Ameriprise Financial

Is Housing Poised for a Rebound?

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 00:00:00 EST

Just as automobile sales have rebounded since the fall and provided the economy with a much needed boost, might not the housing market be similarly poised to awaken from its lethargy as the spring selling season gets underway?

Young and Hesitant to Invest?

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 00:00:00 EST

Economic uncertainty and erratic markets can make anyone nervous to invest their cash, but it can have an even bigger psychological impact on those who are investing their money for the first time. Though their hesitation may be understandable, with some knowledge and guidance young people can invest wisely now – with time still on their side. Ameriprise financial advisors are available to discuss:

- Ways to begin investing and learning about investment vehicles and options.
- The benefits of saving and contributing to 401(k) and other accounts early on.
- The various kinds of investment vehicles and accounts that may be appropriate for different financial goals such as buying a home and retirement.
- Strategies for creating a diverse portfolio that assumes the proper balance of risk and conservatism – and determining what that may be.
- The importance of allowing investments to weather market swings though time, and how to manage impulsive emotions that may interfere.

Yours, Mine and Ours: Avoiding Disagreements about Finances

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 00:00:00 EST

Romance is in the air this time of year, but not all conversations come easily for most lovebirds – and differences in opinion about money matters can endanger the chemistry of a happy couple. Though it’s unrealistic to think that any two people will always see eye-to-eye when it comes to finances, understanding one another’s financial priorities and money management style can help you avoid disagreements. Suzanna de Baca, vice president of wealth strategies at Ameriprise Financial, offers five suggestions to guide financial conversations between couples.

Greece, equity markets take positive steps forward

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 13:00:00 EST

A Positive Step in Greece:

With the Greek parliament’s passage of their latest austerity plan, Europe is closer towards an agreement on a second bailout package for Greece. However, other hurdles remain before the European Union, the International Monetary Fund, and the European Central Bank agree to release the funds. Those steps include political assurances from Greece to stick with the austerity plan after upcoming elections; identification of specific budget cuts; and private sector acceptance of the terms of debt forgiveness. But the parliamentary vote was a necessary first step and the initial reaction of global markets is positive. Stocks are higher, peripheral European bond yields are lower, the Euro is stronger, and commodity prices have firmed.

Columbia Management Perspectives: Q1 Asset Allocation Update

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 11:00:00 EST

In a shift from our asset allocation position last quarter, we have added to equities and are now positioned neutral to portfolio benchmark weights. Market sentiment has improved as U.S. economic data — particularly labor and manufacturing — are showing some signs of improvement and the housing market appears to be stabilizing. Worries remain that uncertainty surrounding an agreement on extending payroll tax relief and other unemployment benefits could be a drag on economic growth in 2012. The Federal Reserve continues to expect modest growth and has announced their intention not to raise rates until 2014. Fears of a euro-debt crisis have abated somewhat.

Advisor Profile: Michael Bonevento, ChFC®, CLU®, CFP®

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 00:00:00 EST

Michael Bonevento has been an Ameriprise financial advisor for 17 years, but the events on September 11, 2001 forever changed the way he approaches discussions about risk management with his clients. After the tragedy, he was approached by a number of families who were directly impacted and were experiencing severe financial strain as a result of their unexpected loss. This experience has led Bonevento to passionately encourage his clients to protect themselves and their families with adequate insurance as one of the most important parts of a financial plan.

Happy Valentine’s Day: Make sure those you love are protected

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 00:00:00 EST

Valentine’s Day presents the opportunity for couples and families to celebrate their relationships. Unfortunately, even the strongest bonds can be jeopardized – and financial security threatened – when something unexpected happens. Ameriprise financial advisors are available to discuss the risks families may be exposed to, and the ways they can reduce the possibility of financial instability in the wake of an unexpected event or family tragedy. Possible topics include:

- Things people tend to overlook when they consider their insurance needs.

- Milestones that should prompt a close review of one’s insurance policies.

- Guidance for starting and maintaining productive conversations about insurance between family members.

- Types of insurance that a single person or those with a family should consider to supplement workplace benefits.

- Ways to calculate where there might be gaps in a family’s protection plan.

- Methods to include the cost of insurance into one’s budget and overall financial plan.

Read about what drives one of our financial advisor’s passion for insurance.

Columbia Management Perspectives: Corporate Earnings Report

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 00:00:00 EST

If the economy is “muddling through,” why should we expect anything different from corporate earnings? That has been the question from the “top-down” types like strategists and economists for some time now. This same time last year, the “bottoms-up” company analyst types replied that the concerns were valid, but that there were still plenty of opportunities for earnings to outpace the economy: margin recovery still to come, acquisitions, new products that could outperform the general economy, etc. The analysts were more or less right, but as they look at fourth quarter 2011 results and parse the CEO commentary to formulate estimates for 2012, the extra earnings levers are more scarce, and the Earnings Per Share estimates are on more of a “muddle through” trajectory.

Ameriprise Financial Chairman and Chief Executive Officer to Present at the Credit Suisse Financial Services Forum

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 08:00:00 EST

MINNEAPOLIS – February 6, 2012 – Ameriprise Financial, Inc. (NYSE: AMP) today announced that Jim Cracchiolo, chairman and chief executive officer, is scheduled to speak about the company’s business and strategy at the Credit Suisse Financial Services Forum in Miami, Fla. on Thursday, February 9, 2012 at approximately 8:00 a.m. (ET).

A Look at the Labor Market

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 00:00:00 EST

The January employment report surpassed all expectations in both its strength and its breadth. The creation of 243,000 new non-farm jobs was the highest total since April, 2011. The three-month moving average of job growth rose to 201,000 from 157,000 in December, even after factoring in a 57,000 job upward revision to November's total. The unemployment rate fell from 8.5 to 8.3 percent, its lowest level since February, 2009.