The publicity generated by the liquidation of California-based IndyMac Bank – one of the nation’s largest savings & loans with $32 billion in assets – along with recent headlines focused on the Bear Stearns bailout and problems with mortgage giants Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac serve to underscore the fragile state of the nation’s financial infrastructure. Understandably,...Read More

The second quarter started on a fairly optimistic note, but following a brief upswing from March to May, the markets experienced a sharp sell-off as underlying concerns about inflation and the fundamental strength of the economy resurfaced. Energy costs, escalating prices and continuing turmoil in the credit markets weighed heavily on both domestic and foreign...Read More

“Growing old is mandatory; growing up is optional.” — Chili Davis Ron and I love public television. It’s very rare that we watch the commercial stations…we just want the information, not product pitches. One Sunday morning, we were watching a show that was created by AARP and originally aired on WGBH in Boston (I believe...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

“Reduce the complexity of life by eliminating the needless wants of life, and the labors of life reduce themselves” – Edwin Way Teale Roe and I recently watched the HBO series “John Adams.” We both previously listened to the audio version of David McCullough’s biography, upon which this series was based. One of many things we...Read More

A few weeks ago I was attending a Weight Watchers® meeting in my never-ending battle to lose weight. The subject was, Where We Eat our Meals and the Environment in which We Eat Them. The answer was simple for me. I eat at home in the kitchen or dining room. I eat lunch in the...Read More

There’s an old saying on Wall Street that markets can live with good news and they can live with bad news, but they can’t live with uncertainty. There’s an awful lot of uncertainty on Wall Street these days and that’s why there’s so much volatility in the markets. That uncertainty is derived from a number...Read More

In one of my previous articles, I described how securing Patient Advocate status is essential for anyone with elderly parents or grandparents in as much as such advocates have the legal authorization to act on seniors’ behalf to help resolve medical situations in a timely and effective way. Having copies of the proper paperwork is...Read More

Financial Geriatrics is not just about money. It’s about saving time too. After all, time is money. Here is a time saving tip for those of us with caregiver responsibilities. I frequently help my future in-laws get to their doctor appointments, dinner functions and other everyday destinations. Dad and mom both have canes and find...Read More