▲ S&P 500 +---% | ▲ Stock Advisor +---% Join The Motley Fool

Accessibility Log In Help

John Maxfield

TMFMaxfield

I write about banks, trying my best to balance the good and the bad.

Recent Articles by John Maxfield

May 24, 2014 by John Maxfield

Why an IRA Deduction Is the Same Thing As Free Money

Want to pay less in taxes and/or get a bigger refund? If so, then an IRA deduction may be your best option.

May 24, 2014 by John Maxfield

Social Security: Here's a Simple Test to See If You Qualify for Spousal Benefits

Even if you've never worked outside of the house for pay, there's a good chance that you qualify for spousal benefits.

May 23, 2014 by John Maxfield

Social Security: The Obvious Reason You Shouldn't Wait Until 70 Before Applying for Benefits

Are you trying to hold out until 70 before applying for Social Security? If so, then you need to read this.

May 19, 2014 by John Maxfield

Social Security: 3 Reasons You Shouldn't Apply for Benefits at 62

Although it's usually smart to apply for benefits as soon as possible, the same doesn't hold true in these three scenarios.

May 18, 2014 by John Maxfield

How an IRA Account Helps You Today, and Not Just in Retirement

If you've been putting off opening an IRA account because retirement is still years away, there's one big reason you're making a mistake.

Black calculator on top of Social Security card and income statement

Oct 9, 2018 by John Maxfield

Social Security: Will Investment Income Reduce Your Monthly Benefits?

Most people know that working during retirement can reduce your Social Security benefits. Does investment income do the same thing?

May 18, 2014 by John Maxfield

Social Security: Why Women Should Wait Longer Than Men to Receive Benefits

Based on the average life expectancy of American women versus men, the former would be wise to wait longer before receiving Social Security benefits.

May 18, 2014 by John Maxfield

American Banks Are Secretly Preparing for a Russian Takeover of Eastern Ukraine

Over the past three months, Bank of America, JPMorgan Chase, and Citigroup have markedly reduced their exposure to Russia.

May 18, 2014 by John Maxfield

3 Reasons Citigroup’s Stock Doesn’t Belong in Your Retirement Portfolio

Do yourself a favor; don't fall prey to the siren song of Citigroup's stock.

May 17, 2014 by John Maxfield

By This Measure, Bank of America Is 5 Times Riskier Than Wells Fargo

The coefficient of variation underscores the point that Wells Fargo is a much better-run bank than Bank of America.

May 17, 2014 by John Maxfield

401(k) Limits 2014: How Much Can You Contribute?

If you're smart, you're already thinking about retirement and this year's taxes. If so, here are the 401(k) limits for 2014.

May 17, 2014 by John Maxfield

Social Security: This Simple Chart Shows How to Almost Double Your Benefits

If you're thinking about retirement and Social Security, this is one chart you need to see.

May 15, 2014 by John Maxfield

Why Bank of America Corp’s Stock Fell Almost 2% More on Thursday

Looking at the specific reason behind Bank of America's drop on Thursday. Here's a hint: Blame Wal-Mart.

May 15, 2014 by John Maxfield

Annaly Capital Management, Inc.'s New Strategy Seems Short-Sighted and Bad for Investors

The high-yielding mortgage REIT is venturing into new, and riskier, territory. Is it time for shareholders to jump ship?

May 14, 2014 by John Maxfield

This Bank Stock Has the Highest Dividend Yield In Its Sector and Is Safe to Own

There are few banks that are able to pay a massive dividend while exposing shareholders to little risk. It's for this reason that New York Community Bancorp has long been coveted by income-seeking investors.

May 13, 2014 by John Maxfield

Warren Buffett's Massive Investment in Bank of America Is Not a Ringing Endorsement

Have you considered investing in Bank of America based on Warren Buffett's assurances? If so, you might want to think again.

May 12, 2014 by John Maxfield

Social Security: A Simple Way to Calculate Your Exact Benefits

Curious how your Social Security benefits are determined? Motley Fool contributor John Maxfield explains.

May 12, 2014 by John Maxfield

What Warren Buffett Didn't Say about Bank of America's Dividend Blunder

As a major stakeholder in Bank of America, Warren Buffett should have his views on the bank taken seriously.

May 11, 2014 by John Maxfield

2 Reasons Verizon and AT&T Are Great Stocks for Retirement

Are you looking for stocks to add to your retirement portfolio? If so, you could do a lot worse than AT&T and Verizon.

May 11, 2014 by John Maxfield

3 Reasons Bank of America Corp’s Stock Doesn’t Belong in Your Retirement Portfolio

Have you thought about buying stock in Bank of America? If you're in or nearing retirement, you might want to think again.

Premium Investing Services

Invest better with The Motley Fool. Get stock recommendations, portfolio guidance, and more from The Motley Fool's premium services.

View Premium Services