The Government Giveth and Taketh Away The GOOD news is that Social Security recipients will be getting a Cost of Living Adjustment beginning in January, 2012.  The raise is expected to be about 3.6% which is a pretty sizeable increase.  This is great news since there have been no COLA adjustments for Social Security for...Read More

“You will never be a leader unless you first learn to follow and be led” Tiorio Recent market volatility is being attributed to many things.  Some true and others are pure speculation. The problem is not the problem, the problem is that our politicians don’t know how to think about the problem.  So here is...Read More

The Standard and Poor’s (S&P) downgrade of long-term U.S. debt from AAA to AA+ is sad, but it is not news.  Everyone already knew we were in trouble and to act surprised is unjustified. Now we and our politicians can no longer deny it.  It’s official, which may be good for us long-term.  While the...Read More

Our elected leaders in Washington, D.C. are playing a dangerous game of chicken. They are making everyone nervous about the deadline (August 2, 2011) for extending the debt ceiling. While every expert on the subject, including Congress, knows that the only solution is to raise the debt ceiling, they are using this to score points...Read More

You might be surprised to learn that one of the top 50 women in the field of wealth management is none other than my wife Rosanne Rogé.  I am not surprised, but very proud that she has been chosen to be on Advisor One’s list of the top 50 Women in Wealth for 2011. Advisor...Read More

Recently we have had conversations with a few clients about making changes to their portfolios due to the current events in Japan and the Middle East.  Our advice is not to make changes based on current events.  One should only revise their portfolio if their goals or personal circumstances change. A good friend of mine...Read More

Even though there is no COLA for Social Security benefits in 2011, the IRS has raised the deductibility limits for long term care policies purchased in 2011. The premiums you pay for your long term care insurance are deductible as itemized medical expenses (subject to the 7.5% AGI threshold) based on your age at the...Read More

As you probably know, I like to write to communicate my thoughts.  However, recently I have been suffering from writer’s block.  I think it’s because I am in observation mode about the economy, government policy and business; trying to put the pieces of the puzzle together.  Everywhere I go I ask business owners, “How’s business?” The...Read More

If, like many Americans, you are nearing retirement or starting a new job, part of the transition planning is to deal with your 401(k), 403(b) or 457 plan. For most, no solution is more sensible than establishing an IRA rollover account. There are several advantages to the move, including tax-free consolidation of retirement fund balances...Read More