The results of a recent poll by the CFA Institute exhibit interesting findings regarding our bias towards ownership – the so-called Endowment Effect. A full 84% of respondents indicated selling is tougher than buying. The most emotionally taxing decisions are outright sales (43%) followed by short sales (41%). Buying on margin (13%) came in third. [...]
Our caveman ancestors had a simple test for survival – Fight or Flight. In our modern world money is the source of survival. As a result every primitive survival and pleasure-seeking drive is intensely focused on capturing and guarding money. These drives are involuntary and highly emotional emerging more quickly and forcefully than logical analysis. [...]
The annual Cost of Living Adjustment (“COLA”) to monthly Social Security checks is fast becoming a relic in a world of near-zero inflation. According to the most recent estimates the 2017 COLA is likely to be 0.7% on the high end and, at worst, 0%.
In a recent general information letter the IRS reiterated several RMD rules and the Required Beginning Date (“RBD”) for taking RMDs: IRAs: The requirement to take RMDs begins on April 1st of the year following the calendar year in which the taxpayer reaches age 70 ½. EXAMPLE: Taxpayer reaches age 70 ½ in 2016. S/he [...]