Latest News
Take steps to prepare for a long retirement
How long will you live? Of course, your longevity is somewhat unpredictable. But it may be a good idea to plan for a long life — and the financial issues that go along with it. It’s reasonable to think you’ve got a long way to go. In fact, 72% of retirees now think...
ETFs can spell opportunity
Mutual funds offer investors a chance to own shares in dozens of companies, as well as bonds, government securities and other investments. But you might be able to broaden your portfolio further by owning another type of fund — an exchange-traded fund (ETF). An ETF,...
Field Notes: The golden age of outdoor television
The author, John Marek, is a writer and CEO of the Anson Economic Development Partnership. Although my father enjoyed a good walk in the woods and was not opposed to wetting a line, he wasn't a committed outdoorsman. Things like hiking, camping and shooting seemed...
Women retirees may need to adjust financial course
We all hope to retire comfortably. But once we reach retirement, we may need to adjust our expectations and behaviors somewhat in response to financial issues — and that’s especially true for women. So, if you’re a woman, what can you do to live a financially secure...
Field Notes: North Green
The author, John Marek, is a writer and CEO of the Anson Economic Development Partnership. In the 1980s, most of the the residence halls at Ohio University were located on three "Greens," East, West and South. Officially, there was a North Green with a single small...
Field Notes: The Unabomber’s pathetic, prophetic message
The author, John Marek, is a writer and CEO of the Anson Economic Development Partnership. Ted Kaczynski, the Unabomber, died last week in federal prison in Butner, N.C. He was 81. Kaczynski's story haunts the collective memory of a nation. Responsible for...
Biggest threats to a comfortable retirement?
If you save and invest for decades, you’d like to know you can retire without financial worries. Nonetheless, you still have to be aware of some threats to a comfortable retirement — and how to respond to them. These threats include: Inflation – Inflation has...
Special needs trust could ease families’ stress
If you have a family member with special needs, you might face emotional and physical issues, but you also may be concerned about maximizing the financial support your loved one requires. Consequently, you may want to consider establishing a special needs trust. This...
Field Notes: The immorality of immortality
The author, John Marek, is a writer and CEO of the Anson Economic Development Partnership. Mary Shelly's novel “Frankenstein” is frequently cited as one of the earliest examples of modern horror fiction, but contemporary readers may be missing a significant aspect of...
Should you consider 401(k) loans or withdrawals?
At some point, you may have more money in your 401(k) than in any other investment. And even though your 401(k) is intended for your retirement, you may one day think you have to tap into your account early — but should you? And if you do, how should you go about it?...
Field Notes: But why yellow?
The author, John Marek, is a writer and CEO of the Anson Economic Development Partnership. The days and weeks leading up to my high school graduation exist in my memory as an indistinct blur. Prom. Class trip. Locker clean-out. Senior luncheon. Snakebite. Drowning....
What should you expect from your investments?
To help achieve your financial goals, you may need to invest in the financial markets throughout your life. However, at times your investment expectations may differ from actual returns, triggering a variety of emotions. So, what are reasonable expectations to have...