Your first step to building a free, personalized, morning email brief covering pertinent authors and topics on JD Supra: Privacy Policy (Updated: October 8, 2015): hide JD Supra provides users with access to its legal industry publishing services (the “Service”) through its website (the “Website”) as well as through other sources. Our policies with regard […]
36 Best College Values Competing in 2018's March Madness
Location: Chapel Hill, N.C. Undergraduate enrollment: 18,523 Kiplinger’s 2018 ranking (all schools): #15 Kiplinger’s 2018 ranking (public colleges): #1 NCAA 2018 men’s basketball tournament seeding: #2 seed, West region UNC’s in-state sticker price is comparable to that of other public colleges, but need-based aid awards for in-state students who qualify average more than $17,000 a […]
Harper Lee’s Will Unsealed
As The New York Times recently reported, the will of Harper Lee, author of To Kill a Mockingbird, was recently unsealed in connection with a lawsuit seeking access to the document. Ms. Lee died a resident of Monroeville, Alabama, and, as in Colorado, wills in Alabama are typically considered to be public documents. However, the […]
6 Cheap Blue-Chip Stocks to Buy Now
Market value: $91.8 billion Dividend yield: 2.0% Analysts’ opinion: 8 strong buy, 2 buy, 10 hold, 0 sell, 0 strong sell Shares in Caterpillar (CAT, $153.69) have stumbled lately. The threat of a global trade war will do that to the world’s largest maker of construction and mining equipment. Free trade is critical to CAT, […]
Girlfriend Getaways Gain Popularity Among Retirees, Preretirees
Many women over 50 are discovering the rejuvenating properties of vacationing with female friends. By Beth Brophy, Contributing WriterMarch 14, 2018From Kiplinger’s Retirement Report Every June for the past four years, Barbara Klein, 66, of Bethesda, Md., has gone on a weeklong spa trip to Rancho La Puerta in Tecate, Mexico. Her companions consist of […]
How Much Can You Contribute to a Roth 401(k) for 2018?
Source: Kiplinger This article was originally published on Kiplinger – https://www.kiplinger.com/ The Roth 401(k) contribution limit increased by $500 to $18,500 for 2018. Workers age 50 and older can save an extra $6,000 for retirement. More employers are adding a Roth 401(k) option to their retirement plan, which should appeal to workers who anticipate […]
How Much Can You Contribute to a 401(k) for 2018?
The 401(k) contribution limit increased by $500 to $18,500 for 2018. Workers age 50 and older can save an extra $6,000 for retirement. It’s never too early to begin paving your road to a comfortable retirement by contributing to an employer-sponsored 401(k) account. 401(k) Contribution Limits for 2018 The maximum amount workers can contribute to […]
Are You Investing or Speculating?
Here’s how to tell the difference … and when it’s actually OK to speculate in the stock market. Do you feel hesitant to put more of your money in the market because it feels like a gamble? Even seasoned investors can get nervous about investing their hard-earned money, because all investments come with risk. SEE […]
8 Features That Will Sell Your Home Faster
Percentage of buyers who want this feature: 92% Cost to install: $1,000 to $10,000 depending on scope of project More than anything else, homeowners want a room other than the guest bedroom to stack all the clean laundry in until it finally gets put away. A separate laundry room topped the National Association of Home […]
Unlicensed Lawyers and Undue Influence – Setting Aside Deed Rejected
In a recent unpublished opinion, 2018 WL 679484, the South Carolina Court of Appeals addressed the circumstances under which a deed prepared by an unlicensed attorney would be voided in a challenge that also involved claims of undue influence in the execution of the deed. Briefly, the decedent (“Mother”) executed a deed to her home […]
The Top 10 Retirement Tips You Can Give Your Millennial
If you’re a parent with kids in their 20s or 30s — or any kids at all — you’re probably no stranger to worrying about their future, including their financial future. As you watch your now-adult children venture out into the real world, though, you may see them focusing almost entirely on their financial needs […]
The Top 10 Pieces of Retirement Advice You Can Give Your Millennial
Putting the right foot forward now will make all the difference later. Here’s how parents can point their adult children in the right direction. If you’re a parent with kids in their 20s or 30s — or any kids at all — you’re probably no stranger to worrying about their future, including their financial future. […]
Senior Scams: A 'New Friend' May Signal a Big Problem
From lavish spending to social withdrawal, what to look for to ensure an aging loved one isn’t a victim of elder financial abuse. Your elderly mother has a new best friend who accompanies her everywhere. She has always been frugal but now lavishes pricey gifts on her new pal. And although you used to speak […]
3 Things Married Women Need to Know About Their Money
About nine in 10 women will have to go it alone, financially, at some point in their lives. When that happens, they need to be ready. As a financial adviser for nearly 20 years, I’ve met and consoled several women who were devastated by the loss of their husband or the end of their marriage. […]
One of the Toughest Questions for Wealthy People to Answer
If you’re rich, you need to be prepared for the day when your child asks you this question. Your ability to answer could be key to helping your family’s wealth last for generations. “Dad — are we wealthy?” That’s the exact question a seventh-grader recently asked of a client of mine. In the moment, poor […]
Families, Fiduciaries and Firearms: Estate Administration and Distribution of Firearms in the State of Washington
The ownership of firearms has been a topic of much debate and scrutiny in recent months. As a part of this national conversation, it is important for gun owners (and their fiduciaries) to generally understand the applicable legal regulations pertaining to the transfer of a firearm triggered by the death of the owner, and how […]
9 Global Stocks to Heat Up Your Portfolio
Prepare for an evolution in consumer technology. If it’s got a screen, it’s about to get a much better screen… and that’s saying something, considering how vivid and vibrant the most recent generation of 4K display screens have been. That evolution, of course, is the mainstreaming of OLED (organic light-emitting diode) screens. Universal Display Corporation […]
Benefits of Trusts Over 529 Plans and UTMA (Custodial) Accounts for Children and Grandchildren
When parents and grandparents (or other generous benefactors) want to transfer wealth to a minor child, the primary decision they will face is whether to set up a Section 529 Plan, a custodial account under the Uniform Transfers to Minors Act (an UTMA account) or a trust for such child. Given certain limitations of 529 […]
10 Warren Buffett Stocks With the Fastest-Growing Dividends
Market value: $913.2 billion Dividend yield: 1.4% 3-year annual dividend growth rate: 10% Warren Buffett first bit into Apple (AAPL, $179.98) during the first quarter of 2016, acquiring a stake worth approximately $1 billion at the time. Since then, Berkshire Hathaway has very aggressively added to its position. In fact, the firm’s stake in Apple […]
Tax Cuts and Jobs Act: Implications for Public Company Executive Compensation Programs
The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “Tax Act”) has significant implications for public company executive compensation plans for tax years beginning after December 31, 2017 and will likely have a considerable impact on the future design and administration of public company executive compensation programs. Before the Tax Act, Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue […]
Wealth Management Update – March 2018
March Interest Rates for GRATs, Sales to Defective Grantor Trusts, Intra-Family Loans and Split Interest Charitable Trusts The March § 7520 rate for use with estate planning techniques such as CRTs, CLTs, QPRTs and GRATs is 3.0%, up 0.2% from February. The March applicable federal rate (“AFR”) for use with a sale to a defective […]
How Much Can You Contribute to a Roth IRA for 2017?
The Roth IRA contribution limit is $5,500. If you are 50 or older, you can save $6,500 including a $1,000 catch-up contribution. Income limits apply. If you haven’t made a 2017 contribution to a Roth IRA, it’s not too late. You have until this year’s April 17 tax deadline to contribute to this tax-friendly individual […]
How Much Can You Contribute to a Traditional IRA for 2017?
The IRA contribution limit is $5,500. If you are age 50 or over, you can contribute an extra $1,000 as a catch-up contribution, for a total of $6,500. You still have time before this year’s April 17 tax deadline to contribute to a traditional IRA for 2017—and possibly get a tax deduction for the money […]
Hefty Income Hikes Medicare Costs as Surcharges Kick In
Medicare premiums for Part B and Part D can increase significantly for beneficiaries with high earnings. Here’s how to avoid income-based Medicare surcharges. A big question every year at open enrollment for employer health insurance is how much will the premium rise? That doesn’t change once you’re on Medicare–Part B and Part D premiums typically […]
7 Ways to File Your Taxes Free
Who can use it: Most taxpayers, including those with self-employment or investment income State tax return included Yes Website: Credit Karma Tax Unlike many other free tax-prep programs, Credit Karma Tax isn’t restricted to users with simple tax returns. Taxpayers with income from investments or self-employment can use this program. You can import information from […]
New Limit for Health Savings Account Contributions
Using a new measure of inflation, the IRS has reduced the amount that people with family medical coverage can contribute to a health savings account in 2018. QI just saw that the 2018 HSA contribution limit for people with family coverage was reduced to $6,850, after the IRS had already announced it would be $6,900 […]
Boost Your Portfolio With 5G-Ready Telecom Stocks
Source: Kiplinger This article was originally published on Kiplinger – https://www.kiplinger.com/ Market value: $31.9 billion Dividend yield: 3.2% At one time, Finland-based Nokia (NOK, $5.87) was a world leader in the smartphone market. However, the company sold its smartphone business to Microsoft (MSFT) four years ago to focus instead on network and IP infrastructure, […]
Guardianships and Conservatorships Can Help Protect Loved Ones
The decline of a family member’s health can be one of the most difficult emotional challenges that a family will face. If that ailing family member hasn’t adequately planned for such an event, the burden rests on the family to step in and care for them. Without proper legal authority, this can be difficult. Fortunately, the court provides a process for obtaining the necessary authority to care […]
State Death Taxes Continue to Die Out
Only 17 states, plus Washington, D.C., still have estate taxes or inheritance taxes (or both) on the books. Dying is getting cheaper. While the latest federal tax overhaul doubles the estate-tax exemption, the trend of states loosening their own grip on estates continues in 2018. SEE ALSO: 13 States That Tax Social Security Benefits Delaware […]
Alaska Court Just KO'd Domestic Asset Protection Trusts
If you have assets you want to protect from lawsuits, you might want to try something other than a DAPT in the wake of a recent court ruling. A foreign asset protection trust will be safer, instead. Over 15 million lawsuits are filed in the U.S. each year, so protecting your assets from a financially […]
The Ins and Outs of Buying Long-Term Care Insurance
Source: Kiplinger This article was originally published on Kiplinger – https://www.kiplinger.com/ Think about this coverage not just as insurance for long-term care, but for your retirement nest egg itself. With that in mind, here are some tips. I often suggest long-term care insurance to my clients, and I almost always hear this objection: “It’s […]
My Investing Misstep
My Schwab account ballooned to $100,000. That’s when the greed and day-trader mentality took over. Back in June 2000, this magazine ran an article titled “True Confessions,” which related the tale of one editor’s foray into the dark excesses of the dot-com-era stock market. The author, who chose to remain anonymous, confessed not only to […]
To Save More, Tap Into Your Emotions
Source: Kiplinger This article was originally published on Kiplinger – https://www.kiplinger.com/ Objects that have special meaning to you could be the key to identifying your savings goals. I am knee-deep in mementos and family heirlooms these days, having cleaned out three separate houses within the past 14 months following my parents’ deaths and an […]
What Was Your Biggest Financial Mistake?
Kiplinger readers share how they managed to bounce back from a major financial mistake. We received lots of responses to our “Crowdsourcing” question asking you what’s the biggest financial mistake you’ve made and how were you able to recover. Most of your regrets revolve around racking up credit card debt, botching investments and missing retirement-saving […]
Court Held That Estate Beneficiary Did Not Have Standing To Assert Forfeiture Or Breach Claim Against Executrix’s Attorneys, That An Executrix Had No Authority To Pay Her Attorney’s Fees From The Estate In The Interim In Defending A Removal Action, And That The Trial Court Erred In Refusing A Motion To Compel Distribution Of The Estate
In re Nunu, an estate beneficiary sued the executrix to have her removed due to alleged breaches of fiduciary duty and also sought to have the court refuse to pay her attorneys in representing her in a removal action and/or sought to have those fees forfeited. No. 14-16-00394-CV, 2017 Tex. App. LEXIS 10306 (Tex. App.—Houston […]
28 Ways to Stop Wasting Money
Many retailers have annual sales for particular items, typically when they’re clearing out inventory to make room for the coming year’s new lines. You can score big savings by marking your calendar for the best months to buy the following gear. January: linens and bedding, exercise equipment, winter clothing February: TVs, tax-filing software, cookware and […]
Estate Planning after The Tax Cuts and Jobs Acts of 2017
The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (the “Act”) doubled the amount of property that an individual can transfer without incurring federal estate, gift or generation-skipping transfer tax (“Exemption Amount”) from $5,490,000 in 2017 to $11,180,000 (indexed for inflation) in 2018. The Exemption Amount is “portable” for estate and gift tax purposes (but not […]
5 “Oddball” Dividend Stocks With Big Yields
Market value: $4.1 billion Dividend yield: 7.3% Industry: Entertainment and education real estate While most real estate investment trusts specialize in broad asset classes such as apartments or office buildings, EPR Properties (EPR, $56.13) has a very specific niche, focusing mostly on entertainment. In fact, EPR is an abbreviation for “Entertainment Properties.” EPR’s holdings include […]
Smart Moves for Your 2017 Tax Return
This is may be your last chance to claim some tax deductions. We help you make the most of them. Excited about the new tax law? Well, keep calm as you sit down to do your 2017 return. With just a couple of exceptions, neither the promising nor the threatening changes will affect the bottom […]
7 Worst Reasons NOT to Buy a House
By avoiding homeownership, you’re actually committing to something — spending more money on rent, not building equity. For most of us, our home is the biggest ticket item we’ll ever buy. The amount of time, labor, and money this single transaction represents demands a clear head and clear motivations. Since we already know there are […]
What I Bought When Stocks Tanked
Source: Kiplinger This article was originally published on Kiplinger – https://www.kiplinger.com/ Our “Practical Investing” columnist happily seized the moment to buy two stocks that had been on her wish list for a long time: Costco and Boeing. As those who have followed this column for a while now, I become nervous during stock market […]
The Silver Lining of Rising Interest Rates
Source: Kiplinger This article was originally published on Kiplinger – https://www.kiplinger.com/ Investors may be jittery about the Fed’s plans to bump up rates this year, but you may be able to benefit. Most of what you read and hear about higher interest rates is negative. Some of it, to be blunt, is downright […]
What to Do When the Bull Market Stumbles
Corrections like the one in early February made plenty of investors nervous, but they can offer a good time to reset your investing strategy. Illustration by Joe Anderson By Anne Kates Smith, Senior Editor March 8, 2018From Kiplinger’s Personal Finance Following a stock market correction that seemed to come and go in the blink of […]
Primecap Odyssey Growth Is All Action, No Talk
The managers of this Kiplinger 25 fund prefer to stay out of the limelight. Getty Images By Nellie S. Huang, Senior Associate Editor March 8, 2018From Kiplinger’s Personal Finance The managers who run Primecap Odyssey Growth (POGRX)—a member of the Kiplinger 25—are some of the best stock pickers in the country. But you won’t see […]
Where Home Prices Are Headed in 2018
Source: Kiplinger This article was originally published on Kiplinger – https://www.kiplinger.com/ A tap on the brakes from the new tax law may be just what the market needs. New Jersey is the poster child for the high-cost, high-tax states where housing markets—and homeowners—are supposed to suffer under the new tax law. Patrice and Kalvin […]
Charitable Giving Under the New Tax Law
Source: Kiplinger This article was originally published on Kiplinger – https://www.kiplinger.com/ The new tax law may discourage donations. But you can still support your causes and reduce your tax bill with these strategies. The chance to get a deduction for their generosity often motivates charitable givers to become even more generous and write larger […]
Lottery Winnings’ Impact on Social Security
Source: Kiplinger This article was originally published on Kiplinger – https://www.kiplinger.com/ The sudden windfall won’t reduce your benefits. Here’s why. Q. If I win the Powerball jackpot, will that affect my Social Security benefits? I’m 63, so I’m worried about the earnings test. –L.S., Boca Raton, Fla. See Also: 5 Better Investments Than Powerball […]
Get Help With Medicare Coverage
Many of you wanted to know what kind of coverage I chose. That’s still a work in progress. Whew! Thanks for your overwhelming response to my column on the challenges of signing up for Medicare). Some of you sympathized with my situation—often in colorful terms. “Thus began a journey into the bowels of bureaucratic mayhem,” […]
What's It Going to Cost You to Live There?
Home prices are just one factor you should consider when choosing a city. Orlando, Fla. Photo by Miosotis Jade via Wikimedia Commons By Rivan V. Stinson, ReporterMarch 8, 2018From Kiplinger’s Personal Finance If you’re a retiree looking for a change of scenery, or you’ve been offered a job in another city, you may want to […]
Beware Closing Cost Scams
Home buyers are being tricked into wiring their money to crooks. Getty Images By Thomas H. Blanton, Reporter March 8, 2018From Kiplinger’s Personal Finance You’ve found your dream house and made a winning offer on it. Now all that’s left is a transfer of funds to get you in the door. That’s when the closing-cost […]
Popular National Parks Get Pricier
The entrance fee to some popular national park locations will jump by 50%. Grand Canyon Tuxyso via Wikimedia Commons By Kaitlin Pitsker, Staff Writer March 8, 2018From Kiplinger’s Personal Finance The National Park Service plans to more than double the peak-season entrance fees at 17 of its most popular parks, including Grand Canyon, Sequoia and […]
What's the Penalty for Canceling a Rewards Credit Card?
Why you might want to hold on to that account. Getty Images By Kimberly Lankford, Contributing Editor March 8, 2018From Kiplinger’s Personal Finance QIf I get a rewards credit card that waives the annual fee for the first year and cancel the card before it charges the fee, will that affect my credit score? –J.B., […]
Insurance for Home Sharers
Source: Kiplinger This article was originally published on Kiplinger – https://www.kiplinger.com/ Home-sharing services and your homeowners’ policy may cover liability and damages by tenants, but the insurance may fall short. March 8, 2018 From Kiplinger’s Personal Finance Q. I’m thinking about renting out my house through a home-sharing service while I’m away for a […]
Invest in the Private College 529 Plan
How you can use the money at colleges in the plan, and even at those who aren’t. Getty Images By Kimberly Lankford, Contributing Editor March 8, 2018From Kiplinger’s Personal Finance QWhat is the Private College 529 Plan, and who should invest in one? What happens to the money if you don’t go to one of […]
Keep Health Care Out-of-Pocket Costs in Check
Source: Kiplinger This article was originally published on Kiplinger – https://www.kiplinger.com/ We asked patient advocates who focus on helping consumers with their medical bills to share some secrets. Even if you have good insurance from your employer, you probably shoulder a large share of your medical costs, from monthly premiums to deductibles and co-payments. […]
How to Make a Complaint and Get Results
Keep your cool, create a paper trail and take it all the way to the top if you need to. Christopher Elliott, founder of Elliott.org. Courtesy of Christopher Elliott By Lisa Gerstner, Contributing Editor March 8, 2018From Kiplinger’s Personal Finance Christopher Elliott is the founder of elliott.org, which helps consumers resolve disputes with businesses, free […]
How to Get In on a Class-Action Lawsuit Against Equifax
Here’s some guidance on whether to be a part of the lawsuit or go solo. Illustration by Dave Urban If you’re upset about the Equifax data breach and want to get in on a class-action lawsuit against the company, you don’t have to do anything at this point. You—along with nearly 148 million others affected […]
Evaluating The Fitness Of Your Estate Plan For 2018 In Light Of The Tax Cuts And Jobs Act
The recent passage of the federal Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) significantly altered federal estate tax laws effective January 1, 2018. The TCJA increased exemption amounts for federal estate, gift, and generation-skipping transfer taxes, any one of which may impact your current estate plan. In many instances, these changes mean your estate planning documents […]
Should You Invest in Commodities?
Source: Kiplinger This article was originally published on Kiplinger – https://www.kiplinger.com/ Investments in crops, metals, energy, currencies and other tangible things tend to go up when stocks and bonds go down. The market has again reminded us that stocks can move in two directions. It’s an old story but easy to forget: When inflation […]
Dividend 15 Stocks: A Mixed Bag
Source: Kiplinger This article was originally published on Kiplinger – https://www.kiplinger.com/ Our picks trailed the S&P 500 index as the market’s love went to companies with the fastest earnings growth. When we launched the Kiplinger Dividend 15 in the December 2017 issue, we didn’t expect our favorite dividend-paying stocks to be big winners […]
7 Growth Stocks with Great Promise
You probably don’t think about the packaging when you buy a box of Cheerios. But the colorful box was made with some high-tech equipment, including a sophisticated adhesive-dispensing system. Nordson makes that equipment, along with other products to apply materials such as coatings and sealants on assembly lines for everything from cereal boxes to computer […]
Pension Possibilities: IRA Rollover? Buy an Annuity? Or Take the Payout?
Making your decision on the type of payout you receive in retirement requires considering these four factors. Pension decisions aren’t clear-cut, and they can have serious consequences for you and your family. SEE ALSO: Lower Your Expectations on Pension-Plan Promises Take some clients of mine, for example. The husband, age 65, wanted the highest monthly […]
8 States with the Highest Income Tax Rates
State Income Tax Range Low: 5% (on up to $3,300 of taxable income for single filers and up to $6,600 for married couples filing jointly) High: 9.9% (on taxable income over $125,000 for single filers and over $250,000 for married couples filing jointly). Residents can deduct some of their federal income tax from state taxable […]
New Baby on Way? The 8 Financial Steps You Should Take to Prepare
Congratulations! Now get busy. From health insurance to car seats, here’s what expectant parents should do to get ready for their new arrival. As you prepare to welcome a baby into the world, the excitement and anticipation of meeting your child for the first time can be overwhelming. Although you have nine months to prepare, […]
Are You Paying Off Credit Card Debt the Wrong Way?
Source: Kiplinger This article was originally published on Kiplinger – https://www.kiplinger.com/ Employ this strategy to get your debt down and extra cash in your pocket. When you have more than one credit card to pay off, there are many ways to go about tackling your debt. You could pay off cards with highest interest […]
Using a Health Savings Account to Pay for Long-Term-Care Insurance
Source: Kiplinger This article was originally published on Kiplinger – https://www.kiplinger.com/ You can tap an HSA to pay for long-term-care insurance, but the amount you can withdraw tax-free depends on your age. Q. Can I withdraw money tax-free from my health savings account to pay my long-term-care insurance premiums? If I can, is there […]
7 Reasons Bitcoin Is Doomed
A crash in this and other cryptocurrencies is inevitable. Usually I have a fairly strong opinion about the stocks, bonds and funds I write about. I know I can be wrong — my less-than-flawless track record demonstrates that. And I can’t recall a time when I had such a strong opinion on an investment that […]
Executor Can Swing Away at an Omitted Spouse Petition
Born in Fresno, Kirk Kerkorian was an Armenian-American who went on to become a wealthy businessman and philanthropist, known for his role in shaping development in Las Vegas. After Kerkorian died in June 2015 at the age of 98, his last wife Una Davis filed a claim for a third of his large estate as […]
Will the “Real” Representative Please Stand – Litigation in Estate Proceedings
Last month, the Supreme Court of South Carolina, in Fisher v. Huckabee, 2018 WL 1076808 (Feb. 28, 2018), addressed the question of who may bring a suit on behalf of a deceased individual if the personal representative has a conflict. Briefly, the decedent asked the defendants to care for her in her last years. In […]
2018 Estate Tax Changes
Your first step to building a free, personalized, morning email brief covering pertinent authors and topics on JD Supra: Privacy Policy (Updated: October 8, 2015): hide JD Supra provides users with access to its legal industry publishing services (the “Service”) through its website (the “Website”) as well as through other sources. Our policies with regard […]
5 Ways to Maximize Your Charitable Giving
A donor advised fund is my go-to charitable giving vehicle for many reasons, but there are a few other ways to gift to charities and do the most good … for them and for you, too. I’ll never forget the time I stepped down from a junior board position. It was a difficult decision, because […]
When to Claim Social Security: 5 Tips
It’s easy to say that it’s best to wait until you’re 70 (if you can) to get the biggest monthly check possible. But it’s not that simple. For some folks, it makes sense to bite earlier. There tends to be an awful lot of advice flying around regarding when you should claim Social Security. The […]
10 Companies Making Huge Stock Buybacks in 2018
Source: Kiplinger This article was originally published on Kiplinger – https://www.kiplinger.com/ Buyback commitment: $6 billion While the Gold Rush of 1849 panned out to be a windfall for a few lucky prospectors, most of the miners who headed west seeking their fortune found nothing but disappointment. The only reliable way of making any money […]
Momentum Builds in Housing Market
Kiplinger’s latest forecast on housing starts and home sales iStockphoto By Rodrigo Sermeño, Reporter March 2, 2018 Residential construction started 2018 on a good note. Total housing starts jumped 9.7% in January to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 1.326 million. With the January rise, residential construction regained the ground it had lost in the […]
9 States with No Income Tax
Source: Kiplinger This article was originally published on Kiplinger – https://www.kiplinger.com/ State Income Taxes: There’s no state income tax, so salaries, wages, Social Security benefits, IRA distributions and pension income are not taxed. But Tennessee does have the Hall Tax, which taxes dividends and some interest at 4% (in 2017). The first $1,250 in […]
Run, Don’t Walk, From Leveraged ETFs
Source: Kiplinger This article was originally published on Kiplinger – https://www.kiplinger.com/ Leveraged ETFs may make exciting moves, but these trading instruments are perilous for most portfolios. The competition for investor dollars is fierce, and Wall Street is rife with financial geniuses figuring out new products designed to profit from even the most esoteric of […]
Trusts And The Corporate Lawyer
Corporate attorneys usually think of trusts as estate planning tools: they are the vehicles through which the owner of a business may pass along to their family a beneficial interest in the business without actually giving them direct ownership in the business. The owner will transfer an equity (often non-voting) interest in the business by […]
Medicare Doesn’t Cover Hearing Aids but Retirees Have Options
Medicare and most health insurance don’t cover hearing aids, but alternatives including over-the-counter devices can be less expensive.
Put a Student on the Path to Retirement Without Hurting Financial Aid
Contributing to a young worker’s Roth IRA can help a student start saving for retirement, although the timing of this gift could affect financial aid for college.
20 Financial Pros’ Advice for a Crazy Market
Protect Your Retirement in a Volatile Stock Market
529 Savings Plans Have More Uses — But States Need to Catch Up
The new federal tax law allows families to use 529 college plans to pay tuition for kindergarten through high school. But doing so before state laws are revised to reflect the new rules could trigger a tax and a penalty.
5 Money Lessons Grandparents Can Teach Their Grandkids
Starting as young as age 3, your grandchildren could reap a lifetime of rewards from these five basic financial skills.
Under the New Tax Law, Is My Alimony Tax-Free?
The new policy goes into effect in 2019. Older divorces can be modified to follow the new rules–if both parties agree.
5 Stocks to Sell in This Unsure Market
What Will the Stock Market Do Next?
If you’re feverishly worrying and wondering, then you’ve got a big problem: You aren’t an investor. You’re a gambler. And a bad one at that. Here’s how you should be thinking about the markets instead.
Bigger Deficits Yield Higher Interest Rates
Source: Kiplinger This article was originally published on Kiplinger – https://www.kiplinger.com/ Kiplinger’s latest forecast on interest rates
5 Dirt-Cheap Index Funds That Invest in Dividend Stocks
10 Housing REITs to Buy for the Rise of Renters
Volatile Stock Market’s 10% Correction Stokes Investor Fears
But market corrections are surprisingly common and surprisingly short-lived. Bear markets are another story. Here’s what you need to know.
5 Things to Do in a Bear Market
No one knows when we’re headed for an official bear market (you can only learn that in hindsight, unfortunately), so here’s what investors should do today, no matter what’s happening on Wall Street.
How to Build a Side Business While Keeping Your Day Job
It’s a delicate dance amping up a side hustle while staying true to your current employer.
Rising Deficit Boosts GDP, Dings Stock Market
Kiplinger’s latest forecast for the GDP growth rate
New Tax Law: 8 Smart Tax Strategies for Retirees
How Do You Really Know How You’re Doing for Retirement?
It’s natural to try to compare the car you drive, the vacations you take and the home you live in to that of your neighbors, friends and co-workers, but it won’t give you the accurate picture you need to tell where you stand.
Why Stock Market Volatility Has Officially Arrived
Looking at what’s going on in the economy reveals the reasons why the markets have entered a period of wide swings.
The Myth of the Magic Retirement Number
There are plenty of formulas you could try to see if you’re on track, but before you start plugging in numbers, it’s helpful to look at the big picture first. Here are five factors to consider when setting your retirement savings goal.
Roth IRA: Convert Now or Pay Later?
Why the tax-code change should put a hurry-up on your decision to convert a traditional IRA into a Roth.
While Others Debate New Tax Law, Stay Focused on Your Own Plan
The recent tax law changes may be out of your control, but you still have quite a bit of power over your own tax destiny using tried-and-true tax strategies.
Dow Charges Out of Slump on Volatile Tuesday for Stocks
Following a brutal two-day plunge, the Dow Jones industrial average regained ground on Tuesday to the delight of stock market bulls.
Why Mark Zuckerberg Wrote a Letter (and You Should Too)
Passing down to your heirs your intentions for your money is just as important as passing down the money itself. Writing one letter can make all the difference. Here’s how.
How Can I Deduct Home-Equity Interest Under the New Tax Law?
Still want to tap your home equity and deduct the interest? Options remain.
What Do You Know About the New Tax Brackets?
A Money Lesson for Newlyweds (and Other Lovers)
Roses on Valentine’s Day are a romantic classic, but what’s even better for a strong, happy marriage? Money harmony. And it all starts with an honest talk and shared strategy.
15 Industrial Stocks That Can Manufacture Gains in 2018
Retirement Planning Mistakes You’ll Regret Forever
How to Be Rich (Hint: A 401(k) Alone Won’t Get You There)
Of course, saving is one of the keys to wealth, but if you’re just pumping all you’ve got into a 401(k), you’re missing the boat.
Should You Hire or Fire Your Robo Adviser?
Robos have come a long way, and they do serve a purpose for many investors. But when the markets are going crazy, there’s a distinct downside to consider.
Support Groups for Retired Men
Bonding over books or bocce can spark important conversations and help stave off depression in retirement.
The 3 Spending Stages of Your Retirement
Popular thinking is that you’ll spend less once you retire, but that’s not what I’ve seen in my own clients, at least in the first few years.
Tax Changes Boost Business Spending
Kiplinger’s latest forecast on business equipment spending
E-mails From the IRS — and Other Signs of a Tax Scam
Identity thieves are getting more sophisticated at tricking taxpayers into revealing their personal information. Here are some scams you may encounter this tax season and ways to tell fact from fraud.
Look to Small-Cap Dividend Payers in Retirement
Smaller stocks paying dividends are generally more mature and profitable, a welcome find for retirees in search of new sources of investing income in retirement.
6 Ways to Prepare for How Tax Reform Will Impact Your Retirement
Start planning and taking actions now to minimize your tax bill for 2018 and beyond.
Money Lessons from Oscars and the Academy Awards
7 Stocks to Buy That Are Winning With Tech
The Economy Is Fine: 7 Reasons Investors Shouldn’t Panic
U.S. Trade Deficit at Nine-Year High and Rising
Kiplinger’s latest forecast on the direction of the trade deficit.
Zombie Tax Breaks for Your 2017 Return
Decoding the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 for Estate and Wealth Planning
Your first step to building a free, personalized, morning email brief covering pertinent authors and topics on JD Supra: Privacy Policy (Updated: October 8, 2015): hide JD Supra provides users with access to its legal industry publishing services (the “Service”) through its website (the “Website”) as well as through other sources. Our policies with regard […]
What to Do With Leftover Money in a 529 College-Savings Plan
Source: Kiplinger This article was originally published on Kiplinger – https://www.kiplinger.com/ There’s no time limit for spending money in a 529 college-savings plan, so leftover dollars in an account can be used by other family members now or by a new generation in the future. Q. My children are now through with college, […]
Kip 25 Best No-Load Mutual Funds 2018
The focus: Companies in foreign countries that trade at a bargain. The process: David Herro and his comanager Michael Manelli seek firm with executives who act like owners, that generate positive free cash flow (cash earnings after capital expenditures) and that reinvest profits wisely. But they only buy if the stock sells for at least […]
New Tax Law: Tips for Filing Your 2017 Tax Return
At one point last fall, the House of Representatives voted to abolish the deduction for medical expenses. In the end, though, the new law actually sweetens this break, and does so retroactively. For 2017 and 2018, you can write off medical expenses to the extent they exceed 7.5% of your adjusted gross income. But note, […]
Consider Annuities for Reliable Retirement Income
Source: Kiplinger This article was originally published on Kiplinger – https://www.kiplinger.com When the market fails, retirees shouldn’t be left to worry about whether their portfolios can continue to support them. Most investors try to accumulate as much money as possible to alleviate the worry of running out of it one day. And why not? […]
Important Information about the 2017 Tax Cuts & Jobs Act: Regulatory Outlook
Source: Tucker Arensberg This article was originally published on Tucker Arensberg – https://www.tuckerlaw.com/ Your first step to building a free, personalized, morning email brief covering pertinent authors and topics on JD Supra: Privacy Policy (Updated: October 8, 2015): JD Supra provides users with access to its legal industry publishing services (the “Service”) through its […]
9 Safe Dividend Stocks to Buy for Timely Retirement Yield
Source: Kiplinger This article was originally published on Kiplinger – https://www.kiplinger.com/ Market value: $199.4 billion Dividend yield: 3.5% Five-year average yield: 3.4% Another favorite holding for low-risk investors is Procter & Gamble (PG, $78.52). The consumer goods giant sells many different products under 65 brands such as Luvs, Pampers, Cascade, Crest and Gillette. P&G’s […]
Parsing “to my issue in equal shares per stirpes” in trust instruments
The phrase “to my issue per stirpes” in a trust instrument, at least in the typical fact pattern, will call for the creation of a constellation of shares not all of which are of equal value. Thus, the phrase “to my issue in equal shares per stirpes” is unfortunate. How the courts, the legislatures, and […]
You must be logged in to post a comment.