Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor
Showing 17–32 of 361 results
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Tracking subscriptions can slash household expenses
March / April 2023
Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 322
Abstract: This short article provides tips for those who have trouble keeping track of video streaming, news, magazine, retail and other subscriptions. Recurring costs quickly add up and eat into household budgets. Subscribers are encouraged to review bank statements, identify recurring costs and cancel any they don’t regularly use.
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Is a mortgage a retirement liability?
March / April 2023
Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 566
Abstract: This article examines whether having a mortgage in retirement is a liability, particularly in today’s difficult economic environment. Some homeowners may want to keep a mortgage if they can deduct the interest from taxable income. But others may prefer to pay it off to lower their monthly expenses and invest in potentially higher-returning investments.
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Private foundations vs. donor-advised funds – Weighing your charitable giving options
March / April 2023
Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 708
Abstract: Private foundations can be highly effective for people who want to leave a charitable legacy, but they’re expensive to set up and operate. Donor-advised funds are popular alternatives, but they also have potential drawbacks. This article compares the two options, looking at operating expenses, distribution requirements, tax treatment, privacy and more.
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Annuities can provide peace of mind in uncertain times
March / April 2023
Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 893
Abstract: Retirees worried about the impact of market volatility and inflation on their nest egg may want to consider an annuity. Annuities don’t enjoy the potential returns of equity investments, but they do provide a guaranteed, tax-deferred income for life. This article describes types of annuities, their advantages and their disadvantages. A sidebar discusses tapping retirement accounts to fund lifetime gifts to family members.
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Can kids use a Roth IRA? Yes!
January / February 2023
Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 327
Abstract: Parents may want to use Roth IRAs to help teach their kids about financial planning and saving for retirement. This short article looks at eligibility (children must have some earnings), contribution limits and rules about making withdrawals.
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If you have household help, you probably have tax obligations
January / February 2023
Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 585
Abstract: Families that employ nannies, housekeepers, health care assistants and other in-home employees need to be aware of their tax responsibilities. This article looks at the “nanny tax,” explaining that these employers don’t have to withhold federal income tax from paychecks, unless the worker asks them to. However, they may need to withhold FICA taxes and pay the employer’s share of FICA taxes, as well as FUTA.
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Tips for TIPS investors – Protecting your savings from rising inflation
January / February 2023
Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 612
Abstract: Although there’s nothing individuals can do about inflation, they can invest in Treasury Inflation-Protected Securities (TIPS). These low-risk Treasury bonds are designed to provide some inflation protection. This article explains how the value of TIPS is adjusted annually according to the consumer price index. It also warns against certain investment risks, such as underperformance when inflation is low.
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Spousal lifetime access trusts – How couples can lock in gift and estate tax exemptions
January / February 2023
Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 925
Abstract: Affluent married couples may want to take advantage of the record-high federal gift and estate tax exemption before it disappears, yet might not be ready to part with their wealth. This article explores an option in this situation: the spousal lifetime access trust (SLAT). SLATs allow couples to leverage the current exemption amount while retaining access to trust assets. A sidebar explains the mutually beneficial concept of “his and her” SLATs.
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Flexible spending accounts – Use them, don’t lose them
November / December 2022
Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 317
Abstract: Individuals with flexible spending accounts (FSAs) for health care expenses may want to check their balance and take steps to avoid forfeiting funds at the end of the year. This short article explains why and how.
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Don’t get taken by investment fraud
November / December 2022
Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 571
Abstract: Whether a “hot” investment tip comes from an anonymous email or a trusted friend, investors need to be wary of fraud. This article explores several common investment fraud schemes, including “pump-and-dump” and business opportunity scams. It also provides tips on steering clear of bad investments with a combination of common sense and due diligence.
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Pros and cons of self-directed IRAs
November / December 2022
Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 689
Abstract: Retirement savers who want more control over how their retirement dollars are invested might want to consider a self-directed IRA. But along with greater diversification and potentially higher returns come significant risks and disadvantages. This article reviews both the pros and cons. The latter include risks associated with “prohibited transactions” and investments in real assets.
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401(k) plan early access: How to avoid penalties
November / December 2022
Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 876
Abstract: Early withdrawals from 401(k) plans are allowed under certain circumstances, but in most cases they’re subject to a 10% penalty — on top of ordinary income taxes. However, if you need to tap retirement funds early, it’s possible to avoid penalties in limited situations. This article looks at hardship withdrawals, the Rule of 55, taking a series of substantially equal periodic payments (SOSEPPs) and other options. A sidebar explains how a change in IRS guidelines makes taking SOSEPPs more attractive.
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Meaningful benchmarks matter when evaluating portfolio performance
September / October 2022
Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 323
Abstract: This short article explains why, when evaluating an investment portfolio, it’s important to select the right benchmark. For example, investors should choose a market index or other benchmark that resembles a portfolio’s asset allocation and geographical exposure.
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Teaching your kids the basics of money management
September / October 2022
Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 561
Abstract: Kids are never too young to learn about money and how to manage it responsibly. This article advocates customizing money messages to children’s ages and interests. It makes specific suggestions for young children, grade schoolers, tweens and adolescents. For example, 4-year-olds usually can understand the difference between needs and wants, while high schoolers may be ready to handle a credit card.
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Spouses benefit from Social Security, too
September / October 2022
Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 669
Abstract: Qualifying individuals can receive up to 50% of their spouse’s full Social Security retirement benefit or their own Social Security benefit, whichever is greater. This article provides an overview of the calculation process. It also explains eligibility and when people should apply for spousal benefits.
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Living in retirement – How to overcome a fear of spending your savings
September / October 2022
Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 968
Abstract: Despite accumulating retirement savings for decades, some retirees are reluctant to spend their hard-earned wealth. This article explores the reasons and suggests solutions such as dividing savings into three baskets: one for liquid investments to pay for current expenses, one for intermediate-term expenses and one for riskier investments, such as stocks. A sidebar encourages people to start saving for retirement as early as possible.