June 2011  
Issue: 94
Sound, visionary stewardship

Welcome 
Greetings!

Welcome summer! The summer solstice is always such a wonderful day. Full of hope and happiness for all those lazy summer days ahead.

My peas are about to reward us with their fruits, the tomatoes are

herb pots

so healthy and we are already eating lots of fresh herbs. Soon we'll have four types of hot pepper and hopefully, some beautiful eggplants. For years, I've done all my gardening in pots on my patio and have had tremendous success.

As much as I enjoy gardening, this summer is about golf. Yes, it's time to get a handicap. I'm an "okay" golfer. What I really enjoy about the game is being outside, the camaraderie of spending time with others and the challenge of improving my game. This year I've got two regular play days with a few tournaments scattered in there for fun too.

What are your plans for this summer?  Are you challenging yourself in any new and different ways? We'd love to hear about it.

Cheers,
   Paula SignatureCC All Star Logo
 
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From Bill's corner... 


IRAs in Divorce

If Maria Shriver terminates her marriage with "The Terminator," it will be costly to "Ahnold."  It may even create a new divorce award category: "$chwarzabillions in damages."

The couple's net worth has been assessed at close to $400 million. Most believe Arnold and Maria have a prenuptial agreement. However, Schwarzenegger's philandering may deem that document null and void.

In a typical divorce, the financial assets of a couple, including their retirement accounts, are often split. If mistakes are made during this process, the stress of a divorce can be compounded when one or both spouses find they are subject to unnecessary taxes or penalties. With some basic knowledge, these mistakes can be avoided.


Bill signature

 

In This Issue
The annuity puzzle
6 numbers every investor should follow
The 'secret' to early retirement
Great bourbons at a bargain
How to avoid credit card problems abroad
About us
Time to Share. Create a Buzz.

South Shore Conservatory proudly presents the DUXBURY MUSIC FESTIVAL, an intensive program for solo and chamber instrumental performance, unique to all of New England.

The Duxbury Music Festival is a 20 day intensive program, running from July 17 - August 5.  There are lots of concerts--some free and some outdoors. The festival is sure to delight so make sure to check it out.
The annuity puzzle

Imagine a set of 65-year-old identical twins who plan to retire this summer after long careers. We'll call them Dave and Ron. They have worked for different employers and have accumulated retirement benefits worth the same amount in dollars, but the benefits won't be paid out the same way.

Read on...

6 numbers every investor should follow 

 

When investors become overly bullish or bearish, the market tends to head in the opposite direction. Here are a number of indicators that can help you understand how the investment climate is changing.

 

Read on...

The 'secret' to early retirement 


Want to quit the work force 2 to 5 years ahead of the crowd? The formula is surprisingly simple, if you have the discipline and don't start too late.

Read on...

Great bourbons at a bargain


Call it the Mad Men effect: retro fashions, debonair dinner parties and especially classic drinks -- like bourbon -- are back with a vengeance.

Read on...

How to avoid credit card problems abroad  


Like many Americans who have tried to use their credit cards in Europe, Elliot E. Porter, a historian from San Francisco, has encountered his share of payment headaches. Perhaps the most aggravating occurred a few months ago at Amsterdam Centraal Train Station, where he learned only after waiting in line to purchase train tickets that none of his credit cards, which include a MasterCard, Visa and American Express, would be accepted. The problem? They rely on magnetic-strip technology rather than embedded microprocessor chips, which are becoming increasingly common outside the United States.

 

Read on... 

About us

We are authentic, thoughtful, straight-shooters who provide the sound, visionary financial stewardship that helps our clients protect their financial foundation while building their wealth.

 

We are private and independent, which means we have the unique ability to build deep, meaningful relationships with our clients with no competing agendas.

 

We have several decades of broad financial and business expertise that enables us to knowledgeably advise on a wide range of financial and business affairs and to help our clients navigate the sea of complexity with confidence.

 

We are strong believers in the power of near-term, actionable planning and disciplined focus on forward-facing goals.

 

We are at our best when we help our clients optimize their financial resources to realize their goals and dreams.


Cheers
,

Paula Harris and Bill Harris, CFP
WH Cornerstone Investments
781.934.9154
www.whcornerstone.com 
Sound, visionary stewardship