JFS Articles of Interest
New Look for Performance Reports, April, 2012
We are excited to introduce the new look of our performance reports. The reports have been redesigned to provide more meaningful information in an easily understandable format. Click here to view a brief demonstration that explains the new format. As always, your JFS team remains available to walk you through your report and answer any remaining questions you may have.
Fourth Quarter Market Commentary, February, 2012
Robert Jazwinski, CPA/PFS, CFP, president and founder, presents a Fourth Quarter Market Commentary. The presentation provides a review and background of the market returns of 2011 and what our expectations of returns are going forward. Listen to the presentation.
Please note the presentation may take several minutes to load and requires Adobe Flash Player.
Click here to download a free copy of Adobe Flash Player.
Please note the presentation may take several minutes to load and requires Adobe Flash Player.
Click here to download a free copy of Adobe Flash Player.
FAQs for Near-Retirees, January, 2012
The following frequently asked questions about retirement income should help those nearing retirement know if they are on track to meet their income needs.
Getting Ready for Tax Season: Changes for 2012, January, 2012
The IRS has issued cost-of-living adjustments for the 2012 tax year that modify brackets, deductions, and other thresholds for inflation.
Does It Pay to Pay Off Your Mortgage?, December, 2011
Reducing debt is a good thing, we are told. But paying off your mortgage as you grow older may not be in your best interest.
The Pros and Cons of Health Savings Accounts, November, 2011
As health care costs continue to rise, consumers must find ways to ensure that they have the funds to pay for medical expenses not covered through their insurance. One way to save specifically for health care costs is to fund a health savings account, or HSA.
Heightened Volatility: The New Normal?, November, 2011
The U.S. economy can't find its footing -- and every piece of bad news, whether at home or abroad, has the potential to send the markets reeling. All that volatility can make it tough on investors to stay the course.
Do You Have Enough Disability Insurance?, November, 2011
Nearly one-in-three Americans will become disabled for more than 90 days at some point during their working careers. Yet most workers don't give a second thought to the need for disability insurance.1 Do you have enough?
Three Keys to Surviving Market Turbulence, November, 2011
All too often, investors react to a sharp drop in prices by panic selling or digging in their heels despite deteriorating fundamentals. But more thoughtful investors see a correction or downturn as an opportunity to review the risks in their portfolios and make adjustments where necessary.
2011 Tax Planning Letter, October, 2011
With an economy that is still struggling, a federal deficit that is staggering, and a Presidential election on the horizon, it's relatively clear that 2013 will bring some major changes. That's when the current tax rules are scheduled to expire, more of the health care reform law is scheduled to take effect, and automatic spending cuts will go into effect if Congress has not yet passed legislation to cut the deficit.
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Marcells Shale Energy Boom, October, 2011
The Marcellus Shale energy boom has the potential to change many communities. Frequently, oil and gas drilling tends to run in a boom and bust cycle, creating vast amounts of wealth which are followed by returns to normalcy. Therefore, it’s important to plan for the influx of revenue that will be created, and the effect is has on communities. By planning, you have the ability to create a future for you, your family, and your community from the shale energy boom. The video, “Shale Energy Leaving Pennsylvania a Legacy,” helps provide some perspective.
How to Be a Good Financial Role Model for Your Child, August, 2011
A greater number of parents say they are more prepared to talk about drugs and alcohol (32%) or sex and dating (28%) than money and finances (26%).
Remodeling Your Home: Is It Worth the Cost?, August, 2011
The renovations that recoup the greatest percentage of their initial cost are those that residents are likely to use frequently or that enhance energy efficiency.
Market Insights: Market Bulletin, August, 2011
FEAR FACTOR
In recent weeks, a bitter budget battle in Washington, downward revisions to U.S. economic data, and rising yields on Italian government bonds led to a sharp fall in stock prices around the world. This selloff turned into a rout following Standard & Poor’s decision to downgrade U.S. Treasuries from AAA status. Central banks around the world have responded to the very evident stress in financial markets, while fears of a “repeat of 2008” have led many individual investors to sell stocks and other risky assets.
In recent weeks, a bitter budget battle in Washington, downward revisions to U.S. economic data, and rising yields on Italian government bonds led to a sharp fall in stock prices around the world. This selloff turned into a rout following Standard & Poor’s decision to downgrade U.S. Treasuries from AAA status. Central banks around the world have responded to the very evident stress in financial markets, while fears of a “repeat of 2008” have led many individual investors to sell stocks and other risky assets.