We’d all love to reap the rewards of high returns on our investments without risk. But unfortunately, wishing does not make it so. Like it or not, risk is part of the equation if you’re aiming for anything other than preservation of capital — a risky goal in and of itself, since the buying power of your money will slowly erode over time if you don’t outpace inflation.
Perhaps you’ve lost a job, faced an illness or have been delt a family crisis that emptied out your emergency fund. What are your next steps?
You’re eyeing center-hall colonials in your neighborhood and dreaming about the garden you want to plant in the backyard and all the holiday celebrations you’ll host. You’ve saved toward this goal and think you’re ready to pull the trigger. But the real question is: How much house can I afford?
Or is it?
Social Security’s financial cliff is coming closer into view. Experts project that the fund that pays for government retirement benefits through FICA taxes will be depleted within the next 15 years.
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