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Securities and Advisory Services offered through Commonwealth Financial Network, a registered investment advisor. Member www.finra.org/www.sipc.org.
This communication is strictly intended for individuals residing in the states of AZ,CA,CO,DE,FL,IL, MA,MD,MI,NC,PA,SC,VA,WV No offers may be made or accepted from any resident outside these states due to various state requirements and registration requirements regarding investment products and services.
Budget deal has good news and bad news for retirees
What could Congress’s recent budget deal mean for retirees? Learn how the changes, such as tweaks to social security and Medicare Part B premiums, could affect the financial security of many seniors: http://cnb.cx/1NPRMTm
cnbc.com Many important elements of the recent budget deal have a big impact on seniors. We break it down for you.
Why the Trans-Pacific Partnership Is a Good Idea
The Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP)—a major trade agreement among 12 countries, including the U.S.—is nearing approval. But is it a good idea? In his latest blog post, Commonwealth Chief Investment Officer Brad McMillan covers both the economic and geopolitical benefits of the proposed TPP: http://bit.ly/1Nei4hI
blog.commonwealth.com The 12-country Trans-Pacific Partnership is finally edging its way toward approval in various national legislatures. How can we hope to benefit?
What Older Workers Don't Know About Social Security
According to a recent survey, many people approaching retirement don’t understand the basic facts about the social security program. Here are seven facts about social security that could help boost your benefits: http://aol.it/1VGA77M
dailyfinance.com Workers on the verge of retirement are lacking knowledge about Social Security that could help them increase their retirement payments.
The 4 Things to Do Before Retirement
As you approach retirement, did you know there are other things you should focus on besides the size of your nest egg? Learn the four things you should know to have a “regret-free” retirement: http://yhoo.it/1hlrhJJ
finance.yahoo.com The size of your nest egg isn’t the only thing you should be focused on as you close in on retirement. The decisions made during these critical years, experts say, can play a key role in determining whether an investor has a regret-free retirement or not (at least financially). There were fewer 401(…
PLANSPONSOR - Working with Advisers Increases Retirement Confidence
Does working with a financial advisor increase retirement confidence? A new survey highlights the role financial professionals play in helping investors progress toward their goals: http://bit.ly/1MmD6LF
plansponsor.com Seventy-eight percent of survey respondents who have never worked with a financial professional are worried about running out of money in retirement.
Social Security Faces Its First Reckoning
Is social security in jeopardy? Get an update on the challenges facing the social security disability program from Brad McMillan, CIO at Commonwealth Financial Network: http://bit.ly/1JCC0GW
blog.commonwealth.com Commonwealth's Brad McMillan discusses the challenges facing social security.
The Investing Signals to Listen To? They’re Personal, Not in the Markets
When the markets fluctuate, do you take that as a sign to buy or sell? Find out how to ignore the “noise” and keep your investment strategy personal: http://nyti.ms/1CGFlr2
nytimes.com In most cases an investor is better off ignoring the noise of global market events and sticking with a well-designed plan, a financial planner writes.
How to handle the financial challenges of caring for aging parents
Will you care for an aging parent in your home? From managing daily expenses to executing a power of attorney, here are some financial considerations to keep in mind: http://on.mktw.net/1LU56Gx
marketwatch.com Caring for aging parents in your home can be a wonderful experience if approached with careful financial planning and guidance.
6 Steps for Declaring Financial Independence From Your Parents
Ready for your young adult child to declare financial independence? Share these tips to help him or her break free of parental support: http://bit.ly/1f0LRPc
money.usnews.com You don't need them to make ends meet.
Couples have to negotiate their visions of retirement
Couples may not always have the same vision of how they’ll spend their golden years. Learn how to discuss your retirement dreams with your partner and reach a compromise: http://usat.ly/1Lwqwcx
usatoday.com He imagines summers spent fly-fishing in a cold mountain lake and winters by the fire reading his favorite books. She envisions summers playing with the grandchildren in her backyard, and winters volunteering.
5 Things New Grads Wish Their Parents Had Taught Them About Money
Think you’ve taught your kids all they need to know about money? Here are five things young adults wish they’d learned sooner: http://yhoo.it/1ISZKbU
finance.yahoo.com We asked new grads what they wished their parents had taught them about money. Here's what they had to say.
Is "Undue Influence" A Problem For Your Aging Parent?
Could your aging parent be a victim of “undue influence”? Learn about three ways to protect your mother or father: http://onforb.es/1Le8gm6
forbes.com Undue influence can come in many forms and can result in harm to unsuspecting elders. A new "friend" can appear, and pay an inordinate amount of attention to your aging parent. That could be fine or it could be a red flag warning you of a potential predator. On World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, learn…
Places to Never Use a Debit or Credit Card to Make a Payment
Although using your bank card over cash may be convenient, certain purchases could put you at risk of identity theft. Avoid using your bank card at these seven places: http://aol.it/1Hmd5uh
dailyfinance.com Carrying around your debit and credit cards to make your daily purchases from coffee to lunch to parking is easy, but the convenience could spell trouble.
Economic Risk Factor Update: June 2015
In his latest blog post, Brad McMillan, Commonwealth Financial Network’s chief investment officer, provides an update on economic risk factors: http://bit.ly/1M0rDz6
blog.commonwealth.com Commonwealth's Brad McMillan offers a review of key economic risk factors in his monthly update.
How to Plan for Semi-Retirement - US News
Not quite ready to leave the workforce? Semi-retirement may be for you. Here’s how to plan for it: http://bit.ly/1AmqZLv
money.usnews.com If you're not ready to completely leave the workforce, semi-retirement might be a happy medium.
How The Millennial Generation Could Affect The Economy Over The Next Five Years
This year, millennials are expected to surpass baby boomers as the largest living American generation. Find out how their financial behavior could affect the economy in the next five years: http://onforb.es/1IsQo7M
forbes.com Shaped by the recession and student loan debt, Millennials are fiscally conservative. Here's how they could impact the economy.
Parents and Millennials agree: Best to save early
Both millennials and their parents believe that saving as early as possible is the most critical financial advice. Find out what other money tips these generations agree on: http://usat.ly/1A5kUO5
usatoday.com Parents and Millennial kids agree that saving early is the best financial advice
Identity Theft Poses Extra Troubles for Children
Thanks to their clean credit reports, children are often prime targets for identity thieves. Learn about ways to protect your family: http://nyti.ms/1P4DLBr
nytimes.com Children’s credit records are clean, and they don’t check their credit reports, two conditions data thieves take advantage of.
How Much Americans Really Pay in Taxes
Income taxes are just a portion of what you pay to the federal government each year. Find out why your full tax burden may be a lot bigger than you thought: http://bloom.bg/1aHlmeN
bloomberg.com It's more — and less — than you think
4 expensive tax penalties and how to avoid them
Want to stay on the right side of the IRS? If you’re paying attention, these four big tax penalties are easy to avoid: http://on.mktw.net/1Cu2ZAe
marketwatch.com Unlike taxes, these penalties can be easily ducked, writes Bill Bischoff.
20 Important Financial Rules for Your 20s
Want to be sure that your 20-something child has a solid financial start? These 20 tips can help him or her get on the right track: http://aol.it/1xsBdIC
dailyfinance.com Welcome to adulthood. Do you have marketable skills? Are you developing your financial literacy? And can you say no?
Own Your Home? Don’t Forget These Tax Breaks - US News
Did you make any energy or medical-related upgrades to your home last year? You could qualify for a tax break. Learn more: http://bit.ly/1x0ro4G
money.usnews.com Look past the standard deductions to ensure you’re getting the most out of your home at tax time.
There's Still Time To Turn Your Hobby Into A Tax Write-off
Can you turn your hobby into a tax write-off? It depends on if it qualifies as a business. Check out these tips to see if your interest would pass muster with the IRS: http://onforb.es/1MO15k7
forbes.com What's a hobby and what's a business? The differences can be subtle, but the tax dollars at stake can be huge. How you can influence the result and still enjoy your 'business.'
Returns Over the Next Decade
One year in the course of an investor’s life is almost irrelevant—what matters is performance over time. In his latest blog post, Brad McMillan, chief investment officer at Commonwealth Financial Network, discusses portfolio returns over the next decade: http://bit.ly/195UXYa
blog.commonwealth.com Commonwealth's Brad McMillan discusses the returns investors can expect over the next decade.
Retirees ranked these states dead last
Planning to move in retirement? From cost of living to weather and climate, see the locations retirees are raving about (and find out which ones aren’t so popular): http://cnb.cx/1ArWt0s
cnbc.com Retirees have more freedom to decide where they want to live, according to a new study. Their top picks for places to relocate.
The Outside View: The U.S. Economy
The U.S. economy faces relatively few risks in the short term, says Commonwealth Financial Network’s Brad McMillan, but what about beyond that? http://bit.ly/17Z7jR8
blog.commonwealth.com Wrapping up his "outside view" series, Commonwealth's Brad McMillan analyzes the U.S. economy.
Tips for Keeping Online Tax Returns Safe From Thieves - US News
TurboTax had to temporarily suspend its service due to concerns about fraudulent tax returns. How can you prevent tax-related identity theft, and what do you do if your information is compromised? http://bit.ly/1zZTtaj
money.usnews.com How to stay safe when you file your return, and what to do if you've been compromised.
5 money moves every college senior should make before graduation
Graduating from college this spring? Prepare to enter a new world of financial responsibility. These five smart money moves will help you get ahead of the game: http://usat.ly/16Mp59E
college.usatoday.com Coming up — paying off student loans and creating a budget. Here are five tips to help you deal.
Consumer Price Index Undergoes Most Significant Change In 25 Years
Big change is coming to the Consumer Price Index. Learn what the Bureau of Labor Statistics is planning—and how these changes might affect future inflation estimates: http://onforb.es/1uIHNnP
forbes.com The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) publishes a monthly report with its estimate of the Consumer Price Index (CPI). According to sources at the BLS, the agency has just finished making its most significant change to the CPI in 25 years. Find out what these changes mean to future inflation reports a…
5 financial moves for millennials
Want your millennial child to have a good financial standing later in life? Check out five tips to help him or her to prepare for the future: http://on.mktw.net/1y52jQV
marketwatch.com Millennials know they need to plan for the future. Here’s how.
6 Reasons to Prep for Retirement in Your 20s and 30s
When it comes to saving for retirement, starting early is key! Here are six pieces of advice for millennials: http://aol.it/1AbRA7E
dailyfinance.com Yes, you're young, but millennials and members of Generation Y should already be planning their retirement. Here's how.
Having ‘the Talk’ with Rob Lowe
Have you talked with your aging parents about their future health care needs? Learn why you should have the conversation sooner than later: http://on.mktw.net/1DGiKqY
marketwatch.com Jack Tatar and Rob Lowe discuss having “the Talk” with parents and children on later life issues.
Pursuing an encore career in retirement
Does your vision of retirement include an “encore” career? Watch this video to learn how to move into a new line of work when you retire: http://reut.rs/1BliU5j
Whether you are looking to give back or strike out on your own, we have tips on how to move into a new line of work when you retire.
The 2014 tax breaks you'll be able to take
Hoping for some nice deductions in your 2014 taxes? Congress has extended dozens of expired “temporary” tax breaks: http://cnnmon.ie/1BXYMtA
money.cnn.com Congress waited until the last minute to decide what to do with a slew of expired tax breaks. They extended most of them, and a handful will affect individuals directly.
Of the Right Age, but Can’t Seem to Stay Retired
Do you enjoy your job too much to retire? You’re not alone: find out why many choose to “drop out” of retirement and continue working: http://nyti.ms/1yx9Xbs
nytimes.com Some of retirement age need an income; others crave a challenge. The number of people in the work force who are past retirement age is growing.