Selected Reading

Market Insights

The following is a response by BAM Director of Fixed Income Strategies Harold Walton to a February 18, 2010, article in The Wall Street Journal titled Muni Threat: Cities Weigh Chapter 9.

 

Read more: Municipal Bonds and Bankruptcy Proceedings

Market Insights

Not all municipal bonds are the same. The following discusses some things to consider when investing in municipal bonds.

Municipal bonds are commonly thought to be high-quality, low-risk investments. Default studies by the three major municipal bond rating agencies imply that municipal bonds are only second to U.S. Treasuries in terms of timely payment of scheduled principal and interest.

Read more: Municipal Bonds the Good and the Bad

Market Insights

Despite the fact that Social Security beneficiaries will not receive an increase in benefits in 2010, higher-income earners may still face higher Medicare Part B premiums. The following discusses the changes and how some may avoid the increases.

Read more: Increases to Medicare Part B Premiums for 2010

Market Insights

Social Security sends an annual statement of benefits to everyone over age 25 who has paid Social Security taxes

Read more: How Are My Social Security Benefits Calculated?