Recent content by DWPC

I think the only non-preferential consideration is when your assets at one firm exceed FDIC or SIPR protection limits.

In looking for a new broker, I've been surprised that several acct execs with major brokerage house whom I "interviewed" have a rap sheet on the FINRA Brokercheck site listing one or more violations. Some are many years back, some are small in value and involve technicalities, but a couple had...

No-fee? Are you suggesting someone who works on a fixed fee or hourly rate? I've seen a listing for a local CFA that works that way. I'm a little at odds with the idea of the meter being turned on when ever I'd call. The fee schedule indicated fairly high event cost and lawyer-like hourly...

Thanks. I posted hoping to get some insight from folks who've been through the selection process before and have some experience they might relate. A fee-only advisor sounds attractive, but a list of local names from an association website and advisor websites full of platitudes isn't much to...

Our long time broker is retiring. Through buy-outs over 20+ years he ended up at Wells Fargo Advisors, not company we'd choose. We've stuck out of habit. They want to ease us into a new account exec but we're not buying. I'm going to check out the local Crowell Weedon office tomorrow and...

All it takes is a billing code or Rx I've just been through underwriting for an individual policy with a major insurer. If your doctor filed for payment using the std code for a condition, or prescribed an Rx typically used for it within the deadline period, it will be noted as a potential...

I'm facing a similar situation in a few months...can you tell me where I can find more info on the "in the face of possible layoff" issue. The only COBRA subsidy information I've seen is in conjunction with unemployment benefits...not any voluntary retirement.

Federal COBRA mandates that for 18 months after leaving the company (or take another job) I have access to the same group plan I had as an employee, but I'm responsible for the full cost. When COBRA runs out, HIPAA (Fed) mandates that I have access to health insurance (can't be excluded for...

I'm desperately trying to pull the rip-cord and retire (at 62) but health insurance is proving to be an issue because my employer recently dropped retiree coverage. Until last year, they maintained their premium subsidy of about 65% for retirees. Now I'll have to pay the entire $1200/mo...

Its a modest return goal in a normal economy Until the economy went bust, 8% overall return wasn't too hard to achieve by including equity funds and individual stocks.

Is COBRA an issue for you This adds to the moral dilemma for those "choosing" lay-off, but its important to know that the Jobs Bill just passed extends COBRA for health insurance for laid off workers, and subsidizes the worker's payment too. IIRC, the govt pays the COBRA premium in excess of...

That pretty much sums up my original question. I have called our CU and asked directly, but the rep I spoke with didn't seem to understand the issue very well. I'd rather pay on a 5.5% note than withdraw a large chunk that's earning 7-8% or more. When the economy picks up, hopefully that won't...

Clarification Affording a car isn't an issue nor is it the question. I'm simply trying to determine if retirement is viewed as a big credit negative for loan purposes even with considerable assets, SS income, and what investment income can be made in this stagnant market.

We have excellent credit and substantial assets, but will only have SS as verifiable income after I retire (at 62). I was planning on keeping our car another year or two but the stories I'm hearing about consumer loans in this current market have me concerned. Will our credit score take a hit...

I used an early model Concept II for several years; a superb work-out but I finally gave it up because it was so deadly boring. 20 minutes on the rower seemed like an hour. Learning proper rowing form is important or you can cause lower back trouble and tendonitis because you're transmitting...