Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor

Showing 289–304 of 357 results

  • A primer on the probate process

    September / October 2011
    Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 266

    Abstract: This brief article explains the probate process and why it’s generally desirable to avoid probate, if possible. It mentions strategies for avoiding or minimizing probate, but they depend largely on the complexity of one’s estate.

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  • Do you need long-term care insurance? Weigh the costs and benefits before deciding

    September / October 2011
    Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 672

    Abstract: Long-term care (LTC) generally isn’t covered by Medicare or other health insurance. Because of the increasingly high costs associated with LTC services, an LTC insurance policy is worth considering. This article discusses options available, including a new federally administered program called Community Living Assistance Services and Supports (CLASS), which will be available after October 2012. The article also discusses the self-insurance option.

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  • Turning your ownership interest into cash for retirement

    September / October 2011
    Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 821

    Abstract: Business owners have many options to get cash out of their businesses so they can retire comfortably. This article describes what’s involved in selling to different types of buyers: co-owners or family; managers or employees; or outsiders. Alternatively, one can derive cash from the business without selling it, through such vehicles as a deferred compensation agreement, a severance package, a covenant not to compete, or defined benefit plans and target benefit plans.

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  • ETFs vs. mutual funds – Both have merit, depending on your goals

    September / October 2011
    Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 773

    Abstract: Exchange-traded funds (ETFs) have exploded in popularity since their introduction in the early 1990s. Both ETFs and mutual funds allow investors to invest in a variety of securities, providing the potential for instant diversification. However, in many ways, ETFs are a more flexible and easily traded product. As this article explains, that flexibility can be both an advantage and a disadvantage. It discusses the differences between the two kinds of products, including fees and expenses, and looks at the ever-more-exotic strategies that some ETFs and mutual funds offer.

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  • Rebalanced your portfolio, recently? If not, unintended risks may increase

    July / August 2011
    Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 592

    Abstract: Without rebalancing one’s portfolio it’s possible to become exposed to more risk than initially intended. This article explains the reasons to rebalance and the steps to take to do so. However, rebalancing involves buying and selling securities, which can expose an investor to capital gains tax when working within a taxable investment account. So it’s important to decide whether tax costs may outweigh the potential long-term performance benefit of rebalancing.

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  • Playing catch-up with your retirement savings

    July / August 2011
    Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 513

    Abstract: For those who are age 50 or older, “catch-up” contributions are one tool that can quickly build — or rebuild — a retirement fund. These contributions over and above the regular annual contribution limits offer the opportunity to add meaningfully to savings over time. This article offers an example of how much of a difference it can make to take full advantage of catch-up options, and provides a table showing how much can be contributed to traditional 401(k), 403(b) or 457(b) plans, along with SIMPLEs and IRAs.

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  • The new estate tax regime – Greater wealth-transfer opportunities now available

    July / August 2011
    Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 546

    Abstract: With the passage of the Tax Relief, Unemployment Insurance Reauthorization, and Job Creation Act late last year, the estate tax law is set through 2012. But if Congress doesn’t take additional action, the estate tax will revert to levels prescribed by pre-2001 tax law beginning in 2013. Still, even with this uncertainty, the next two years offer an ability to transfer greater amounts of wealth out of one’s estate, thus lowering liability. This article discusses the increase in the gift and estate tax exemptions and the “portability” of the latter for married couples.

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  • The brighter side of capital losses – There’s opportunity in that red ink

    July / August 2011
    Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 883

    Abstract: Capital losses are an almost inevitable part of investing. But they can be used to lower tax liability and reposition one’s portfolio. This article explains the basics of capital losses, including the “wash sale rule” that disallows some losses, and shows how to incur capital losses without running afoul of the rule. A sidebar discusses the implications of Congress’s two-year extension of the 15% rate on long-term capital gains.

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  • Love, marriage and then a postnuptial agreement

    May / June 2011
    Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 282

    Abstract: Postnuptial agreements, which are permitted in many but not all states, usually address issues regarding finances, property and children. But, as this article explains, postnups —like prenups — can include provisions for the division of property and set specific spousal support dollar amounts. If desired, the agreements can be structured to influence behavior, such as through a financial penalty for infidelity. And postnups can be useful when one spouse’s financial situation changes drastically.

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  • The cost of being a member of the Sandwich Generation

    May / June 2011
    Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 708

    Abstract: It can be a financial burden for those taking care of their children to also support their aging parents, but tax breaks and insurance may help. This article discusses the adult-dependent tax exemption, and whether Social Security factors into it. It also looks at long-term care insurance and what an individual vs. a group plan offers.

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  • Mortgage sweet mortgage – Choosing the right loan is just as important as choosing the right home

    May / June 2011
    Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 695

    Abstract: The interest cost of a loan can perhaps double the total cost over the years. That’s why a buyer must make sure to get the right mortgage for his or her situation. This article examines fixed-rate vs. adjustable-rate mortgages, “balloon” mortgages and jumbo mortgages. It also provides general rules of thumb regarding the percentage of salary a mortgage and its associated expenses should not exceed. A sidebar offers a word about “points.”

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  • Buying bonds? Your choices range from conservative to speculative

    May / June 2011
    Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 833

    Abstract: While over long periods of time bonds historically have offered lower total returns than stocks, they can provide a reliable, steady income stream. What’s more, bond prices have often increased when stock prices have fallen, making them potentially useful for diversification purposes. This article discusses the pros and cons of the main categories of bonds, such as U.S. Treasuries, state and municipal bonds, corporate bonds, and international bonds. A sidebar looks at two primary avenues for investing in bonds: individual bonds, or a product that pools the capital of a group of investors, such as a bond mutual fund or an exchange-traded fund (ETF).

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  • Tax breaks associated with owning a vacation home

    March / April 2011
    Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 365

    Abstract: This article examines how the IRS treats income and expenses associated with a vacation (or second) home. It answers questions such as: What constitutes a vacation home? What is deductible if the property is rented, and how long during the year is the owner or renter allowed to occupy the house for different deductions to apply?

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  • What to consider when naming retirement plan beneficiaries

    March / April 2011
    Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 766

    Abstract: Income and estate tax ramifications are among the most important factors to consider when choosing retirement plan beneficiaries. This article explores those ramifications, and shows the advantages/disadvantages of choosing a spouse vs. someone else as a beneficiary, including a trust or charity.

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  • Should you invest in emerging markets?

    March / April 2011
    Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 684

    Abstract: The robust economic growth in emerging markets such as China, India and Latin America continues to make headlines, particularly in comparison with the tepid growth in most developed markets. Many are wondering if they should follow the trail of many individual investors around the world and increase their exposure to emerging markets. As this article explains, the answer depends on one’s individual situation.

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  • Bond credit ratings 101 – Despite unfavorable press, ratings are still meaningful

    March / April 2011
    Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 814

    Abstract: Credit rating agencies have been criticized for not providing adequate warning about risky securities. Despite their recent high-profile failings, credit ratings remain a useful tool for bond investors, as long as their limitations are understood. This article discusses the three major credit rating agencies and what the ratings indicate, so that the reader can make use of them while keeping their limitations in perspective. A sidebar discusses whether municipal bonds are still a good investment in today’s environment.

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