PFP
Showing 177–192 of 361 results
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Paying for college – How to avoid costly financial aid mistakes
July / August 2016
Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 418
Abstract: This short article provides pointers to help parents of college-bound students avoid mistakes and maximize amounts when applying for financial aid. Tips involve filing the right forms, prioritizing schools and knowing who is responsible for submitting applications when parents are separated and divorced.
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Prevent heirs from bending your will and violating your trust
July / August 2016
Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 454
Abstract: Even when an estate plan clearly communicates its owner’s wishes, there’s a chance that a family member will challenge it. One strategy for protecting an estate plan is to include a “no-contest” clause in the will or revocable trust. This article explains how such clauses work and suggests other ideas, including working with experienced advisors, that can minimize challenges from heirs.
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A QCD might help you meet charitable giving and tax savings goals
July / August 2016
Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 693
Abstract: In late 2015, Congress reinstated and made permanent a tax break that allows people age 70½ and older to transfer up to $100,000 per year tax-free from an IRA to a public charity and apply that amount to their required minimum distributions. This article discusses the advantages of making such qualified charitable distributions (QCDs) and when they might not be appropriate.
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Is your bond portfolio ready for rising rates?
July / August 2016
Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 855
Abstract: Recent Federal Reserve decisions suggest the era of rock-bottom interest rates is over. This article explains how, when rates rise, a bond’s interest rate becomes less attractive to buyers in the marketplace. But it urges investors to remember that a bond’s total return consists not only of price performance, but also income payments, and suggests some new strategies that might reduce risk and improve returns. A sidebar explains why cash investments could become more appealing as rates rise.
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Should you undo a Roth IRA conversion?
May / June 2016
Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 415
Abstract: This article explains how to undo a Roth IRA conversion, using a “recharacterization.” It covers reasons why someone might want to reverse a Roth conversion — for example, when the conversion, combined with other income, pushes someone into a higher tax bracket. It also provides an example of the process.
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Protect yourself from tax identity theft
May / June 2016
Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 572
Abstract: Tax identity theft is a serious problem, and is only getting worse. This article provides information on the number and types of tax identity fraud incidents as well as tips for avoiding becoming a victim. For those whose identity is stolen, the article explains how to limit the damage.
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Taxable vs. tax-advantaged accounts – Where you hold your investments matters
May / June 2016
Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 635
Abstract: When investing for retirement, people usually prefer tax-advantaged accounts, such as IRAs, 401(k)s or 403(b)s. But investments such as municipal bonds and passively managed index mutual funds may be better for traditional taxable accounts. This article unpacks why the more tax efficient an investment, the more benefit investors get from owning it in a taxable account, and vice versa.
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International estate planning: How to avoid tax traps
May / June 2016
Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 848
Abstract: For non-U.S. citizens (resident aliens and nonresident aliens) married to citizens, estate planning can be particularly challenging. This article helps couples avoid common tax traps, such as assuming the unlimited marital deduction will be available, and explains such tools as the qualified domestic trust. A sidebar discusses estate planning for families containing unmarried parents of adopted children and married parents with unadopted stepchildren.
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Tax tip: Miscellaneous expenses can add up
March / April 2016
Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 511
Abstract: Expenses in the miscellaneous category are a mix of items that don’t fit elsewhere on a federal tax return. As this article explains, to deduct them, they must add up to more than 2% of the taxpayer’s adjusted gross income or none can be deducted. The article also talks about a second category of miscellaneous expenses that aren’t subject to the 2% rule.
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Contingency planning – Don’t let a disaster disrupt your life
March / April 2016
Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 611
Abstract: Although contingency planning is usually associated with businesses, individuals need disaster plans, too. This article outlines the components of a good plan — including ensuring that insurance coverage is adequate, family members are able to contact each other, and cash, emergency supplies and copies of important documents are easy to access.
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Why life insurance still plays an important estate planning role
March / April 2016
Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 633
Abstract: Because the estate tax exemption currently tops $5 million, fewer people need life insurance to provide their families with the liquidity to pay estate taxes. But as this article argues, life insurance can still play an important role in estate plans, particularly in conjunction with charitable remainder trusts (CRTs) and other charitable giving strategies.
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Mutual funds or ETFs? Understand the differences before you choose
March / April 2016
Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 868
Abstract: Mutual funds and exchange-traded funds (ETFs) have much in common, but also important differences that make each more appropriate for some situations than others. This article describes differences in investment management, pricing and tax treatment and how these features may benefit investors. A sidebar advises investors to consider their investment objectives before choosing mutual funds or ETFs.
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Even you may benefit from a reverse mortgage
January / February 2016
Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 537
Abstract: Higher net worth individuals may be able to use a reverse mortgage for estate and tax planning. This article discusses reducing the value of a taxable estate by using reverse mortgage funds to make annual exclusion gifts, fund college savings plans or buy a life insurance policy.
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Managing finances following the death of a spouse
January / February 2016
Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 618
Abstract: When a husband or wife dies, the surviving spouse usually feels overwhelmed by the many difficult challenges that lie ahead, including addressing financial matters. This article explains how surviving spouses should gather financial records, claim life insurance and employee benefits, and update accounts.
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Beyond bonds – Opportunities abound for income-oriented investors
January / February 2016
Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 729
Abstract: Bonds aren’t the only option for those who rely on their investment portfolio for regular income. This article looks at alternatives to bonds, including dividend-paying stocks, preferred stock, senior loans and real estate investment trusts, weighing the benefits and risks of each.
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Making meaningful IRA contributions is easier than ever
January / February 2016
Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 807
Abstract: This article encourages people who have dismissed traditional IRAs in the past to take a fresh look at them. It explains that income limits for deductibility and maximum annual contributions are more generous. The article also talks about the benefits of investing in Roth IRAs. A sidebar notes that, effective for IRA withdrawals taken in 2015, individuals can execute only one traditional IRA rollover in a 365-day period.