Working with a financial advisor is one of the top three drivers of retirement savings success, according to Putnam’s latest Lifetime Income ScoreSM survey. In addition to the benefits of professional advice, the study found that access to a workplace savings plan and deferring at least 10% of income would best position a household for
With the ongoing European debt crisis, a slowdown in China’s economic growth, and concerns about a so-called “fiscal cliff” at the end of 2012 for the United States, market volatility jumped in the second quarter compared with the first. The Chicago Board Options Exchange Volatility Index (VIX), also known as the “fear gauge,” only recently
Heading into 2012, 79% of financial advisors said volatility would be the biggest challenge facing investors this year. Through the first five months of the year, Europe’s sovereign debt and recession woes, China’s economic slowdown, and decelerating jobs growth in the United States have contributed to market uncertainty and volatility. Find out how advisors are
Are you living in a high-tax state? Financial planners suggest that finding the ideal retirement spot means weighing a number of pros and cons about each state. This interactive graphic shows how your state stacks up on taxes and other metrics.