Vantage Point UPDATE: Intermediate-Term and Long-Term Trend Analysis

On Friday, September 26, the S&P 500 closed @ 1983, and that was...
  
   +5.8% ABOVE its 12-Month moving average which stood @ 1875.
   +4.3% ABOVE its 40-Week moving average which stood @ 1902.
   +0.3% ABOVE its 10-Week moving average which stood @ 1977.


Therefore, the INTERMEDIATE-Term trend is NEUTRAL
and the LONG-Term trend is UP.

The Top 10 Retirement Challenges: #2. Longer Life Expectancies

New research on asset sufficiency is challenging some of the standard retirement planning rules of thumb, such as the 4% safe withdrawal rate. 

A 65-year-old married couple retiring today will likely see at least one spouse live longer than the 30 years.

Case Study: What Does A Long-Term Care Policy Cost A Couple, Aged 60 in 2014?

Vantage Point UPDATE: Intermediate-Term and Long-Term Trend Analysis

On Friday, September 19, the S&P 500 closed @ 2010, and that was...
  
   +6.9% ABOVE its 12-Month moving average which stood @ 1880.
   +5.9% ABOVE its 40-Week moving average which stood @ 1898.
   +1.7% ABOVE its 10-Week moving average which stood @ 1976.


Therefore, the INTERMEDIATE-Term trend is NEUTRAL
and the LONG-Term trend is UP.

The Top 10 Retirement Challenges: #3. Balancing Risk & Return

Developing a proper asset allocation in a portfolio requires balancing many factors including risk tolerance, cash flow needs, time horizon and return requirements.

Planners want to reduce risk as much as possible in the portfolio while still achieving a sufficient return to achieve the client's financial goals -- an even more challenging task in light of current low interest rates on cash and bonds.

President Obama's Immigration Order Opposed...

Vantage Point UPDATE: Intermediate-Term and Long-Term Trend Analysis

On Friday, September 12, the S&P 500 closed @ 1986, and that was...
  
   +5.8% ABOVE its 12-Month moving average which stood @ 1876.
   +4.9% ABOVE its 40-Week moving average which stood @ 1892.
   +0.7% ABOVE its 10-Week moving average which stood @ 1972.


Therefore, the INTERMEDIATE-Term trend is NEUTRAL
and the LONG-Term trend is UP.

The Top 10 Retirement Challenges: #4. Enjoying Retirement

While it is important to come up with a retirement withdrawal rate that is sustainable, it should also allow clients to enjoy their retirement. 

Planners and clients often focus on not running out of money, but clients also don't want to die with too much money.

The USA May Be Near Full Employment?

Vantage Point UPDATE: Intermediate-Term and Long-Term Trend Analysis

On Friday, September 5, the S&P 500 closed @ 2008, and that was...
  
   +6.8% ABOVE its 12-Month moving average which stood @ 1879.
   +6.3% ABOVE its 40-Week moving average which stood @ 1888.
   +1.8% ABOVE its 10-Week moving average which stood @ 1972.


Therefore, the INTERMEDIATE-Term trend is NEUTRAL
and the LONG-Term trend is UP.

The Top 10 Retirement Challenges: #5. Withdrawal Strategy

Often it's very difficult to move from a lifetime of spending what comes in to drawing down on a portfolio. Coming up with an amount to keep in cash reserve -- and maintaining it -- is critical.

Many people might find 3 bucket strategy helps them compartmentalize what they are spending in order to avoid stress over market fluctuations.

Managing the tax impact of withdrawals and understanding how each piece of income is taxed is essential.

Bullish Omen: Durable Goods Orders Skyrocket...

Vantage Point UPDATE: Intermediate-Term and Long-Term Trend Analysis

On Friday, August 29, the S&P 500 closed @ 2003, and that was...
  
   +7.9% ABOVE its 12-Month moving average which stood @ 1856.
   +6.4% ABOVE its 40-Week moving average which stood @ 1882.
   +1.8% ABOVE its 10-Week moving average which stood @ 1967.


Therefore, the INTERMEDIATE-Term trend is NEUTRAL
and the LONG-Term trend is UP.