Posts by Marty Shields

Written by Stacy Akaka When couples are approaching retirement age and determining the best strategy for receiving their social security benefits, there is one strategy commonly known as ”file-and-suspend” that will allow one of them to start receiving benefits while simultaneously grow both of their long-term benefits. This strategy requires one spouse to file for…

We are more than two weeks into 2014 and the S&P 500 is essentially flat with mixed economic data being reported over this time period. The sector that had a great year in 2013 and is starting the new year off with positive news on the earnings front is the financial sector and more specifically the…

For those individuals who are saving for their children’s or grandchildren’s education, one of the best methods is to contribute to a 529 plan.  Each state has their own plan and New York’s plan is one of the better ones as far as fees and investments offered https://www.nysaves.com.   The investment are provided through Vanguard and…

Two questions we are frequently asked are whether or not it is a good time to buy a house and whether the housing market can continue to improve with rates rising as shown in the graph below (click to enlarge).   The answer to whether it is a good time to buy a house depends…

Next week the 2nd quarter earnings reporting season will begin, starting with Alcoa on Monday.  As shown in the graph below (click graph to enlarge), a record number of companies in the S&P 500 index have issued negative guidance for the quarter.  This is not necessarily a bad thing to the extent that it is…