PFP
Showing 305–320 of 361 results
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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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Tax reduction strategies for a growing family
January / February 2011
Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 608
Abstract: Raising children today is expensive, but there are a number of strategies to help ease the burden. As this article explains, these include exemptions, tax credits, Education Savings Accounts, and 529 plans.
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Keep emotions in check when making investment decisions
January / February 2011
Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 546
Abstract: Deciding what to do with investments during tough times can be difficult, and emotions sometimes get in the way of making sound choices. But this article looks at ways to maintain objectivity, such as taking advantage of automatic investment plans, developing an individualized wealth management plan, and diversifying one’s portfolio.
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2 charitable giving vehicles: DAFs and private foundations
January / February 2011
Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 597
Abstract: Those who are charitably inclined and ready to greatly increase their contributions should consider whether a donor advised fund (DAF) or a private foundation might be better for their purposes. A DAF is easier and less costly to set up than a foundation, but a foundation offers more opportunity for control. This article looks at the details of both.
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Does your bank still meet your needs?
January / February 2011
Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 854
Abstract: Bank services and fees are constantly changing, and the mix that originally seemed attractive might bear little resemblance to a bank’s current offerings. Thus, a periodic review is in order. This article explores services that a particular user may or may not need, available online options, and avoiding fees. A sidebar discusses how a bank’s size can offer pros and cons for small business owners.
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Life’s uncertain — consider disability insurance
November / December 2010
Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 497
Abstract: Most people receive short-term disability coverage through their employers. Less common but no less important is long-term coverage. Unfortunately, even when an employer provides long-term coverage, the amount of that coverage often is inadequate. This article shows why an individual policy may offer several important benefits not provided by group coverage.
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Accelerating your mortgage payoff: Good idea or wasted opportunity?
November / December 2010
Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 710
Abstract: If a person has extra money, should he or she use it to make extra payments on the mortgage? There are strong arguments on both sides of this matter. This article examines the pros and cons, while exploring other financially beneficial options and explaining the importance of maintaining liquidity.
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A guiding light even after death – Pass your wealth and values on to loved ones with an incentive trust
November / December 2010
Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 543
Abstract: It’s not uncommon for people to worry about what might happen if their children should inherit their wealth before they’ve gained experience and maturity. But this article shows that an incentive trust will allow parents to establish specific criteria for their children to meet before becoming eligible to receive the trust’s assets. The trust can mandate that the child meet particular personal or professional goals, and it can be set up to spread distributions over a set amount of time.
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Higher interest rates ahead? Bond fund investors need to plan for multiple scenarios
November / December 2010
Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 815
Abstract: With interest rates near historic lows for an extended time, speculation has mounted about when they might head higher. Interest rates and bond prices tend to move in opposite directions, so if rates rise, bond prices likely will fall. But, as this article explains, there’s no reason for bond holders to panic. Even in a rising interest rate environment, a portfolio manager can reinvest interest payments in higher-yielding bonds, and a number of diversification options are also available. A sidebar explains what causes changes in interest rates.
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Tax tips to help you get the most from your investments
September / October 2010
Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 604
Abstract: When it’s time to harvest some of the gains produced by an investment strategy, it’s important to understand how capital gains are taxed so as not to lose more than necessary to taxes. This article discusses short- and long-term gains and their different tax impacts, along with how to determine cost basis and how to recognize gains or losses using different tax lots.
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Overseer of a loved one’s estate – Are you prepared to be an executor or personal representative?
September / October 2010
Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 664
Abstract: Being asked to be an executor of an estate might be considered an honor, but there are many responsibilities involved. People new to this position might wonder what those responsibilities are, what personal liability the job involves, and whether it’s OK to seek help. This article answers those questions and others.
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Health care reform and your taxes
September / October 2010
Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 452
Abstract: There’s little doubt that the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) will affect virtually everyone — whether insured or uninsured and regardless of income level. This article discusses the higher taxes that affluent individuals can expect to pay, penalties that will be assessed on the uninsured, and increased access to health care coverage.
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740 or bust: How to raise your credit score
September / October 2010
Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 845
Abstract: Individuals with a solid credit score typically not only have access to lower interest rates on mortgage loans and credit cards, but — at a time when employers are increasingly running credit checks before making hiring decisions — also stand a better chance of landing a job. This article offers four steps to take to achieve a higher credit score, while a sidebar describes how to get a free credit report without being scammed.