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Bucks: Renewed Interest in Dividend-Paying Stocks

June 3, 2011 by Leave a Comment

Paul Sullivan writes in his Wealth Matters column this week about a type of stock that had fallen into disfavor over the last couple of decades because it had none of the go-go appeal of a technology start-up — the dividend-paying kind. Paul speaks to several financial advisers who say they are now promoting dividend-paying stocks to people who still have money in cash or low-yielding bonds.

Dividend-paying stocks offer several advantages, their proponents say, among them their long-term stability and their role as a hedge against inflation. But there are risks as well. If the economy stumbles, companies might not have the cash to pay dividends. And while dividends are now taxed at the capital gains rate, that could change when the current rules expire next year.

Have you sought out dividend-paying stocks? Or do they still remind you of something only your grandparents would invest in? Tell us your stories below.

Article source: http://feeds.nytimes.com/click.phdo?i=5b6543190cf710febb1e951a5461c021

Filed Under: Your Money Tagged With: , ,

Bucks: A Reminder on How to Treat the Household Staff

May 27, 2011 by Leave a Comment

Paul Sullivan, in his Wealth Matters column this week, discusses the mistakes made by people who employ household help — anyone from housekeepers and nannies to chefs, butlers and estate managers. Nor is this an issue just for the wealthy anymore, Paul writes, because many two-income couples rely on an array of workers to keep their households going.

The employers’ responsibility begins with complying with employment and tax laws, staffing experts said. But the tougher issue often is properly distinguishing between professional and personal relationship. The experts said that treating the household help the same way as a subordinate at work may be difficult but is crucial to a well-functioning house.

Do you have any advice on treating household employees? What measures have worked for you?

Article source: http://feeds.nytimes.com/click.phdo?i=4719a2f923be1dfe999639adb2db97fb

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Bucks: Study Finds 4 Unhealthy Attitudes Toward Money

May 7, 2011 by Leave a Comment

Paul Sullivan, in his Wealth Matters column this week, writes about a new study that looks at people’s attitudes toward money.

The study concludes that there are four basic attitudes that can hurt people’s finances. Money avoidance, in which people seek to distance themselves from money, is one. Those who fall into the second category, money worship, seek the status derived from the things that money can buy. Money status, the third, occurs when people’s self-worth is tied to their net worth. And people who fall into the last category, money vigilance, are wary of spending.

The study was intended to help therapists and financial advisers quickly understand their clients’ beliefs about money.

Do you see yourself falling into any of these categories? Do you have any advice that would help people get over some of their unhealthy attitudes toward money?

Article source: http://feeds.nytimes.com/click.phdo?i=efb1209b2f4dae0795a07fb94ea35a96

Filed Under: Your Money Tagged With: , ,

Bucks: A Health Care Option for the Rich

April 30, 2011 by Leave a Comment

In his Wealth Matters column this week, Paul Sullivan writes about the growth in personalized health care for the rich. Prices for these services range from $1,500 to $25,000 a year (on top of the cost of regular insurance policies). These concierge services generally promise exclusive medical care at any time of day and anywhere in the world.

Paul raises several questions in his column. For the wealthy, he asks whether the extra costs are worth it. And for those who are struggling just to get and pay for regular health insurance, he asks whether concierge care is contributing to the growing gulf between the wealthy and everyone else.

What do you think?

Article source: http://feeds.nytimes.com/click.phdo?i=429a0419659cf981f15e1437485bec60

Filed Under: Your Money Tagged With: , ,
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