Objective Financial Advice and Planning

It's best to assume that 2012 will be more of 2011.  What does that mean for your portfolio? 

Diversification is the wise road to take. High allocations in bonds and cash and stocks with high dividend yields to increase portfolio returns.  

If you are under-invested in US equities, consider the four only AAA rated U.S. companies. They are ADP, Exxon, Johnson and Johnson and Microsoft. All have better credit ratings than the U.S. government. 2012 looks to be a year of safety meaning plain vanilla investing- at least so far.

#1 Up To Date Will. It is important that everyone have a Will and one that is properly drafted by a professional.  If you do not have a Will and should pass away, the Government will decide how to distribute your assets and to whom and who will be the guardians of your children.

#2  Sufficiently Insured. Just as you would protect your car or home from misfortune, you need to also protect your family should you pass away . Generally, you need to have enough insurance to pay down the mortgage, any debts, provide for family and burial costs.

#3 Emergency Fund. The general rule of thumb is to have 3 to 6 months of your current living expenses set aside for emergency situations. Make sure it is liquid and easy to get to.

Anytime is a good time to get your finances back in shape by having an Annual Financial Checkup. Take the pulse of your spending; check the weight of your retirement accounts; and cut your tax burden.

Call today to Schedule Your Financial Checkup. 914.739.7360. 

Monthly Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits for more than 60 million Americans will increase 3.6 percent in 2012.

The 3.6 percent cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) will begin with benefits that nearly 55 million Social Security beneficiaries receive in January 2012.  Increased payments to more than 8 million SSI beneficiaries will begin on December 30, 2011.

Information about Medicare changes for 2012, when announced, will be available at www.Medicare.gov.  For some beneficiaries, their Social Security increase may be partially or completely offset by increases in Medicare premiums.

To read more, please visitwww.socialsecurity.gov/cola.