Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor

Showing 209–224 of 357 results

  • You’ve inherited a large sum of money … now what?

    January / February 2015
    Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 324

    Abstract: Nearly $30 trillion will pass from one generation to the next during the next 30 years, according to a recent study. But, for those who are fortunate enough to receive a significant inheritance, the large influx of cash can greatly alter their financial situation and thus the strategies that are appropriate. This article advises that such a recipient first put the money into a liquid account while mulling their options — and then go over those options with an expert financial advisor.

    Read More

  • It’s not too late! Boosting retirement savings with catch-up contributions

    January / February 2015
    Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 608

    Abstract: For workers 50 or older who are late to the savings game, it’s not necessarily too late to look forward to a secure retirement. This article explains how catch-up contributions to IRAs and 401(k)s can accelerate one’s progress, along with options available for the self-employed.

    Read More

  • The BDIT – Realize estate planning benefits while retaining control

    January / February 2015
    Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 685

    Abstract: After spending a lifetime building one’s net worth, it’s normal to not want to give up control of property, as is required for certain estate and asset protection strategies. A relatively new trust — the beneficiary defective inheritor’s trust (BDIT) — avoids this drawback. This article describes how a BDIT accomplishes this, and how it’s structured to be intentionally “income tax defective,” making it possible to produce significant estate planning benefits.

    Read More

  • Take the alternative route – Alternative investments seek to balance portfolio risk and return

    January / February 2015
    Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 841

    Abstract: Alternative investments (or “alternatives”) have gone mainstream in recent years. Hedge funds and hedging strategies, such as long-short, increasingly are becoming popular with investors seeking better diversification and risk-adjusted returns. That said, alternatives involve unique risks and aren’t appropriate for every investor. But not all alternatives increase portfolio volatility — some are designed to lower it. This article examines some of the various types of alternatives.

    Read More

  • Are tax liabilities dischargeable in bankruptcy?

    November / December 2014
    Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 298

    Abstract: When “Scott” and “Wendy” filed for bankruptcy, they were surprised to learn that certain tax liabilities can be discharged in bankruptcy. This article explains the differences between “nondischargeable” and “dischargeable” tax liabilities and provides a list of requirements for a tax liability to be dischargeable.

    Read More

  • Term vs. perm – Demystifying life insurance choices

    November / December 2014
    Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 670

    Abstract: Life insurance can be a vital asset in planning for a family’s financial well being, but determining which type of policy better suits a specific situation can be challenging. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, because different products fulfill different needs. This article details two types of life insurance policies: a term policy and a permanent policy.

    Read More

  • Smoothing the ups and downs – Help protect your portfolio against market volatility

    November / December 2014
    Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 672

    Abstract: Financial advisors warn inexperienced investors of the possibility of stock market volatility, yet when the going gets rough, some react irrationally and begin selling when it isn’t warranted. This article explains how seasoned investors use such tools as the Volatility Index (VIX) to better understand risk and provides strategies designed to lessen the effects of volatility on an investment portfolio.

    Read More

  • Keep more of your investment earnings

    November / December 2014
    Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 822

    Abstract: An investment’s performance is only as good as its after-tax return. That’s why tax efficiency is important to an overall portfolio strategy. This article details two variables that can affect tax liability and offers guidelines that can help in the management of a portfolio’s overall tax burden.

    Read More

  • Claiming the home office deduction now easier

    September / October 2014
    Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 297

    Abstract: For those who use their home as their place of business, claiming a home office deduction has become easier. The traditional actual expense method involved determining the many direct and indirect expenses involved in running a home office. But this brief article explains that, under the new simplified method, a taxpayer can make a simple calculation based on the area of the workspace. However, the deduction that can be claimed is limited, and there are still restrictions involved.

    Read More

  • My portfolio manager is leaving! What should I do?

    September / October 2014
    Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 681

    Abstract: A quality portfolio manager (PM) can be influential in the overall success of an investment plan, so it can be disconcerting when one leaves. But that doesn’t necessarily mean that an investor should jump ship. This article discusses some of the considerations involved in evaluating both the old and new PM, in light of the type of fund involved, management style and past performance. Sometimes, it’s best to give a new PM a fair shot before selling off the fund. This will not only allow him or her time to get acclimated, but also can help avoid the tax liability and applicable withdrawal charges of a fund sale.

    Read More

  • Your best retirement asset is you – Protect your financial future with disability income insurance

    September / October 2014
    Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 758

    Abstract: The possibility that a serious illness or injury could dampen one’s earnings is real. But long-term disability income insurance recoups some income should the policyholder become disabled and unable to work. This article offers an overview of this insurance and explains the pluses and minuses of group and individual coverage. As a sidebar explains, disability during one’s prime earning years is more common than many may think.

    Read More

  • Income for life – Annuities have distinct advantages — but risks as well

    September / October 2014
    Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 779

    Abstract: An annuity is an investment product that delivers a steady income stream for the remainder of one’s life or for a specified term, but it’s important to understand the differences between annuities and other types of financial products. Annuities have some distinct advantages and disadvantages. This article poses questions that one should consider before buying an annuity and notes the different types that are available. Though they provide some measure of retirement security, annuities have some trade-offs, including costs and liquidity.

    Read More

  • A primer on the timing of RMDs

    July / August 2014
    Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 357

    Abstract: A key aspect of any retirement plan is knowing when to begin taking required minimum distributions (RMDs) from employer-sponsored defined contribution plans and traditional IRAs. This article discusses how to determine the minimum distribution amount that can be taken from an account each year, along with the tax implications, which vary according to the age at which withdrawals begin.

    Read More

  • How liable are you for fraudulent credit card charges? Limit losses by being proactive

    July / August 2014
    Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 674

    Abstract: The theft of millions of customers’ credit and debit card data last holiday season was a wake-up call for consumers who underestimated their vulnerability to credit and debit card fraud. And experts believe massive data breaches are likely to continue happening. Fortunately, federal laws can help limit individuals’ potential liability stemming from unauthorized charges. This article explains those laws but also shows how consumers can help themselves by closely monitoring their accounts. A sidebar notes the even greater danger posed by identity theft.

    Read More

  • Exemption portability vs. a credit shelter trust – One offers simplicity, the other provides additional benefits

    July / August 2014
    Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 719

    Abstract: A major advantage of current federal tax law is that estate tax exemption “portability” is now permanent. This means that married couples can maximize the benefits of their combined exemptions without the need for sophisticated estate planning involving multiple trusts. However, for many people, particularly the affluent, more-sophisticated strategies – such as a credit shelter trust – might still be more beneficial. This article offers a number of reasons why.

    Read More

  • Floating-rate bond funds offer an alternative yield source

    July / August 2014
    Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 759

    Abstract: When interest rates rise, bond funds can suffer. Certain fixed-income investment strategies may help investors manage the risk. Floating-rate bond funds — also known as bank loan funds or senior loan funds — are one option to consider. These funds invest in floating-rate bank loans, which are short-term debt instruments with a variable interest rate. These funds offer reduced interest-rate risk, but carry additional risks that should be carefully considered before investing. This article examines the benefits and the trade-offs.

    Read More