Investments
What 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…
Read MoreFive financial articles you should always ignore
Five financial articles you should always ignore Quite simply, the best way to deal with the financial news media is to ignore them. This is easier said than done since the media is designed to provoke interest and build urgency. But interesting is not the same as important. …interesting is not the same as important.…
Read MoreShould I buy gold to protect against a dollar collapse?
Should I buy gold to protect against a dollar collapse? No, you should not buy gold for fear of a dollar collapse. As the video discusses, this pitch is rubbish. Heck, you probably shouldn’t buy gold aside from coin collections and jewelry for personal use. Many unbiased experts don’t even consider gold an investment. Once…
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