Investments
What does an inverted yield curve mean for your investments?
What does an inverted yield curve mean for your investments? The short answer to this question is “almost nothing.” The longer answer is because our clients’ portfolios are well constructed, clients can use this episode to gain more confidence knowing they will make good decisions whenever bad markets arise. What is an inverted yield curve? Most…
Read MoreShould I buy or sell foreign stocks given today’s conditions?
Should I buy or sell foreign stocks given today’s conditions? Today’s Q&A combines two related questions into one, “Should I buy or sell foreign stocks given today’s conditions?” The first question is from Lou, “I see that the PE ratios on foreign stocks are a lot less than with U.S. stocks. Should I be buying…
Read MoreWhat do I do if I miss my required minimum distribution?
What do I do if I miss my Required Minimum Distribution? Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) are just that – required. The penalty for failing to take a RMD on time is 50% of the amount of the RMD. That’s one of the harshest penalties in the tax code. Miss a $20,000 RMD and you’ll owe…
Read MoreManaging investment taxes
Managing investment taxes Managing investment taxes is an essential part of any good financial plan. For most clients, by far the largest expense incurred during their investment lifetime is income taxes. The goal of one’s tax planning should not be the avoidance of paying taxes per se, as few can do that. The goal should…
Read MoreWhy is my charitable donation taxed?
Why is my charitable contribution taxed? Well planned and executed charitable donations should result in tax savings. To get the maximum benefit, you must know the rules and how the accounting for donations works. This video Q&A is a great example. The inquirer knew the rule but not the reporting requirements. Making News… We frequently produce…
Read MoreWhat to expect from financial markets
One of the keys to successful investing is understanding what to expect from financial markets. 2018 marked the first calendar year the Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped since 2015. On Christmas Eve, the S&P 500 Index (S&P) was 20% lower (excluding dividends) than its high point. The S&P tracks so-called “blue chip” stocks, stocks of…
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