PFP
Showing 273–288 of 361 results
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Are taxes lowering your investment returns?
July / August 2012
Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 1053
Abstract: When it comes to investments, it’s after-tax returns that really count, not what’s earned before taxes. This is an even more critical issue for higher-income taxpayers, now that they face higher income tax rates (up to 39.6% on interest and short-term capital gains and 20% on qualified dividends and long-term capital gains) plus the 3.8% Medicare contribution tax on net investment income to the extent their modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) exceeds certain levels. This article takes a look at a few strategies to boost posttax results: contributing to tax-advantaged accounts, investing in municipal bond funds or in tax-efficient (as opposed to tax-free) investments, and considering timing when selling an investment. It also includes a chart showing how the 2014 tax increases are triggered based on varying factors.
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Salvage your “underwater” 529 plan
July / August 2012
Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 378
Abstract: This article discusses the case of “Mark and Susan,” who opened a 529 plan to help finance their daughter’s higher education. It seemed like a smart move at the time: 529 plans offer the opportunity for education savings to grow tax-free. But, after the recession, its value is less than the amount they’ve contributed to it. This article offers options for those in a similar predicament.
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Up in the air — With some estate tax provisions set to expire at year end, giving gifts is a solid strategy
July / August 2012
Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 623
Abstract: Without congressional action, the gift and estate tax exemptions will decrease and gift and estate tax rates will increase on Jan. 1, 2013. This means that two variables are working in favor of making gifts this year: 1) the high gift tax exemption and 2) the fact that the values of many assets are depressed. This article looks at some gifting strategies that may be useful.
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Investing through the economic cycle — Look for opportunities in different market sectors
July / August 2012
Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 992
Abstract: As most Americans have learned in recent years, the U.S. economy is cyclical, alternating between phases of expansion, when the economy is growing, and recession, when economic activity contracts. Some investors look for sectors and securities they believe will benefit at different stages of the economic cycle. But profiting from cyclical timing is harder — and riskier — than it seems. This article discusses factors to consider for those who decide to incorporate economic analysis into their investment decisions. A sidebar discusses four indicators of possible impending recession.
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A blended family can benefit from a QTIP trust
May / June 2012
Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 398
Abstract: This brief article examines the situation of “Ted and Barb,” each of whom has children from a previous marriage. Ted has significantly greater wealth than his wife, and he wants to be sure it ultimately will be distributed to his biological children per his wishes. But he also wants to provide for Barb and help her provide for her own children while they’re growing up. This article shows how a qualified terminable interest property (QTIP) trust can keep the family harmonious and balance these interests.
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Should you reinvest dividend income?
May / June 2012
Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 542
Abstract: Reinvesting dividends can make your investments grow faster through compounding. For many investors, that is a compelling enough reason to do so. However, reinvesting dividends may not be a good call in all situations. For example, the dividend income might be needed to cover current spending needs. This article discusses both the pros and cons of reinvesting dividend income.
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Hands off! — 4 asset-protection strategies to consider including in your wealth management plan
May / June 2012
Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 783
Abstract: When it comes to forming a comprehensive wealth plan, including asset-protection strategies is a must. Executed properly, they can reduce the chances of creditors and litigants gaining access to personal assets. This article looks at four specific strategies: reviewing insurance coverage; sheltering assets in retirement accounts; separating a business interest into different entities; and creating a trust.
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Retirement scenarios — Watch out for potholes that could sidetrack your plans
May / June 2012
Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 1056
Abstract: Medical advances have resulted in people living longer than they used to, so it’s reasonable to wonder if age 65 is still a realistic target age for retirement — especially now that the “full” retirement age for Social Security is older. Furthermore, a serious illness, accident or other misfortune could radically alter how long it may be possible to work. This article looks at some key factors to consider when contemplating various retirement scenarios, such as inflation, unexpected medical costs and maintaining adequate growth potential. A sidebar discusses Social Security benefits.
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6 wealth management strategies in a low interest rate environment
March / April 2012
Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 726
Abstract: The Federal Reserve has stated that it plans to keep short-term interest rates “exceptionally low” until at least mid-2013. That’s music to the ears of borrowers but bad news for savers, who are saddled with historically low rates on savings accounts, certificates of deposit, money market funds and U.S. Treasuries. This article offers six strategies for savers, ranging from low-risk options, such as online savings accounts, to higher-risk dividend-paying stocks.
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Rules to give by — When making charitable gifts, follow substantiation requirements
March / April 2012
Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 373
Abstract: Those who fail to follow the substantiation rules when making charitable gifts may end up losing tax deductions. The requirements aren’t difficult to meet, but it’s necessary to pay attention to the details before filing one’s income tax return. This article lists the requirements for cash and noncash gifts of various denominations.
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Turn rental real estate activity losses into tax benefits — But you must qualify as a “real estate professional”
March / April 2012
Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 873
Abstract: This article discusses the hypothetical case of “Pat,” who’s losing money on his rental properties. He would like to deduct his losses, but the passive activity loss rules are restrictive. However, if he falls under the IRS definition of a “real estate professional,” he can enjoy tax benefits by converting passive losses into nonpassive losses. The article discusses what constitutes “passive” activity and what it takes to qualify as a real estate professional.
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Is market volatility keeping you up at night?
March / April 2012
Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 750
Abstract: The stock market volatility during the past year has left even seasoned investors feeling queasy. But there are strategies to better shield an investment portfolio from it. This article explains how to interpret the Volatility Index (VIX) and lists four steps to help fortify an investment portfolio against volatility. A sidebar lists three facts about the VIX and volatility.
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What does 2012 hold for your personal financial standing?
January / February 2012
Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 523
Abstract: The new year is a good time to reassess one’s personal financial standing for 2012. As this article explains, it begins with a measurement of personal net worth. It’s also important to evaluate one’s amount of homeowners and life insurance, along with contributions to retirement and health accounts.
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Money doesn’t grow on trees — Help your children acquire a saving and investing mindset
January / February 2012
Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 550
Abstract: It might be tough to convince children who are growing up in relative affluence of the importance of saving and investing. But they can have a rude awakening once they’re on their own. This article offers tips for teaching children how to respect the value of money. This includes having them earn their own money; showing them the value of compounding; and letting them help build an age-appropriate portfolio.
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Exemption portability not all it’s cracked up to be — Create a credit shelter trust as an alternative
January / February 2012
Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 829
Abstract: Married couples who are concerned about estate planning have probably heard about how the 2010 Tax Relief act provided for the “portability” of the estate tax exemption. But, without congressional action, gift and estate tax exemptions will decrease and tax rates will increase — and the portability of exemptions will expire, thereby increasing possible exposure to estate tax liability. However, as this article explains, a credit shelter trust can help protect assets.
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What to do when a fund manager leaves
January / February 2012
Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 993
Abstract: It might be tempting to sell a fund undergoing a portfolio manager (PM) change, but it pays to be cautious, and decide whether the fund can likely continue to deliver the kind of performance that originally made it attractive. In making this decision, it’s important to ask a number of questions: How important was the PM to the fund? Was he or she a “lone wolf” or part of a team? Has the management style changed? Does the new PM have the requisite experience for the kind of fund he or she will be managing? This article addresses these questions, while a sidebar notes that a PM’s “poor” track record can be deceptive.