Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc.'s Feed

Breaking up the Assets is Hard to Do: The Financial Side of Divorce

ezhelp@eggzack.com (EggZack.com Help) — Mon, 02 Aug 2010 14:56:31 EDT

Breaking up the Assets is Hard to Do: The Financial Side of Divorce

Couples who decide to divorce must deal with the daunting task of dismantling a life that was once a partnership. The emotional upheaval is intense, as both parties must create their own individual lives again.

But an important step in the divorce process is dividing the assets between the two parties. What was once 'ours' must now become 'yours' and 'mine,' and it's a process that can be painful in its own right. If you are preparing for a divorce, there are important steps you need to take to ensure that the assets are divided properly.

Who should be involved

Let's start with the obvious answer - lawyers. It's critical that lawyers are involved, especially when the individuals are in conflict. In addition, many people benefit from enlisting the help of a financial advisor who can help sort out the complexities of splitting joint assets.

Getting started

Sorting through the financial side of a divorce should happen right away. This is important because once the divorce is finalized, making changes to the financial settlement is extremely difficult. Here are some important initial steps:

1) Find out what your joint assets are. Any assets you've accumulated while married are joint assets, at least in most states. This includes the obvious -- homes, autos, boats, jewelry - but also includes business interests, retirement savings, investments, cash, bank accounts, and anything of value like antiques. Make sure all asset values are in writing.

2) Do the same with liabilities. Any debt including mortgages, car or boat loans, tax liabilities and/or penalties should be disclosed and tracked.

3) Create a new budget. Each party should determine their financial needs for their life after the divorce. Don't overlook items that were once shared like health or life insurance premiums. Use your best estimates if actual costs are unknown. This is an important step that will influence the way in which the assets are divided.

4) Explore what the long-term picture looks like. What will be your lifestyle beyond the divorce proceedings? How will the divorce affect income? Will the former stay-at-home spouse get a job? If so, what is the salary and benefits? Where do child support and alimony fit into both individuals' scenario? It is worth thinking about these issues now, even if the actual numbers are only estimates.

Your changing insurance needs

When couples split, each person's insurance needs change immediately. Whether you carried the lion's share of insurance policies, or you were the beneficiary of your spouse's policies, you need to make changes.

Health insurance.

If you will no longer be covered by your spouse's health insurance, you will need to find your own plan, either through an employer or another source. You will need to work out which of you will carry health insurance for your children as well.

Life insurance.

You may no longer want to list your former spouse as a beneficiary of a life insurance policy; on the other hand, if you were the beneficiary and will not be going forward, you will also need to explore your own life insurance needs. Individuals who will be receiving alimony or child support payments might also consider taking out a life insurance policy on their former spouse to ensure they can continue to receive that money if the ex-spouse passes away.

Other insurance needs.

Long-term care and disability insurance may be more important to both parties, now that each is running a household solo. Auto and home insurance will now be up to each individual as well, so be sure to find the right policy for your new situation.

Other documents. You will also need to update key documents like wills and living wills. They can be rewritten or you can create entirely new ones that reflect both your wishes and the current state of your household.

Your financial know-how

If your spouse always handled the checkbook and the budget, you'll need a crash course in the basics - and soon. Take a class in basic money management, work out a budget for your new life and (here's the hard part) stick to it. As you embark on your own separate path, this is a skill you will need, and you won't have anyone else to handle it for you.

P.S. The finest compliment I can receive is a referral from a satisfied client. Refer me to others at ameripriseadvisors.com/harvey.c.sacks@ampf.com

> > > > > > >

Harvey C. Sacks, J.D. | Senior Financial Advisor | Business Financial Advisor

3220 Creamery Rd | New Hope, PA 18938

Office: 215.230.9198 | Fax: 215.230.9498| Mobile: 215.802.2509 | harvey.c.sacks@ampf.com

84 Park Ave Suite G-103C | Flemington, NJ 08822

Office:908.788.2999 | Fax: 908.788.2850

Learn more at www.ameripriseadvisors.com/harvey.c.sacks

CA Insurance License #370456

We shape financial solutions for a lifetimeÂ®

An Ameriprise Financial Franchise. Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. offers financial advisory services, investments, insurance and annuity products. RiverSourceÂ® and Columbia ManagementSM products are offered by affiliates of Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc., Member FINRA and SIPC.

###

Brokerage, investment and financial advisory services are made available through Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA and SIPC. Some products and services may not be available in all jurisdictions or to all clients.

File # 103655

For more information, contact:

Even Countries Need to Care About Credit Ratings

ezhelp@eggzack.com (EggZack.com Help) — Mon, 02 Aug 2010 14:54:55 EDT

Even Countries Need to Care About Credit Ratings

There's been plenty of attention paid lately to the battered state of consumer credit. But what happens when nations get low marks on their credit report cards? Like consumers, countries can get into a trouble when their ability to meet their financial obligations comes under question.

Just as there are three main credit agencies that measure and report consumer credit, there are three leading global agencies that assign and report sovereign credit ratings: Moody's Investor Service, Standard & Poor's and Fitch, Inc. Each agency uses its own scale to provide investors with a "credit bond rating," which is an assessment of a nation's ability to repay debt issues (typically bonds). High credit bond ratings help reassure investors, while low ratings turn investing into a riskier business.

Consider Ireland, for example. Only a few years ago, Ireland's economy was booming. But over the past year, as jobs have declined and tax revenues have dropped, Ireland's ratio of debt-to-gross domestic product (GDP) has snowballed. As a result, the government has been forced to cut wages and raise taxes, which in turn is stunting growth. Because of Ireland's weakened economic state, all three agencies have given the country lower marks, with Moody's Investor Service most recently downgrading Ireland's credit rating from Aa1 to Aa2. The most significant impact of Ireland's downward grading is the effect it will have on the country's ability to take on more debt. Essentially, borrowing money will be more expensive, making it even more challenging for the struggling nation to right itself financially.

Greece provides another cautionary example of financial reversal at the national level. Recently Moody's downgraded the country's bond credit rating to junk status. Such a low rating can scare off investors by suggesting that Greece's instability may affect the country's ongoing ability to repay debt.

Even the United States, which currently enjoys top credit bond ratings from all three agencies, is at risk of earning lower "grades" due to our nation's trillion-dollar budget deficit. If interest on our national debt eventually exceeds the ability of our government and economy to grow and afford debt repayments (while also paying for federal programs), we could find ourselves in the same bind as Ireland or (gasp) Greece.

There are two lessons to be learned from this discussion about sovereign credit ratings. Number one: Safeguard your credit on a personal level to remain solvent and avoid excessive debt. Number two: Pay attention to credit bond ratings if you decide to invest in international markets. A qualified financial advisor can help you find ways to strengthen your own personal credit profile and invest according to your tolerance for risk.

####

P.S. The finest compliment I can receive is a referral from a satisfied client. Refer me to others at ameripriseadvisors.com/harvey.c.sacks@ampf.com

> > > > > > >

Harvey C. Sacks, J.D. | Senior Financial Advisor | Business Financial Advisor

3220 Creamery Rd | New Hope, PA 18938

Office: 215.230.9198 | Fax: 215.230.9498| Mobile: 215.802.2509 | harvey.c.sacks@ampf.com

84 Park Ave Suite G-103C | Flemington, NJ 08822

Office:908.788.2999 | Fax: 908.788.2850

Learn more at www.ameripriseadvisors.com/harvey.c.sacks

CA Insurance License #370456

We shape financial solutions for a lifetimeÂ®

International investing involves increased risk and volatility due to potential political and economic instability, currency fluctuations, and differences in financial reporting and accounting standards and oversight. Risks are particularly significant in emerging markets.

File # 103623

For more information, contact:

A realistic perspective on risk

ezhelp@eggzack.com (EggZack.com Help) — Mon, 02 Aug 2010 14:52:47 EDT

A realistic perspective on risk

How much risk are you as an investor willing to accept? This is one of the most important factors that can affect the way you structure your portfolio and your overall financial plan. Yet it is also one of the most difficult to quantify. There is no universally accepted way of accurately measuring an investor's risk tolerance. A number of factors come into play, including the investment and economic environment you are dealing with at the moment.

For example, consider how you might have answered a question about your level of risk tolerance during the record bull market of the 1990s. Given that the market rarely experienced an extended down period during that decade, many investors were comfortable implementing an investment strategy that was quite aggressive. They were convinced there was little chance that the stock market would suffer a significant setback.

Things look a lot different today. We've had two notable bear markets in less than a decade. The Standard & Poor's 500 stock index (an unmanaged index of stocks) lost 49% from 2000 to 2002, and after recovering and reaching new highs, lost another 57% from late 2007 to early 2009. This experience has likely caused you to reconsider how much risk you are willing to accept. Today's investor truly understands what it means to deal with investment risk. It isn't just a theory like it was during the 1990s, but a real possibility. Facing that reality, investors know they have to take risk more seriously, and try to determine their appropriate risk tolerance level.

Assessing your own risk profile

Here are some ideas to keep in mind as you define your own views about investment risk:

â�¢

Set proper expectations.

It's important to accept that stock investments will be subject to periodic volatility. The reward potential of investing in future growth of global businesses remains strong, but the path to wealth is not always smooth. Prepare yourself for the fact that it will get bumpy along the way.

â�¢

Try to maintain a consistent investment behavior.

Take an objective view of your investment goals. Combine that with an honest appraisal of how much fluctuation you are willing to accept with your portfolio. Invest accordingly and stick with that strategy. Don't let short-term swings and day-to-day headlines sway your long-range resolve as an investor.

â�¢

Recognize that time is one of the biggest determinants of risk tolerance

. Investors with a decade or more to reach their goal have the luxury of riding out market downturns or even extended flat or negative markets. Those who expect to reach their goals in the next few years need to take steps to protect against the impact of market volatility. Your risk tolerance level may need to be adjusted as you grow older.

â�¢

Trust your instincts.

If you have trouble sleeping at night because of concerns about the safety of your investments, it may be time for a change. But be sure that any decisions you make align with your ultimate financial goals.

â�¢

Explore ways to stay invested in the market while mitigating some of the risk associated with it.

Dollar-cost averaging into investments rather than investing lump sums at one time is one option. Maintaining proper diversification across a variety of asset classes is another. Products (such as variable annuities) that allow you to continue to participate in the market's growth potential while locking in gains are also worth considering.

Remember other risks

While the risk of losing money in an investment is always foremost in your mind, don't overlook other potential risks. Among them:

â�¢ Purchasing power risk - inflation is always a factor. Simply stated, your money won't be worth as much in the future as it is today. It is important to own investments that can help your asset base at least keep pace with inflation, and hopefully grow faster than the cost of living.

â�¢ Opportunity risk - missing out on potential profits in a specific investment by choosing to have your money in a "safe" place or being unable to access money for a period of time in order to put it to work in a more effective way.

â�¢ Interest rate risk - fixed income instruments such as bonds carry their own risks, one of them being that if interest rates rise, bond values will decline. Given that yields are currently at historically low levels, this risk may be more significant today.

Managing risk in an effective way will play a role in determining your ultimate investment success. It is an issue to take seriously and to deal with honestly.

P.S. The finest compliment I can receive is a referral from a satisfied client. Refer me to others at ameripriseadvisors.com/harvey.c.sacks@ampf.com

> > > > > > >

Harvey C. Sacks, J.D. | Senior Financial Advisor | Business Financial Advisor

3220 Creamery Rd | New Hope, PA 18938

Office: 215.230.9198 | Fax: 215.230.9498| Mobile: 215.802.2509 | harvey.c.sacks@ampf.com

84 Park Ave Suite G-103C | Flemington, NJ 08822

Office:908.788.2999 | Fax: 908.788.2850

Learn more at www.ameripriseadvisors.com/harvey.c.sacks

CA Insurance License #370456

We shape financial solutions for a lifetimeÂ®

###

The Standard & Poor's 500 Index (S&P 500

Â®

Index), an unmanaged index of common stocks, is frequently used as a general measure of market performance. The index reflects reinvestment of all distributions and changes in market prices, but excludes brokerage commissions or other fees. It is not possible to invest directly in an index.

Diversification helps you spread risk throughout your portfolio, so investments that do poorly may be balanced by others that do relatively better. Diversification and dollar-cost averaging do not assure a profit and do not protect against loss in declining markets.

Variable annuities are insurance products that are complex long-term investment vehicles that are subject to market risk, including potential loss of principal invested.

There are risks associated with fixed income investments, including credit risk, interest rate risk, and prepayment and extension risk. In general, bond prices rise when interest rates fall and vice versa. This effect is usually more pronounced for longer-term securities.

Investment products, including shares of mutual funds, are not federally or FDIC-insured, are not deposits or obligations of, or guaranteed by any financial institution and involve investment risks including possible loss of principal and fluctuation in value.

File # 103617

For more information, contact:

Quarterly Reception

ezhelp@eggzack.com (EggZack.com Help) — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 11:03:48 EDT

SAVE THE DATE

AUGUST 16, 2010

5:30-7:30pm

lite hors d'oeuvres

Mangia Bene, Route 202, Flemington

Social Security speaker...know what you deserve

Philly's #1 Personal Injury Attorney.....know what you deserve

guests allowed.

RSVP ASAP at (908) 788-2999

For more information, contact:

Press Release - Advisor Receives PTD Award

ezhelp@eggzack.com (EggZack.com Help) — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 11:00:11 EDT

For Immediate Release

Contact: Shawn M. Kada. Associate Financial Advisor,

908-788-2999

HARVEY C. SACKS RECEIVES PROTECT THE DREAM AWARD

FLEMINGTON, NJ AND NEW HOPE, SOLEBURY TWP.PA. - July 28, 2010 - Harvey C. Sacks, JD, Senior Financial Advisor recently received the 2010 Protect the Dream award from RiverSource Life Insurance Company. The award recognizes Ameriprise financial advisors who have reached outstanding benchmarks for helping clients protect their dreams by implementing life and disability income insurance policies.

As a financial advisor, he works to help clients plan for their financial goals for a lifetime - through a personal long-term financial planning relationship. In addition to life and disability income insurance, he is knowledgeable on a variety of topics and strategies including retirement, tax and estate planning, and asset management.

Sacks' offices are located in Flemington, NJ and Solebury Twp, New Hope, PA.

Sacks can be reached at 908-788-2999 or 215-230-9198

or via http://www.ameripriseadvisors.com/harvey.c.sacks

###

Life Insurance Company and in New York, by RiverSource Life Insurance Co. of New York, Albany, New York. These companies are affiliated with Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. Only RiverSource Life Insurance Co. of New York is authorized to sell insurance and annuities in New York.

Ameriprise Financial, Inc., is a diversified financial services company serving the comprehensive financial planning needs of the mass affluent and affluent. For more information, visit ameriprise.com.

For more information, contact:

Leaving a Meaningful Legacy

ezhelp@eggzack.com (EggZack.com Help) — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 13:19:55 EDT

Leaving a Meaningful Legacy

What are you leaving behind? This is a question that all too many of us fail to address adequately before it's too late. It's not just a question about money, but about the entire legacy that you want to pass on to future generations - those in your family and even society as a whole.

When mapping out your legacy plan, there are many things to think about: your current assets and debts, tax implications, income, expenses, and the list goes on. While it might seem like a lot to sort through-especially once you tack on the emotional aspect of planning for your own end of life-the reward of proper planning is knowing you've done all you can to enhance the well being of your beneficiaries. Here are a few issues to consider:

Taxes

The federal estate tax has been eliminated for individuals who pass away in 2010 (barring action from Congress to reverse the situation), but this is just a temporary change to the law. The estate tax is scheduled to reappear by 2011, possibly affecting estates as small as $1 million (compared to the previous law with a $3.5 million tax exemption level). Even now, estate and inheritance taxes may still affect many on a state level.

In addition, beneficiaries may not escape income taxes. Those who inherit a traditional IRA, for example, will have to pay applicable income tax on distributions. An alternative is to convert a traditional IRA to a Roth IRA (which will require one to pay income tax currently), which can allow beneficiaries to enjoy tax-free distributions for years to come.

Managing the estate

Will anybody manage your money with the care and conviction that you practice today? Not likely, unless you make your wishes clear. A will allows you to specify who will administer your estate, and how your property will be distributed. If you have minor children, a will can also identify to whom their guardianship will be transferred. Be sure to put a comprehensive will in place and revisit it on a routine basis, or whenever major life events occur.

Depending on your situation, you may also want to consider setting up a trust or other type of ownership arrangement to provide some structure to the management and disposition of assets.

Careful planning is all the more crucial for small business owners who need to determine the future of their company, including who will take charge and the financial implications of business succession. If your firm provides products or services that others have come to rely on, it is important to plan ahead to maintain normal business activity in your absence.

Protection

Keeping assets protected from potential creditors or the impact of future lawsuits is another important aspect of legacy planning. In some states IRAs, annuities and insurance can be useful tools to help minimize the potential exposure. This is an issue regardless of the size of the estate but should only be done in consultation with your legal advisor.

Organization

One of the greatest gifts you can leave behind is a set of well-organized records. Good documentation of all assets and debts, where everything important can be found and key contact names will go a long way toward the proper disposition of your estate. You can also leave a letter, separate from a formal will, outlining specific wishes regarding matters like organ donations or the conduct of your funeral, as well as how specific items you own should be distributed to others-but the rules on this vary state to state.

Seek the advice of tax, legal and financial advisors to protect and ensure the legacy you've been working to build.

###

Harvey C. Sacks, J.D. | Senior Financial Advisor | Business Financial Advisor

3220 Creamery Rd | New Hope, PA 18938

Office: 215.230.9198 | Fax: 215.230.9498| Mobile: 215.802.2509 | harvey.c.sacks@ampf.com

84 Park Ave Suite G-103C | Flemington, NJ 08822

Office:908.788.2999 | Fax: 908.788.2850

Learn more at www.ameripriseadvisors.com/harvey.c.sacks

CA Insurance License #370456

We shape financial solutions for a lifetimeÂ®

File #101346

For more information, contact:

Retirement Planning in Stages

ezhelp@eggzack.com (EggZack.com Help) — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 13:17:41 EDT

Retirement Planning in Stages

If you are closing in on retirement, planning for the day you leave the workforce is probably at the top of your mind. But retirement planning is critical at any age. It's never too early to begin putting a retirement savings strategy in place.

One way to look at retirement planning is that it comes in stages - starting early when you are far from retirement (at least 10-20 or more years away), continuing in the pre-retirement years (less than ten years from the big day) and finally, a strategy to carry you from the time you begin retirement through the rest of your life.

Categorizing retirement in this way can make this long-term goal more relevant in terms of your current financial situation. For those who are younger, approaching retirement in stages may make you more motivated to take action. Here are suggestions on how to plan for retirement based on the amount of time you have left to save and invest for your ultimate financial goal:

Stage 1 - Retirement is 10-20 or more years away

Don't be fooled by the timeframe - even if retirement is 30 or 40 years away, you should think about putting a savings plan in place. If you are employed and a workplace retirement plan is available to you, it makes sense to start saving there. This is especially true if your employer makes matching contributions. Many younger people qualify, from an income standpoint, to make Roth IRA contributions as well.

From an investment perspective, take a long-term view. You should be in a position to ride out short-term market swings and maintain at least a moderately aggressive mix of investments in your retirement portfolio, seeking the greatest long-term return. The biggest advantage you have in your favor is time. The longer you can let your money work for you, the greater the opportunity to accumulate notable wealth from the dollars you've saved.

Stage 2 - The decade leading up to retirement

For many people, the final years before retirement are the peak income earning years. This also may be the time when financial commitments for goals such as paying for a child's education are behind you. It is important to make large contributions to your retirement savings plans - through work, into an IRA or using other vehicles such as tax-deferred annuities. The emphasis now is to do all you can to prepare for the day when you will need to depend on your retirement savings to meet your lifestyle goals.

Note that those who are 50 or older are allowed to make what are referred to as "catch-up" contributions - additional sums above standard contribution limits that exist for workplace savings plans or IRAs. Take advantage of this special opportunity to maximize your savings.

Make sure you are prepared for unexpected events by having appropriate levels of insurance in place. Start thinking seriously about what age you plan to retire, and how other sources of income, such as Social Security or a company pension, will be affected by the timing of your retirement.

Stage 3 - Starting retirement

As you enter retirement, a lot of changes may occur. You need to determine how to generate current income from your existing savings while still trying to keep your money growing to meet your needs well into the future, when the cost of living is likely to be higher. You want to protect your assets from market volatility, but still be an active investor.

There are a number of other key issues to deal with as retirement begins, including:

â�¢ Applying for Social Security - the longer you delay taking Social Security (up to age 70), the larger your monthly benefit will be.

â�¢ Applying for Medicare - you need to do this when you reach age 65, whether or not you are taking Social Security. Also, to help cover expenses not paid for by Medicare, you will need a supplemental insurance policy.

â�¢ Determining other sources of income - you need to arrange for payments from a company retirement plan, and determine how you will draw income from your own savings, if you need to.

â�¢ Managing taxes - you want to take steps to help reduce the tax impact on any sources of income you receive.

Looking at retirement planning at three different stages of life can make it easier for you to keep a focus on achieving your ultimate financial goal. Consult a financial advisor to make sure you're taking the right steps at the right time.

###

Harvey C. Sacks, J.D. | Senior Financial Advisor | Business Financial Advisor

3220 Creamery Rd | New Hope, PA 18938

Office: 215.230.9198 | Fax: 215.230.9498| Mobile: 215.802.2509 | harvey.c.sacks@ampf.com

84 Park Ave Suite G-103C | Flemington, NJ 08822

Office:908.788.2999 | Fax: 908.788.2850

Learn more at www.ameripriseadvisors.com/harvey.c.sacks

CA Insurance License #370456

We shape financial solutions for a lifetimeÂ®

Ameriprise Financial does not provide tax or legal advice. Consult your tax advisor or attorney.

File #101342

For more information, contact:

When to Take Social Security: Early, Late, or Right on Time

ezhelp@eggzack.com (EggZack.com Help) — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 13:16:19 EDT

When to Take Social Security: Early, Late, or Right on Time

Now that the Baby Boomers have begun reaching retirement age, many of them are reinventing what a typical retirement looks like. Some retire early to focus on interests outside of work. Others are 'ramping down' their careers, opting for part-time employment. Some retire early; others retire late. But one key decision - when to claim Social Security benefits - is looming for everyone in this age group. And that choice is as complicated and varied as the individuals making it.

Social Security? Yes, if you're a member of the Boomer generation, there will almost certainly be Social Security benefits for you when you retire, despite talk of deficits and underfunding. How robust will those benefits be when you begin to take them? No one knows for sure. But if you are approaching 62 years of age, it is worth exploring the possible scenarios, as the options are many, and there are pros and cons to each. But first, you need to know some basic facts about how the government treats retirement age.

Your 'full retirement age,' as defined by the Social Security Administration (SSA), varies depending on when you were born. For example, if you were born in 1937 or earlier, your full retirement age is 65 - the age at which you receive full Social Security benefits. You can retire as early as age 62, but your monthly retirement benefit will be permanently reduced.

On the other hand, you can choose to delay your benefit and retire as late as age 70, which will increase your monthly retirement benefits.

Generally, the sooner you begin taking Social Security benefits, the less you will receive each month. For most people who are in good health, it makes sense to wait as long as possible before you take your benefits (as long as it is before you turn 70). But your own health is just one of many factors you need to consider before making your retirement decision. Here are some things to think about when deciding when to take Social Security.

How long will you live?

OK, no one really knows the answer to this, but it's worth thinking about probabilities. Do you have a chronic illness that could affect your life expectancy? If so, you may want to retire and take benefits early. On the other side of the coinâ�¦does your family have a history of longevity? If your parents lived into their 80s or 90s and you believe that you will as well, you might consider waiting to start your benefits until full retirement age or later. Delaying your retirement can increase your monthly Social Security benefits.

Are you married?

Here is where the decision can get complex. You need to take your spouse's age and health status into account before deciding when to take benefits. Many couples time their retirement to maximize the monthly benefit by exercising what's commonly known as the 62/70 split. Put simply, the lower-earning spouse files early at age 62 based on his or her own Social Security benefit. The higher-earning spouse files at his or her full retirement age and suspends benefits until age 70. This improves the spouse's benefit and allows the higher-earner to improve his or her own benefit when they begin drawing later.

Do you plan to work while receiving benefits?

If you take Social Security benefits before your normal retirement age, continuing to work may lead to reduced benefits. Once you reach the annual income limit ($14,160 in 2010), benefits are reduced by $1 for every $2 you earn above the limit. Then, when you hit your normal retirement age, the formula changes to $1 benefit reduction for every $3 earned beyond a higher limit ($37,680 in 2010). Another thing to consider is that depending on your modified adjusted gross income (MAGI), Social Security benefits can become subject to income tax.

Many people who continue to work choose to postpone taking Social Security benefits until they reach normal retirement age or later. However, you need to decide which scenario is best for you. Seek the advice of a professional who specializes in retirement planning to make sure you are maximizing your benefits.

For most Americans, Social Security is just one piece of their retirement plan. But being smart about when you start drawing benefits can make your retirement more comfortable and allow you to enjoy the lifestyle you've worked to secure.

Timing is everything. Especially when it comes to Social Security benefits.

[The Social Security Administration's Web site (www.ssa.gov) has resources to help you determine when it makes sense for you to start taking benefits. Many financial advisors and tax professionals are well-versed in the complexities of Social Security and can help you make an informed decision that works best for you and your spouse.]

###

Harvey C. Sacks, J.D. | Senior Financial Advisor | Business Financial Advisor

3220 Creamery Rd | New Hope, PA 18938

Office: 215.230.9198 | Fax: 215.230.9498| Mobile: 215.802.2509 | harvey.c.sacks@ampf.com

84 Park Ave Suite G-103C | Flemington, NJ 08822

Office:908.788.2999 | Fax: 908.788.2850

Learn more at www.ameripriseadvisors.com/harvey.c.sacks

CA Insurance License #370456

We shape financial solutions for a lifetimeÂ®

File # 101345

(6/10)

For more information, contact:

The Case for Stocks

ezhelp@eggzack.com (EggZack.com Help) — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 13:15:27 EDT

The Case for Stocks

Right now, it seems many retail investors are still too nervous to put their money to work in equities. Instead, they are staying on the sidelines, either keeping their cash in savings accounts or settling for the low yields of U.S. Treasuries. But safety may have a price, and eventually, if inflation comes around, the yields on Treasuries and other fixed income investments like corporate bonds might not be able to keep up. That's when investors are often forced to consider whether their risk tolerance should increase, and they begin to turn to stocks. But don't jump in too fast. Make sure you understand what you are buying.

Small-cap stocks, those with market values up to $2 billion, might appear very attractive to the novice investor. They have made a remarkable run since the market bottomed in March 2009. But small-cap stocks by nature are often lower quality, higher risk, and less understood. So, they might not be the best choice for someone who is just trying to only slightly increase exposure to risk.

Mid-cap stocks, those with market values between $2 billion and $10 billion, typically offer more stability than small-caps, while historically providing higher growth potential than large caps. For those who believe that mergers and acquisitions will increase as the economy improves, mid-caps could be worthy of a look as larger companies buy smaller companies to grow their businesses.

Large-cap stocks-those with market values above $10 billion-are typically household names that the average retail investor knows. As the economy improves, and cash flows increase, these companies look to put their profits to work, many times by increasing dividend payments or buying back shares - both of which can benefit shareholders.

To be sure, stocks can go even lower from here, but history has shown that longer-term investors can benefit from buying equities when pessimism prevails. This could be a good time to increase your exposure to high-quality stocks, if your risk tolerance can bear it. But stock selection and diversification are critical. So, if you are not confident in your ability to select 20 or 30 individual equities with strong balance sheets and good cash flows, perhaps you should consider a mutual fund and allow the experts do the work for you. Consider speaking to an advisor about which investments might be appropriate for you.

Harvey C. Sacks, J.D. | Senior Financial Advisor | Business Financial Advisor 3

220 Creamery Rd | New Hope, PA 18938

Office: 215.230.9198 | Fax: 215.230.9498| Mobile: 215.802.2509 | harvey.c.sacks@ampf.com

84 Park Ave Suite G-103C | Flemington, NJ 08822

Office:908.788.2999 | Fax: 908.788.2850

Learn more at www.ameripriseadvisors.com/harvey.c.sacks

CA Insurance License #370456

We shape financial solutions for a lifetimeÂ®

This column is for informational purposes only. The information may not be suitable for every situation and should not be relied on without the advice of your tax, legal and/or financial advisors. Neither Ameriprise Financial nor its financial advisors provide tax or legal advice. Consult with qualified tax and legal advisors about your tax and legal situation. This column was prepared by Ameriprise Financial.

Investment products, including shares of mutual funds, are not federally or FDIC-insured, are not deposits or obligations of, or guaranteed by any financial institution, and involved investment risks including possible loss of principal and fluctuation in value.

Investments in small- and mid-capitalization companies often involve greater risks and potential volatility than investments in larger, more established companies.

Diversification helps you spread risk throughout your portfolio, so investments that do poorly may be balanced by others that do relatively better. Diversification does not assure a profit and does not protect against loss in declining markets.

File # 101341

6/10

For more information, contact:

Vacation home foreclosures

ezhelp@eggzack.com (EggZack.com Help) — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 16:29:07 EDT

Vacation home foreclosures

Have you dreamed of owning a lake home, a cabin in the woods or a mountain retreat? Those who have weathered the recent recession and remain fiscally sound may be in a position to benefit from the current vacation home real estate market.

In certain parts of the country, an oversaturation of real estate and a shortage of qualified buyers have resulted in lower median prices on vacation homes. Some areas have also seen a wave of foreclosures and short-sales.

Many foreclosure properties are due to individuals finding themselves underwater with ballooning mortgage payments. There also are a fair number of properties available that were held by developers unable to sell vacation homes on spec. As a result, in some areas you can find price-reduced vacation homes at the higher end of the spectrum along with a variety of modest cabins and lake homes.

Keep in mind, there are risks associated with buying a foreclosure property. Don't be surprised to find broken windows or appliances or worse, since maintenance often falls to the wayside when a homeowner is unable to make payments. Be prepared to put additional money into repairs. If you aren't handy yourself, you may want to enlist someone who is when you tour properties, to help you evaluate potential repair costs.

When you're ready, consult a reputable realtor in your area to learn about available foreclosure properties in your area. If you prefer to do the legwork yourself, explore web and print resources for current lists of foreclosures, which become public when they are filed in your state. Some savvy buyers are contacting banks directly to express interest in purchasing a foreclosure property while bypassing the more lengthy purchasing process. Purchasing a bank-owned property tends to be less risky because you can be confident the property has been vacated and is available.

Do think carefully before you venture into second homeownership. The recent downturn showed how important it is to stay within your means and be prepared for unexpected changes in your earning capacity or the performance of your investments. Therefore, before you take on an additional financial responsibility, you need to be confident of your ability to make a second mortgage payment. That means you must have a strong credit rating, a solid bank account and a steady income source. Visit your banker and get preapproval for a second mortgage so you can act quickly if a desirable property becomes available.

An experienced financial advisor can help you evaluate your financial health and determine if you can afford a second home and stay on track with your long-term goals. Make an appointment today and then take advantage of the opportunities that are out there to realize your dreams.

Harvey C. Sacks, J.D. | Senior Financial Advisor | Business Financial Advisor

3220 Creamery Rd | New Hope, PA 18938

Office: 215.230.9198 | Fax: 215.230.9498| Mobile: 215.802.2509 | harvey.c.sacks@ampf.com

84 Park Ave Suite G-103C | Flemington, NJ 08822

Office:908.788.2999 | Fax: 908.788.2850

Learn more at www.ameripriseadvisors.com/harvey.c.sacks

CA Insurance License #370456

We shape financial solutions for a lifetimeÂ®

File #102101

For more information, contact: