Playing Defense as Stock Prices Soar – March 2017

As of this writing, major U.S. stock market indexes are at or near record highs. This bullish run might continue…or it might end with a severe slide. Here are some strategies to consider.

What’s Inside

  • Playing Defense as Stock Prices Soar
  • Holding Down Premiums for Medicare Part B
  • Safe Harbor 401(k) Plans for Small Companies
  • Tax Calendar
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After-Tax Dollars in Traditional IRAS – February 2017

Workers under age 70.5 can deduct contributions to a traditional IRA, as long as they are not covered by an employer’s retirement plan. The same is true for those workers’ spouses.

What’s Inside

  • After-Tax Dollars in Traditional IRAs
  • “Combo” Products for Long-Term Care Coverage
  • Defined Benefit Plans for (Very) Small Companies
  • Tax Calendar
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Be Cautious With Hard-to-Value IRA’s – January 2017

A new year begins with celebrations, resolutions, and dual IRA opportunities. Most workers and their spouses have until April 18, 2017 (April 19 in some states), to contribute to an IRA for 2016. At the same time, contributions to 2017 IRAs are now permitted; the earlier money goes into the account, the more time for tax-deferred investment buildup.

What’s Inside

  • Be Cautious With Hard-to-Value IRA’s
  • The “Other” Exchange-Traded Funds
  • Profit-Sharing Plans for Your Small Business
  • Tax Calendar
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Seeking a Stable Retirement – December 2016

Anecdotally, retirement finances formerly were based on a “three-legged stool.” After people stopped working and no longer had earned income, their cash flow would come from Social Security, personal savings, and a pension from a former employer. This pension would have been a traditional defined benefit plan, paid out for the retiree’s lifetime and perhaps for that of a surviving spouse.

What’s Inside

  • Seeking a Stable Retirement
  • Foreign Stock Funds Can Be Doubly Taxing
  • Automatic Enrollment Retirement Plans
  • Tax Calendar
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More Certainty for Year-End Tax Planning – November 2016

Recently, year end tax planning has been challenging. Many tax code provisions expired, and it was uncertain whether they would be renewed, with Congress’ action potentially not coming until extremely late in the year.

What’s Inside

  • More Certainty for Year-End Tax Planning
  • Year-End Planning for Itemized Deductions
  • Year-End Planning for Deducting Taxes Paid
  • Year-End Planning for Charitable Donations
  • Year-End Planning Medical Deductions
  • Year-End Retirement Tax Planning
  • Year-End Business Tax Planning
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Financial Steps to Take After a Child Is Born – October 2016

October 2016The arrival of a newborn can be a joyous occasion. Even while emotions are at their peak, though, you shouldn’t neglect the practical aspects. Several steps should be taken to protect the family’s finances, and the sooner the better.

What’s Inside

  • Financial Steps to Take After a Child Is Born
  • Investing in Gold Can Be Taxing
  • What Goes Into a Wellness Program?
  • Tax Calendar
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