Michael Maehl

Most near retirement have time for market return

Quality investment mix can provide income tailored to savers' needs

July 28, 2022

You've worked diligently and saved and invested for retirement. You put in 40 to 60 hours per week for a whole lot of years. Now, at long last, you'll get to kick back and do whatever pastimes you enjoy.

Charitable giving strategies can soften tax bite

Donor-advised funds, charitable lead trusts may reduce liabilities

May 19, 2022

Michael Maehl

Anyone looking to sell appreciated stock is unfortunately going to trigger a tax on capital gains, whether long or short term. The current legislative and political climate has produced rumblings of a potential doubling of the long-term capital gains tax.

Stock markets always survive uncertain times

Despite volatile periods in past, indexes recovered at rates beating inflation

March 10, 2022

Michael Maehl

It can feel pretty uncomfortable reviewing your investments when, after a few years of pretty good markets, all of a sudden you've got higher inflation coming into play, interest rates starting to move up, and now, add aggressive Russians all combining

Emotions can lead to loss aversion or overconfidence in investing

Human psychology affects investment decision making

November 9, 2017

Michael Maehl

Economist Richard Thaler was awarded the 2017 Nobel Prize in the field of economics for his contributions to behavioral economics. According to the Nobel committee, Thaler has 'incorporated psychologically realistic assumptions into analyses of economi

Cover all essential bases when retirement planning

Prep for income needs, health care expenses

September 28, 2017

Michael Maehl

Whether you're considering an upcoming retirement or already have made your transition and want to cover your proverbial bases, a few ideas will help you make plans and decisions. First, have a will in place. If you haven't reviewed yours in the last

Michael Maehl: Well-performing stock market met with reluctance

Many indicators suggest skittishness unwarranted

August 17, 2017

Michael Maehl

According to the Wall Street Journal, 'America's largest companies are on pace to post two consecutive quarters of double-digit profit growth for the first time since 2011, helped by years of cost-cutting, a weaker dollar, and stronger consumer spendi

Set goals when mulling spending in retirement

Ask yourself some delving questions to begin process

August 3, 2017

Michael Maehl

Retirement, per se, is still a relatively new phenomenon. Not all that long ago, people pretty much worked until they died. Retirement, as a definite period of your lifetime, is something that only really came into being starting in the 1970s in the U.S.

When making investment strategy, know thyself

Personality traits can help, hinder success in market

June 22, 2017

Michael Maehl

Being aware of trends and the successful identification of investment opportunities are quite small considerations in being a successful investor. Trial and error as you learn the ins and outs of the financial markets, along with really knowing your pers

Strategizing for retirement as lifespans grow longer

Rules of thumb are helpful, but only provide a baseline

April 27, 2017

Michael Maehl

Making the transition from earning money to spending money when you first stop working is tricky, especially if you're healthy and eager to enjoy all that new free time. The nice thing about work is that it keeps you from spending money. Remember, retir

Riding the cycles: Monitor rates, stay diversified

Long-term results moot if you falter in short term

April 13, 2017

Michael Maehl

Currently, we're trading near the all-time highs of the U.S. stock market, while the bond market continues near its all-time lows. This cyclicality aspect of the markets is leading many to conclude that the time may be coming near for them to trade plac