Can bonds still protect a stock portfolio?

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Can bonds still protect a stock portfolio?
Traditional wisdom dictates that bonds and stocks complement each other, but this is not always the case, writes a Forbes contributor. This is especially true when a reduction in valuations occurs, writes the expert. "What we may have seen in early 2018 was a reduction in the valuations people were willing to pay for financial assets, perhaps due to a reduction in easy money from expected raising rates, perhaps due to higher inflation expected down the road, or a combination of both."

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Catching up with retirement after a recession
In this article from The New York Times, a group of seniors who deferred retirement because of the economic downturn in 2008 shared their experience how they coped with the crisis. One couple decided to downsize and replenish their savings after the crisis hit their retirement plans. “I can see continuing to work part time and be involved in a charitable organization. But, as you get older, it gets harder to find a part-time situation,” says the wife.

Medicare doesn't cover hearing aids but retirees have options
Baby boomers may be unaware that they have a hearing impairment, and this condition is not covered by Medicare, according to this article from Kiplinger. They are advised to get a hearing test and treatment, but the cost could be hefty. To save on the cost, they may check their health insurance policy while they may get hearing aids at a discount.

What to do if forced into early retirement
Seniors who are forced to retire early are advised to determine whether they have enough savings to last through retirement, according to this article on personal finance website Motley Fool. They are also advised to consider filing for Social Security benefits and adjust their budget based on their reduced income. Early retirees should ensure that they have medical coverage and are open to the possibility of working on a part-time basis or running a business.

'How's your 401(k) doing?' It's a good question to ask right now
Despite the recent market downturn, workers should remain invested in their employer-sponsored 401(k) plan, according to this article on CNBC. "The 401(k) as a place to save for retirement is one of the very best places you can put your money," says an expert. "We highly encourage people to continue to put as much money into that as they possibly can."

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