Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor
Showing 241–256 of 361 results
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Are you considering adopting a child? Learn the qualifications for adoption-related tax savings
November / December 2013
Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 307
Abstract: Adopting a child is a wonderful way to expand a family. However, the adoption process can be expensive. The good news for those who have recently adopted or attempted to adopt a child is that they may be eligible for the federal adoption tax credit, made permanent earlier this year when the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 was signed into law. This brief article discusses what the credit covers, who qualifies for it, and how to claim it.
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Putting property in your portfolio – Real estate investors seeking income may look to REITs
November / December 2013
Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 668
Abstract: Generally, the drawbacks of owning individual commercial or residential properties outweigh the advantages — there are issues regarding diversification, liquidity, and the amount of attention required. So, to obtain the income and diversification benefits of real estate without the challenges of direct ownership, many investors instead turn to a more convenient alternative — real estate investment trusts (REITs). This article explains how REITs work and how they might — or might not — be advantageous for particular investors.
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2 charitable trusts equal dual benefits
November / December 2013
Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 701
Abstract: Two popular charitable giving vehicles — charitable remainder trusts (CRTs) and charitable lead trusts (CLTs) — are what’s known as “split-interest” trusts. Why? Because of their dual beneficial interests: They can benefit a favorite qualified charity as well as noncharitable beneficiaries. This article takes a closer look at CRTs and CLTs.
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Make your portfolio an emotion-free zone
November / December 2013
Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 736
Abstract: Emotions can get in the way of sound financial decisions. It’s human nature to become greedy during good times and to panic during bad times. Since it’s not possible to turn off emotions, it’s important to try to understand how they can undermine investment decision making. This will help investors focus on setting limits that will enable them to invest successfully. This article offers several strategies toward that goal. A sidebar notes a study offering a real-world example of how emotions may get in the way of sound decision making.
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Are you prepared to be an executor?
September / October 2013
Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 311
Abstract: Being asked to be an executor might be considered an honor, but many responsibilities are involved. This brief article describes those responsibilities and what a person should do if they accept the challenge but find that they can’t handle everything.
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Sign of the times – Members of the Sandwich Generation face unique circumstances
September / October 2013
Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 666
Abstract: Those who find themselves raising children, saving for their own retirement, and helping to care for or support aging parents can consider themselves members of the “Sandwich Generation.” Although it may be personally gratifying to be able to help one’s parents, it can be stressful and financially burdensome. But this article shows that careful planning and tax breaks may help.
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Step up to a bond ladder
September / October 2013
Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 782
Abstract: Today’s low interest rate environment is a double-edged sword for many investors. While it’s nice to lock in an attractive rate on a mortgage, paltry returns on fixed-income investments make it difficult to generate income from savings. Longer-term bonds generally offer higher yields, but increase interest-rate risk. But investing in a bond ladder can diversify bond holdings and generate steady income over a specific period of time with reduced interest rate risk. This article explains how bond laddering works and the advantages it offers.
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Tax-efficient ways to manage capital gains
September / October 2013
Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 733
Abstract: The happy glow from an investment portfolio’s rising net worth can quickly fade when it’s time to calculate the annual tax bill. Why? Capital gains tax. This article describes the kinds of assets that are subject to short- and long-term rates and where those rates presently stand. It also offers several strategies for reducing potential capital gains tax liability. A sidebar discusses the “wash sale” rule that can come into play when selling securities.
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Your estate tax exemption remains portable
July / August 2013
Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 301
Abstract: Portability allows one’s estate to elect to permit the surviving spouse to use any of the decedent’s available estate tax exemption that is unused at death. The American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 has made the portability provision permanent. It’s a simple solution and provides flexibility if the couple hasn’t done sufficient estate planning before the first spouse dies. But this article explains why portability isn’t the best option for all couples.
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New 3.8% tax on investment income: What you need to know
July / August 2013
Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 705
Abstract: Those who have income from investments may have to pay a new tax imposed by the 2010 health care act: the 3.8% net investment income tax (NIIT, also known as the Medicare contribution tax). The NIIT took effect on Jan. 1, 2013, and is in addition to — and calculated separately from — one’s regular income tax or alternative minimum tax liability. This article discusses who is subject to the tax, what income is and is not excluded from the NIIT, how the tax is calculated, and what strategies can minimize or avoid NIIT liability.
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Employee stock purchase plans – An opportunity hiding in plain sight
July / August 2013
Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 834
Abstract: Conventional wisdom holds that it’s dangerous to tie too much personal wealth to the fortunes of one’s employer. When it comes to employee stock purchase plans (ESPPs), however, conventional wisdom about not putting too many eggs in one basket may be worth reconsidering. This article shows how an ESPP’s employee discount has the potential to provide an attractive return — though it’s not a risk-free strategy. A sidebar looks at ESPP tax considerations.
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Is your portfolio mix in need of a fix?
July / August 2013
Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 683
Abstract: The degree to which two investments move in the same or opposite directions over a specific time period is expressed as the “correlation coefficient.” During the past 20 years or so, correlation among some asset classes has increased, partly because of an increasingly globalized economy. This article explains why spreading funds across a wider array of assets that don’t move in lockstep with each other can help a portfolio maintain its rhythm over the long term.
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Asset valuations and your estate plan go hand in hand
May / June 2013
Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 347
Abstract: If an estate plan calls for making noncash gifts in trust or outright to beneficiaries, it’s important to know the values of those gifts and disclose them to the IRS on a gift tax return. For substantial gifts of noncash assets other than marketable securities, it’s a good idea to have a qualified appraiser value the gifts at the time of the transfer. As this article explains, if the IRS deems a valuation to be “insufficient,” it can revalue the property and assess additional taxes and interest.
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Your credit score counts! Achieving and maintaining a solid one
May / June 2013
Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 725
Abstract: A credit score is a reflection of one’s creditworthiness. With a high credit score, it’s possible to realize lower interest rates on mortgage or auto loans and credit cards. This article explains what constitutes a good score, how to obtain a free credit report, and how to boost a score — or, for those with no credit history, how to build one.
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Till death do us part – Settling a spouse’s financial affairs
May / June 2013
Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 928
Abstract: Because the days or weeks immediately following the death of a partner are an emotionally charged time, new widows and widowers usually should avoid making any major financial decisions during that period. Eventually, however, the surviving spouse will need to get on with the job of settling the other spouse’s financial affairs. This article takes a look at collecting the necessary documents; claiming insurance, employee or government benefits; and updating account registrations and property titles. Then, as a sidebar explains, it’s time to update one’s own financial plan.
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Do your portfolio returns measure up?
May / June 2013
Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 544
Abstract: It’s disappointing to find that the value of one’s portfolio isn’t keeping pace with stock market gains. While that feeling is understandable, it’s important to make sure that performance is being measured correctly. This article examines how to evaluate the performance of investments relative to other investments or a benchmark index.