Finance

By Alain Valles, CRMP, MBA, CSA The Greek philosopher Heraclitus said, “Change is the only constant in life.” Time has shown this to be true. The...

More workers in the prime 25- to 54-year-old age group are finding jobs. The winter freeze was less destructive to hiring than had been assumed. Layoffs have declined since February. And an increase in hours worked suggest that incomes will rise.

By Alain Valles “I heard reverse mortgages are bad” is the response I often receive when I tell people what I do. Fortunately, I don’t...

The market bottom was just two years ago, so investors are still fearful of steep loses. They’re looking for more ways to guarantee that they can turn their savings into a steady income stream without totally handing over control of their money.

By Alain Valles, CRMP, MBA, CSA Is 62 the best time to start receiving Social Security? According to the Social Security Administration, you may start receiving...

By Alain Valles, CRMP Reverse mortgages often conjure dire outcomes. But the facts are just the opposite. With changes to the government-insured loan program, formally...

The recession claimed Sadowski’s business and a chunk of his savings, and with four teenage daughters, the graphic designer accepts the fact he won’t retire for another five years or more.

By Alain Valles, CRMP, President- Direct Finance Corp. Let's play a little game. The next time you attend a high school class reunion, visit your...

If you are like many Americans, some or all of your retirement income is tied up in the stock market. Perhaps you own stock directly, or participate in a mutual fund, or an annuity, or have invested in a 401(k) or company pension plan. So you probably pay attention to how the market is doing, hoping that your savings will be protected and – hopefully – continue to grow.

By Alain Valles If you are like most people your two largest retirement assets are your investment savings and your home. However, due to its...