Wealth Management Blog | WrapManager

Seton McAndrews

CFP®, Vice President Investments

When Should I Start Taking Social Security?

Posted by Seton McAndrews | CFP®, Vice President Investments

July 29, 2013

Knowing when to take Social Security is dependent on a number of variables, all of which are unique to you and your financial plan. Ultimately, it is a financial choice you make, and it’s a very important one.

At WrapManager, our Wealth Managers create a comprehensive investment plan for our clients, so that we intimately understand all of the variables that are important to meeting their family’s goals. Many people come to us wondering: should I start early and receive Social Security retirement benefits as soon as I’m eligible, or is it better to wait so you can receive a higher monthly benefit?

Source: Social Security Administration

Below, we’ve outlined a few guiding questions designed to help you think smarter about when to start taking your Social Security retirement benefits. We’d encourage you to discuss with your family and one of our Wealth Managers.

JP Morgan's Guide to the Markets - Third Quarter 2013

July 12, 2013

Dr. David Kelly, Chief Market Strategist for JP Morgan Asset Management, has released his latest Guide to the Markets, updated as of June 30, 2013. This guide illustrates a comprehensive group of market and economic histories, trends and statistics through clear, compelling charts and graphs. To read current editions of JP Morgan's Guide to Markets click here. [+] Read More

Preparing Your Portfolio for Rising Interest Rates

July 10, 2013

Interest rates are still at historically low levels, but recent statements about quantitative easing from Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke have put the prospect of rising interest rates front and center. Many investors are now asking - how do I prepare my portfolio for the possibility of rising interest rates? First, it’s important to understand that reducing or eliminating quantitative easing is a sign of an improving economy. Second, investors should look at how different fixed income sectors can be more or less susceptible to a rise in interest rates. And finally, investors should review their portfolios with their wealth manager, specifically the fixed income portfolio, and make adjustments as needed. [+] Read More

Churchill Management Group - Worried About the Big Picture

July 2, 2013

Churchill Management Group's June investment commentary draws parallels between the strategies used by central bankers and the government today and during the 1920s. [+] Read More

JP Morgan - A Whiff of Confidence

May 23, 2013

Dr. David Kelly, Chief Global Strategist at JP Morgan, examines the improving consumer confidence in the United States and the recent economic progress that has been made. [+] Read More

PBS FRONTLINE on Financial Advisors: Make Sure Your Best Interests Come First

May 17, 2013

PBS FRONTLINE’s recent special about financial planning(1) in the retirement industry should be watched by anyone planning for or currently in retirement. It suggests that these investors need to take control of their financial futures by 1) ensuring their advisor acts as afiduciary and makes recommendations in accordance with the investor’s best interests, and 2) specifically knowing and understanding the fees associated with those recommendations. We couldn’t agree more. There is a difference between the responsibilities of a FINRA Registered Representative and a SEC Investment Advisor Representative. Although one could make the argument that both have to act prudently, it’s crucial to understand the difference in the roles as they could impact your long-term retirement goals. [+] Read More

Eagle Asset Management - New Era, Eurozone Woes, Gold

May 16, 2013

Richard Skeppstrom at Eagle Asset Management believes we are currently moving between investment eras. He also discusses events in the Eurozone as well as gold. [+] Read More

Geneva Advisors - First Quarter 2013 Performance and Outlook

May 3, 2013

Geneva Advisors provides the first quarter 2013 net performance of their All Cap Growth Strategy, along with their most recent economic commentary and outlook. "The U.S. equity markets recorded first quarter gains that we believe could be sustainable. The S&P 500 Index increased 10.6% in the three months ended March 31. Growth in domestic Gross Domestic Product during the first quarter bounced back from the slim gain recorded in the final three months of last year. The current outlook is for continued gradual economic growth for the remainder of the year." [+] Read More

Navellier&Associates - Sell in May and Go Away?

April 25, 2013

Louis Navellier addresses the “sell in May and go away” idea and what he believes will continue to sustain the bull market. "The S&P 500 rose 1.74% last week. NASDAQ did even better (+2.28%) and the Russell 2000 rose 2.5%, virtually erasing the previous week’s losses. Since domestic smaller-cap stocks have an advantage as long as the dollar remains strong, I expect the Russell 2000 to continue to outperform the S&P 500. As May approaches, I feel there is no advantage in "selling in May and going away," since you have an opportunity to score market-beating profits by focusing on stocks that surprise Wall Street with rising earnings. In addition, this bull market seems to have some strong “legs” to support it, namely the powerful impact of stock buybacks." Download Full Commmentary Here Get Free Research Reports about Navellier & Associates, Inc. [+] Read More

Nuveen Asset Management - Economic Slowdown Halts Equity Rally Volatility

April 10, 2013

"What can be sustained?" is the big question asked by Nuveen Asset Management’s Chief Equity Strategist Bob Doll. "U.S. equities struggled last week as the S&P 500 was down approximately 1%. The weak jobs report released on Friday seems to indicate that the U.S. remains mired in a muddle-through economy. After a couple of months where signs were more positive, recent data is disappointing. Although the first quarter was relatively strong, we anticipate that the first and second quarters will average out to the 2% to 2.5% real growth we have been forecasting, with nominal growth under 5%." [+] Read More