Finances
Getting the Most Out of Retirement
By Rick Brooks Did you know that the fastest growing demographic group in the United States is people over the age of 85? As health care improves, people are living longer. Most people today can expect to spend about one quarter to one third of their lives in retirement. Which begs the question: are you […]
The Debt Ceiling Debate
There are a LOT of things I would rather be discussing right now, but because Washington is what it is, the raising of the national debt limit is back on the front pages as the hot topic du jour. If this sounds familiar, it’s because it is. So, here’s a little background on why we […]
Continuing Care Communities
Continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs) are communities designed for seniors that offer a range of services, from independent living to assisted living, nursing care and even memory care. These communities are becoming increasingly popular as seniors look for ways to maintain their independence and quality of life as they age. They are one option in […]
Small Business Owners Speak to Legislators about Lawsuit Abuse
This past March, small business owners from throughout California traveled to the State Capital to share their personal stories of lawsuit abuse with legislators who serve on both the Senate and Assembly Judiciary Committees. They took time from their busy schedules to help promote balance for California’s civil justice system. Their compelling accounts ranged from […]
Can We Rely on Government Officials to Be Taxpayer Advocates?
For any of us who subscribe to Nextdoor, which was initially a good site to seek information on neighborhood services and make connections, it’s become hot with negative comments about City Hall, primarily with our elected officials who have elected to ignore the concerns of San Diegans. One of the recent comments was about the […]
Homelessness Program Accountability Measure Clears 2nd Hurdle
Senate Republican Leader Scott Wilkannounced that his legislation to add clarity and accountability to California’s efforts to address homelessness has earned bipartisan support and recently passed 4 to 0 out of the Senate Committee on Human Services. “I am pleased to see this measure receive bipartisan support. There seems to be a growing consensus that […]
To Roll or Not to Roll; What to do With Your 401(k)
Every year, millions of Americans change jobs or retire and leave the workforce entirely. Most are faced with a seemingly inconsequential choice: what to do with your company 401k plan. Almost every financial advisor (including yours truly) will recommend rolling funds out of your company retirement plan and into a rollover IRA (that they can […]
The Three Secrets to a Satisfying Retirement
As we work towards retirement, the financial services and marketing industries bombard us with images of happy people traveling, playing golf and walking on the beach; a permanent vacation. The reality is a bit more mundane: the average retiree spends most of their time (after sleeping) watching television. For those preparing for retirement (and even […]
Inflation – Here to Stay?
The single greatest question facing investors at the moment is what will happen to inflation. This was highlighted with the grounding of a large freighter which recently blocked the Suez Canal, cutting off shipping between Asia, Europe and the U.S. East coast. Inflation affects interest rates and interest rates affect just about everything else. So […]
Revocable Living Trust – Essential California Estate Planning
A potential client recently asked me if trusts were really necessary. All of their assets were titled in joint name, so why go through the hassle and expense of creating a trust? Let’s start with Probate. Probate fees start at four percent of the first $100,000 and reach $9,000 on the first million. Having your […]
