Wednesday, May 27, 2015

May 26, 2015 Weekly Market Update from Maier & Associates Financial Group

Equities were very much a mixed bag last week, as trading was generally quiet ahead of the Memorial Day weekend. The S&P 500, which closed at an all-time high, continued its positive trend, gaining 0.16%. But the Dow and Global Dow fell back into negative territory. The Nasdaq and Russell 2000 posted moderate gains. A relatively strong housing starts report and an uptick in the Consumer Price Index may have helped drive U.S. Treasury yields higher. The lack of heavy trading may be the result of relatively mundane economic news during the week, the wrap up of corporate earnings season, and assurances from the Federal Reserve Chair that interest rates aren't moving up in the near future.


May 26, 2015 Weekly Market Update from Maier & Associates Financial Group

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Thursday, May 21, 2015

4 Changes to Retirement Plans You’d Better Know About for 2015

4 Changes to Retirement Plans You’d Better Know About for 2015
December is the time of year when 401(k) and IRA participants take a harder look at those retirement savings plans, and this year that review should include a host of mandates and initiatives coming to retirement savings plans for 2015.

For example, yearend is often the time plan participants hear about changes to plan contribution limits but ignore them just the same. It’s a syndrome financial planners see all the time.

“Too often I see people who haven’t been maximizing their contributions simply because they didn’t know that the limits had been adjusted,” says Joshua Kadish, of RPG Life Transition Specialists, a holistic wealth management firm in Chicago. “At yearend, we want everyone to know what the fine print says so they can make educated decisions.”

With $23 trillion in total U.S. retirement plan assets as of Dec. 31, 2013, according to the Investment Company Institute, too much cash is at stake not to pay attention to changes.

What’s on tap? Here’s a rundown from RPG:

“My” way. There’s a brand-new IRA option available in 2015 called the “myRA,” which is not linked to any employer-sponsored plan. Akin to a Roth IRA, the myRA is an option for Americans with individual income of less than $129,000 annually and allows workers to contribute after-tax dollars through payroll deduction, Kadish says.

Bump in 401(k) contribution limits. Next year will also bring with it a $500 rise in 401(k) contributions over this year. If you’re 50 or older, you’ll get another $500 contribution “raise.” Kadish says if you’re eligible, you should take advantage of both $500 hikes. “Maximizing your contributions allows your investments to grow more over time and decreases your income tax bill,” he says.

A Social Security raise too. Retirees will earn a 1.7% cost-of-living pay raise via their Social Security benefits next year. As usual with the U.S. government when it comes to tax liabilities, there is a caveat. “The portion of your income that is subject to Social Security tax will also raise $1,500, or about 1.3%,” Kadish notes.

Low-income savings credit. Americans who earn less than $30,500 annually and are single: You may be eligible in 2015 for a tax credit valued at $1,000, up from $500 this year. You can stash the cash, tax free, in your 401(k) plan or IRA.

All in all, the changes give you that much more of an opportunity to invest in your financial future. “These programs are always changing and evolving, and we’re seeing this with the new myRA option,” Kadish says. “If there’s one New Year’s resolution you commit to this year, it should be to understand where your money is going so you can feel safe and secure about your retirement future.”

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At Maier & Associates, we are committed to helping you manage your finances as you strive to achieve your financial goals today, tomorrow, and many years down the road. Your financial success is important to us, which is why we create a wealth management strategy designed to meet your personal financial goals and dreams. Visit our website at http://maierandassociates.com/ or simply give us a call at (800) 282-4503.

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Tuesday, May 19, 2015

May 18, 2015 Weekly Market Update from Maier & Associates Financial Group

Despite drops in consumer confidence, import and export prices, crude oil inventories, and producer prices, the stock market rallied at the end of the week to post positive gains across the board lead by the S&P 500, which closed at an all-time high. However, the biggest gainers for the week were the Nasdaq (0.89%) and the Russell 2000, which gained 0.73% over last week. The domestic market's positive close to the week may be in response to the rather sluggish economic news, which has increased sentiment that a Federal Reserve interest rate hike is not in the immediate future.


May 18, 2015 Weekly Market Update from Maier & Associates Financial Group

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At Maier & Associates, we are committed to helping you manage your finances as you strive to achieve your financial goals today, tomorrow, and many years down the road. Your financial success is important to us, which is why we create a wealth management strategy designed to meet your personal financial goals and dreams. Visit our website at http://maierandassociates.com/ or simply give us a call at (800) 282-4503.

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Tuesday, May 12, 2015

May 11, 2015 Weekly Market Update from Maier & Associates Financial Group

Buoyed by generally encouraging labor data, leading equity benchmarks enjoyed a major rally on Friday, overcoming an otherwise sluggish week. While the Dow's gains exceeded those of the S&P 500, both indexes outperformed the Nasdaq. After dipping below 18000 during the week, the Dow closed at 18191, up .93% from the previous week, while the S&P 500 closed Friday's trading up .37%. Equally encouraging is the fact that, despite the deep freeze that resulted in a lackluster first quarter, the year-to-date returns of the major indexes remain positive.


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Maier & Associates Financial Group is here to help!

At Maier & Associates, we are committed to helping you manage your finances as you strive to achieve your financial goals today, tomorrow, and many years down the road. Your financial success is important to us, which is why we create a wealth management strategy designed to meet your personal financial goals and dreams. Visit our website at http://maierandassociates.com/ or simply give us a call at (800) 282-4503.

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Wednesday, May 6, 2015

May 4, 2015 Weekly Market Update from Maier & Associates Financial Group

Although May Day brought a rally in stock markets across the board, it wasn't enough to wipe out the week's losses. Several earnings reports and a disappointing GDP reading dampened the fervor that drove markets to new highs a week prior, while a Fed announcement fueled speculation about a June interest rate hike. The 10-year Treasury yield rose past the 2% mark.

Maier & Associates Financial Group is here to help!

At Maier & Associates, we are committed to helping you manage your finances as you strive to achieve your financial goals today, tomorrow, and many years down the road. Your financial success is important to us, which is why we create a wealth management strategy designed to meet your personal financial goals and dreams. Visit our website at http://maierandassociates.com/ or simply give us a call at (800) 282-4503.

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