There’s an old saying: “A recession is when your neighbor lost his job; a depression is when you’ve lost yours.”1 I’ve worked with several people through these tough times. If there’s one question that has stuck out to me the most, it’s been this: “Should I maintain my old 401(k) or roll it to an IRA?” If you or someone you know has faced or is facing separation from an employer, this question likely… continue reading.

As a former Wall Street broker and now fee-based advisor of almost 30 years, my experience has shown that, if your retirement portfolio dramatically declined during the 2000–02 and 2007–09 market drawdowns, these three things were likely true: It wasn’t your fault. Your portfolio was designed to perform that way. It will likely do so again. What do I mean?  Without getting too technical, portfolios are typically designed to achieve either relative or absolute returns.  Given that 95% of all… continue reading.

Seasoned retirement and financial strategist, Mark Kinney, highlights President Trump’s proposals that may benefit different market segments. Lee, Massachusetts—February 1, 2017—Founding partner of Toole, Kinney & Company, Inc., Mark Kinney, CFP®, published a new article entitled, “Preparing Your Portfolio for Investing During the #Trump Presidency.” In the article, he discusses how Trump Administration policies, if enacted, could benefit investors. Mark writes, “President Trump made it clear during his campaign that he has an “America-first” business… continue reading.

Seasoned retirement and financial strategist, Mark Kinney, outlines the certification process financial advisors go through to become a Certified Financial Planner. Lee, Massachusetts—January 26, 2017—Founding partner of Toole, Kinney & Company, Inc., Mark Kinney,CFP®, published a new blog entitled, “Here’s What the “Certified” in Certified Financial Planner Means to You.” In the blog, he discusses the importance of finding a financial advisor with the Certified Financial Planner designation. Mark writes, “Certified Financial Planners are required… continue reading.

Seasoned retirement and financial strategist, Mark Kinney, discusses steps people can take to increase their income tax return or decrease the taxes owed. Lee, Massachusetts—December 30, 2016—Founding partner of Toole, Kinney & Company, Inc., Mark Kinney, CFP®, published a new article entitled, “Lower Your Tax Burden by Maximizing Your 2016 Deductions.” In the article, he discusses how tax credits and tax deductions can work together to lower your tax burden. Mark writes, “With 2017 right… continue reading.

Seasoned retirement and financial strategist, Mark Kinney, discusses financial situations that should be considered before the new year. Lee, Massachusetts—December 22, 2016—Founding partner of Toole, Kinney & Company, Inc., Mark Kinney,CFP®, published a new blog entitled, “Give Yourself a Year-End Financial Checkup.” In the blog, he discusses why December is a good time to review estate plans and other financial issues. Mark writes, “Have you maxed out contributions to your 401(K) or IRA? If you… continue reading.

Seasoned retirement and financial strategist, Mark Kinney, highlights how to set up a bond ladder and why it can make sense for some investors. Lee, Massachusetts— December 15, 2016—Founding partner of Toole, Kinney & Company, Inc., Mark Kinney, CFP®, published a new article entitled, “Spread Out the Wealth with a Bond Ladder for Income & Liquidity.” In the article, he discusses how a bond ladder can provide income to an investor while allowing access to their… continue reading.

Seasoned retirement and financial strategist, Mark Kinney, discusses five questions about Social Security he is frequently asked by divorced clients. Lee, Massachusetts—December 8, 2016—Founding partner of Toole, Kinney & Company, Inc., Mark Kinney,CFP®, published a new blog entitled, “Top 5 Social Security Questions After Divorce.” In the blog, he discusses how divorce can affect Social Security benefits. Mark writes, “While you’ve likely heard the statistic that 50 percent of marriages end in divorce, what you… continue reading.

Seasoned retirement and financial strategist, Mark Kinney, says diversification can take some volatility out of your investments. Lee, Massachusetts—November 30, 2016—Founding partner of Toole, Kinney & Company, Inc., Mark Kinney,CFP®, published a new blog entitled, “Give Yourself Added Financial Protection Through Diversification.” In the blog, he highlights how you can spread out your assets over a range of investments to reduce overall risk. Mark writes, “Diversification doesn’t mean you can just put your portfolio on… continue reading.

Seasoned retirement and financial strategist, Mark Kinney, highlights how absolute return IRAs compare to target-date funds. Lee, Massachusetts—November 18, 2016—Founding partner of Toole, Kinney & Company, Inc., Mark Kinney, CFP®, published a new article entitled, “Absolute Return IRAs Offer an Alternative to Target-Date Funds.” In the article, he discusses the features and benefits of an absolute return fund. Mark writes, “Once you’ve accumulated your nest egg, you must – let me stress that again –… continue reading.

Seasoned retirement and financial strategist, Mark Kinney, says to consider assets and debts when divorcing. Lee, Massachusetts—October 14, 2016—Founding partner of Kinney Wealth, Inc., Mark Kinney,CFP®, published a new article entitled, “Re-Assess Your Assets and Investments When Divorcing.” In the article, he discusses things to consider when dividing retirement funds and other assets, as well as debt. Mark writes, “Division of assets during the divorce proceedings can be difficult and stressful, and if you’re not… continue reading.

Seasoned retirement and financial strategist, Mark Kinney, says a lump-sum pension payout may make sense in certain circumstances. Lee, Massachusetts—October 4, 2016—Founding partner of Toole, Kinney & Company, Inc., Mark Kinney,CFP®, published a new blog entitled, “Should You Consider a Lump Sum Pension Payment at Retirement?” In the blog, he highlights some benefits of a lump sum payment over a monthly pension payment. Mark writes, “You and I have to earn our retirement funds the… continue reading.

Seasoned retirement and financial strategist, Mark Kinney, says an estate plan is an essential tool to ensure a person’s wishes are followed during sickness or after death. Lee, Massachusetts—September 7, 2016—Founding partner of Toole, Kinney & Company, Inc., Mark Kinney,CFP®, published a new article entitled, “Estate Planning 101: Consider These Do’s and Don’ts to Plan Ahead.” In the article, he discusses the reasons to create an estate plan and to keep it up to date…. continue reading.

Seasoned retirement and financial strategist, Mark Kinney, says investment strategies should differ depending on age and number of years until retirement. Lee, Massachusetts—August 30, 2016—Founding partner of Toole, Kinney & Company, Inc., Mark Kinney,CFP®, published a new blog entitled, “Don’t Let Age Stand in the Way of Sound Retirement Investing.” In the blog, he discusses investment options and strategies people can use as they near retirement. Mark writes, “Statistically, your peak earning years start around… continue reading.

Seasoned retirement and financial strategist, Mark Kinney, says making up for lost time when it comes to retirement planning is possible with a concerted effort.   Lee, Massachusetts—August 22, 2016—Founding partner of Toole, Kinney & Company, Inc., Mark Kinney, CFP®, published a new article entitled, “Making Up for Lost Time: 5 Tips for Catching Up on Retirement.” In the article, he encourages readers to reorient and reframe their retirement plans in order to make up… continue reading.

Seasoned retirement and financial strategist, Mark Kinney, discusses how to prepare for the risk of rising inflation in retirement planning. Lee, Massachusetts—August 16, 2016—Founding partner of Toole, Kinney & Company, Inc., Mark Kinney, CFP®, posted a new blog entry entitled, “Don’t Forget to Account for Inflation in Your Retirement Planning!” In the post, he encourages readers to over-prepare in their retirement planning in order to abate the risk of inordinate inflation rates. Kinney asks, “So,… continue reading.

Seasoned retirement and financial strategist, Mark Kinney, discusses how retirees should adjust their investment strategies to protect and sustain their wealth. Lee, Massachusetts—August 9, 2016—Founding partner of Toole, Kinney & Company, Inc., Mark Kinney, CFP®, published a new article entitled, “What Should Investing Look Like After You Retire?” In the article, he encourages retirees to avoid making any high-risk investments during their retirements. On budgeting, Mark writes, “First and foremost, a conservative investment strategy is… continue reading.

Seasoned retirement and financial strategist Mark Kinney, of Toole, Kinney & Co., Inc. discusses the advantages of investing in ETFs as opposed to mutual funds. Lee, Massachusetts—August 2, 2016—Founding partner of Toole, Kinney & Company, Inc., Mark Kinney, CFP®, posted a new blog entry entitled, “ETFs and Mutual Funds: What’s the Difference?” In the post, he lays out the main differences between mutual funds and ETFs. Kinney writes, “In general, ETFs are also known for… continue reading.

Seasoned retirement and financial strategist, Mark Kinney, discusses how to know when it’s time to sell your mutual fund. Lee, Massachusetts—July 21, 2016—Founding partner of Toole, Kinney & Company, Inc., Mark Kinney, CFP®, posted a new blog entry entitled, “Knowing When to Drop Out of Your Mutual Fund.” In the post, he encourages readers not to panic if their mutual funds have a bad quarter or year, but to consider how the fund has performed… continue reading.

Seasoned retirement and financial strategist, Mark Kinney, discusses the advantages and disadvantages investing in individual stocks and mutual funds. Lee, Massachusetts—July 14, 2016—Founding partner of Toole, Kinney & Company, Inc., Mark Kinney, CFP®, published a new article entitled, “Stocks vs. Mutual Funds?” In the article, he encourages readers to understand the different investment strategies that stocks and mutual funds require so that they can make more informed financial decisions before committing capital. Mark writes, “Distributing… continue reading.

Seasoned retirement and financial strategist, Mark Kinney, discusses developing your financial literacy to more fully understand your finances and grow your wealth. Lee, Massachusetts—June 30, 2016—Founding partner of Toole, Kinney & Company, Inc., Mark Kinney, CFP®, published a new article entitled, “Reading Your Wealth: 6 Ways to Improve Your Financial Literacy.” In the article, he lists some practices that can help boost financial literacy, such as listening to financial talk radio and podcasts, utilizing resources… continue reading.

Seasoned retirement and financial strategist, Mark Kinney, discusses the advantages of renting and buying. Lee, Massachusetts—June 24, 2016—Founding partner of Toole, Kinney & Company, Inc., Mark Kinney, CFP®, posted a new blog entry entitled, “Rent or Buy? The Housing Dilemma in 2016.” In the post, he encourages readers to consider the advantage of both renting and buying, in order to make an informed decision that aligns with the personal and financial goals. Kinney writes, “To… continue reading.

Seasoned retirement and financial strategist, Mark Kinney, explains the differences between the two main types of life insurances and the benefits of each. Lee, Massachusetts—June 16, 2016—Founding partner of Toole, Kinney & Company, Inc., Mark Kinney, CFP®, posted a new blog entry entitled, “Weighing the Costs: Permanent vs. Term Life Insurance.” In the post, he lays out the main differences between term and permanent life insurances. He encourages readers to avoid any wholesale advice about… continue reading.

Seasoned retirement and financial strategist, Mark Kinney, discusses the importance of periodically ‘checking in’ with your finances in order to ‘clean out’ what’s not working. Lee, Massachusetts — June 6. 2016 —Founding partner of Toole, Kinney & Company, Inc., Mark Kinney, CFP®, published a new article entitled, “Spring Has Sprung! 4 ‘To-Dos’ for Your Financial Spring-Cleaning List.” In the article, he encourages readers to create a financial spring-cleaning list, assessing such issues as budgeting, debt, retirement… continue reading.

Seasoned retirement and financial strategist, Mark Kinney, discusses a strategy for securing and retaining control of your pension funds while many pension programs are on unstable ground. Lee, Massachusetts—May 31, 2016—Founding partner of Toole, Kinney & Company, Inc., Mark Kinney, CFP®, published a new article entitled, “Pension Payments: Monthly Payout or Lump Sum?” In the article, he encourages readers to think through the advantages and disadvantages of drawing a monthly pension payout or a lump sum…. continue reading.

Seasoned retirement and financial strategist, Mark Kinney, explains that two major strategies married couples have traditionally used to maximize Social Security benefits will be eliminated beginning in May 2016. Lee, Massachusetts—May 20, 2016—Founding partner of Toole, Kinney & Company, Inc., Mark Kinney, CFP®, posted a new blog entry entitled, “May 2016: Two Big Changes in Social Security Benefits Could Greatly Affect Married Retirees…” In the post, he discusses two major changes to Social Security that… continue reading.

Seasoned retirement and financial strategist, Mark Kinney, discusses the importance of establishing de facto financial independence after finalizing a divorce. Lee, Massachusetts — May 11, 2016—Founding partner of Toole, Kinney & Company, Inc., Mark Kinney, CFP®, published a new article entitled, “Avoiding Financial Fallout After Divorce.” In the article, he encourages those going through a divorce or those recently divorced to protect their financial futures by seeking counsel from a CFP®, just as they sought expert… continue reading.

Seasoned retirement and financial strategist, Mark Kinney, discusses the importance of an active and defensive strategy when it comes to protecting your accumulated wealth in downward investment markets. Lee, Massachusetts—May 4, 2016—Founding partner of Toole, Kinney & Company, Inc., Mark Kinney, CFP®, published a new article entitled, “Developing Your Defensive Investment Strategy.” In the article, he discusses what a defensive strategy entails and how to anticipate declining markets in order to effectively safeguard your wealth…. continue reading.

Seasoned retirement and financial strategist Mark Kinney discusses the importance of importance of planning past your expected lifespan to insure that you are adequately prepared for retirement. Lee, Massachusetts—April 25, 2016—Founding partner of Toole, Kinney & Company, Inc., Mark Kinney, CFP®, posted a new blog entry entitled, “The Greatest Risk to Your Retirement Might Not Be a Financial One…” In the post, he encourages retirees, and those planning for retirement, to recalibrate their retirement plans… continue reading.

Seasoned retirement and financial strategist, Mark Kinney, discusses how to spend your tax return wisely in order to strengthen your financial future. Lee, Massachusetts—April 18, 2016—Founding partner of Toole, Kinney & Company, Inc., Mark Kinney, CFP®, posted a new blog entry entitled, “How to Spend Your Tax Return Wisely.” In the post, he encourages readers to avoid splurging their tax refunds on expensive items, but instead consider how they might use their returns to pay down… continue reading.

Seasoned retirement and financial strategist, Mark Kinney, demystifies some common investment myths that could limit your investment potential. Lee, Massachusetts—April 7, 2016—Founding partner of Toole, Kinney & Company, Inc., Mark Kinney, CFP®, published a new article entitled, “3 Investment Myths Demystified.” In the article, he offers insights to new and old investors alike, hazarding them against investment myths that are often touted as conventional wisdom. Regarding the investment myth “Always do what you’ve always done”… continue reading.

Seasoned retirement and financial strategist Mark Kinney discusses the importance of spreading your investment capital among different markets as a strategy for minimizing losses and maximizing returns. Lee, Massachusetts—April 1, 2016—Founding partner of Toole, Kinney & Company, Inc., Mark Kinney, CFP®, posted a new blog entry entitled, “The Importance of Cultivating a Diverse Investment Portfolio for Your Retirement Plan.” In the post, he offers an investment scenario to illustrate the pitfalls of an undiversified investment… continue reading.

Not long ago, I was cited on CNN.com as saying “sometimes moving to a cash position in a forecast down market is the only thing to do”.   Mind you, we’re not talking about attempting to “time the market”, but rather simply stepping aside from the extreme noise and volatility of the downward momentum, rather than participating in it.  Its clear markets are struggling for a direction.  However, in the low interest rate environment we’re currently… continue reading.