PFP
Planning for Prosperity
Showing 1–16 of 337 results
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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.
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Preparing for new cryptocurrency reporting rules
July / August 2022
Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 415
Abstract: Individuals who’ve invested in cryptocurrency (for example, Bitcoin or Ether), nonfungible tokens (NFTs), or certain other digital assets, should familiarize themselves with new tax reporting requirements that take effect in 2023. This short article summarizes the rules.
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Working remotely? Watch out for double taxation
July / August 2022
Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 623
Abstract: Remote work can be convenient. However, it raises the risk of double taxation if employees work in different states from their employers. This article helps employees prevent this extra tax bite. It explains the difference between domicile and residence, highlights reciprocity arrangements and warns workers to beware of “convenience of the employer” situations.
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HSAs: A can’t-pass-up savings proposition
July / August 2022
Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 657
Abstract: Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) often are referred to as “medical IRAs” because they enable participants to save money while deferring taxes. This article tells workers whose employers offer HSAs (or who have access to them through a bank or insurance company) how to make the most of the opportunity. For example, automatic payroll deduction programs help by withdrawing pretax funds from paychecks.
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Hearts and heads – CLTs can support philanthropic, estate and tax objectives
July / August 2022
Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 847
Abstract: Charitable lead trusts (CLTs) enable people to achieve multiple objectives — support favorite charities while also transferring wealth to their families in a tax-efficient manner. They accomplish these goals by distributing income to one or more charities during the trust term, with the remainder passing to the trust owner’s family. This article provides details, such as how CLTs can be structured A sidebar explains the difference between lifetime and testamentary trusts.
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Weighing the risks of “buy now, pay later”
May / June 2022
Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 415
Abstract: Already many big retailers offer buy now, pay later (BNPL) as a payment option. It’s also popular with consumers. BNPL offers several advantages — instant approval and no interest or finance charges as long as the consumer pays installments on time. Delinquent payers, however, may face late fees and BNPL purchases may not come with consumer protections.
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What to do if your life insurance’s term is almost up
May / June 2022
Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 591
Abstract: Term life insurance policyholders generally have a couple options if their term is ending and they desire further protection. They may be able to renew the policy without submitting to a new medical exam — or buy a new term life policy. Another possible option is to buy a permanent policy. This article highlights the advantages and drawbacks of each choice.
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For investing advice, look to the masters
May / June 2022
Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 656
Abstract: As experienced investors know, what succeeded last year (or last week) is no guarantee of what will succeed in the future. Some of history’s most-celebrated investors, Benjamin Graham, Peter Lynch and Warren Buffet, are known for staking out a strategy and sticking with it through thick and thin. This article describes their guiding principles.
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Saving for retirement – Your 401(k) is maxed out — now what?
May / June 2022
Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 891
Abstract: What should retirement savers do if they’ve maxed out their 401(k) contributions? As this article explains, some plans allow participants to make after-tax contributions to their traditional or Roth 401(k) plans. Another option is to contribute to a traditional IRA, Roth IRA or annuity. Savers may also want to consider their health savings plan. A sidebar discusses a “back door” Roth IRA option for high-income earners.