Gerald's Articles

Practical steps you can take to reduce risk.

Here are some updates and changes regarding tax filings, IRA contributions and distributions, as well as help for individuals and small businesses during this stressful time.

Gerald Townsend shares his thoughts on the coronavirus and the markets.

Learn how The SECURE Act will affect your retirement planning.

Many people saving for retirement end up with a variety of savings or investment accounts:  regular personal (non-retirement) accounts; employer pre-tax retirement accounts [such as 401(k)s]; employer post-tax retirement accounts [such as a Roth 401(k)]; traditional Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs); and Roth IRAs.

When it comes time to begin withdrawing from these plans, how do you decide which account to take money from?

 

In financial and investment planning, that four-letter word, "risk," is something we constantly grapple with. Following the too-calm markets of 2017, the return of volatility in 2018 stunned many investors.

My wife and I just returned from a family trip to China - our ninth trip over the past 40 years. This trip was especially meaningful, as we were joined by our son, daughter, son-in-law, and grandson. Traveling certainly doesn't get any easier, and my body is still adjusting to being back, but the trip, as always, was fascinating, educational and fun. The food was wonderful and there is something special about eating Peking Duck while in Peking (Beijing) or enjoying Dim Sum in Hong Kong.

Recently, the headline news was about the U.S. yield curve “inverting,” and what this might mean for the economy and markets.Inverted Yield Curve

The dawn of a new year is the ideal time to review your various financial accounts and make sure that your beneficiaries are updated. Changes may have occurred during the previous year such as marriage, divorce or the birth of children which could impact who you would like to name as beneficiaries.

Why is it important to keep your beneficiaries updated? Beneficiaries of your accounts receive funds before the distribution of any assets named in your will. In other words, beneficiary designations on your account override your will.