PFP

Showing 337–352 of 357 results

  • Smooth transition – Financial tips for managing unemployment

    September / October 2009
    Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 510

    Abstract: The possibility of becoming unemployed is on many people’s minds these days. But it may be possible to mitigate the effects of unemployment by planning ahead. Items to consider include possible severance pay, unemployment benefits, and health insurance options.

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  • An additional gift for your heirs – Educate beneficiaries on the advantages of using a trust

    September / October 2009
    Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 713

    Abstract: After a person’s death, his or her heirs will receive their inheritance, which then becomes a part of their taxable estates. To avoid this potential additional estate tax liability, it might be advisable to leave amounts to a trust rather than directly to loved ones. This article describes some of the benefits of a trust and discusses what to look out for when setting one up.

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  • Do you have enough life insurance?

    September / October 2009
    Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 682

    Abstract: Life insurance can help a family maintain its standard of living even if the breadwinner is no longer around to provide for it. A policy can help prevent a family from having to sell its house or make other dramatic adjustments in their standard of living to make ends meet. But different people have different insurance needs. This article explains what to consider when planning for the future, while a sidebar describes the differences between term and permanent insurance.

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  • Nest egg repair – Rebuild your retirement savings one step at a time

    September / October 2009
    Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 594

    Abstract: For all but the most conservative investors, it’s not likely that retirement account balances are what they used to be. Unfortunately, only time may bring back what many have lost. But the silver lining is that they can take steps today to rebuild their 401(k) plans or other retirement accounts and prepare their portfolios for better times ahead. Among their options are to save more, invest automatically, and work longer.

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  • Consider taxes before you hire household help

    July / August 2009
    Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 571

    Abstract: When you hire someone to work in your home, you become an employer. Thus, you have specific tax obligations, such as withholding and paying Social Security and Medicare (FICA) taxes and possibly federal and state unemployment insurance. So before you say, “You’re hired,” make sure you understand your tax obligations — and the penalties for not meeting them. This includes knowing who qualifies as an employee, what taxes are owed, and how to pay them.

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  • Planning ahead – Tips for a near-term retirement

    July / August 2009
    Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 756

    Abstract: Whether you’ve already retired or plan to do so soon, one question is likely foremost on your mind: “Will I have enough?” To make sure the answer is “yes,” there are a number of specific steps you can take to keep your portfolio growing and to balance income and spending — and to play “catch-up” if it looks as if you’re falling short of your objectives.

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  • Education savings – Making the most of your 529 plan

    July / August 2009
    Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 918

    Abstract: Many are discovering that their 529 college savings plans have taken a hit in the current economic downturn. You can’t change the past, but you can make the most of the present situation. Depending on your investing time frame, you may be able to use market conditions to your advantage. Also, as a sidebar explains, recent legislation has expanded the kinds of higher education expenses that are covered. Even if you choose to close an account, you may be eligible to claim a loss on your income tax return.

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  • Do your dependents qualify you for tax breaks?

    July / August 2009
    Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 790

    Abstract: When you’re doing your taxes, can you count your unemployed brother-in-law as a dependent? How about your live-in niece? IRS rules say that both of the above could qualify as a dependent, under the right circumstances. For federal tax purposes, it all depends on whether that person is your “qualifying child” or, in some cases, a “qualifying relative.” This article discusses some of the criteria that can help you determine whether a child or relative may give you a tax advantage.

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  • Are tax-free investments really worth it?

    May / June 2009
    Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 690

    Abstract: If you think investing in tax-exempt securities such as state and municipal bonds is an ideal way to diversify your portfolio and enjoy tax-free income, hold that thought. There are a few possible cons to consider along with the potential pros. This article discusses both, and points out that credit quality, price volatility and the investment’s role in your asset allocation strategy also need to be taken into account.

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  • A silver lining – Market drops can provide long-term opportunity

    May / June 2009
    Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 798

    Abstract: If you’ve looked at your retirement plan statements since last fall, you hardly need to be told how incredibly challenging the investment environment has been. But if you can stomach the market’s volatility, down markets often provide brave investors with attractive long-term buying opportunities. This article discusses the pros and cons of stocks, bonds and fixed-income equities, and why a long-term, patient approach might be better than trying to time the market.

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  • Avoid 2 costly life insurance snafus with an ILIT

    May / June 2009
    Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 757

    Abstract: Life insurance can help you provide for your loved ones’ financial security after your death. But if you own the policy, you could threaten the estate-tax-free status of your life insurance proceeds and significantly reduce the amount that’s left for your family. And if you designate a minor or legally incompetent person as a beneficiary, he or she might not receive the proceeds according to your wishes. Creating an irrevocable life insurance trust (ILIT) can avoid these problems.

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  • Personal finance 101: Advice for recent grads

    May / June 2009
    Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 878

    Abstract: With their college degrees in hand, it’s time for the recent graduates in your life to take on the responsibilities that come with the rewards of financial independence. And given today’s economic challenges, it’s critical for them to establish good money management habits from the outset. This article offers some key personal financial tips you can give them along with your graduation gift.

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  • Property swap – Defer capital gains taxes with a like-kind exchange

    March / April 2009
    Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 842

    Abstract: If a person is planning to sell highly appreciated business or investment property, he or she is likely bracing to pay taxes on the capital gain. A like-kind exchange may allow a person to trade the property for another one that better suits his or her needs and defer payment of capital gains taxes that might otherwise be due on the sale of the assets. This article defines a like-kind exchange.

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  • Risk vs. reward – The potential benefits — and pitfalls —of emerging markets investing

    March / April 2009
    Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 873

    Abstract: Even though emerging markets have a reputation for volatility and risk — a reputation that has been well earned amid the market’s downturn — they also offer strong growth potential and diversification benefits. Both are big reasons why emerging markets stocks can be a vital part of many investors’ portfolios. This article explores the benefits and risks of investing in emerging markets stocks.

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  • Should you put your trust in a living trust?

    March / April 2009
    Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 768

    Abstract: A living trust offers three key estate planning benefits: 1) It’s a means to bypass the probate process, 2) it acts as a blueprint for handling a person’s affairs and 3) it separates marital assets for married couples in community property states who had a substantial amount of property before the marriage. This article details how a living trust works.

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  • Upside down – Cutting your taxes with capital losses

    March / April 2009
    Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 852

    Abstract: As volatile as the stock market has been, investors probably have at least thought about selling some investments that have lost value. Using caution is especially important when considering selling at a loss. Why? Because people will be locking in their losses, but they may also be missing out should those securities bounce back after they sell. However, in some situations, liquidating underperformers can make sense from a tax perspective. This article explains how selling holdings for less than the purchase price can lower a person’s income tax bill.

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