Friday Financial Five – April 4th, 2014

Friday Financial Five – April 4th, 2014

High frequency trading gets more exposure

While other problems exist in the financial services industry, high frequency trading should be the priority for the SEC. The practice doesn’t pass the smell test, and the recent 60 Minutes piece with Michael Lewis does a good job of explaining the nuances. An argument exists that high frequency trading hasn’t been a focus because it doesn’t greatly harm any individual investor. Instead, it harms millions of investors in extremely small increments and violates the concept of fair trade. The SEC can put an end to this activity or at least dissuade it, possibly with a minimum time between trades or a trade tax. The goal should not be to stifle technological advancement but to create a level playing field between buyer and seller.

401(k) auto-enrollment helping retirement savings

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While participation in the stock market is at a low, it appears those making 401(k) contributions is increasing. Auto-enrollment certainly has played a role, as the number of Merrill Lynch 401(k) sponsors using this practice increased by 16 percent in 2013. Merrill also saw a 25 percent increase in those opting for annual contribution increases. Many retirement plans participants adapt to the “forced” contribution and increase, then budgeting based on the remaining take home pay.

Social Security for public-sector workers

Government employees who have contributed to Social Security should really examine their benefits to ensure proper projected retirement income. WEP (Windfall Elimination Provision) rules and the Government Pension Offset can both reduce estimated benefits. The WEP reduction is maximized at one-half of the pension. The Government Offset factors into spousal and survivor benefits and can amount to two-thirds of the pension. Those in public service must be mindful of these provisions to properly forecast retirement income.

The cost of Alzheimer’s

A recent program by the Alzheimer’s Association highlighted the immediate need to address this not only as an obvious health issue, but to mitigate the overwhelming cost associated with caring for those affected. Alzheimer’s is the most expensive condition in the nation, costing $214 billion in 2014 and expected to climb to over $1 trillion by 2050. It accounts for 20% of all Medicare expense, with a total of $150 billion spent by Medicare and Medicaid combined. Out of pocket spending accounts for over $30 billion. This ailment may single-handedly threaten the sustainability of the entitlement programs, while simultaneously driving up the cost of Long Term Care coverage to prohibitive levels.

Madoff trustee looking for approval on another payout

It’s been over 5 years since Bernie Madoff’s investment firm failed. If approved by a bankruptcy judge, the most recent settlement agreement would bring total payouts to defrauded investors to almost $6 billion. Irving Picard, the trustee, most recently is looking for permission to pay out close to $350 million, the bulk of which comes as a settlement with JP Morgan Chase. Mr Picard’s legal team is not working pro-bono, as their recently submitted request for $39 million in fees would swell the total legal bill for this debacle to over $500 million.

Dan Forbes is a regular contributor on financial issues. He is a CFP Board Ambassador. He leads the firm Forbes Financial Planning, Inc in Providence, RI and can be reached at [email protected] .