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Meg Green

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MONEY Q & A

Meg Green
Meg Green is a certified financial planner. E-mail questions to askmeg@meggreen.com or mail them to her at: P.O. Box 630322, Miami, FL 33163. Include your first name and city.

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ASK MEG

What about bonds for someone nearing retirement?

Q. If one were approaching retirement with a diversified stock mutual fund portfolio, and would like to introduce bonds into the mix, what would be your suggestion for an optimal strategy from the standpoint of fees, taxes and income stream? What percentage of assets should remain in stocks, assuming a high-risk tolerance?

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    Jackson's will appears; still a reminder we all need one

    Whew! They found it. I'm referring to Michael Jackson's will. It seemed a very long five days from the time he died until his will appeared. Rumors flew that he died without having executed a will. Court proceedings for guardianship and executor had already begun. I can promise you, had a proper will not been presented, you would have witnessed a circus that would do P.T. Barnum proud. There still might be chaos, due to the huge size of his ''kingdom,'' but don't let that dazzle you so much that...

  • ASK MEG

    No more sleeping, partying: Time for son to get a job

    Q. I'm hoping you can settle an argument my husband and I are having. My son graduated a year ago and hasn't been able to find a job. He spends most of his time partying, sleeping late or on his computer.

  • ASK MEG

    Look at your variable annuity's benefits, investments

    Q. A year ago I retired and put my 401(k), $267,000, into an annuity. The value of the investment is currently $217,000. I want out of the annuity, but have to wait three years in order not to pay a penalty.

  • ASK MEG

    Spouse wrong about 'equity accelerator' being ruse

    Q. Please try to settle a debate. About 18 months ago we refinanced our home. Shortly thereafter we received an offer to participate in an ''equity accelerator'' program that could virtually save us thousands of dollars in the long run. I inquired into how it works and it seemed like a great idea so we signed up. The program calls for an automatic bank withdrawal (or partial payment) every 2 weeks that essentially translates to one extra mortgage payment per year.

  • ASK MEG

    How to find a financial planner who is a good fit

    Q: I have worked with the major financial houses to invest my savings throughout my career. Now for the second time I have taken a huge hit in my retirement savings due to the fluctuations in the market. I have about 10 more years or so to work, 53 now, but don't realistically see replacing the money I have recently lost. I am leaning toward a more cautious position to not lose further funds or I will be the Wal-Mart greeter for the rest of my life!

  • ASK MEG

    For your mother's estate, check impact of newer tax laws

    Q: I read an article in Sunday's paper about insurance. That put a spark in my mind to ask you about a variable life insurance policy for $600,000.

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    Ask for agent's help in deciphering your life insurance policy

    Q. We are a family of four, with 2 daughters, ages 7 and 18. I read your column in Sunday's paper regarding term or cash value life insurance. Reading your column motivated me to analyze my family's life insurance situation, and I was wondering if you could answer a few questions.

  • ASK MEG

    It takes more than diapers and bottles to keep your baby safe

    Q: I am 40 and just became a mother for the first time. I need to know, what can I invest in, and should I now have a will for my newborn son? I am a homeowner and I co-habitate with the father of my child so I want to make sure my son would be provided for if something were to happen to me.

  • ASK MEG

    Don't confuse 2 types of annuities

    Q: I am 71 and have a small pension and Social Security monthly income. I would like to leave something to my kids. I own my home mortgage-free, have no credit card debt, no car payments and have a long-term-care insurance policy.


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