Every month, Mr. O’Connell writes a column. To see what’s on his mind this month, click here. To see his past writings, click here.

Previous Headlines:

2010, The Year of the Roth IRA Conversion - January 2010
Roth IRAs are a powerful tool if used correctly, but they are not for everybody. The article details some of the reasons to consider a conversion and other reasons to avoid a Roth conversion. Read More...

A Big Tax Break for Hybrid Annuities - December 2009
A tax break that needs to be publicized. In 2010, you will be allowed to withdraw money from a certain kind of annuity without paying taxes as long as you use it to pay for qualified long term coverage. All baby boomers - especially those in the highest tax bracket - can thank the Pension Protection Act of 2006 for this new, fortunate development. Read More...

O'Connell Climbs Mt. Aconcagua in Support of "Impact a Hero" - November 2009
When Thomas J. O'Connell told his parents he was about to climb Kilimanjaro in February 2008 his mother shrugged as to say: "There he goes again" Not that she doubted him but O'Connell wasn't exactly an outdoorsy type; even he admits to never having slept in a tent. But she knew better than to dismiss him. Read More...

Test Your Risk IQ - October 2009
The test below might seem familiar to some of our long time readers, but we felt it important to re-run it especially now. This time of year is historically the busiest time for CD renewals and for folks doing year-end planning so what better way to start then knowing if your IRA is protected or not. You determine that and make your choices accordingly. Read More...

It's Time to Review Your Insurance - September 2009
September is National Life Insurance Awareness Month. When was the last time you looked at your life insurance coverage? Why not do it now? September is as good of time as any - if fact this is National Insurance Awareness Month. The non-profit Life and Health Insurance Foundation for Education (LIFE) wants to awaken Americans to the need for life insurance and its remarkable utility as an estate planning and tax-saving tool. Read More...