Brought to you compliments of Sarah M. Place, MBA
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July 2005
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Saturday, February 4, 2012
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Are There Any Questions?
The key to investing is to carefully consider all your options and thoroughly understand an investment before committing to it. It is important to me that all my clients understand the investments they select through me. However, I sometimes sense that some people hold back and do not ask all the questions that they have on their mind. I have no limit on the number of questions you can ask and I am more than happy to explain a product or concept until you are completely comfortable with it. Please do not be afraid to ask any questions or bring to my attention any concerns that you may have about your financial situation.
After all, the more knowledge and understanding that you have of the financial world, the better equipped you will be to make the best decisions for your future.
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Boosting Your 401(k) Plan's Returns
Your 401(k) plan's ultimate size is primarily
a function of two factors - how much you contribute and how much
you earn. Of course, you know you should contribute the maximum
amount possible ($14,000 in 2005 plus a $4,000 catch-up contribution
for individuals over age 50, if permitted by the plan). But what
steps should you take to maximize your returns? Consider these
tips.
[FULL ARTICLE]
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Is Your 401(k) Plan Enough?
For the vast majority of workers, a 401(k)
plan may be the only retirement plan offered by employers. If
you won't receive a traditional pension benefit from your employer,
will a 401(k) plan be enough to fund your retirement? Answering that question is difficult because
the 401(k) plan has only been around for 20 years, so no current
retirees have saved in a 401(k) plan for their entire working
career.
[FULL ARTICLE]
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Are Defined-Benefit Plans Extinct?
Defined-benefit pension plans have been
on a steady decline for the last couple of decades, while defined-contribution
plans, such as 401(k) plans, have increased dramatically. In fact,
defined-benefit plans have declined from 148,096 plans in 1980
to 56,045 in 1998 (the last year data is available), while participation
in defined-contribution plans has tripled during the same period
(Source: Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas, October 2004).
[FULL ARTICLE]
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Your Children and IRAs
Once your children start working, help them
develop good savings habits by encouraging them to fund an individual
retirement account (IRA). Even if your child only contributes
for a few years, an IRA can provide significant funds for retirement.
[FULL ARTICLE]
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Consider a Conversion
In tax planning, the goal typically is to
delay the payment of income taxes. Thus, it can be difficult to
understand why it might make sense to convert a traditional individual
retirement account (IRA) to a Roth IRA, which results in the current
payment of income taxes.
[FULL ARTICLE]
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Sarah has over fifteen years experience in the financial services industry. She received her MBA at St. Mary's University Graduate School of Business in San Antonio, TX and her bachelor’s degree in Economics–Finance at Bentley College in Waltham, MA. The firm she founded, Place Trade Financial, Inc., (Member NASD, SIPC) is an active member of the Securities Industry Association (SIA).
Feel free to contact Sarah via e-mail at
sarah@placetrade.com
or visit our Web site
www.placetrade.com
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Published by
Sarah M. Place
Copyright © 2005 Place Trade Financial, Inc., Member NASD/SIPC. All rights reserved.
This newsletter intends to offer factual and up-to-date information on the subjects discussed, but should not be regarded as a complete analysis of these subjects. The appropriate professional advisors should be consulted before implementing any options presented. No party assumes liability for any loss or damage resulting from errors or omissions or reliance on or use of this material.
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TELL A FRIEND
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