WrapManager's Wealth Management Blog

Cambiar Investors comprehensive report on the Emerging Markets investing climate asks what should investors do with their emerging markets portfolio, and reviews the unique challenges of an atypical business cycle, investing in China, and what lies ahead for many emerging markets countries. [+] Read More

Traditional Medicare is another name for Medicare Parts A and B. Most people are automatically enrolled in Parts A and B and receive their benefit cards 3 months before their 65th birthday. You’ll be automatically enrolled if you’re already receiving Social Security retirement benefits when you turn 65.1 If you’re not automatically enrolled and want to apply, there is a seven month window to join: three months before your 65th birthday, the month of your 65th birthday, and three months after your 65th birthday. If you miss that window, there is “General Enrollment” every year between January 1 and March 31.1 Below we’ll break down the differences between Medicare Part A and Part B. Medicare Part A: Costs and Benefits Part A usually requires no premium payments, though there are some deductibles and coinsurances associated with coverage (more on these costs below). Part A covers hospitalization, or inpatient care. This includes hospital care, nursing facility care, nursing home care, hospice, and home health services.2 [+] Read More

The Basics of Medicare Parts A, B, C, D, and Medigap As you enter retirement or approach the age of 65, there are a lot of questions about what happens next: When should I start taking Social Security? How should I diversify my portfolio to ensure my long-term investment goals are met? Equally important is setting up your healthcare coverage. You’ll need to consider your healthcare needs, what coverage options are available to you, what the cost is going to be, what your budget allows, and so on. In our four-part series on Medicare, we’ll examine details about your healthcare options in retirement, to give you a foundation for making informed decisions as you build your comprehensive financial plan. [+] Read More

JP Morgan's recent report discusses how recent legislative changes can affect the taxes and retirement plans for same-sex married couples. [+] Read More

WrapManager’s Weekly Summary of Market and Economic News The Bellwether US 10-Year Treasury Hit 3% on Thursday Interest rates continue to move higher as the economy recovers and as the Federal Reserve provides additional hints that they plan to “taper” their economic stimulus measures. Some people are concerned that rising interest rates could stifle the recovery of the housing market as well as general business activity.1 While that may be true to a degree, we also believe there are at least 4 Reasons Rising Interest Rates Aren't Necessarily a Bad Thing. In Spite of Rising Interest Rates, US Auto Sales Continue Booming In the month of August, new car sales rose 17% to 1.5 million, which is the highest level of sales since 2007. This is a good indication that the auto sector has moved past the recession and recovered in full. Analysts expect that close to 16 million cars and trucks will be sold in the US this year. Toyota, General Motors, Nissan, Honda, Chrysler, and Ford all posted double-digit gains for the month.2 [+] Read More

Eagle Asset Management's monthly commentary focuses on their predictions as to where interest rates will be and the affects it will have on the economy and markets. "Where will the 10-year Treasury be in three years? Will it be closer to 2 percent or 5 percent? I’m now wrestling with this question because the fiscal drag on the economy from the sequester will gradually fade over the coming months. The U.S. Federal Reserve’s tapering talk suggests it sees stronger growth ahead and there have been signs of economic stabilization in Europe and China. We could be close to moving on from the 2008 crisis, in which case interest rates should normalize. Or it could be another false dawn with growth disappointing and rates rolling over again." Download Eagle Asset Management's Full Commentary Here Get Free Research Reports on Eagle Asset Management [+] Read More

Over the last several weeks, much attention has shifted to the S&P 500 index as it reached and eclipsed new highs. For some investors, this was a non-event - after all, it’s a normal occurrence historically within bull markets for the S&P 500 to reach new highs (click on the chart for a larger version): Stock Market Price Return Since 1900 Source: FactSet, J.P. Morgan Asset Management. Data shown in log scale to best illustrate long-term index patterns. P/E ratios shown at price peaks and troughs use trailing four quarters of reported earnings and are shown as a one year average. Past performance is not indicative of future returns. Chart is for illustrative purposes only. Data are as of 6/30/13. [+] Read More

When developing a comprehensive financial plan, there are numerous factors to consider, such as when to start taking social security benefits. What about your spouse? How should I allocate my portfolio to ensure my long-term goals are met? What money managers should I hire? And the list goes on. As part of that plan, some people might consider purchasing long-term care insurance to protect their assets in the event they need extensive medical care later in life. Many don’t realize, however, that there could be tax incentives associated with long-term care insurance. The IRS outlines all of the itemized deductions available long-term care insurance premiums that are considered a medical expense1. In order for all or part of long-term care insurance premiums to be tax deductible, however, a few conditions must be met. [+] Read More

Louis Navellier discusses the latest impact that the Syrian "war fever" is having on the US and other markets around the globe. "The S&P 500 fell 1.84% last week and 3.13% in August. The Dow fell 4.45% in August. On Friday, Blackrock reported thatAugust was its biggest month for ETF withdrawals in more than three years (since January 2010), with $16.1 billion inredemptions through last Thursday. The S&P 500 SPDR alone had $13 billion in outflows. These withdrawals will likely causethe strength and breadth of the market to deteriorate, but it could also increase demand for many higher-quality stocks." Download Navellier's Full Commentary Here Get Free Research Reports on Navellier & Associates [+] Read More