Which topics were the most useful? A quick glance at the list reveals an interest in estate planning, retirement income, Social Security, and how to navigate market volatility.
If you missed any of these popular pieces, now’s a great time to use them to help recharge your finances—and spirits—for the new year. Happy reading and our best wishes for a very prosperous 2016!
| 1. | Estate plan pitfalls to avoid |
Do you know who your beneficiaries are, and how your assets are titled? These may seem like simple questions, but if you've spent many years accumulating bank and brokerage accounts, real estate, retirement accounts, annuities, and other assets, it’s not uncommon to forget or fail to update this important information. Find out why choosing the right accounts and forms of ownership is key—and how to get them right—in “Estate plan pitfalls to avoid.”
| 2. | Why establish an estate plan? |
Having a plan for what happens with your savings, investments, real estate, and other assets after your death may not be something you want to think about. But estate planning is very important—after all, you have worked hard for what you have. Do you really want someone else to make decisions about the transfer of your assets? To find out why almost everyone may benefit from an estate plan, regardless of how much money they have, read “Why establish an estate plan?”
| 3. | Five ways to protect your retirement income |
If you’re nearing or in retirement, it’s important to think about protecting what you've saved and ensuring that your income needs are met now and in the future. We’ve outlined five rules of thumb to help manage the risks to your retirement income. Read “Five ways to protect your retirement income.”
| 4. | How to spend from a 529 account |
Year after year, you have been saving diligently for college through a 529 college savings account. Now college is closer and it’s time to think about spending the money you’ve put aside. You’ll be in control of how much is withdrawn and how it’ll be used, but there are a few things you need to know up front to make the most of your savings. Learn about a nine-step guide to help you make your 529 college savings go as far as possible in “How to spend from a 529 college plan.”
| 5. | New Social Security rules |
The October budget agreement did more than authorize the federal government to engage in additional borrowing; it also changed the rules for claiming Social Security. Going forward, two claiming strategies that had given some couples the potential for higher lifetime benefits will no longer be available. Find out the details and how you may be affected in “New Social Security rules.”
| 6. | Pros' guide to diversification |
Stock market swings in 2015 might have changed your mix of stocks and bonds. You may need to bring your portfolio back in line with a diversified mix that is appropriate for your situation. For help analyzing your overall portfolio, choosing a target investment mix, and rebalancing your portfolio to bring it in line with that mix, read “The pros’ guide to diversification” and visit our Planning & Guidance Center (log in required).
| 7. | Six strategies for volatile markets |
Market volatility in late August and early September had investors concerned. Rather than focusing on the turbulence, wondering if you need to do something now, or what the market will do tomorrow, it makes more sense to focus on developing and maintaining a sound, long-term investing plan. Read our “Six strategies for volatile markets.”
| 8. | If you are a non-spouse IRA beneficiary |
Retirement accounts pass directly to named beneficiaries, rather than becoming part of your estate. This can provide significant tax advantages for your heirs. If you are the son, daughter, brother, sister, or even a close friend of an IRA owner who has named you as his or her beneficiary, it's critical that you—and the owner of the IRA—understand the rules that govern IRA inheritances. If you are married, keep in mind that most employer-sponsored retirement plans automatically designate your spouse as the beneficiary unless your spouse has consented in writing to allow another primary beneficiary. For more details, read “If you are a non-spouse IRA beneficiary.”
| 9. | Looking for income |
With 2015’s low interest rates and an uncertain outlook, many investors who were looking to generate current income—and could tolerate the extra risk—started considering non-bond income-generating investments. Among them: high-dividend-yielding stocks, preferreds, convertibles, and REITs. Find out more about a beyond-bonds income strategy in “Looking for income.”
| 10. | Putting the pullback into perspective |
The sell-offs in the markets in late August were sharp—a 1,000 point intraday decline in the Dow Jones Industrial Average during trading on August 24 was the largest intraday point drop ever. Investors were anxious. A panel of Fidelity experts gathered for a webcast to discuss the latest market events. Watch the full replay of the webcast and get the key takeaways for investors in “Putting the pullback into perspective.”
https://www.fidelity.com/viewpoints/personal-finance/top-viewpoints-articles-2015?ccsource=email_weekly
