Market Watch

May 25, 2012 @ 10:01 AM

Nasdaq Composite 2,838.31- 1.07
Nasdaq 100 2,530.11- 1.24
S&P 500 1,320.89+ 0.21
S&P 100 600.97- 0.43
S&P Mid-Cap 400 935.15- 0.93
NYSE Composite 7,548.05- 4.31
AMEX Composite 2,222.82- 3.11
10 Year Treasury Note 1.75- 0.01

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Jeffrey S. West of AXA Advisors

Retirement Planning Specialist

My name is Jeff West. I would like to welcome you to my Web site. I joined the organization in 1994 as a financial professional,after a two-year internship program following college. In January of 1998 I was promoted to Divisional Vice President (District Manager) of the Okemos, Michigan office and continued in that role until June of 2003. I am dedicated to helping individuals and businesses build their financial futures. My business focuses on retirement funding and financial strategies both for individuals and small businesses. I am also a Registered Financial Planner with the National Football League Players Association, working with athletes and helping them with their disability income insurance, life insurance and financial planning needs. Being involved in the community is very important to me.   My community activities include:

Michigan Academy of Family Physicians Foundation Sparrow Foundation (Coaches 4 Kids) Michigan State University and its Foundation Western Michigan University Gary Fund Junior Achievement Habitat for Humanity (Okemos Presbyterian Church) MSU Children's Health Initiative Okemos Education Foundation Williamston Education Foundation.

I have been awarded the title of Retirement Planning Specialist by AXA Advisors based on the receipt of a Wharton Certificate in Retirement Planning. 

 My wife and I live in Williamston, Michigan with our two daughters.

 

Certificate awarded based on completion of a training program at the Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania.

Newsletters

Understanding the Appeal of Share Buybacks

The amount of money devoted to corporate stock buybacks surged throughout 2010 and 2011 as large companies sought ways to spend their cash stockpiles and reward shareholders. This article looks at how corporate buybacks work, why they have become more common in the current economic climate, and what they typically mean for investors.

Rethinking the Role of Household Debt

Many people aspire to pay off their home mortgages before retirement, but the housing situation and a weak economy have taken a toll on the finances of many older Americans. There are some compelling reasons why pre-retirees might want to consider maximizing their retirement plan contributions and avoid carrying large amounts of debt into retirement.

Favorable Dividend and Capital Gains Tax Rates Extended—for Now

The 2010 Tax Relief Act extended the 15% maximum tax rates on qualified dividends and long-term capital gains through December 31, 2012. But without further legislation, dividends will be taxed at ordinary income tax rates and capital gains tax rates will return to 20% (23.8% for investors in the two highest tax brackets) in 2013.

Balancing Stability and Growth

An investor who is 2 or 3 decades from retirement could decide to be more aggressive in pursuing investment growth than someone approaching retirement. Even though investors address this by transitioning to a more conservative asset allocation, they still need to seek growth while balancing the desire for principal preservation. This article offers some factors to consider.

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Calculators

Risk Tolerance

This calculator is designed to help you clarify your comfort level with investment risk.

Tax-Deferred Savings

Compare the potential future value of tax-deferred investments to that of taxable investments.

Cost of Retirement

Use this calculator to estimate how much income and savings you may need in retirement.

Loan Payoff

How much will it cost to pay off a loan over its lifetime?

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Contact Info

Phone: (517) 347-4646

jeffrey.west @axa-advisors.com

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