Tag: Tax Planning

Tax Filing Season for 2020

Jan 25, 2021

Recently, the Internal Revenue Service (I.R.S.) announced that tax season will start a little later than usual. This year the I.R.S. will begin accepting and processing 2020 tax filing returns on Friday, February 12, 2021.1 (more…)

Tags: , , , ,



1099 Form Help

Jan 22, 2021

What is a 1099 form? This is a record of payment from an individual or entity, showing a payment, generated for your records. The individual/entity sends a copy to both the payee as well as the I.R.S.1

Who might be sending 1099s? Clients send their contractors 1099s, recording work performed. Banks send 1099s to reflect interest from a savings account. A state may send a 1099 for a tax refund. If the financial institution who handles your retirement account writes you a check, they will also send you a 1099.1 (more…)

Tags: , , , , , ,



Do Main Street Self-Employed Individuals Need a Wall Street Strategy?

Dec 2, 2020

As Wall Street pushes higher, a pandemic-weary Main Street is relearning how to manage cash flow with the hope of keeping its retirement dreams alive – and for those self-employed, this is paramount.

Self-employed Americans, and the people working for them, account for roughly 30 percent of the nation’s workforce.1

In the best of times, putting aside money for retirement was a challenge for this group. (more…)

Tags: , , , , , , , , ,



Interest Rates and Your Mortgage

Nov 20, 2020

With the Federal Reserve keeping interest rates at or near zero, you may wonder about your mortgage. Is it a good time to refinance or even pay off the debt entirely? After all, your mortgage is one of the biggest expenses you may have in life, so why not rid yourself of that debt as soon as possible? (more…)

Tags: , , , , , , ,



2021 IRA Limits, 401(k)s and More

Nov 2, 2020

On October 26, the Treasury Department released the 2021 adjusted figures for retirement account savings (IRA, Roth IRA, and 401(k)s). Although these adjustments won’t bring any major changes, there are some minor elements to note. (more…)

Tags: , , , , , ,



The Social Security Administration Announces 2021 COLA

Oct 30, 2020

On October 13, 2020, the Social Security Administration (SSA) officially announced that Social Security recipients will receive a 1.3 percent cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for 2021. This adjustment will begin with benefits payable to more than 64 million Social Security beneficiaries in January 2021. Additionally, increased payments to more than 8 million Supplemental Security Income (SSI) beneficiaries will begin on December 31, 2020. (more…)

Tags: , , , , , , ,



Why A Roth IRA Conversion May Now Be Advantageous

Sep 18, 2020

Roth IRA Conversion decisions have attracted retirement savers since their introduction in 1998. They offer the potential for tax-free retirement income, provided Internal Revenue Service rules are followed. (more…)

Tags: , , , , , , ,



Tax & Estate Strategies Update for Married LGBTQ Couples

Sep 16, 2020

The 2015 Obergefell v. Hodges Supreme Court decision streamlined tax and estate strategizing for married LGBTQ+ couples. If you are filing a joint tax return for this year or thinking about updating estate strategies, here are some important things to remember. (more…)

Tags: , , , ,



Get Your FAFSA Ready

Sep 4, 2020

FAFSA
The application for federal student loans opens on October 1

Mark this date on your calendar: October 1. That is the day when current and future traditional college students can start submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for the 2021-22 school year. For many students, the FAFSA is frequently the gateway to significant financial aid: federal and state student loans, grants, university scholarships, and work-study programs.1 (more…)

Tags: ,



Taxable Events in Retirement Accounts

Aug 31, 2020

When you distribute, sell, or receive assets from a retirement account, taxes usually follow. It is true for individuals; it is true for trusts. These decisions represent taxable events. (more…)

Tags: , , ,



More Insights

Apr 24, 2024

A thoughtful retirement strategy may help you pursue your many retirement goals. That strategy must consider many factors, and here are just a few: your income needs, the order of your withdrawals from taxable and tax-advantaged retirement accounts, the income tax implications of those withdrawals, and sequence of return risk.

Apr 22, 2024

Losing a spouse is a stressful transition. And the added pressure of having to settle the estate and organize finances can be overwhelming. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to make dealing with these matters less difficult.

Apr 19, 2024

Ever hear of critical illness insurance? This isn’t standard-issue disability insurance, but a cousin of sorts. With people living longer, it is a risk management option entering more people’s lives.

Apr 17, 2024

Following Iran’s missile and drone strikes on Israel over the weekend and the apparent escalation likely in any Israeli response, stocks fell sharply during Monday’s trading session. We examine the latest developments in the Middle East conflict, how stocks have reacted historically to geopolitical events, and the possible impact on markets moving forward.

Apr 15, 2024

Did you buy U.S. Savings Bonds decades ago? Or did your parents or grandparents purchase them for you? If they’re collecting dust in a drawer, you may want to take a look at them to see if any of your bonds have matured. If your bonds have matured, that means they are no longer earning … Continue reading “How US Savings Bonds Work”

Insights + Resources >