG8Yo/ http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/homebuyer_tax_credit_extended_and_broadened_to_aid_existing_home_owners/#When:21:10:00Z Congress just couldn’t resist the urge to give more money away.

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]]> Housing, Buying/Owning a House, News, Taxes, Tax Updates 2009-11-05T21:10:00-05:00 http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/homebuyer_tax_credit_extended_and_broadened_to_aid_existing_home_owners/#When:21:10:00Z Federal Reserve Hints On When Interest Rates Will Rise http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FfsBlog/~3/WUISka-pf98/ http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/federal_reserve_hints_on_when_interest_rates_will_rise/#When:02:12:00Z The Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) left its Federal Funds rate unchanged in a range of zero to 0.25% today; it also gave a few hints as to what would need to happen before it starts raising interest rates.

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]]> Economy, News 2009-11-05T02:12:00-05:00 http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/federal_reserve_hints_on_when_interest_rates_will_rise/#When:02:12:00Z Signs That Housing Prices Are Stabilizing http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FfsBlog/~3/MMcn5EoKw3Y/ http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/signs_that_housing_prices_are_stabilizing/#When:02:34:00Z Today I found a nice article at Smartmoney.com that summarizes several indicators that can help you make an educated guess as to whether housing prices in an area are likely to go up.

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]]> Boston/Cambridge/New England, Economy, Housing, Buying/Owning a House, Residential Property Investing, News 2009-11-03T02:34:00-05:00 http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/signs_that_housing_prices_are_stabilizing/#When:02:34:00Z Massachusetts Economy Has Hit Bottom – Maybe http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FfsBlog/~3/2bYGMk6W2FM/ http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/massachusetts_economy_has_hit_bottom_maybe/#When:02:18:00Z Economists at the University of Massachusetts believe the state’s economy may have bottomed, but the indicators remain ambiguous.

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]]> Boston/Cambridge/New England, Economy, News 2009-11-01T02:18:00-05:00 http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/massachusetts_economy_has_hit_bottom_maybe/#When:02:18:00Z IRS Extends Deadline for Re-depositing 2009 Required Minimum Distributions http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FfsBlog/~3/tHcJQRcQKTo/ http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/irs_extends_deadline_for_re_depositing_2009_required_minimum_distributions/#When:19:29:00Z Under the Worker, Retiree, and Employer Recovery Act of 2008, Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) for 2009 from IRAs were waived. People who inadvertently received a distribution were confused about their options, but the IRS has issued clarifying guidance.

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]]> News, Retirement, IRAs, Taxes 2009-10-27T19:29:00-05:00 http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/irs_extends_deadline_for_re_depositing_2009_required_minimum_distributions/#When:19:29:00Z First-Time Homebuyers Tax Credit Extension Proposals Gaining Ground http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FfsBlog/~3/JGaCIWRFqaY/ http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/first_time_homebuyers_tax_credit_extension_proposals_gaining_ground/#When:20:55:00Z As the November 30th deadline for the $8,000 first-time homebuyers credit approaches, members of both the House and the Senate are floating ideas for ways to extend the credit.

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]]> Economy, Housing, Buying/Owning a House, News, Taxes 2009-10-24T20:55:00-05:00 http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/first_time_homebuyers_tax_credit_extension_proposals_gaining_ground/#When:20:55:00Z Consumer Financial Protection Agency Act Moves to House for Vote http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FfsBlog/~3/IH3zOgxMtus/ http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/consumer_financial_protection_agency_act_moves_to_house_for_vote/#When:02:26:00Z Today the House Financial Services Committee approved a bill establishing the Consumer Financial Protection Agency (CFPA).

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]]> Debt, Credit Cards, Mortgages, News 2009-10-23T02:26:00-05:00 http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/consumer_financial_protection_agency_act_moves_to_house_for_vote/#When:02:26:00Z 2010 Limits for Retirement Plans, Social Security Wage Base Announced http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FfsBlog/~3/1wC_HqrpZJc/ http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/2010_limits_for_retirement_plans_social_security_wage_base_announced/#When:17:45:00Z Despite a decline in the Consumer Price Index (CPI), major retirement plan limits remain unchanged.

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]]> News, Retirement, 401(k) plans, Social Security 2009-10-16T17:45:00-05:00 http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/2010_limits_for_retirement_plans_social_security_wage_base_announced/#When:17:45:00Z What’s The Best Day of the Year For House-Buying? http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FfsBlog/~3/H6I6k7cr9Lw/ http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/whats_the_best_day_of_the_year_for_house_buying/#When:17:14:00Z Yesterday’s second hour of the radio program “On Point” featured the author of “Buy Ketchup in May and Fly at Noon: A Guide to the Best Time to Buy This, Do That, and Go There.”

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]]> Cash Flow, Housing, Buying/Owning a House, Meeting Your Goals 2009-10-08T17:14:00-05:00 http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/whats_the_best_day_of_the_year_for_house_buying/#When:17:14:00Z Nine Strategies for Minimizing Your Taxes in 2009 (and 2010) http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FfsBlog/~3/Dmy_lYHWULA/ http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/nine_strategies_for_minimizing_your_taxes_in_2009_and_2010/#When:15:18:00Z At this time of year it’s a good idea to look for last-minute opportunities to minimize your taxes. Most opportunities require some action before the end of the calendar year; here are several ideas to consider.

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]]> Housing, Buying/Owning a House, Taxes, Yearend Tax Ideas 2009-10-06T15:18:00-05:00 http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/nine_strategies_for_minimizing_your_taxes_in_2009_and_2010/#When:15:18:00Z Boston Income Growth Ranks Among Nation’s Top Ten http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FfsBlog/~3/0jh2N-z-O2U/ http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/boston_income_growth_ranks_among_nations_top_ten/#When:21:53:01Z Bizjournals.com recently released its analysis of per capita income growth in the 100 largest US metro areas. Except for Bridgeport-Stamford, CT, Boston was the only metro area in New England ranked among the top 10 .

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]]> Boston/Cambridge/New England, Economy 2009-10-01T21:53:01-05:00 http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/boston_income_growth_ranks_among_nations_top_ten/#When:21:53:01Z Another Helpful Primer On the Economic Collapse http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FfsBlog/~3/5zwiDZ1Bo6s/ http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/another_helpful_primer_on_the_economic_collapse/#When:22:00:00Z Last week, the NPR show This American Life marked the anniversary of the housing-credit crisis by updating its entertaining report on the events that led to the collapse of the credit markets last year.

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]]> Debt, Mortgages, Economy, Housing, Really Bad Ideas 2009-09-30T22:00:00-05:00 http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/another_helpful_primer_on_the_economic_collapse/#When:22:00:00Z Further Criticism of MacroShares UMM and DMM http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FfsBlog/~3/48veXrJtjfo/ http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/further_criticism_of_macroshares_umm_and_dmm/#When:23:47:00Z Don Dion, writing in TheStreet.com, has included UMM and DMM on his list of the "10 Most Dangerous ETFs." Technically, they're not ETFs, but that's a minor quibble. Going beyond the criticisms I offered of MacroShares Major Metro Housing Up (UMM) and Major Metro Housing Down (DMM), Dion comments:

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]]> Housing, Investing, Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) 2009-09-25T23:47:00-05:00 http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/further_criticism_of_macroshares_umm_and_dmm/#When:23:47:00Z Annuities Might Make Sense For Some http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FfsBlog/~3/2_E4Fqy5z9U/ http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/annuities_might_make_sense_for_some/#When:02:41:00Z Annuities have a bad reputation. They’re insurance contracts, which means they’re necessarily complicated. Often, they involve lots of hard-to-understand fees. And variable annuities, in particular, have earned a really bad reputation. Still, there is evidence that some form of annuity could be useful for many retirees.

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]]> Investing, Annuities, Retirement 2009-09-25T02:41:00-05:00 http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/annuities_might_make_sense_for_some/#When:02:41:00Z GAO to IRS: Tighten Up Enforcement of Home Mortgage Interest Deduction http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FfsBlog/~3/vYYptFNKtRc/ http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/gao_to_irs_tighten_up_enforcement_of_home_mortgage_interest_deduction/#When:21:45:00Z Home mortgage interest has been a tax-deductible expense on Federal tax returns since 1913. But in a report issued recently, the General Accounting Office (GAO) has recommended that the IRS do a better job of enforcing the rules that apply to the mortgage interest deduction.

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]]> Debt, Mortgages, Housing, Buying/Owning a House, Taxes, Tax Updates 2009-09-17T21:45:00-05:00 http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/gao_to_irs_tighten_up_enforcement_of_home_mortgage_interest_deduction/#When:21:45:00Z Which Cell Phone Provider Is the Best Fit for You? http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FfsBlog/~3/hstJl195kr8/ http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/which_cell_phone_provider_is_the_best_fit_for_you/#When:19:21:00Z Figuring out which cell phone plan to buy can be a huge pain. There's no point in paying for services that you don't use, and if you pick the wrong plan, you're stuck for as long as two years unless you pay a termination fee. Over at the Flowing Data blog, there are some graphs that help simplify the process.

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]]> Cash Flow, Truly Random 2009-09-17T19:21:00-05:00 http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/which_cell_phone_provider_is_the_best_fit_for_you/#When:19:21:00Z Risk Management Advice:  Get Your Flu Shots, Including H1N1 http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FfsBlog/~3/H7SPDTi3r-A/ http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/risk_management_advice_get_your_flu_shots_including_h1n1/#When:15:09:00Z I don’t often write this sort of advice, but here’s my household risk management recommendation for the Fall: get your flu shots.

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]]> Boston/Cambridge/New England, News, Risk Management 2009-09-14T15:09:00-05:00 http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/risk_management_advice_get_your_flu_shots_including_h1n1/#When:15:09:00Z Boston Fed Sees Signs Economy Is Stabilizing http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FfsBlog/~3/cOVhZMCal7s/ http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/boston_fed_sees_signs_economy_is_stabilizing/#When:02:26:00Z The Federal Reserve’s latest “beige book” report offers a few encouragements on the state of the New England economy.

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]]> Boston/Cambridge/New England, Economy, News 2009-09-10T02:26:00-05:00 http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/boston_fed_sees_signs_economy_is_stabilizing/#When:02:26:00Z Will 401(k) Contribution Limits Drop in 2010? http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FfsBlog/~3/MR_Mu_pMpkA/ http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/will_401k_contribution_limits_drop_in_2010/#When:20:55:00Z Each year, contribution limits on 401(k)s, IRAs and other retirement plans are adjusted to keep up with inflation. However, because of a quirk in the rules that define how limits on 401(k) and pension plan contributions are calculated, it’s possible that 2010 limits on these plans could actually decline from current levels.

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]]> News, Retirement, Planning for your retirement, 401(k) plans 2009-09-04T20:55:00-05:00 http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/will_401k_contribution_limits_drop_in_2010/#When:20:55:00Z 401(k) Fair Disclosure Act May Improve Inferior Plans With High Fees http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FfsBlog/~3/Yxk4JexWy-w/ http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/401k_fair_disclosure_act_may_improve_inferior_plans_with_high_fees/#When:00:02:00Z About 50 million people own 401(k)-type retirement plans, and the percentage of workers with defined-benefit (pension) plans has been dwindling for years. One problem with 401(k) plans is that many plans don’t disclose their fees openly. That would change if Congress moves forward with a bill currently awaiting action in the House of Representatives.

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]]> Investing, Investing 101, Meeting Your Goals, News, Retirement, Planning for your retirement, 401(k) plans 2009-09-02T00:02:00-05:00 http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/401k_fair_disclosure_act_may_improve_inferior_plans_with_high_fees/#When:00:02:00Z SIMPLE IRAs:  Rollovers/Distributions Are Not So Simple http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FfsBlog/~3/wlXDR2W4Jgs/ http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/simple_iras_rollovers_distributions_are_not_so_simple/#When:21:33:00Z SIMPLE IRA plans give small employers an easy way to make employer matching contributions to an employee's retirement plan. The administration of these plans is much simpler for employers than most other retirement plans, but SIMPLE IRAs involve twists and turns that can be confusing for the employees who own the accounts.

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]]> Retirement, IRAs, Taxes 2009-08-28T21:33:00-05:00 http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/simple_iras_rollovers_distributions_are_not_so_simple/#When:21:33:00Z Does Testosterone Explain Investment Behavior in Men and Women? http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FfsBlog/~3/N84TT2oUVkg/ http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/does_testosterone_explain_investment_behavior_in_men_and_women/#When:01:02:00Z A number of behavioral finance studies have shown that men tend to take greater levels of investment risk than women. Researchers at the University of Chicago and Northwestern University have added to these observations with new evidence that high testosterone levels are associated with risky investment behavior.

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]]> Investing, News, Truly Random 2009-08-26T01:02:00-05:00 http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/does_testosterone_explain_investment_behavior_in_men_and_women/#When:01:02:00Z Some ETFs Are Scarier Than Others http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FfsBlog/~3/cmvh1jlDMcg/ http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/some_etfs_are_scarier_than_others/#When:15:23:00Z Announcements of new exchange-traded funds arrive in my e-mailbox almost daily, but today’s seemed ironically timed: a new inverse ETF tied to the performance of twenty-year Treasuries.

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]]> Financial Planning Advice, Investing, Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs), Bonds, News 2009-08-21T15:23:00-05:00 http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/some_etfs_are_scarier_than_others/#When:15:23:00Z Roth IRA Conversions and 2010 - Part 1 http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FfsBlog/~3/0RsodCws-vQ/ http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/roth_ira_conversions_and_2010_part_1/#When:02:10:00Z The coming change in Roth IRA conversion rules has been discussed (seemingly) endlessly in the financial planning community, especially lately. What follows is a short summary of how the conversion laws will change. In future posts, I'll write more about the considerations that should go into a Roth IRA conversion decision.

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]]> Financial Planning Advice, Retirement, IRAs, Taxes 2009-08-21T02:10:00-05:00 http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/roth_ira_conversions_and_2010_part_1/#When:02:10:00Z SEC Adds Its Voice to Warnings About Leveraged and Inverse ETFs http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FfsBlog/~3/2YWm-0DWyn8/ http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/sec_adds_its_voice_to_warnings_about_leveraged_and_inverse_etfs/#When:02:24:00Z The SEC issued a joint warning with FINRA today about the risks of leveraged and inverse ETFs for retail investors.

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]]> Financial Planning Advice, Investing, Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs), News 2009-08-19T02:24:00-05:00 http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/sec_adds_its_voice_to_warnings_about_leveraged_and_inverse_etfs/#When:02:24:00Z Consumer Price Index Suggests Inflection Point http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FfsBlog/~3/uw_Uxez14gc/ http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/consumer_price_index_suggests_inflection_point/#When:02:01:00Z Yesterday the Bureau of Labor Standards provided a CPI update through July 2009. Prices seem to be firming, but no clear pattern has yet emerged.

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]]> Boston/Cambridge/New England, Cash Flow, Food, Economy, News 2009-08-16T02:01:00-05:00 http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/consumer_price_index_suggests_inflection_point/#When:02:01:00Z Always Scrutinize Financial Planner Endorsements Carefully http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FfsBlog/~3/Sq4W77SZR4E/ http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/always_scrutinize_financial_planner_endorsements_carefully/#When:18:23:00Z Last week I received an email that really annoyed me. It was an invitation to a seminar on how to use celebrity endorsements as a marketing tool.

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]]> Financial Planning Advice, Really Bad Ideas 2009-08-10T18:23:00-05:00 http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/always_scrutinize_financial_planner_endorsements_carefully/#When:18:23:00Z Massachusetts Smothers Its Tax Holiday http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FfsBlog/~3/-Cb_CjWtlyE/ http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/massachusetts_smothers_its_tax_holiday/#When:13:01:00Z For several years Massachusetts, like many states, has had a summer tax holiday weekend – sort of like Christmas in August. This year, the Grinch has come to the Bay State.

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]]> Boston/Cambridge/New England, Cash Flow, Economy 2009-08-07T13:01:00-05:00 http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/massachusetts_smothers_its_tax_holiday/#When:13:01:00Z NAPFA Kicks Off Consumer Financial Planning Education Series http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FfsBlog/~3/fYyEcFGQRtM/ http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/napfa_kicks_off_consumer_financial_planning_education_series/#When:21:31:00Z The National Association of Personal Financial Advisors (NAPFA), of which I’m a member, is launching a free consumer education webinar series this week.

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]]> Economy, Financial Planning Advice, Investing, Investing 101, News, Risk Management 2009-08-05T21:31:00-05:00 http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/napfa_kicks_off_consumer_financial_planning_education_series/#When:21:31:00Z Avoiding the Great Recession http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FfsBlog/~3/wi0AIOrpQTA/ http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/avoiding_the_great_recession/#When:19:18:00Z Probably we could have avoided last year’s economic crisis if only everyone had watched Saturday Night Live a few years ago.

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]]> Cash Flow, Debt, Economy, Truly Random 2009-08-05T19:18:00-05:00 http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/avoiding_the_great_recession/#When:19:18:00Z First-Time Homebuyer Credit Attracting Scam Artists http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FfsBlog/~3/yxnPIBc_quo/ http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/first_time_homebuyer_credit_attracting_scam_artists/#When:17:53:00Z I can’t say I’m very surprised by this: the IRS is reporting its first prosecution of a fraud scheme involving the new $8,000 first-time homebuyer credit.

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]]> Housing, Buying/Owning a House, News, Really Bad Ideas, Taxes 2009-07-30T17:53:00-05:00 http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/first_time_homebuyer_credit_attracting_scam_artists/#When:17:53:00Z Brokerage Firms Distancing Themselves From Leveraged/Inverse ETFs http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FfsBlog/~3/UzOXlvRTuDw/ http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/brokerage_firms_distancing_themselves_from_leveraged_inverse_etfs/#When:15:13:00Z As I noted about a month ago, FINRA has drawn attention to the fact that leveraged and inverse exchange-traded funds are often not appropriate for retail investors. In response, some prominent broker/dealer firms have announced that they are backing away from the sale of such ETFs

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]]> Investing, Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs), News 2009-07-28T15:13:00-05:00 http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/brokerage_firms_distancing_themselves_from_leveraged_inverse_etfs/#When:15:13:00Z Should You Pay Off Your Mortgage Before You Retire? http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FfsBlog/~3/Qt3LKWNYv14/ http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/should_you_pay_off_your_mortgage_before_you_retire/#When:11:54:00Z Boston College’s Center for Retirement Research recently released a brief that examines whether people nearing retirement should pay down their mortgages.

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]]> Cash Flow, Saving, Debt, Mortgages, Financial Planning Advice, Investing, News, Retirement 2009-07-27T11:54:00-05:00 http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/should_you_pay_off_your_mortgage_before_you_retire/#When:11:54:00Z Desperately Seeking Ice Cream: Finding New England’s Finest http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FfsBlog/~3/jzQaBmpYsjM/ http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/desperately_seeking_ice_cream_finding_new_englands_finest/#When:19:48:00Z When I moved to Boston, I was surprised to discover that despite the severity of New England winters, ice cream is a regional obsession. Here’s a useful resource for finding the area’s finest ice creameries as you travel this summer.

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]]> Boston/Cambridge/New England, Cash Flow, Food, Truly Random 2009-07-23T19:48:00-05:00 http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/desperately_seeking_ice_cream_finding_new_englands_finest/#When:19:48:00Z Summer Camp Costs May Qualify For Child Care Tax Credits http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FfsBlog/~3/UXgy1xnkto0/ http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/summer_camp_costs_may_qualify_for_child_care_tax_credits/#When:19:01:00Z The IRS is drawing attention to the fact that the cost of sending your children to a summer day camp can qualify you for lower taxes via the child care tax credit.

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]]> Cash Flow, Taxes, Truly Random 2009-07-21T19:01:00-05:00 http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/summer_camp_costs_may_qualify_for_child_care_tax_credits/#When:19:01:00Z MA Secretary of State Investigating Leveraged Exchange-Traded Funds http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FfsBlog/~3/bLCPGGjVX-o/ http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/ma_secretary_of_state_investigating_leveraged_exchange_traded_funds/#When:17:23:00Z As more attention is focused on to the risks of leveraged exchange-traded funds (ETFs), regulators are starting to investigate how they’re being sold to retail investors.

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]]> Boston/Cambridge/New England, Investing, Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs), News 2009-07-16T17:23:00-05:00 http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/ma_secretary_of_state_investigating_leveraged_exchange_traded_funds/#When:17:23:00Z 10 Ways to Support Charity Through Social Media http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FfsBlog/~3/Sx94AXXOgRQ/ http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/10_ways_to_support_charity_through_social_media/#When:15:00:00Z New social media, like many relatively recent offspring of the internet, are in some ways an invention in search of a need. One thing that social media can be useful for is as a means to support and encourage your favorite charities.

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]]> Blogging, News, Taxes, Charitable Deductions, Truly Random 2009-07-14T15:00:00-05:00 http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/10_ways_to_support_charity_through_social_media/#When:15:00:00Z Fine Dining for the Thrifty: Restaurant Week Comes to Boston in August http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FfsBlog/~3/rbVX_ebmboo/ http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/fine_dining_for_the_thrifty_restaurant_week_comes_to_boston_in_august/#When:15:13:00Z Although I’m not a true “foodie,” I do enjoy a good meal. I enjoy saving money, too. Restaurant Week enables me to do both simultaneously. Now in its ninth year in Boston, Restaurant Week offers an opportunity for locals to sample the offerings of pricey restaurants at a discount. Moreover, there are Restaurant Weeks in other cities.

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]]> Boston/Cambridge/New England, Cash Flow, Food, Saving 2009-07-10T15:13:00-05:00 http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/fine_dining_for_the_thrifty_restaurant_week_comes_to_boston_in_august/#When:15:13:00Z Taleb On Distinguishing Between Investing Skill and Random Chance http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FfsBlog/~3/xpaUGtML9rI/ http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/taleb_on_distinguishing_between_investing_skill_and_random_chance/#When:11:57:00Z Several weeks ago I found time to read Nassim Nicholas Taleb’s Fooled By Randomness. This book, entertaining and eminently readable, is something between a memoir and a treatise on the pervasive human tendency to discern patterns in places where they don't actually exist. Among many examples, he shows how easy it is to mistake a lucky idiot for a skilled investment manager.

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]]> Investing, Investing 101, Mutual Funds, Passive vs. Active, Truly Random 2009-07-06T11:57:00-05:00 http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/taleb_on_distinguishing_between_investing_skill_and_random_chance/#When:11:57:00Z MacroShares UMM and DMM Let You Hedge House Prices, But Should You? http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FfsBlog/~3/8p6ZMK_8RFA/ http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/macroshares_umm_and_dmm_let_you_hedge_house_prices_but_should_you/#When:11:12:00Z Last May I attended a talk by Yale economist Robert Shiller in which he indicated that his company, MacroMarkets, was seeking SEC approval for a derivative product tied to home prices. Finally, this week the new “housing ETFs” are available. What are they about, and who should buy them?

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]]> Financial Planning Advice, Housing, Buying/Owning a House, Residential Property Investing, Investing, Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs), Meeting Your Goals, News 2009-07-01T11:12:00-05:00 http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/macroshares_umm_and_dmm_let_you_hedge_house_prices_but_should_you/#When:11:12:00Z Leverage and Exchange-Traded Funds Don’t Necessarily Mix: The Leverage Trap http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FfsBlog/~3/cqXZAjrlYRI/ http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/leverage_and_exchange_traded_funds_dont_necessarily_mix_the_leverage_trap/#When:16:10:00Z I noted last week that the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) has warned brokers that inverse and leveraged ETFs are inappropriate for many retail investors. Having discussed the workings and problems of inverse ETFs, I’d like to continue by taking a look at leveraged exchange-traded funds.

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]]> Investing, Investing 101, Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs), News 2009-06-30T16:10:00-05:00 http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/leverage_and_exchange_traded_funds_dont_necessarily_mix_the_leverage_trap/#When:16:10:00Z United Kingdom Regulators Outlaw Commission-Based Financial Advice http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FfsBlog/~3/pGQ-OQ6v_gI/ http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/united_kingdom_regulators_outlaw_commission_based_financial_advice/#When:01:54:00Z The Financial Times reported yesterday on a United Kingdom Financial Services Authority ruling that will eliminate commissions paid by fund managers and life insurance companies to financial advisors.

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]]> Financial Planning Advice, News 2009-06-28T01:54:00-05:00 http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/united_kingdom_regulators_outlaw_commission_based_financial_advice/#When:01:54:00Z Leveraged/Inverse Exchange-Traded Funds Draw FINRA Warning http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FfsBlog/~3/FeyiK4mqfXc/ http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/leveraged_inverse_exchange_traded_funds_draw_finra_warning/#When:16:05:00Z

The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) recently notified brokers who sell complex Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) that “inverse and leveraged ETFs typically are not suitable for retail investors who plan to hold them for more than one trading session.” The warning is long overdue, as leveraged ETFs were first introduced in 2006 after three years of SEC review.

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]]> Investing, Investing 101, Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs), News 2009-06-26T16:05:00-05:00 http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/leveraged_inverse_exchange_traded_funds_draw_finra_warning/#When:16:05:00Z Summer Airfares Appear Poised to Rise http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FfsBlog/~3/01kmBE0NG4Q/ http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/summer_airfares_appear_poised_to_rise/#When:18:29:00Z Scott McCartney, who writes a travel column for the Wall Street Journal, noted yesterday that there are signs that airlines appear to be replacing their summer sales with fare increases. His travel blog, The Middle Seat, discusses some of the indications that fares are on their way up and includes several helpful videos with air travel tips.

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]]> Cash Flow, Saving, News 2009-06-25T18:29:00-05:00 http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/summer_airfares_appear_poised_to_rise/#When:18:29:00Z Saving on the Cost of Keeping Cool This Summer http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FfsBlog/~3/NNOCE_afmdk/ http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/saving_on_the_cost_of_keeping_cool_this_summer/#When:13:54:00Z Although early summer in the Boston area has been unseasonably cool, it probably won’t stay that way. Coupled with some of the highest electrical rates in the nation, warm weather provides plenty of motivation for energy conservation. Here are some suggestions for cutting your electric bill during the summer.

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]]> Boston/Cambridge/New England, Cash Flow, Saving, News 2009-06-23T13:54:00-05:00 http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/saving_on_the_cost_of_keeping_cool_this_summer/#When:13:54:00Z Regulatory Reform Proposal Calls for Wider Application of Fiduciary Standards http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FfsBlog/~3/FDuSwN_dCjs/ http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/regulatory_reform_proposal_calls_for_wider_application_of_fiduciary_standar/#When:16:53:00Z Yesterday I noted that the Treasury Department has posted the Obama administration's proposals for financial regulatory reform. In the midst of all the information that's there, I missed an important detail. The administration's white paper, Financial Regulatory Reform: A New Foundation, calls for the fiduciary standard to be applied to broker-dealers. This would be a landmark change from current practice.

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]]> Financial Planning Advice, Investing, Stocks, News 2009-06-18T16:53:00-05:00 http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/regulatory_reform_proposal_calls_for_wider_application_of_fiduciary_standar/#When:16:53:00Z Brookings Institution Report Ranks Boston Economy 30th Nationally http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FfsBlog/~3/X_CRVlLFOiQ/ http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/brookings_institution_report_ranks_boston_economy_30th_nationally/#When:12:43:00Z Yesterday the Brookings Institution released a report evaluating the effect of the Great Recession on employment and other economic indicators in the nation’s 100 largest cities. Even with a below-average showing for housing prices, Boston's economy doesn't look so bad in comparison to many other cities.

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]]> Boston/Cambridge/New England, Economy, Housing, News 2009-06-18T12:43:00-05:00 http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/brookings_institution_report_ranks_boston_economy_30th_nationally/#When:12:43:00Z Financial Regulatory Reform Likely Not Enough http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FfsBlog/~3/2PPX0PPjCdw/ http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/financial_regulatory_reform_likely_not_enough/#When:01:57:00Z At the height of the credit market crisis last year, there were loud calls for dramatic changes in the regulation of financial institutions. Now that the sturm und drang has ceased, the reforms that will be realized will be much tamer.

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]]> Economy, Investing, Mutual Funds, News, Risk Management, Insurance 2009-06-18T01:57:00-05:00 http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/financial_regulatory_reform_likely_not_enough/#When:01:57:00Z Boston Consumer Prices Continue to Slip http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FfsBlog/~3/L6L8BTkuPOE/ http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/boston_consumer_prices_continue_to_slip/#When:23:58:00Z The Bureau of Labor Statistics released its report today on changes in New England region prices for May 2009.

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]]> Boston/Cambridge/New England, Cash Flow, Food, Economy, News 2009-06-17T23:58:00-05:00 http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/boston_consumer_prices_continue_to_slip/#When:23:58:00Z IRS Tax Break for New Car Buyers in States Without Sales Tax http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FfsBlog/~3/P_FfmPrbnQY/ http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/irs_tax_break_for_new_car_buyers_in_states_without_sales_tax/#When:14:52:00Z The IRS announced last week that its interpretation of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 is that new car buyers in states without a sales tax deserve a break this year.

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]]> Economy, News, Taxes, Tax Updates 2009-06-15T14:52:00-05:00 http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/irs_tax_break_for_new_car_buyers_in_states_without_sales_tax/#When:14:52:00Z Boston Federal Reserve Bank: Few Signs of Recovery http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FfsBlog/~3/PW5pdsOn_7A/ http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/boston_federal_reserve_bank_few_signs_of_recovery/#When:12:54:00Z The Federal Reserve Bank’s “Beige Book,” issued eight times a year, was released this week. The outlook for New England is uncertain, with few bright spots.

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]]> Boston/Cambridge/New England, Economy, Housing, News 2009-06-12T12:54:00-05:00 http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/boston_federal_reserve_bank_few_signs_of_recovery/#When:12:54:00Z Ignore Consumers’ Research Council of America Guide to “America’s Top Financial Planners” http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FfsBlog/~3/WI76vbxPmi0/ http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/ignore_consumers_research_council_of_america_guide_to_americas_top_financia/#When:10:36:00Z Today I’m going to tell you something to cross off your list of criteria when trying to choose a financial planner, physician, or lawyer: inclusion in one of the Consumer’s Research Council of America's so-called guides.

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]]> Financial Planning Advice, News, Really Bad Ideas 2009-06-11T10:36:00-05:00 http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/ignore_consumers_research_council_of_america_guide_to_americas_top_financia/#When:10:36:00Z Why Not Buy a Chrysler or GM Car Now, While They’re Going Begging? http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FfsBlog/~3/o1fUYjQnWHc/ http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/why_not_buy_a_chrysler_or_gm_car_now_while_theyre_going_begging/#When:00:02:01Z Here’s the test of whether you're a true contrarian: would you buy a Chrysler today?

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]]> Cash Flow, Saving, Economy, News 2009-06-10T00:02:01-05:00 http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/why_not_buy_a_chrysler_or_gm_car_now_while_theyre_going_begging/#When:00:02:01Z Credit Card Accountability Act Leaves Room For Bank Shenanigans http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FfsBlog/~3/-U-e1Cmh5eg/ http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/credit_card_accountability_act_leaves_room_for_bank_shenanigans/#When:12:46:00Z The Credit Card Accountability and Disclosure Act of 2009 Act, signed last month, was supposed to drastically improve protections for consumers. While the new law eliminates some problems, banks are good at finding loopholes.

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]]> Debt, Credit Cards, News 2009-06-08T12:46:00-05:00 http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/credit_card_accountability_act_leaves_room_for_bank_shenanigans/#When:12:46:00Z Cut Your Cable TV Bill 100% http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FfsBlog/~3/TA_uoPXhoXw/ http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/cut_your_cable_tv_bill_100/#When:01:21:00Z Running out of budget-cutting ideas? Here’s one: cut your cable bill to zero.

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]]> Cash Flow, Saving 2009-06-06T01:21:00-05:00 http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/cut_your_cable_tv_bill_100/#When:01:21:00Z Time to Consider Renovating Your Home http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FfsBlog/~3/sUGAFWqzw6I/ http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/time_to_consider_renovating_your_home/#When:12:10:00Z With the economy still in the doldrums, doing a home renovation could be an excellent idea. It’s a bit counter-intuitive, but hear me out.

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]]> Boston/Cambridge/New England, Debt, Mortgages, Economy, Financial Planning Advice, Housing, Buying/Owning a House 2009-06-03T12:10:00-05:00 http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/time_to_consider_renovating_your_home/#When:12:10:00Z What Will Happen to Social Security and Medicare? http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FfsBlog/~3/3cXX5mEMAzk/ http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/what_will_happen_to_social_security_and_medicare/#When:11:38:00Z Each year the trustees of the Social Security/Medicare trusts are required to report on the status of the trust funds. Last month, having included the effects of the recession in their projections, they released a new report. The news is not good.

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]]> Economy, Financial Planning Advice, News, Retirement, Planning for your retirement, Social Security 2009-06-01T11:38:00-05:00 http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/what_will_happen_to_social_security_and_medicare/#When:11:38:00Z Disability Insurance: How Much to Get, What Affects Premium Costs http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FfsBlog/~3/dFP24OnVloM/ http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/disability_insurance_how_much_to_get_what_affects_premium_costs/#When:13:57:00Z My final post in recognition of Disability Insurance Awareness Month discusses key factors that can affect the cost of disability insurance. I’ll also touch on the question of how much disability coverage a person needs and discuss the things that you should consider in determining how much disability insurance to buy.

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]]> Financial Planning Advice, Health Care, Risk Management, Insurance 2009-05-28T13:57:00-05:00 http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/disability_insurance_how_much_to_get_what_affects_premium_costs/#When:13:57:00Z It Looks Like It’s Time to Refinance http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FfsBlog/~3/bm_3NHVR8nM/ http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/it_looks_like_its_time_to_refinance/#When:02:45:00Z A couple of items at the Calculated Risk blog caught my eye today; both suggest that mortgage rates might well be headed higher.

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]]> Debt, Mortgages, Economy, Investing, Bonds, News 2009-05-28T02:45:00-05:00 http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/it_looks_like_its_time_to_refinance/#When:02:45:00Z Disability Insurance: Definitions of Disability http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FfsBlog/~3/R-EOke-3uxg/ http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/disability_insurance_definitions_of_disability/#When:12:32:00Z If you’re shopping for your own disability coverage (rather than receiving disability insurance as an employer benefit), you'll encounter a myriad of policy differences. You need to understand one of the most critical elements in any disability insurance policy: the definition of what a “disability” is.

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]]> Financial Planning Advice, Health Care, Risk Management, Insurance 2009-05-27T12:32:00-05:00 http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/disability_insurance_definitions_of_disability/#When:12:32:00Z Disability Insurance: What Kinds Can You Get? http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FfsBlog/~3/v9COV3Tkl3A/ http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/disability_insurance_what_kinds_can_you_get/#When:12:35:00Z My first post discussed why you might need disability insurance; today I’d like to explain a few of the important variations in disability coverage.

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]]> Financial Planning Advice, Health Care, Risk Management, Insurance 2009-05-26T12:35:00-05:00 http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/disability_insurance_what_kinds_can_you_get/#When:12:35:00Z Continuing Health Insurance After Graduation http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FfsBlog/~3/zE82kFO_ZaU/ http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/continuing_health_insurance_after_graduation/#When:10:15:00Z Earlier this month I offered a list of financial planning suggestions for recent college graduates. Since It's often the case that there's a delay period between graduation and the start of a new job, I’d like to expand on one of the items in the list: finding health insurance after graduation.

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]]> Financial Planning Advice, Health Care, Risk Management, Insurance 2009-05-23T10:15:00-05:00 http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/continuing_health_insurance_after_graduation/#When:10:15:00Z New England Economists Now Predict 450,000 Jobs Lost and Uncertain Future http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FfsBlog/~3/HYoxDt_EaHs/ http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/new_england_economists_now_predict_450000_jobs_lost_and_uncertain_future/#When:02:13:00Z Yesterday I attended the spring New England Economic Partnership (NEEP) conference, held semiannually by the nonprofit economic research group that studies the region's economy. They were optimistically cautious.

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]]> Boston/Cambridge/New England, Economy, News 2009-05-23T02:13:00-05:00 http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/new_england_economists_now_predict_450000_jobs_lost_and_uncertain_future/#When:02:13:00Z Disability Insurance: Why You Probably Need It http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FfsBlog/~3/4ehE7izTemA/ http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/disability_insurance_why_you_probably_need_it/#When:11:54:00Z May is Disability Insurance Awareness Month. You won’t be getting any “Happy Disability Insurance Awareness Month” cards, though, because Hallmark™ hasn't caught up to this yet.

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]]> Cash Flow, Meeting Your Goals, Risk Management, Insurance 2009-05-19T11:54:00-05:00 http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/disability_insurance_why_you_probably_need_it/#When:11:54:00Z Happy Days Are (Not) Here Again (Yet) http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FfsBlog/~3/oh4YufPHzo0/ http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/happy_days_are_not_here_again_yet/#When:10:04:00Z Last Thursday, I attended an excellent seminar held by State Street Global Advisors and Morningstar. Although the meeting focused on building portfolios with exchange traded funds (ETF's), the highlight of the afternoon was a presentation on the current state of the global markets.

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]]> Debt, Economy, Investing, Risk Management 2009-05-18T10:04:00-05:00 http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/happy_days_are_not_here_again_yet/#When:10:04:00Z Warnings About the Vagaries of Working With Stock Brokers http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FfsBlog/~3/AIiY7Q2Nav4/ http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/warnings_about_the_vagaries_of_working_with_stock_brokers/#When:01:13:00Z Brokers are not innately bad people, but the systems under which they’re required to function can make it tough for them to work in the best interests of their clients.

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]]> Investing, Meeting Your Goals, News 2009-05-17T01:13:00-05:00 http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/warnings_about_the_vagaries_of_working_with_stock_brokers/#When:01:13:00Z NAPFA Your Money Bus Tour Comes to Boston http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FfsBlog/~3/N-ogeOeR7Z0/ http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/napfa_your_money_bus_tour_comes_to_boston/#When:13:11:01Z Could you use some free financial advice from a qualified financial planner? The NAPFA Consumer Education Foundation (NCEF), in collaboration with TD AMERITRADE Institutional and Kiplinger's Personal Finance magazine, will be helping Boston-area consumers make wise money decisions next week on May 20th and 21st.

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]]> Boston/Cambridge/New England, Financial Planning Advice, Meeting Your Goals, News 2009-05-14T13:11:01-05:00 http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/napfa_your_money_bus_tour_comes_to_boston/#When:13:11:01Z The Financial Services Industry: Putting Clients Last? http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FfsBlog/~3/LinzQWwSEgA/ http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/the_financial_services_industry_putting_clients_last/#When:11:25:00Z The IBM Institute For Business Value recently published a study on the global financial services industry. The report, "Toward transparency and sustainability: building a new financial order" makes a number of interesting points about how the financial markets industry will need to change in the future in order to remain profitable. It also reveals something many consumers have suspected all along.

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]]> Financial Planning Advice, News 2009-05-12T11:25:00-05:00 http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/the_financial_services_industry_putting_clients_last/#When:11:25:00Z Investing for Inflation vs. Deflation:Asset Classes (Part III) http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FfsBlog/~3/utQt45R_a2o/ http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/investing_for_inflation_vs_deflationasset_classes_part_iii/#When:20:22:00Z At last I’ve gotten to the question I promised to address last month: how do different kinds of investments perform in inflationary environments versus deflationary ones, and is there any way to protect yourself against both risks?

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]]> Debt, Economy, Housing, Residential Property Investing, Investing, Investing 101, Bonds, Stocks, News 2009-05-09T20:22:00-05:00 http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/investing_for_inflation_vs_deflationasset_classes_part_iii/#When:20:22:00Z Financial Planning Checklist for Recent College Graduates http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FfsBlog/~3/Fgr1BlrcnBU/ http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/financial_planning_checklist_for_recent_college_graduates/#When:11:32:00Z College graduation season, which lasts for several weeks, is upon us here in the Boston area. According to the National Postsecondary Student Aid Study (NPSAS), graduating seniors with educational debts carry an average debt load on the order of $20,000. More and more, college students are beginning their working lives with fairly heavy debt loads. It's more important than ever for newly-minted grads to hit the ground running with a plan for their finances.

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]]> Cash Flow, Saving, Debt, Credit Cards, Education Planning, College/Graduate School Loans, Financial Planning Advice, Retirement, Planning for your retirement, Risk Management, Insurance, Taxes 2009-05-06T11:32:00-05:00 http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/financial_planning_checklist_for_recent_college_graduates/#When:11:32:00Z Standard and Poor’s: Active Managers Didn’t Outperform in This Bear Market http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FfsBlog/~3/BGM1pyLHypY/ http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/standard_and_poors_active_managers_didnt_outperform_in_this_bear_market/#When:16:28:00Z There’s a continuing debate over the question of whether active mutual fund management (funds that buy in and out of the market, looking for stocks that managers believe will outperform the market) is capable of consistently beating passive management (buy stock indexes). Standard and Poor’s Index Services recently weighed in with its latest assessment on this question.

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]]> Investing, Mutual Funds, Passive vs. Active 2009-05-04T16:28:00-05:00 http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/standard_and_poors_active_managers_didnt_outperform_in_this_bear_market/#When:16:28:00Z The Roots of the Credit Crisis, Simplified http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FfsBlog/~3/9jYNSd56WIU/ http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/the_roots_of_the_credit_crisis_simplified/#When:16:17:00Z Are you still a little baffled about how the financial system came to be in such a mess? Here’s a very nice visualization of what happened (it's also the first video I've ever posted!)

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]]> Economy, Housing, News 2009-05-01T16:17:00-05:00 http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/the_roots_of_the_credit_crisis_simplified/#When:16:17:00Z Swine Flu and Household Emergency Planning http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FfsBlog/~3/81MaI1qXPfQ/ http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/swine_flu_and_household_emergency_planning/#When:13:46:00Z In recent years, health authorities have been urging that nations and businesses should prepare for the possibility of an avian influenza pandemic. Recent news of a serious swine flu outbreak in Mexico has prompted the World Health Organization to declare a phase 4 pandemic alert, meaning that the potential for community-wide outbreaks has been confirmed, but that a full-blown pandemic is not yet certain.

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]]> News, Risk Management, Emergencies 2009-04-28T13:46:00-05:00 http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/swine_flu_and_household_emergency_planning/#When:13:46:00Z Incentive Stock Options (ISOs) and Income Taxes – Part Two http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FfsBlog/~3/zr0qeHb0bcs/ http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/incentive_stock_options_isos_and_income_taxes_part_two/#When:17:32:00Z A couple of weeks ago I began a primer on ISOs and some of the tax implications of exercising them. I’d like to discuss some cases in which an ISO grant is employed in a manner that is “disqualifying.”

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]]> Investing, Employer Stock (ESPP, ISO, NQSO, etc), Taxes, Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) 2009-04-27T17:32:00-05:00 http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/incentive_stock_options_isos_and_income_taxes_part_two/#When:17:32:00Z The First FFS Blog Blogoversary http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FfsBlog/~3/5FtQyE7eqpc/ http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/the_first_ffs_blog_blogoversary/#When:18:35:00Z It seems only right to take a moment for brief reflection on the occasion of our first blogoversary!

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]]> Blogging 2009-04-25T18:35:00-05:00 http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/the_first_ffs_blog_blogoversary/#When:18:35:00Z Chipping Away At the Cost of Eating Out http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FfsBlog/~3/WGvoDfubUvI/ http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/chipping_away_at_the_cost_of_eating_out/#When:04:57:00Z A friend who works in the food services industry (thanks, BE!) responded to my post on restaurants by informing me that there's a wave of promotions going on in the food-eaten-away-from-home world these days. He notes that a number of restaurants have begun waiving extra charges for splitting a meal or bringing your own wine.

This week I also discovered a site that offers a growing registry of restaurants that offer “kids eat free” specials: mykidseatfree.com.

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]]> Cash Flow, Food, News 2009-04-25T04:57:00-05:00 http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/chipping_away_at_the_cost_of_eating_out/#When:04:57:00Z A Visual Explanation of How Quantitative Easing Works http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FfsBlog/~3/wtz1fb4NeX4/ http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/a_visual_explanation_of_how_quantitative_easing_works/#When:16:18:00Z I gave a short discussion of quantitative easing in the second post of my Inflation/Deflation series. I learned recently that the Financial Times web site has a nice explanation of how quantitative easing works to check deflation; if you're a visual learner, you might find it helpful. You may have to register at the FT site to view it, but registration is free.

The piece explains the risks of quantitative easing and makes an important point: although many economists believe that too much quantitative easing could be very bad and that too little easing won't check deflation, no one knows for certain a priori how much quantitative easing is too much (or not enough).

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]]> Economy, Investing, Investing 101, News 2009-04-20T16:18:00-05:00 http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/a_visual_explanation_of_how_quantitative_easing_works/#When:16:18:00Z Incentive Stock Options (ISOs) and Income Taxes http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FfsBlog/~3/TezQ50Rlwj4/ http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/incentive_stock_options_isos_and_income_taxes/#When:15:47:00Z There are a number of companies (mostly in high-tech) that reward their employees with a form of deferred compensation called incentive stock options (ISOs). The tax rules for these stock options are complicated, but if you receive this kind of benefit, you need to understand the basic rules for them to be able to use them effectively. For some time I’ve wanted to discuss how profits from stock purchased via ISO exercises are taxed. This post, which will be the first of two parts, is more of a primer than an exhaustive discussion, but I hope it will be useful. (Keep in mind that ISO-related tax calculations can be complex; you should consult a tax adviser before implementing transactions involving ISOs).

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]]> Investing, Employer Stock (ESPP, ISO, NQSO, etc), Taxes, Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) 2009-04-16T15:47:00-05:00 http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/incentive_stock_options_isos_and_income_taxes/#When:15:47:00Z IRS Includes Phishing Scams Among Its “Dirty Dozen” http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FfsBlog/~3/H5-p0kdnx0A/ http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/irs_includes_phishing_scams_among_its_dirty_dozen/#When:03:29:00Z Periodically the IRS issues a list of tax scams that it considers especially troublesome. Most of the 2009 “Dirty Dozen” Tax Scams involve fraudulent tax filings and other abuses of the tax system. However, the first item on the list is “phishing:” the use of e-mails that appear to come from the IRS but that are actually from crooks looking for ways to steal bank account information, social security numbers, and other personal information.

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]]> Identity Theft, News, Taxes 2009-04-15T03:29:00-05:00 http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/irs_includes_phishing_scams_among_its_dirty_dozen/#When:03:29:00Z Inflation or Deflation – Which Do We Have? (Part II) http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FfsBlog/~3/hmO9otPaTp4/ http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/inflation_or_deflation_which_do_we_have_part_ii/#When:19:27:00Z Previously I discussed some of the differences between inflationary and deflationary economic environments. I’d like to pick up where I left off, mention one challenging aspect of deflation, and talk a bit about which environment we’re experiencing.

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]]> Economy, Investing, Investing 101, News 2009-04-13T19:27:00-05:00 http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/inflation_or_deflation_which_do_we_have_part_ii/#When:19:27:00Z Saving Money on Dining Out http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FfsBlog/~3/xaOOMUQdMDs/ http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/saving_money_on_dining_out/#When:20:00:00Z With the economy in a funk, consumers are becoming more cost-conscious. In response, retail businesses seem to be offering more discounts. Recently I discovered a neat resource for people who like saving money but who'd also like to be able to have a meal at a nice restaurant.

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]]> Boston/Cambridge/New England, Cash Flow, Food 2009-04-11T20:00:00-05:00 http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/saving_money_on_dining_out/#When:20:00:00Z Finally, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ certification http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FfsBlog/~3/IcIuHUN2b6E/ http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/finally_certified_financial_planner_certification/#When:15:18:01Z Last week, the CFP Board of Standards informed me that I’m now able to use the certification marks that they maintain.

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]]> News 2009-04-11T15:18:01-05:00 http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/finally_certified_financial_planner_certification/#When:15:18:01Z Life Insurance Companies Likely to Join the Bailout Rolls http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FfsBlog/~3/r8YvrKP7CME/ http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/life_insurance_companies_likely_to_join_the_bailout_rolls/#When:22:36:00Z Life insurance companies, normally thought of as bastions of stability, have come under greater scrutiny from concern that their holdings of mortgage-backed securities and aggressive annuity guarantees may put their financial stability at risk. Where can you go to determine the strength of your insurer?

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]]> Economy, Financial Planning Advice, Investing, Annuities, News, Risk Management, Insurance 2009-04-09T22:36:00-05:00 http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/life_insurance_companies_likely_to_join_the_bailout_rolls/#When:22:36:00Z Examine Your Retirement Plan’s Stable Value Fund Closely http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FfsBlog/~3/A6UGdonGR-g/ http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/examine_your_retirement_plans_stable_value_fund_closely/#When:20:44:00Z Many employer-sponsored tax-deferred retirement plans, including 401(k)s, offer a unique investment option called a “stable value” fund. If you’ve invested in such a fund, you should take a close look at what's inside – its value might not be as stable as you think.

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]]> Favorites, Financial Planning Advice, Investing, News, Retirement, 401(k) plans, Risk Management 2009-04-06T20:44:00-05:00 http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/examine_your_retirement_plans_stable_value_fund_closely/#When:20:44:00Z Important Tax Dates For 2009 http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FfsBlog/~3/Udur6QCPxEE/ http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/important_tax_dates_for_2009/#When:13:46:00Z The IRS provides a downloadable tax calendar that’s useful for self-employed workers and small business owners. Here’s a quick list of generally important dates:

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]]> Taxes, Tax Updates 2009-04-06T13:46:00-05:00 http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/important_tax_dates_for_2009/#When:13:46:00Z Make 2008 IRA Contributions Before April 15th http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FfsBlog/~3/Yw4YcfdoEKI/ http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/make_2008_ira_contributions_before_april_15th/#When:12:02:00Z If you haven’t yet made a 2008 contribution to an IRA or Roth IRA, remember that you must do so before April 15th. You can contribute as much as $5,000 to an IRA for 2008 provided you qualify, and you can contribute an additional $1,000 if you turned 50 during 2008. Permitted contributions are limited to the lesser of your compensation or the contribution limit that applies to your age and Modified Adjusted Gross Income status.

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]]> Meeting Your Goals, Retirement, IRAs, Taxes, Tax Updates 2009-04-04T12:02:00-05:00 http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/make_2008_ira_contributions_before_april_15th/#When:12:02:00Z 2009 New Car Purchases Qualify for Sales Tax Break http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FfsBlog/~3/gS5KSQC7sck/ http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/2009_new_car_purchases_qualify_for_sales_tax_break/#When:13:32:00Z The IRS is reminding taxpayers that the 2009 Stimulus Bill included a little something to help boost auto sales. Those who buy a qualifying new car, light truck, motor home or motorcycle in 2009 can deduct state and local sales tax and excise taxes paid on purchase prices up to $49,500. The deduction will be available for 2009 tax returns (only) whether one itemizes or not.

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]]> News, Taxes, Tax Updates 2009-04-01T13:32:00-05:00 http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/2009_new_car_purchases_qualify_for_sales_tax_break/#When:13:32:00Z Inflation, Deflation, Disinflation – What’s the Difference? http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FfsBlog/~3/3dbiqH-yK2s/ http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/inflation_deflation_disinflation_whats_the_difference/#When:13:51:00Z Increasingly in the media, there are discussions relating to deflation: are we experiencing deflation, and is deflation worse than inflation? Occasionally, discussions of the economy refer to disinflation. This will be the first in a series of posts exploring price changes and their implications for investing.

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]]> Favorites, Economy, Housing, Investing, Investing 101, News 2009-03-31T13:51:00-05:00 http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/inflation_deflation_disinflation_whats_the_difference/#When:13:51:00Z SEC Head Schapiro Indicates Support for Fiduciary Standard http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FfsBlog/~3/YvrD1-5r-mo/ http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/sec_head_schapiro_indicates_support_for_fiduciary_standard/#When:17:12:00Z In January I wrote a post in which I expressed some concern as to whether new Securities and Exchange Commission chair Mary Schapiro would move the investment industry into a regulatory environment that is more favorable for investors. So far, the signs seem encouraging.

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]]> Financial Planning Advice, News 2009-03-30T17:12:00-05:00 http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/sec_head_schapiro_indicates_support_for_fiduciary_standard/#When:17:12:00Z Geithner and Schapiro Outline Proposed Reforms of Financial Regulations http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FfsBlog/~3/8JxFMr91qro/ http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/geithner_and_schapiro_outline_proposed_reforms_of_financial_regulations/#When:05:08:00Z Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner and Securities and Exchange Commission Chairman Mary Schapiro each testified before different congressional committees today to disclose their recommendations on regulatory reform of US financial markets.

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]]> Economy, Financial Planning Advice, Investing, News 2009-03-27T05:08:00-05:00 http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/geithner_and_schapiro_outline_proposed_reforms_of_financial_regulations/#When:05:08:00Z Housing Prices Still in Decline In Most Areas http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FfsBlog/~3/WwUT9wyVIko/ http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/housing_prices_still_in_decline_in_most_areas/#When:00:03:00Z Today I received updated figures from First American CoreLogic, which maintains one of the nation’s largest databases on residential property transactions. Their January results confirm a wide disparity in housing price changes across the U.S. over the last year. In general, the news is not good.

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]]> Boston/Cambridge/New England, Housing, Buying/Owning a House, News 2009-03-24T00:03:00-05:00 http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/housing_prices_still_in_decline_in_most_areas/#When:00:03:00Z Social Security “Free Loan” Loophole Redux http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FfsBlog/~3/QIDK1wvNGGU/ http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/social_security_free_loan_loophole_redux/#When:17:32:00Z Researchers over at Boston College’s Center for Retirement Research have analyzed the “interest-free loan” opportunity presented by the loophole in Social Security that I’ve discussed before. Once their findings reach Congress, I’m betting this loophole gets closed.

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]]> Boston/Cambridge/New England, News, Retirement, Planning for your retirement, Social Security 2009-03-19T17:32:00-05:00 http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/social_security_free_loan_loophole_redux/#When:17:32:00Z Hewitt Data Show Jump in 401(k) Company Stock Investments http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FfsBlog/~3/KdBIOf0ffxg/ http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/hewitt_data_show_jump_in_401k_company_stock_investments/#When:17:33:00Z Hewitt Associates, the HR consulting firm, tracks 401(k) investing trends for 1.5 million employees of large (> 5,000 employee) companies. Their January 401(k) plan data show a curious fact: employees put more money into their employers' stock than into any other category.

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]]> Meeting Your Goals, News, Retirement, 401(k) plans 2009-03-17T17:33:00-05:00 http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/hewitt_data_show_jump_in_401k_company_stock_investments/#When:17:33:00Z 2008 Education Tax Breaks Are Expanded in Midwest Disaster Areas http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FfsBlog/~3/_VuETvWF0Ag/ http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/2008_education_tax_breaks_are_expanded_in_midwest_disaster_areas/#When:13:28:00Z Recently I was listening to an IRS webcast on tax law changes (yes, it’s just as exciting as it sounds!) and something caught my attention. I was already aware that people living in disaster areas are eligible for various kinds of tax relief, but I realized that I’d missed an important fact. You don’t have to live in a disaster area to get a tax break; the Heartland Disaster Tax Relief Act of 2008 includes special provisions for educational expenses incurred by students attending college in areas struck by disaster in 2008. This article will be of interest even if you don’t qualify for the expanded disaster relief benefits but are interested in tax benefits available to households with college expenses.

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]]> Favorites, Education Planning, News, Taxes, Tax Updates 2009-03-12T13:28:00-05:00 http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/2008_education_tax_breaks_are_expanded_in_midwest_disaster_areas/#When:13:28:00Z Conforming Mortgage Limits Will Go Back Up Eventually http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FfsBlog/~3/u9VIEN800D4/ http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/conforming_mortgage_limits_will_go_back_up_eventually/#When:13:33:00Z For buyers in the most expensive housing markets, the rules concerning “conforming” mortgages have been confusing over the last year or so. Conforming mortgages are eligible to be purchased by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, the two government-run companies that together own or guarantee most home mortgages. One benefit of a conforming mortgage is the all-important interest rate: mortgages whose values exceed a specified amount are not conforming and typically carry interest rates that are ¾% or more higher than conforming mortgage rates.

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]]> Favorites, Boston/Cambridge/New England, Debt, Mortgages, Economy, Housing, Buying/Owning a House, News 2009-03-10T13:33:00-05:00 http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/conforming_mortgage_limits_will_go_back_up_eventually/#When:13:33:00Z If You’re Married, You Can’t File as Single http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FfsBlog/~3/SS9vVpJViNQ/ http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/if_youre_married_you_cant_file_as_single/#When:15:13:00Z Sometimes truth is stranger than fiction. I’ve learned that it's not unheard-of for a professional tax preparer to advise a married individual to file his or her tax return using the single filer status. No! No! Bad tax preparer!

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]]> Favorites, Really Bad Ideas, Taxes 2009-03-09T15:13:00-05:00 http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/if_youre_married_you_cant_file_as_single/#When:15:13:00Z My First 2009 Blogroll Addition: The Money Blogs http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FfsBlog/~3/FTOjptTO7k4/ http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/my_first_2009_blogroll_addition_the_money_blogs/#When:05:06:00Z It’s been a while since I’ve had time to review another web log, but I’m ready to add to my list. This one is different, because it’s an aggregation blog.

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]]> Blogging 2009-03-08T05:06:00-05:00 http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/my_first_2009_blogroll_addition_the_money_blogs/#When:05:06:00Z Just Add Stock: Dilution and Citigroup http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FfsBlog/~3/1aSz4hSy52E/ http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/just_add_stock_dilution_and_citigroup/#When:12:17:00Z There are a number of differences between stocks and bonds. In addition to those I discussed earlier, the two also differ in terms of the unpleasant things that can go wrong with them. The deal struck between Citigroup and the Treasury recently provides an opportunity to illustrate a few more differences.

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]]> Favorites, Economy, Investing, Investing 101, Bonds, Stocks, News 2009-03-04T12:17:00-05:00 http://ffscambridge.com/blog/post/just_add_stock_dilution_and_citigroup/#When:12:17:00Z