Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor
Showing 257–272 of 361 results
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Charitable giving 101 – Follow IRS rules to ensure you receive your tax deduction
March / April 2013
Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 316
Abstract: For donations of cash and property to be deductible, they must meet certain IRS criteria. This short article discusses some of the basic rules and explains how to determine if the charity is a qualified charitable organization.
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Inject flexibility into your estate plan – A limited power of appointment offers asset distribution options
March / April 2013
Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 430
Abstract: Even when parents want to treat all children equally, there could be circumstances in which they’d want one child to receive more than the other — or want to limit one child’s direct access to his or her inheritance. This article discusses how a limited power of appointment gives the “holder” of the power the ability to decide how, when and to whom specified assets in a trust or estate will be distributed.
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Getting 20-somethings to jump-start their retirement savings
March / April 2013
Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 991
Abstract: While it may be difficult to get young people to focus on a retirement that may be 40 years or more away, those who get an early start on saving will be much better prepared to handle future financial challenges. This article illustrates the importance of teaching kids the importance of 401(k) plans and the power of compounding over a period of decades. A sidebar examines whether it’s better to save first or pay down student loans first.
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Should you pay off your mortgage early?
March / April 2013
Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 868
Abstract: Paying down a mortgage early can save serious amounts of interest expense over the course of a 30-year loan, but it’s important to take into account the value of the mortgage interest tax deduction. This article looks at the pros and cons, including whether the savings could yield a higher return if invested in stocks or bonds. The article poses several additional questions to consider before retiring a mortgage early.
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Search for a job, find a tax deduction
January / February 2013
Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 362
Abstract: Those who have been pounding the pavement searching for a job know that the associated costs can quickly add up. But it may be possible for them to deduct those expenses on their tax return. This brief article explains the qualifications for particular deductions and what types and amounts of expenses are deductible.
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First baby on board? — Now’s the time to safeguard your child’s financial future
January / February 2013
Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 945
Abstract: The arrival of a first child is a joyful experience — but also sobering, as one considers what steps to take to protect the child’s financial future. This article notes the importance of establishing a will and naming beneficiaries; supplementing insurance policies; and planning for college expenses. A sidebar looks at tax breaks that are available for those raising a child.
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Intrafamily loans: Low interest rates enhance this wealth transfer strategy
January / February 2013
Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 722
Abstract: Those who have spent a lifetime to build their wealth and are now in a position to financially help their children or other family members may wonder: Should they provide this money in the form of gifts or should they lend it? This article explains why an intrafamily loan is an attractive, tax-smart strategy in light of today’s low-interest-rate environment — but that there are risks, as well.
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4 simple questions can help you choose the right funds
January / February 2013
Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 856
Abstract: Whether investors personally select mutual funds or rely on an advisor to do it, it’s important that they understand what they own, why they own it and whether the fund is a good match for their investment goals. To help investors avoid picking a mutual fund clunker, this article offers four questions they should ask themselves about investment goals, active vs. passive investing, a fund’s long-term performance and its expense ratio.
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Procrastinate no more! — Follow these retention guidelines when organizing tax records
November / December 2012
Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 367
Abstract: Even though next year’s tax return deadline is several months away, it’s important to not procrastinate any longer — it’s time to get tax records organized. This brief article explains which records should be kept and for how long.
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Commodities can help protect against corrosive effects of inflation
November / December 2012
Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 671
Abstract: It’s difficult to avoid the damaging effects of inflation on the purchasing power of retirement savings. That’s why some investors allocate a portion of their retirement savings to assets such as commodities, which have the potential to provide attractive “real returns.” This article defines both “commodities” and “real returns,” shows how to gain exposure to commodities, and describes the factors that drive commodity prices.
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Join together — Buying a home jointly with a family member can reduce estate tax liability
November / December 2012
Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 806
Abstract: Many homeowners aren’t aware that buying a home jointly with a family member can remove a house’s value from one’s taxable estate. But it’s important to not confuse a joint purchase with joint tenancy. This article explains the difference between the two, and shows the effects that a joint purchase can have on both estate taxes and income taxes.
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Leaving your job? — Don’t forget your retirement savings
November / December 2012
Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 932
Abstract: Leaving a job can be an exciting or an unsettling time, or both. But, amid the tumult, it’s important to consider one’s options for managing retirement savings that have accrued under the current employer’s traditional 401(k), 403(b) or 457(a) plan. These may be combined with employer contributions to a pension or profit-sharing plan. Whatever the case, this article discusses four options for handling such retirement savings. A sidebar looks at why shares of appreciated company stock within a retirement plan may require special treatment.
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Identity theft occurrences becoming more prevalent … and macabre
September / October 2012
Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 346
Abstract: Because of the recent recession and continued economic uncertainty, thieves are more desperate than ever to tap into accounts. And, thanks in part to the prevalence of online transactions, they have the technical wherewithal to accomplish the task. As this brief article explains, identities of the dead and tax returns of the living are being targeted. The article lists several steps to take to help deter identity theft.
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Handling a windfall — Sudden money creates new financial planning challenges
September / October 2012
Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 686
Abstract: Whatever the source of the money — an inheritance, legal settlement, insurance payout or early retirement package — financial windfalls should be handled with care. The first question to consider is whether the “windfall” is indeed that — a bonus or employer stock options are things earned through hard work, and should be treated as part of an overall financial plan, rather than “mad money” to spend freely. This article offers several suggestions to avoid making impulsive decisions.
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Own a family business? — Succession planning demands a look at ownership transfer strategies
September / October 2012
Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 837
Abstract: There are many considerations to take into account when considering how to best transfer ownership interests to family members. This article discusses choosing a successor and how to divide wealth between those who are active in the business and those who aren’t. It also examines gift and estate tax implications, along with alternative but complex strategies such as family limited partnerships and intentionally defective trusts.
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Bond portfolios require diversification, too
September / October 2012
Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 926
Abstract: During the past few years, extreme stock market volatility has spawned a newfound appreciation for bonds. However, even though diversifying one’s investment portfolio with bonds makes sense, there are right and wrong ways to go about it. This article discusses how to achieve true diversification and explains why bond funds may be a better option for some than purchasing individual bonds. And, although many income-starved investors have sought solace in high-yield bonds, a sidebar notes the risks.