Put It in a Letter
American actor Lee Marvin once said, “As soon as people see my face on a movie screen, they knew two things: first, I’m not going to get the girl, and second, I’ll get a cheap funeral before the picture is over.” Most people don’t spend too much time thinking about their own funeral, and yet […]
Global vs. International: What’s the Difference?
With international stock markets comprising about 41.6 percent of the world’s capitalization as of 2022, a broad range of investment opportunities exist outside the borders of the U.S.1 For investors who are looking to diversify their mutual fund portfolio with exposure to companies located outside the U.S., there exist two basic choices: A global mutual […]
A Decision Not Made Is Still a Decision
Whether through inertia or trepidation, investors who put off important investment decisions might consider the admonition offered by motivational speaker Brian Tracy, “Almost any decision is better than no decision at all.” This investment inaction is played out in many ways, often silently, invisibly, and with potential consequences to an individual’s future financial security. Let’s […]
Counteracting Capital Gains with Tax-Loss Harvesting
Tax-loss harvesting means taking capital losses (selling securities for less than what you initially paid for them) to offset any capital gains you may have. While this doesn’t get rid of your losses, it can help you manage your tax liability. Keep in mind that this article is for informational purposes only and is not […]
Financial Strategies for Women
Key Takeaways Despite sharing money management duties, only 19% of women feel very confident in their ability to retire comfortably. Compound interest may be one of the greatest secrets of smart investing. And time is the key to making the most of it. If you have left your long-term financial strategy to chance, now is […]
Do You Owe The AMT?
American educational reformer Horace Mann called education “the great equalizer.” In football, it’s been said that turnovers are the great equalizer. In taxes, there’s also an equalizer of sorts; it’s called the alternative minimum tax, or AMT. Instituted in 1969, it was intended to ensure that the very rich didn’t pay a lower effective tax […]
AI Tools Changing Retiree Entrepreneurship
Artificial intelligence (AI) tools have become a game changer in various industries, and they are also proving incredibly useful for retirees looking to start consulting or a small business venture. These tools can simplify tasks, streamline processes, and help retirees navigate the world of entrepreneurship more efficiently.1,2,3 One of the biggest challenges retirees may face […]
Why do Renters Have to Save More?
What If You Get Audited?
“Audit” is a word that can strike fear into the hearts of taxpayers. However, the chances of an Internal Revenue Service audit aren’t that high. Between 2010 and 2018, the IRS only audited 0.6% of all individual tax returns.1 And being audited does not necessarily imply that the IRS suspects wrongdoing. The IRS says an […]
Net Unrealized Appreciation (NUA) Explained
If you have built up company securities within your employer-sponsored retirement plan, you may find yourself with a range of choices when the time comes to take a distribution. If those securities have experienced appreciation, it’s worth considering the potential benefits of utilizing the net unrealized appreciation (NUA) tax treatment. Remember, this article is for […]