Help Chart the Future of Your Family Business

The transition from one generation to the next is considered to be one of the biggest risks to the survival of a family-owned business. A thoughtful succession strategy not only outlines when and how ownership should be transferred but also takes tax implications, family relationships, and other sensitive issues into account.

Rethinking the Role of Household Debt

Many people aspire to pay off their home mortgages before retirement, but the housing situation and a weak economy have taken a toll on the finances of many older Americans. There are some compelling reasons why pre-retirees might want to consider maximizing their retirement plan contributions and avoid carrying large amounts of debt into retirement.

There’s Still Time to Catch Up

Worker confidence in affording a comfortable retirement fell to a record low in 2011, but investors aged 50 and older may be able to make up for lost time by maximizing contributions to retirement plans and taking advantage of catch-up contribution limits. The accompanying chart shows the potential difference in accumulation by taking advantage of catch-up contributions.

HOT TOPIC: Are Housing Troubles Standing in the Way of Growth?

In the wake of past recessions, the housing industry provided a meaningful economic boost. This time around, the pace of the recovery has been more sluggish than expected, and ongoing weakness in the housing sector may be to blame.

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