Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor
Showing 113–128 of 361 results
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Cash is king – The role this often-derided asset plays in your portfolio
March / April 2019
Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 407
Abstract: Many investors shy away from cash investments, such as Treasury bills, money market funds, and savings accounts. But cash plays an integral role in a well-diversified portfolio — particularly as interest rates tick up. This article cites several advantages of cash, including diversification, inflation protection and FDIC insurance.
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New rules make 401(k) hardship withdrawals easier
March / April 2019
Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 554
Abstract: Many 401(k) plans permit hardship withdrawals, and the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018 relaxed some of the rules surrounding these withdrawals. But as this article argues, even if it’s easier to access retirement savings in a pinch, doing so comes at a steep price. Besides taxes and penalties, account holders can lose the benefits of tax-deferred growth.
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How tax-advantaged health plans contribute to your financial well-being
March / April 2019
Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 672
Abstract: This article explains the differences between Flexible Spending Arrangements (FSAs), Health Reimbursement Arrangements (HRAs) and Health Savings Accounts (HSAs). Depending on factors such as health, the employer, and tax exposure, one of these medical expense accounts may be a better fit for employees than the others.
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Substantiating charitable gifts: Do you know the rules?
March / April 2019
Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 842
Abstract: Recently, the IRS issued charitable contribution substantiation regulations. To avoid costly mistakes, it’s important for philanthropic individuals to familiarize themselves with the rules. This article covers the types of records required to substantiate both cash and noncash gifts and talks about the importance of engaging a qualified appraiser (when an appraisal is necessary). A sidebar explains what charitable donors should do when they don’t receive a receipt.
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SRI has evolved but may still be a tough sell
January / February 2019
Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 416
Abstract: Historically, socially responsible investing (SRI) failed to gain traction because it was viewed as requiring investors to sacrifice financial performance to “do good.” This is beginning to change as SRI strategies evolve and management fees come down. But, as this article asks, is SRI really ready for prime time?
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What to do if you’re audited by the IRS
January / February 2019
Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 565
Abstract: Taxpayers don’t necessarily need to panic when they receive an IRS letter. Often, returns are chosen for examination randomly, or because the IRS needs additional information. This article provides tips on responding to audit letters and discusses when taxpayers might want to ask their tax advisor for help.
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Making the most of the new pass-through deduction
January / February 2019
Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 685
Abstract: Under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, owners of pass-through entities may now deduct up to 20% of their qualified business income. However, the deduction is subject to income limitations. This article proposes one planning opportunity involving nongrantor trusts for those whose taxable income exceeds the threshold.
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Benefits of borrowing against a life insurance policy
January / February 2019
Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 854
Abstract: As this article explains, life insurance policy loans typically offer significant advantages over credit cards and personal bank loans. These include lower interest rates, flexible repayment terms and a speedy approval process. But there are also several pitfalls borrowers need to be aware of. A sidebar talks about retirement plan loans.
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Using a charitable trust to pay for college
November / December 2018
Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 410
Abstract: The charitable remainder trust (CRT) is a versatile tool that enables individuals to support favorite charities while retaining an income stream. As this article explains, CRTs are popular because they can provide tax benefits, including when they’re used to pay college expenses.
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Your responsibility when hiring household help
November / December 2018
Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 563
Abstract: Hiring household help involves important tax responsibilities. As this article details, proper filing and reporting by employers enables workers to build an employment record and gain access to Social Security, Medicare and other benefits. And it helps protect employers from potentially expensive and time-consuming legal trouble.
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Disability insurance: Are you really protected?
November / December 2018
Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 605
Abstract: Disability insurance policies replace a portion — typically 45% to 65% — of an insured person’s monthly gross income. But as this article argues, this figure can be deceiving. How an insurer defines “disability” greatly affects the ability to collect benefits. Benefit periods and elimination periods also apply.
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No gain, no pain – Year-end tax planning for investors
November / December 2018
Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 888
Abstract: The end of the year is an ideal time to review an investment portfolio for tax-saving opportunities. This article lists several strategies, including harvesting losses and gains, buying back losing positions, and selling higher cost basis shares. It also touts the advantages of making charitable donations of appreciated securities. A sidebar provides tips for tackling the net investment income tax.
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Dollar cost averaging has an unexpected price attached
September / October 2018
Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 436
Abstract: Many investors use dollar cost averaging (DCA) to reduce their average cost per share and lower the risk that they’ll make a substantial investment just before the market plummets. But, as this article explains, DCA can cause investors to miss out on potentially higher returns. The alternative is lump sum investing or investing the entire amount immediately.
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Naming a trustee – It’s one of the most important decisions of your life
September / October 2018
Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 592
Abstract: One of the major decisions that need to be made when establishing a trust is who will act as trustee. This article talks about the responsibilities of the position as well as the qualities (such as prudence, impartiality and tax knowledge) that make a good trustee. It mentions that many people name a financial institution or professional advisor, rather than a friend or family member.
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How to transition into a comfortable retirement
September / October 2018
Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 631
Abstract: This article advises those close to retirement that there are several steps they should take to ensure that the transition is smooth and that their money will last as long as they do. Tips include building an emergency cash cushion, paying down debt, reviewing health insurance options and developing a retirement income timeline.
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Should you convert your balance to a Roth IRA?
September / October 2018
Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 758
Abstract: An individual with a big balance in a traditional IRA may want to convert some or all of it to a Roth IRA. This article outlines the benefits and tax consequences of such a move and warns that, starting in 2018, Roth IRA conversions are irrevocable. A sidebar discusses the “pro-rata rule,” which treats all traditional IRA funds transferred to a Roth IRA as a single account.