The after-tax return vs. the pretax return. Everyone wants their investments to perform well. But for many investors it’s their after-tax return that may make all the difference. After all, even if your portfolio is earning double-digit returns, it may not matter if you’re also losing a percent of those earnings to taxes.
One method that may increase tax efficiency is to simply minimize buying and selling in order to manage your capital gains taxes. The idea is to pursue long-term gains, instead of seeking short-term gains through a series of steady transactions. In the words of Warren Buffett, “Only buy something that you’d be perfectly happy to hold if the market shut down for 10 years.”
Remember, before making any financial decision speaking with a financial or tax professional is a great idea. A financial professional can help you formulate a strategy that incorporates your long-term goals and risk tolerance.
Many savvy investors engage in selling certain securities at a loss to counterbalance capital gains. This means the capital losses they incur are applied against their capital gains, which lowers personal tax liability. But remember, you can take up to $3,000 in capital loss each year and can carry losses forward into subsequent ones.
Another common tactic some investors use over the long run is placing tax-efficient investments into taxable accounts, while also placing less-tax-efficient investments in tax-advantaged accounts. This also depends heavily on how you have your investments allocated. Consulting a financial professional in Charlotte, NC may help you decide if this is a smart move for your particular situation.
Income tax basis can be an important factor in deciding whether to make gifts during your lifetime or transfer property at your death. This is because the income tax basis for the person receiving the property depends on whether the transfer is by gift or at death. This, in turn, affects the amount of taxable … Continue reading “Basis: Carryover or Stepped-Up Cost Basis?”
Risk is a factor in any investment decision that you make. Your tolerance for risk is something that you will want to consider when you make decisions alongside your trusted financial advisor in Charlotte NC. Your risk tolerance is balanced against your time horizon, meaning the time between now and your anticipated retirement date.
Market volatility has arrived in force. The slowdown in the economy and more policy-driven volatility was the consensus expectation coming into 2025. What was not expected, however, was how much the Trump administration would lean into tariffs. During President Trump’s first term, in most instances, investors observed the administration delaying, reducing, or even removing tariffs … Continue reading “Market Update – Navigating Volatility”
When you lose a spouse, partner, or parent, the grief can be overwhelming. In the midst of that grief, life goes on. There are arrangements to be made, things to be taken care of – and in recognition of this reality, here is a checklist that you may find useful at such a time. If … Continue reading “Estate Planning Checklist for When a Spouse or Parent Passes”
When you think of Social Security, you probably think of retirement. However, Social Security can also provide much-needed income to your family members when you die, making their financial lives easier. Your family members may be eligible to receive survivor benefits if you worked, paid Social Security taxes, and earned enough work credits. The number … Continue reading “Social Security Survivor Benefits”
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