Ronald Pechtimaldjian
- Project Editor and Writer, IMPRINT
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Articles by Ronald Pechtimaldjian
Quiz: Do You Know These Social Security Facts?
Quiz Quiz: Do You Know These Social Security Facts? By Michael D. Thomas | September 21, 2020 at 09:28 AM Test your knowledge on Social Security claiming strategies, spousal benefits and estate implications.
Quiz: Do You Know These Social Security Facts?
Quiz Quiz: Do You Know These Social Security Facts? By Michael D. Thomas | September 16, 2020 at 09:28 AM How much do you know about claiming strategies, spousal benefits and estate implications?
How an Orthodontist Teamed With His Advisor to Help Medical Pros Avoid ‘Wealth Erosion’
Orthodontist and financial advisor Mart McClellan. To be blunt, doctors and dentists are rated lousy investors. But here’s Mart McClellan, an orthodontist who not only knows how to expertly manage his own assets but helps other health professionals manage theirs — and retire with full income replacement, as he tells ThinkAdvisor in an interview.
Navigating the PPP's loan forgiveness rules
Women only make up 14% of the advisory business, but the advice offered here can help any gender succeed.
Honoring Advisors Who Serve(d): Fourth of July, 2020
This is part of ThinkAdvisor’s ninth annual Advisors Who Serve(d) compilation, in which we highlight stories of veterans in the advisory world, told in their own words. So what is Advisors Who Serve(d)? Well, it’s just what it says: Financial advisors who have served or are serving in the military. Each year’s initial compilation has debuted over Memorial Day weekend.
What Advisors Can Learn From Investor Behavior During a Crisis
(Image: Thinkstock) Most investors are feeling good about their financial prospects, according to a survey from the Investments & Wealth Institute that was issued at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Of the investors surveyed, 50% are expecting positive rates of return in their portfolios while only a third of them are expecting declines over the next 12 months.
Honoring Advisors Who Serve(d): Memorial Day, 2020
(Photo: Shutterstock) This is ThinkAdvisor’s ninth annual Advisors Who Serve(d) compilation, in which we highlight stories of veterans in the advisory world, told in their own words. This year was unusual, not just because of the COVID-19 pandemic, but also because we received more than 100 submissions from advisors. We suspect all of those who participated are working from home and have a little extra time, or desire, to dig into some of their memories in these unprecedented times.
Honoring advisors who serve(d): Memorial Day, 2020
News Annual compilation highlights military veterans who also serve in the financial advisory industry. (Photo: Shutterstock) In this ninth annual Advisors Who Serve(d) compilation, we highlight stories of veterans in the advisory world, told in their own words, compiled by BenefitsPRO’s sister site, ThinkAdvisor. Ronald Pechtimaldjian Ron, who is Executive Editor of ThinkAdvisor, has worked for the website since 2010, when he helped design and launch the site.
Surviving and Thriving in Volatile Markets: Finke, Blanchett, Others
(Image: Shutterstock) With the coronavirus pandemic fueling a neck-snapping dive in the markets, followed by a head-scratching “recovery,” the only thing certain about the course of investing is uncertainty. So to help advisors and investors navigate this unprecedented rocky road, ThinkAdvisor has partnered with Voya and Eaton Vance to produce three webcasts for what we’re calling Volatility Week.
Advisors Who Serve(d) in the Military: 2020 Survey
Poll Please tell us about your military service so we can share your stories this Memorial Day weekend in our ongoing Advisors Who Serve(d) compilations.
Tax Impact of Stimulus' RMD Waiver, Early Withdrawals: Bloink & Byrnes
The $2 trillion stimulus plan signed into law on March 28 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, includes a temporary waiver of required minimum distribution (RMD) rules for certain defined contribution plans and IRAs during 2020. There are also special rules for use of retirement funds that waives the 10% early withdrawal penalty for distributions up to $100,000 from qualified retirement accounts for coronavirus-related purposes made this year.
Fed Unleashes $2.3 Trillion Muni, Business Aid Plan
The Federal Reserve building in Washington. (Photo: iStock) The Federal Reserve on Thursday announced another series of sweeping steps to provide as much as $2.3 trillion in additional aid during the coronavirus pandemic, including starting programs to aid small and mid-sized businesses as well as state and local governments.
White House Mulls New 50-, 25-Year Bonds to Finance Stimulus
(Photo: Thinkstock) The Trump administration is revisiting the idea of issuing ultra-long bonds as it grapples with how to finance a $1.3 trillion fiscal stimulus plan, according to people familiar with the matter.
Government May Let Student Housing Owners Turn Assets to Hospital Beds
(Photo by Shutterstock) The Trump Administration is considering a plan in which student housing owners could master lease their assets to create makeshift hospital beds to provide support during the coronavirus, according to remarks Walker & Dunlop CEO Willy Walker made during a webinar. The Department of Housing and Urban Development and the White House are currently working on that, he said.
Trump Restricts Travel From Europe, Offers Aid for Businesses
President Donald Trump speaks during a televised address in the Oval Office of the White House about the coronavirus. (Photo: Doug Mills/The New York Times/Bloomberg) President Donald Trump said he will significantly restrict travel from Europe to the U.S. for the next 30 days, the most far-reaching measure yet in the administration’s efforts to combat the spread of coronavirus.
6 Thoughts on the Collapse of the Oil Market
The collapse of the OPEC+ alliance and Saudi Arabia’s subsequent decision over the weekend to launch an all-out price war in crude has upended markets and further roiled a world already strained by the coronavirus crisis. There will be lasting consequences. Oil prices plummeted 30% when futures trading opened Sunday night, a direct consequence of OPEC and Russia’s failed meeting on Friday.
Trump Floats Payroll Tax Cut to Bolster Economy After Market Plunge
President Donald Trump talks about a payroll tax cut after markets plunged on Monday. (Photo: Stefani Reynolds/Bloomberg) President Donald Trump said Monday he will seek a payroll tax cut and “very substantial relief” for industries that have been hit by the virus, reversing course on the need for economic stimulus hours after markets posted their worst losses in more than a decade.
Human Capital: ARA's Wielobob Details DOL, IRS Secure Act To-Do List
Podcast In episode #9 of our podcast, we talk with Allison Wielobob, general counsel at the American Retirement Association.
Quiz: How Much Do You Know About College Planning?
Quiz See if you can score high enough to graduate from college with no debt. See if you can make the grade and score high enough to graduate from college with no debt. And remember, it’s never too late to start planning early for college. Ronald Pechtimaldjian Ron, who is Executive Editor of ThinkAdvisor, has worked for the website since 2010, when he helped design and launch the site.
Quiz: Can You Win the Super Bowl Economics Test?
Quiz There are a lot of game stats but do you know some of the money stats surrounding the big game? Super Bowl LIV between the San Francisco 49ers and the Kansas City Chiefs is Sunday on 6:30. There are a lot of game stats but do you know some of the money stats surrounding the big game? Try out the quiz and see if you can win the Super Bowl economics test.
7 Social Security Scams to Spot and Avoid
7 Social Security scams to avoid We found seven typical scams and, sadly, there are probably more. Clients, coworkers, relatives need to be aware of these. Sign up to receive press releases from the Office of the Inspector General, which keeps people abreast of the latest Social Security scams, or call the OIG hotline at 1-800-269-0271. Or visit the FTC’s complaint website to report them. (All photos: Shutterstock) 1. Asking for a Social Security number.
Labor Dept. Plans to Restrict Media Access to Key Economic Reports
A delay in verified economic data could rattle the markets. (Photo: ShutterStock) The Trump administration plans to restrict the news media’s ability to prepare advance stories on market-moving economic data, according to people familiar with the matter, in a move that could create a logjam in accessing figures such as the monthly jobs report.
15 Funky, Expensive Gifts for the Wealthy
15. Custom-Made Gold Shoelaces: $19,000 If your recipient is already spending thousands on unique sneakers, you might want to provide unique shoelaces to go with them. They’re just $3,000 if you only go for silver, but it will surely impress the person you give them to. 14. Seven Harmonicas Signed By Bob Dylan: $25,000 Got a music enthusiast on your list? This set of seven German-made harmonicas—one in each key—comes in an ebony box, with each one signed by Dylan himself. 13.
House Impeaches Trump; Senate Braces for Trial
The House Judiciary Committee debates amendments to two articles of impeachment Thursday. (Photo: Diego M. Radzinschi/ALM) The U.S. House Wednesday night took the historic step of impeaching President Donald Trump, setting the stage for a Senate trial that is widely predicted to acquit the president.
Quiz: How Well Do You Know Annuities?
Quiz Lots of people talk about annuities but only some really know them. Annuities have been around a long time but their complexity has generated a lot confusion. Many investors love the income stream they can get but don’t like or understand the surrender charges and other triggers that can muddle their usage. So let’s see who how much you know about some general themes surrounding annuities. Good luck! — More Quizzes on ThinkAdvisor: Quiz: How Well Do You Know Social Security?
What Does It Take to Be an Award-Winning Firm?
The winners of the 2019 NU Agency of the Year Award will share their best practices in a new webinar on Dec. 12. In October, NU Property & Casualty and PropertyCasualty360 honored the stalwart independent insurance agents who continue to thrive while working in a profession that continually is rumored to be disappearing, only to be replaced by startups and online insurance options.
Honoring advisors who serve(d): Veterans Day, 2019
Slideshow Here are stories of 14 military veterans who also serve in the financial advisory industry. (Photo: Shutterstock) This is our sister site ThinkAdvisor’s annual version of the Advisors Who Serve(d) compilation, and this year we highlight the stories, told in their own words, of 14 veterans in the advisory world. You may recognizing some of the advisors as they were also on Memorial Day’s version; for this version we added three new advisors.
Honoring Advisors Who Serve(d): Veterans Day, 2019
(Photo: Shutterstock) This is ThinkAdvisor’s annual version of the Advisors Who Serve(d) compilation, and this year we highlight the stories, told in their own words, of 14 veterans in the advisory world. You may recognizing some of the advisors as they were also on Memorial Day’s version; for this version we added three new advisors. Advisors Who Serve(d) is just that: Financial advisors who have served or are serving in the military.
Here Are 4 Planning Situations When Annuities Make Sense
As advisors who often talk about annuities to financial advisors, we are often asked whether we “like” annuities. To that question, our standard answer is that we neither like nor dislike them—because they’re just tools, which work well in certain circumstances and do not work well in others.
10 Worst States for Pension Funding
The funding situation with state pensions is so dire that, according to 24/7 Wall St, just 2 out of the 50 state pensions have reached 100 percent funding as of 2017—the most recent year for which data from The Pew Charitable Trusts are available. The slides that follow detail the 10 worst, while the article below explains more about the data and ranking system used. (All images: Shutterstock) 10.
9 of the Best Investment Jokes
1. If only it was that easy… Question: What’s the best way to make a small fortune in the stock market? Answer: Start off with a big fortune. Source: Laffgaff.com (Photo: Shutterstock) 2. An investing analogy Wanting to make money in the stock market without accepting there will be losses is like waiting to breathe but only wishing to exhale. Source: Greekshares.com (Photo: Shutterstock) 3.
100 Questions to Ask in an Estate Planning Interview
(Photo: Shutterstock) Among the most important skills of an estate or financial planner is the ability to know the client, to understand who the client is, where that client stands in relation to the objectives (stated or unstated, realized or subconscious) he/she may have, and what things have to be done to move the client closer to the realization of these goals.
Quiz: How Well Do You Know Medicare?
How much do you know about this vital health care law sign by LBJ in 1965? Medicare began in 1966 under the banner of the the Social Security Administration and is now administered by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. President Johnson signed this into law on July 30, 1965, and serves nearly 60 million Americans, 52 million who are 65 or older. See if you pass this Medicare test.
15 of the Best Retirement Jokes
(Related: 10 Happiest Retirement Places in the US) More than being just an ice breaker at a networking event, conference or client meeting, humor helps us internalize and reflect on impactful life changes, such as retirement.
10 Happiest Retirement Places in the U.S.
Needless to say, people are made happy by a wide range of factors, and what suits one will not suit another. But Kiplinger took a look at all 50 states to see which ones might afford retirees happiness once they’ve left the daily grind for good, using among other sources, components of the Gallup-Sharecare Well-Being index. The slides that follow show its top 10. (All photos: Shutterstock) 10. Burlington, Vermont.
Treasury Loosens Rules on 401(k) Hardship Withdrawals
The Treasury building in Washington. (Photo: Shutterstock) The Department of Treasury has finalized new rules on hardship withdrawals from defined contribution plans that were laid out in the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018. Last November, Treasury issued proposed new hardship regs.
As Cannabis Industry Matures, Expect a Lot More Litigation
Despite its illegality on the federal level, and a patchwork of legislation at the state and local level, the business of cannabis appears to be booming. By some estimates, the sector is expected to balloon to $26 billion by 2025. As the industry matures, it has experienced some familiar growing pains: aggressive marketing, overly optimistic projections and some garden variety fraud. This in turn has attracted the attention of both government regulators and private plaintiffs’ lawyers.
Quiz: How Well Do You Know Social Security?
The Social Security Act was signed on Aug. 14, 1935, by President Franklin Delano Roosevelt during his first term in the middle of the Great Depression, and has paid out more than $7.4 trillion. Most people know their paychecks are taxed to fund the program, and they know they get some of it back when they retire. So this is a quiz to see if you know some other important details. Good luck!
Will These 3 Big Retirement Bills Pass Congress?
Major retirement legislation that would impact tens of millions of Americans and the security of a million-plus union pensioners has hung in the balance since Congress left for summer recess. Since lawmakers returned to Washington on September 9, what will happen to The SECURE Act, the Butch Lewis Act, and the Retirement Savings and Security Act is still undecided. The slides that follow take a look at the three bills and offers details on what could hold them up. (Photo: U.S. Capitol, Diego M.
Is Investing in Cannabis a Conservative Move or a Risky One?
Cannabis is a hot new industry, susceptible to illicit investment schemes. Layer on the uncertainty of disparate state and federal laws and regulations, and it’s easy to see why conservative investors are hesitant to get involved. But the promise of profits has led to an influx of money from a wide range of investors. Hemp and marijuana are varieties of cannabis. The distinction between hemp and marijuana is the concentration of THC, a psychoactive compound.
20 best paying jobs for college business majors: 2019
Recommended Stories Resource Center Infographic Sponsored by ArmadaCare Coverage Gaps with Jack & Jill Different supplemental health options aren’t always easy for clients to understand, but you can use this infographic to help explain which ones best help their employees and bottom line. Browse More Resources › BenefitsPRO Don’t miss crucial news and insights you need to navigate the shifting employee benefits industry.
20 Best Paying Jobs for College Business Majors: 2019
20. BUYER Most Common Major: Supply Chain Management Mid-Career Pay: $59,900 19. COST ACCOUNTANT Most Common Major: Accounting $60,600 (Photo: Shutterstock) 18. CREDIT ANALYST Most Common Major: Finance $61,100 17. AUDITOR Most Common Major: Accounting $62,600 (Photo: Shutterstock) 16. INTERNAL AUDITOR Most Common Major: Accounting $64,900 15. SUPPLY CHAIN ANALYST Most Common Major: Supply Chain Management $66,800 (Photo: Shutterstock) 14. (tie) FINANCIAL ANALYST Most Common Major: Finance $68,600 14.
20 Worst Paying College Majors (That Aren't Education): 2019
(All photos: Shutterstock) On the other end of ThinkAdvisor’s 20 Best Paying College Majors (That Aren’t Engineering) are college graduates that are paid the worst out of the 403 college majors in PayScale’s College Salary Report. We’ve excluded education degrees as they dominate this group. Graduates of the top two fields on this list actually earn less at mid-career than at entry level. 20. (tie) Drawing Mid-Career: $59,200 Early Career: $37,000 20.
GAO Asked to Investigate Impact of DOL Fiduciary Rule
Labor Department headquarters in Washington. (Photo: Mike Scarcella/ALM) Two leading Democratic lawmakers on retirement issues are asking the Government Accountability Office to investigate the impact of the Labor Department’s fiduciary rule, which was vacated by the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals a year ago, on the financial services industry, retirement plan sponsors, and retirement savers.
20 Best Paying College Majors (That Aren't Engineering): 2019
(All photos: Shutterstock) 20. Government Mid-Career: $109,900 Early Career: $50,900 19. Physics Mid-Career: $110,000 Early Career: $60,700 18. Accounting & Economics Mid-Career: $110,100 Early Career: $61,200 17. Information Sciences & Technology Mid-Career: $110,200 Early Career: $58,900 16. Astrophysics Mid-Career: $110,800 Early Career: $60,700 15. Statistics Mid-Career: $111,300 Early Career: $62,000 14. Operations Mgmt & Information Systems Mid-Career: $112,000 Early Career: $61,900 13.
LIVE UPDATES: SEC’s Reg BI Vote
All eyes in the advisory world were on Securities and Exchange Commission headquarters in Washington on Wednesday, as the agency voted on the controversial Regulation Best Interest for brokers, part of the securities regulator’s four-pronged advice standards package. ThinkAdvisor’s Washington bureau chief, Melanie Waddell, provided live updates on the vote on this page below.
LIVE UPDATES: SEC’s Reg BI Vote on June 5
All eyes will be on Securities and Exchange Commission headquarters in Washington on Wednesday, June 5, as the agency votes on the controversial Regulation Best Interest for brokers, part of the securities regulator’s four-pronged advice standards package. ThinkAdvisor’s Washington bureau chief, Melanie Waddell, will provide live updates on the vote on this article page below. There will be four separate votes.
Honoring Advisors Who Serve(d): Memorial Day, 2019
(Image: Shutterstock) This is ThinkAdvisor’s eighth version of the Advisors Who Serve(d) compilation, and this year we highlight the stories, told in their own words, of 11 veterans in the advisory world. Advisors Who Serve(d) is just that: Financial advisors who have served or are serving in the military. Each of our compilations have debuted over Memorial Day weekend and been repeated on July 4th and Veterans Day.
Advisors Who Serve(d) in the Military: 2019 Survey
Poll Please tell us about your military service so we can share your stories this Memorial Day weekend in our ongoing Advisors Who Serve(d) compilations.
Bernie Sanders’ Estate Tax Plan: Bloink & Byrnes Go Thumb to Thumb
Robert Bloink and William H. Byrnes As the Democratic primary season begins to take shape, Bernie Sanders has once again emerged as a key possibility for the Democratic presidential nomination for 2020. Sanders, as in 2016, has proposed dramatic changes to various aspects of the existing tax system.
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