PFP

Showing 241–256 of 357 results

  • Are you prepared to be an executor?

    September / October 2013
    Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 311

    Abstract: Being asked to be an executor might be considered an honor, but many responsibilities are involved. This brief article describes those responsibilities and what a person should do if they accept the challenge but find that they can’t handle everything.

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  • Sign of the times – Members of the Sandwich Generation face unique circumstances

    September / October 2013
    Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 666

    Abstract: Those who find themselves raising children, saving for their own retirement, and helping to care for or support aging parents can consider themselves members of the “Sandwich Generation.” Although it may be personally gratifying to be able to help one’s parents, it can be stressful and financially burdensome. But this article shows that careful planning and tax breaks may help.

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  • Step up to a bond ladder

    September / October 2013
    Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 782

    Abstract: Today’s low interest rate environment is a double-edged sword for many investors. While it’s nice to lock in an attractive rate on a mortgage, paltry returns on fixed-income investments make it difficult to generate income from savings. Longer-term bonds generally offer higher yields, but increase interest-rate risk. But investing in a bond ladder can diversify bond holdings and generate steady income over a specific period of time with reduced interest rate risk. This article explains how bond laddering works and the advantages it offers.

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  • Tax-efficient ways to manage capital gains

    September / October 2013
    Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 733

    Abstract: The happy glow from an investment portfolio’s rising net worth can quickly fade when it’s time to calculate the annual tax bill. Why? Capital gains tax. This article describes the kinds of assets that are subject to short- and long-term rates and where those rates presently stand. It also offers several strategies for reducing potential capital gains tax liability. A sidebar discusses the “wash sale” rule that can come into play when selling securities.

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  • Your estate tax exemption remains portable

    July / August 2013
    Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 301

    Abstract: Portability allows one’s estate to elect to permit the surviving spouse to use any of the decedent’s available estate tax exemption that is unused at death. The American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 has made the portability provision permanent. It’s a simple solution and provides flexibility if the couple hasn’t done sufficient estate planning before the first spouse dies. But this article explains why portability isn’t the best option for all couples.

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  • New 3.8% tax on investment income: What you need to know

    July / August 2013
    Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 705

    Abstract: Those who have income from investments may have to pay a new tax imposed by the 2010 health care act: the 3.8% net investment income tax (NIIT, also known as the Medicare contribution tax). The NIIT took effect on Jan. 1, 2013, and is in addition to — and calculated separately from — one’s regular income tax or alternative minimum tax liability. This article discusses who is subject to the tax, what income is and is not excluded from the NIIT, how the tax is calculated, and what strategies can minimize or avoid NIIT liability.

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  • Employee stock purchase plans – An opportunity hiding in plain sight

    July / August 2013
    Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 834

    Abstract: Conventional wisdom holds that it’s dangerous to tie too much personal wealth to the fortunes of one’s employer. When it comes to employee stock purchase plans (ESPPs), however, conventional wisdom about not putting too many eggs in one basket may be worth reconsidering. This article shows how an ESPP’s employee discount has the potential to provide an attractive return — though it’s not a risk-free strategy. A sidebar looks at ESPP tax considerations.

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  • Is your portfolio mix in need of a fix?

    July / August 2013
    Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 683

    Abstract: The degree to which two investments move in the same or opposite directions over a specific time period is expressed as the “correlation coefficient.” During the past 20 years or so, correlation among some asset classes has increased, partly because of an increasingly globalized economy. This article explains why spreading funds across a wider array of assets that don’t move in lockstep with each other can help a portfolio maintain its rhythm over the long term.

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  • Asset valuations and your estate plan go hand in hand

    May / June 2013
    Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 347

    Abstract: If an estate plan calls for making noncash gifts in trust or outright to beneficiaries, it’s important to know the values of those gifts and disclose them to the IRS on a gift tax return. For substantial gifts of noncash assets other than marketable securities, it’s a good idea to have a qualified appraiser value the gifts at the time of the transfer. As this article explains, if the IRS deems a valuation to be “insufficient,” it can revalue the property and assess additional taxes and interest.

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  • Your credit score counts! Achieving and maintaining a solid one

    May / June 2013
    Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 725

    Abstract: A credit score is a reflection of one’s creditworthiness. With a high credit score, it’s possible to realize lower interest rates on mortgage or auto loans and credit cards. This article explains what constitutes a good score, how to obtain a free credit report, and how to boost a score — or, for those with no credit history, how to build one.

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  • Till death do us part – Settling a spouse’s financial affairs

    May / June 2013
    Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 928

    Abstract: Because the days or weeks immediately following the death of a partner are an emotionally charged time, new widows and widowers usually should avoid making any major financial decisions during that period. Eventually, however, the surviving spouse will need to get on with the job of settling the other spouse’s financial affairs. This article takes a look at collecting the necessary documents; claiming insurance, employee or government benefits; and updating account registrations and property titles. Then, as a sidebar explains, it’s time to update one’s own financial plan.

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  • Do your portfolio returns measure up?

    May / June 2013
    Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 544

    Abstract: It’s disappointing to find that the value of one’s portfolio isn’t keeping pace with stock market gains. While that feeling is understandable, it’s important to make sure that performance is being measured correctly. This article examines how to evaluate the performance of investments relative to other investments or a benchmark index.

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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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