Why Not Use Dividend Stocks for Retirement Income?

Today we answer a question from a listener.  He asks: 

I am looking to retire soon and trying to determine the best way to generate retirement income with interest rates so low. Traditionally, you could have done this with treasuries or CDs. Why wouldn’t buying dividend stocks paying 4% to 5% makes sense? In addition to the dividends, you have the opportunity for appreciation.

We talk about the challenges of this strategy.

To view this episode on our website, visit:  https://flemingwatson.com/why-not-use-dividend-stocks-for-retirement-income/

Do you have a question? Send it to us:  https://flemingwatson.com/askacfppro

Investing vs. Speculating

The trading activity in GameStop caused some anxiety in the stock market last week. It serves as a stark reminder there is a difference between investing and speculating.

For more on this topic visit: https://flemingwatson.com/investing-vs-speculating/

A Stock Market Crash is Always Coming

A good friend sent me an article written by the writers at MotleyFool.com. It was titled 4 Reasons the Market Could Crash in the Next 3 Months.

A stock market crash is always coming.

To learn more, visit:  https://flemingwatson.com/a-stock-market-crash-is-always-coming/

Taxing Social Security

Today we focus on taxing Social Security benefits. We cover:

• How to know if your benefits are taxable or not
• Examples to show you how provisional income is computed.
• Potential surprises you may encounter in retirement. 

To learn more, visit: https://flemingwatson.com/taxing-social-security/

How Retirement Income is Taxed

Today we look at how the most common types of retirement income is taxed.  We look at:

• The common types of accounts retirees use,
• The types of income taxed at the highest rates
• Types of income which receive favorable tax treatment.

To learn more visit: https://flemingwatson.com/how-retirement-income-is-taxed/

4 Reasons to NOT Take Social Security at 62

Many people want to retire as early as possible, something we completely understand. But it may not be the right decision. Today we discuss 4 reasons to NOT take Social Security at age 62.

The reasons include:

• Big discounts for early retirement.
• The negative impact on spousal and survivor benefits.
• Smaller lifetime benefits.
• Penalties to continue working.

To learn more, visit: https://flemingwatson.com/4-reasons-to-not-start-social-security-at-62/

Closer to Retirement: Should You Save More or Payoff Your Mortgage?

As you get closer to retirement, should you save more or pay off your mortgage? 

This is a question we received from a listener.  Let's take a look at what factors into your decision.

To learn more, visit: https://flemingwatson.com/save-more-or-pay-off-your-mortgage/

What is Tax-Loss Harvesting?

A listener asks a question about year end tax planning.  Can tax-loss harvesting help your tax situation?  Today we look at this strategy and how it works.

If you would like to learn more about this topic, please visit:  https://flemingwatson.com/what-is-tax-loss-harvesting/

Is Bitcoin a Good Investment?

Is Bitcoin a good investment? It is the new frontier in the investment world.  Its gains over the past six years will catch your eye.  Today we will answer a listener question about the digital currency and its characteristics.

Our question is from Chris. He writes, "A guy at work keeps talking about Bitcoin. I don't understand it. What is it and should I consider investing in it?”

To learn more, visit:  https://flemingwatson.com/is-bitcoin-a-good-investment/

How to Pick Funds for Your 401k

A listener writes:  ""I'm trying to choose investments for my 401k. How important are the three-year and five-year returns when picking the funds? What should I be focusing on to choose the right investments?"  

To learn more, visit:  https://flemingwatson.com/how-to-pick-investments-for-your-401k/