That’s the question investors are asking. Let me explain in our Summer Market Update. After cruising for the past five months, the markets screeched to a halt on September 3rd. The Dow dropped over 800 points, and the Nasdaq plunged nearly 5%.1 All told, it was one of the worst trading days for stocks since…
Perhaps this question has crossed your mind more than once as you consider your financial future. There are many issues surrounding this question and one of the first steps to finding the answer is to evaluate where you are today. Take a snapshot of where you are currently and paint a picture of where you…
The Best IRS Tax Gift If you’re not at least 70½, you can skip this article. Forward the link to someone that is. They will appreciate your thoughtfulness. If you are at least 70½, this is for YOU. A Qualified Charitable Distribution may be THE best tax gift that the IRS has given you. At…
Below, I explain how you may be able to take money from your IRA and other retirement accounts, avoid early withdrawal penalties, and have generous options on repayment (or not). I also explain when you don’t have to take the required minimum distribution from your IRA. COVID-19-Related Distributions from IRAs Get Tax-Favored Treatment If you…
From many conversations I’m hearing stories of lives changing. Fortunately, most of our clients have not been severely affected. Sadly, a few have experienced tragic changes. COVID-19 has reduced continued work as an option for many retirees. Many older workers are now facing lower Social Security benefits for a variety of reasons. Retirement accounts…
History in the Making – Coronavirus and Circuit Breakers Last week I was in Atlanta for a 3-day conference. I flew out of Colorado Springs and noticed three or four facemasks on the plane. There was not an empty seat on the plane. In the Atlanta airport, there were a few more masks but it…
The Wall Street Journal has done a very thorough job of estimating taxes under each of the Democratic candidates for president. The takeaway is clearly that there’s a possibility that the Democrats may once again control the presidency and one or both houses of congress. When that happens the current plans on the table (representative…
It’s a leap year! That means we have twenty-nine days to enjoy in February instead of the usual twenty-eight. But the question is, what should we do with the extra day? Most people will probably treat the 29th like any other day. But as a financial advisor, I have a suggestion. Why not use the…
Your retirement plans and accounts may remain under threat as our government requires more and more revenue. I am just going to list a few of the threats. I suggest you read the article so you can learn the details, why changes are being considered, and what the implications will be. We have developed strategies…
More Than Half of Americans Have Avoided Medical Care Due to Cost Healthcare planning is increasing as a concern for overall financial planning for ALL Americans, not just those over age 65. Many Americans are even avoiding getting treatment because there’s uncertainty over their out of pocket healthcare costs. I’ve seen this more than once…