A Different Way to Look at Asset Allocation: Retirement Scan

Our daily roundup of retirement news your clients may be thinking about.

A different way to look at asset allocation

Retirement investors who want a new approach to asset allocation may consider one that classifies securities based on how long they intend to keep the investments in their portfolio to achieve their targets, according to this article on MarketWatch. Investors may include some of the securities as core holdings meant to be part of the portfolio for a long time, or as "resident" holdings, which will be owned for not more than two years to make the most of their price appreciation and dividend income payments. Other securities may be treated as "guest" holdings that will stay for up to six months and have been considered because of its potential to provide at least a 10% return. –MarketWatch

Which retirement savings plans are best for teachers?

Identifying the best retirement savings option for public school teachers can be difficult because their future tax bracket, which will be the basis for picking the best plan, are unpredictable, according to this article on Kiplinger. If they are certain that they will be in a lower tax bracket in retirement, investing in 403(b)s is the best option. If the situation will be the opposite, then they would be better off investing in a Roth. Since clients cannot predict their future tax brackets, they are advised to make tax diversification in their portfolios. –Kiplinger

How technology will transform retirement

As the average life span has increased, future retirees have the opportunity to lead a better, vibrant life because of technology, according to this article in The Wall Street Journal. Technological innovations in the future will enable retirees to continue working part-time, maintain their homes, remain connected to their friends, keep in good shape and enjoy better health care. The Internet will be the main driver of these innovative solutions, but this tech-enabled environment may pose challenges, such as costs and loss of privacy. –The Wall Street Journal

Catch a falling knife to boost retirement income

Retirees will need to have a strategy to make wise decisions in handling their dividend paying stocks if their performance goes ballistic, according to this article on Forbes. The strategy should start with a good understanding of why the stock is dwindling. Then, they should determine the company's future value and look into the firm's dividend. Lastly, they should monitor the technical indicators to predict the stock's direction. –Forbes

What should widow's next step be with Social Security?

A 60-year-old client who is collecting Social Security widow’s benefit on her deceased husband's record is advised to work part-time, according to this article on USA Today. Her benefits will not be affected if her annual earnings are below $15,720, and she will still be better off even if her income exceeds the threshold and Social Security will take away $2 from her benefits for every $1 she earns over that limit. "You might find that a future shift to your own Social Security will pay more than your widow's benefit," an expert says. –USA Today

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