Greetings!
First of all, remember that April 17 is the last day to make your tax-deductible IRA contributions or Roth IRA contributions for 2011. Be sure to contact your advisor if you need assistance.
In a recent Wall Street Journal report, a variety of researchers find that husbands and wives don't often agree on when they should retire. This, for those of you nearing that age or already upon it, means you are in good company.
It's been our experience that these conversations are among the most difficult that a couple will face during their relationship. Here are some key take-aways.
1. 62% of couples disagree on the timing on when to begin retirement.
2. 73% of couples disagree on whether or not they've completed a detailed retirement plan.
3. 47% don't agree on whether they will continue to work in retirement.
4. 33% don't agree on lifestyle expectations.
OUCH! Do any of these issues sound familiar? They are likely affecting your friends and neighbors, too! Consider the value in giving them a free second opinion - we roll that out as a benefit for you, our clients, to help your friends and family members who are facing similar choices.
For the entire WSJ article, click here. (5)
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| Weekly Economic Update | |
UNEMPLOYMENT FALLS TO 8.2%
That good news was tempered by some disappointments. The U.S. economy only managed a net gain of 120,000 non-farm jobs in March; analysts were hoping for a gain of at least 200,000. The private sector added 121,000 positions in March; ADP had projected an increase of 209,000. However, the underemployment rate declined again last month (to 14.5%) and the manufacturing sector grew by 37,000 jobs. (1)
ONE PMI TOPS EXPECTATIONS; ANOTHER DOESN'T
The start of each month brings the latest surveys of purchasing managers from the Institute for Supply Management. ISM's March service sector PMI came in at 56.0 and its March manufacturing PMI came in at 53.4. Economists polled by Briefing.com thought the manufacturing PMI would reach 53.0 and the service sector PMI would reach 56.7. (2)
A GREAT MARCH FOR AUTOMAKERS
Warm weather fostered greater car and truck buying. The following firms reported the following monthly sales increases last week: General Motors, 12%; Chrysler Group, 34%, Toyota, 15%; Ford, 5%; Volkswagen, 35%; Nissan, 12.5%. (3)
OIL ADVANCES, GOLD SLIPS
Oil prices rose 0.28% last week to settle at $103.31 a barrel on the NYMEX, while retail unleaded gas prices averaged $3.94 a gallon nationally on Friday. Gold futures fell 2.50% on the COMEX to wrap up last week at $1,630.10 an ounce. (1)
STOCKS RETREAT IN SHORT TRADING WEEK
Across four market days, the Dow lost 1.15% to 13,060.14, the S&P 500 fell 0.74% to 1,398.08 and the NASDAQ dipped 0.36% to 3,080.50. So the worst week for stocks so far in 2012 wasn't that bad. A contributing factor: the minutes from the March 13 FOMC meeting signaled that the Federal Reserve might not attempt further stimulus efforts. However, the March jobs report could help to alter the Fed's outlook. (1) |
| Market Summary |
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% Change |
Y-T-D |
1Yr Chg |
5-Year Avg | |
DJIA |
+6.90 |
+5.10 |
+0.80 | |
NASDAQ |
+18.25 |
+10.02 |
+4.93 | |
S&P 500 |
+11.17 |
+4.68 |
-0.63 |
(Source: msn.money.com, bigcharts.com, treasury.gov, treasurydirect.gov - 4/06/12). Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Indices are unmanaged, and investors cannot invest in them directly. |
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Create a beautiful week!
Karl Frank, MBA, MSF
Certified Financial Planner (R)
A & I Financial Services LLC
303.690.5070
Citations:
(1) - money.msn.com/market-news/post.aspx?post=98ca0651-75b8-4c7e-afb9-3e390da03ecf/ [4/6/12] (2) - briefing.com/investor/calendars/economic/2012/04/02-06 [4/6/12] (3) - www.businessweek.com/ap/2012-04/D9TTICGO2.htm [4/3/12] (4) - montoyaregistry.com/Financial-Market.aspx?financial-market=common-financial-mistakes-and-how-to-avoid-them&category=29 [4/6/12]
(5) - http://online.wsj.com/article/SB100014240
52970204571404577255662010466038.html
Securities offered through Geneos Wealth Management, Inc., member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advisory services offered through A & I Financial Services LLC, registered investment advisor. |
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| Words for Thought |
"The more that you find out about the world, the more opportunities there are to laugh at it."
Bill Nye
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Karl Frank In Investment Advisor Magazine |
 | | Investment Advisor - November 2011 |
Investment Advisor Magazine's November 2011 edition features Karl Frank. In the article "Never Satisfied," John Sullivan writes: Passion born of tragedy drives Karl Frank to do all he can to help business owners ensure a legacy for loved ones and heirs. Industrial age publisher and philanthropist Frederick Bonfils said there is no hope for the satisfied man. If that's the case, Karl Frank is full of hope.
"I'm never satisfied," Frank says matter-of-factly when asked about his advisory firm
.....Read More. |
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Riddle of the Week
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Karen is twice her brother's age and half her father's age. In 22 years, her brother will be half the father's age. How old is Karen now?
Last week's riddle:
Take one letter out of a 7-letter word and it becomes longer. What is this word?
Last week's answer:
Lounger
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Karl Frank was interviewed by 9News on March 28th, 2012 regarding "3 Things You Should Do if You Win the Mega Millions Lottery". | |
Click Here to View Video
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