10 Simple Steps For Your Estate Executor’s Duties During the Probate Process Family Tree Estate Planning has created this helpful infographic and document explaining the 10 simple steps to help your Estate Executor’s duties throughout the Probate process. Here’s a PDF version of the Estate Executor’s Duties:
Market value: $3.7 billion Distribution yield: 5.3%* TipRanks consensus price target: $78 (17% upside potential) TipRanks consensus rating: Strong Buy Theme park giant Cedar Fair LP (FUN, $65.62) is in the business of fun. And so far, that business seems to be working; shares are up nearly 60% over the past five years. But Cedar Fair also is […]
Population: 1.8 million Share of population 65+: 17.8% Cost of living: 17% below the U.S. average Average income for 65+ households: $40,109 Average health care costs for a retired couple: Below average at $404,606 Tax rating for retirees: Not Tax Friendly Despite its below-average living costs, the Mountain State offers some rocky terrain for retirees. […]
Distributions from a grandparent-owned 529 savings plan could reduce a grandchild’s financial aid. But using one of these strategies can limit the impact. Getty Images By Kimberly Lankford, Contributing Editor May 9, 2018 QI read your column Shopping for a 529 Plan for a Grandchild. Don’t grandparents have to be careful about opening a 529 […]
As a former professional baseball player, I have insights into the financial pitfalls that the wealthy and newly wealthy often make. Professional athletes are notorious for dropping the ball when it comes to dealing with their finances. SEE ALSO: 10 Questions to Fire at Financial Advisers I know it’s hard for most people to be […]
Financial professionals are changing their ways, or at least many are. More are happy to work with younger, smaller investors, and to put your needs ahead of their own. And now finding such an adviser is getting easier. What comes to mind when you hear the phrase “financial adviser?” SEE ALSO: 10 Questions to Fire […]
Acting in the best interests of the trust and the trust beneficiaries, a trustee has the duty to protect and preserve trust assets and, generally, to make the assets productive. In making investment decisions and managing trust assets, the trustee must further abide by the “prudent investor rule,” which requires a trustee to exercise reasonable […]
Market value: $57.3 billion Distribution yield: 6.4% For another blue-chip MLP play, consider Enterprise Products Partners LP (EPD, $26.54). Enterprise Products is one of the oldest and best-respected MLPs you’re ever going to find. In an industry that has traditionally been run by cowboy capitalists, Enterprise has managed to stay remarkably level headed over the […]
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a federal program that helps people with disabilities and very low incomes pay for food, clothing and shelter. SSI is often confused with Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). One of the main differences between the two programs is that SSDI is available to people with disabilities no matter how much […]
Ranking: #37 Population: 1.8 million Share of population 65+: 17.8% Cost of living: 17% below the U.S. average Average income for 65+ households: $40,109 Average health care costs for a retired couple: Below average at $404,606 Tax rating for retirees: Not Tax Friendly Despite its below-average living costs, the Mountain State offers some rocky terrain […]
If it’s been a few years since you signed on the bottom line, dust off that policy and see if it still makes sense for you by answering these four questions. You may have crossed buying a life insurance policy off your to-do list many years ago, but many people make the mistake of thinking […]
My doctor assured me that Wednesday in August that all was well and we would be delivering my still-growing boy on schedule in October, and she sent me home to catch up on some well-deserved rest. I saw her again that Friday as I was being prepped for delivery. For no apparent reason, my October […]
Market value: $24.7 billion Dividend yield: 1.8% Never heard of Synchrony Financial (SYF, $32.63)? Actually, you may be familiar with this company, even without realizing it. Synchrony Financial is the finance arm that General Electric (GE) spun out in 2015. You may be a user of Synchrony’s services and not even realize it. If you […]
Interest rate: N/A (payback in form of equity or rewards) Repayment schedule: 5+ years for equity, 1+ years for rewards Pros: Access to diverse pool of backers, good way to establish engaged customer base Cons: Relatively slow process to accumulate funds Popularized by platforms such as Indiegogo and Kickstarter, crowdfunding has evolved in the last […]
Judicial oaths require that judges rule on the law, putting their personal feelings aside. Indeed, judges’ personal opinions are presumed to be non-factors in judicial decision making as judges are charged to uphold the letter of the law regardless of their personal beliefs. The decision in Matter of the Estate of Durcan is a case […]
If there’s an underdog stock in the world of consumer goods, Lululemon Athletica (LULU) has got to be it. First, the company promoted Christine Day to CEO — she joined LULU from Starbucks Corporation (SBUX) as head of retail operations in January 2008 — to work her magic in June 2008. Unfortunately, Day stepped down as […]
Saving money in your 401(k) and IRA is probably what got you to retirement, but being smart about how you manage those funds once you get there can make a big difference in your tax bills over the years. Retirees often overlook tax planning. This typically is because retirees are in one of the lower […]
If you haven’t filed Form 8606 with the IRS to track your nondeductible IRA contributions over the years, it will take a bit of detective work. QI am trying to figure out how much I’ll owe in taxes when I roll over some money from my traditional IRA to a Roth. I made some nondeductible […]
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 […]
Sector: Utilities Dividend yield: 3.5% Regulated utilities are often a core component of most defensive income portfolios, and for good reason. These businesses are essentially government-sanctioned monopolies, typically operating as the sole service provider in their territories. However, to ensure their infrastructure is reliable and their prices remain reasonable for customers, utility operations – including […]
Does your financial plan have a hole in it? Check to see if you have all five of the critical areas covered. The road to retirement just keeps getting more difficult to navigate, with new products, new rules and new technologies. SEE ALSO: 3 Common Money Myths You Probably Believe It helps to have a […]
May Interest Rates for GRATs, Sales to Defective Grantor Trusts, Intra-Family Loans and Split Interest Charitable Trusts The May § 7520 rate for use with estate planning techniques such as CRTs, CLTs, QPRTs and GRATs is 3.2%, no change from the April rate of 3.2%. The May applicable federal rate (AFR) for use with a […]
Warren Buffett, chairman and CEO of Berkshire Hathaway (BRK.B), likes to say that his ideal holding period is “forever.” But he never has been shy about dumping stocks that no longer hew to his high standards, even if they are some of the bluest of blue-chip stocks. The Oracle of Omaha has famously held American […]
Retirement planning should start with the income you need for your monthly expenses, but don’t stop there. The term “living paycheck to paycheck” has become the go-to phrase for people who are just getting by. They mostly have their monthly income figured out, but there’s no emergency fund — and they aren’t putting any money […]
By Mary Kane, Associate Editor | Kiplinger’s Retirement Report April 18, 2018 Gaining a better understanding of how Social Security works is one of the most important things you can do to prepare for retirement. After all, on average, Social Security benefits will replace about 40% of your preretirement income, according to the Social […]
Earnings release date: Thursday, April 26 Time of day: After the closing bell Today’s Microsoft (MSFT, $96.07) isn’t your father’s Microsoft. The Microsoft of yesteryear was primarily about selling its Windows operating system, with its Office productivity suite’s sales being a close-second priority. The business model was one of updating and upgrading previous versions of […]
Source: HBR.org This article was originally published on HBR.org – https://hbr.org/ Executive Summary What if you could maximize your time by making progress on work challenges while spending time with your children and helping them learn important skills in the process? By doing things a bit differently, you benefit your task list, your children, and […]
Source: Kiplinger This article was originally published on Kiplinger – https://www.kiplinger.com/ Many people take Social Security early and put off tapping into their IRAs and 401(k)s until they must. But that’s the opposite of what most should do, because waiting until 70 to take benefits can pay off in more ways than one. Most […]
If you’re getting hounded by calls, emails or letters from the IRS, how do you know they’re legit? Here are some warning signs of scams to watch out for. Every year I seem to get multiple calls from scam artists pretending to be the IRS. Luckily for me, I know they are scams, and I […]
Source: Kiplinger This article was originally published on Kiplinger – https://www.kiplinger.com/ When searching for a 529 college-savings plan for a grandchild, first check whether your state offers a tax break for your contributions. QMy husband and I live in Virginia, and our grandson lives in Utah. What is the best way to set up […]
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 […]
Paul Daugherty and James Wilson, senior technology leaders at Accenture, argue that robots and smarter computers aren’t coming for our jobs. They talk about companies that are already giving employees access to artificial intelligence to strengthen their skills. They also give examples of new roles for people in an AI workplace. Daugherty and Wilson are […]
Source: Kiplinger This article was originally published on Kiplinger – https://www.kiplinger.com/ Lifetime wealth creation: $608.1 billion Annualized return (July 1926-December 2016): 10.7% Current dividend yield: 5.6% Current analyst ratings: 2 strong buy, 1 buy, 7 hold, 0 sell, 2 strong sell As hard as it may be to believe these days, shares in General […]
Executive Summary When a company needs a supervisor for a team, senior leaders often anoint the team’s most productive performer. Some of these stars succeed in their new role as manager; many others do not. The difference seems to hinge on whether the person has six abilities: being open to feedback and personal change, supporting others’ […]
Executive Summary Even companies that claim to have a long-term orientation worry about whether R&D is worth the investment. This is because they worry the resulting knowledge might walk out the door, as employees join other firms or start their own and because you can acquire firms that have the needed technology instead. If everyone followed […]
Experts urge training, support and rest for aging caregivers as seniors caring for seniors in retirement becomes increasingly common. By Susan B. Garland, Contributing Editor April 17, 2018From Kiplinger’s Retirement Report As people live longer, caregivers can expect to spend years caring for a spouse or even a parent. And older caregivers, many in their […]
The maximum contribution is $55,000, up from $54,000 in 2017 and significantly more than can be saved for retirement in a regular IRA. A Simplified Employee Pension IRA, or SEP IRA for short, is a good option for self-employed workers and small-business owners who want an easy and inexpensive retirement plan. A SEP IRA is […]
Executive Summary Recent developments in AI are about lowering the cost of prediction. Better predictions matter when you make decisions in the face of uncertainty, as every business does, constantly. But how do you think through what it would take to incorporate a prediction machine into your decision-making process? In teaching this subject to MBA graduates […]
You might not be thinking about the practical tasks that need to be accomplished as soon as possible, but these steps are critical to safeguard an estate and ensure that it is passed down as smoothly as possible. When a person passes away and his or her family members have dealt with their initial emotions, […]
As the new general manager of the Global Research & Innovative Technology Center (GRIT) at Hitachi Metals, Kenichi Inoue is tasked with creating an updated framework for research and development in advanced materials, helping his organization make the shift to a new approach to engineering and innovation in a disrupted world. With products that include […]
On April 19, 2018, the CFPB’s Successor in Interest Rules take effect. Here’s what you need to know: What do the Successor in Interest Rules require? The Rules are really modifications to the Mortgage Servicing Rules which are already in place and enable mortgage servicers to communicate with potential and confirmed successors in interest without […]
Source: Winstead This article was originally published on Winstead – https://www.winstead.com/ In Kohlhausen v. Baxendale, the court affirmed a summary judgment for a trustee on the basis of an exculpatory clause in a trust document. No. 01-15-00901-CV, 2018 Tex. App. LEXIS 1828 (Tex. App.—Houston [1st Dist.] March 13, 2018, no pet. history). A mother created […]
In Warren Buffett’s most recent letter to shareholders, he updated a data point that never gets old: Just how much Berkshire Hathaway (BRK.A, BRK.B) shares have outperformed the Standard & Poor’s 500-stock index. Between 1965 and the end of 2017, the S&P 500 has put up a plenty-respectable 15,508% … but Berkshire shares have delivered […]
HBR Staff The entrepreneur who founded and grew the largest startup in the world to $10 billion in revenue and got fired is someone you have probably never heard of. The guy who replaced him invented the idea of the modern corporation. If you want to understand the future of Tesla, and Elon Musk’s role […]
The decision depends on the level of the fee, what services are included, how often you trade and any hidden costs that may eat into your balance. Assets are flooding into investment accounts that charge clients a single asset-based fee rather than a commission on each trade. But regulators and consumer advocates warn that these […]
Starting in 2018, the tax deduction that giving to charity provides may be no longer be available to many people. That is, unless they change the way they give. Here are three strategies to help keep the deduction many count on. Getty Images By Mike Palmer, CFP | Ark Royal Wealth ManagementApril 16, 2018Contact Me […]
Some self-employed savers can put away as much as $61,000 for retirement in a solo 401(k), depending on age and compensation. A solo 401(k), also known as an individual 401(k) or a one-participant 401(k), is designed for self-employed people who have no employees other than a spouse. The plan allows these small-business owners to salt […]
Overall Rating for Taxes on Retirees: Tax-friendly Inheritance and Estate Taxes: There is no inheritance tax or estate tax. State Sales Tax: 7% state levy. Localities can add up to 2.75%, with an average combined rate of 9.46%, according to the Tax Foundation. Groceries are taxed at 4% by the state, plus whatever local rate […]
Let me set the record straight on the two main types of annuities for you. For some investors, annuities have an image problem. Read the headlines on the advertisements from a few marketing-focused financial advisers to understand why. They often include words like “scary,” “avoid” and often just plain “bad.” SEE ALSO: Rates Are Rising. […]
Source: Kiplinger This article was originally published on Kiplinger – https://www.kiplinger.com/ Bitcoin is back. Kind of. The biggest financial story of 2017, the cryptocurrency Bitcoin was worth less than $1,000 in January, then worth more than $29,000 by December. As 2018 opened, the Bitcoin market was worth over $250 billion – more than AT&T […]
Executive Summary Startup and technical business leaders often don’t tell their innovation stories well. They rely too much on industry jargon and complex detail. This is a huge opportunity loss. When you’re doing good work, you want people to know about it. So whether you’re drafting website copy, a marketing brochure, an online article, or […]
Executive Summary There are so many articles about the challenges and stresses of being a working parent. But there are also joys, especially as your kids get older. It’s delightful watching the kids you have adored, accompanied, and applauded for a couple of decades blossom into themselves — and leave you the freedom to do the […]
Executive Summary Too many leaders avoid making tough calls. The delay often does far more damage than whatever fallout they were trying to avoid. In fact, hard decisions often get more complicated when they’re deferred. In a ten-year longitudinal study of more than 2,700 leaders, 57% percent of newly appointed executives said that decisions were more complicated and […]
The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act preserved or even beefed up many tax breaks available through workplace benefits programs. Here’s how to make the most of those benefits. A key component of building wealth is minimizing taxes, so it’s worthwhile to review the different valuable tax breaks often available through workplace benefit programs. SEE ALSO: […]
Executive Summary Developing your corporate values early in your company’s history can have a lasting and positive effect on your organization and its culture, and it’s easier to do when your team is small. Whether you’re running a startup or a small business, it’s important to follow a process that allows everyone to contribute. Start […]
Not long ago, Twitter (TWTR, $29.00) wasn’t exactly guaranteed a long and fruitful future. Its number of monthly users actually fell quarter-over-quarter in early 2016, and during the first quarter of 2017 its revenue fell for the first time ever. Never even mind the habitual losses Twitter had been booking since its inception. A funny […]
Executive Summary Stephen Curry has built his NBA career taking shots that others don’t: three point shots from a crazy distance. Defenders didn’t traditionally worry much about these, since there’s such a low likelihood they’ll actually make it into the basket. But Curry practiced and practiced until they weren’t unlikely for him. His game is an […]
Executive Summary Companies often have to downsize their sales force as markets weaken, channels shift, or customer behavior evolves. Many companies make mistakes when doing this. They fail to recognize the impact the move will have on revenue; they conduct several waves of cuts, instead of just one; they downsize without a strategy for how […]
Executive Summary One of the biggest risks to a company’s reputation is a tone-deaf advertising campaign. PR practitioners need to be keenly attuned to what their brands’ strategies are and how their campaigns can be perceived by stakeholders and a broader audience — but they’ll be hard-pressed to do so if they don’t become more […]
Executive Summary While talking to someone from another culture, you get a sinking feeling that you’ve made a mistake. Maybe it was a joke that misfired, an unintentional violation of personal space, or a misreading of the context that resulted in someone losing face. In your own culture, you could quickly recover, because you’d have a […]
You’ll keep more cash if you follow our advice. By the editors of Kiplinger’s Personal FinanceApril 11, 2018 Car insurance that costs too much, bank account fees, home-energy wasters or mutual funds with high expense ratios. Each of those leaks in isolation won’t damage your finances, but all of the drips can quickly add up […]
Source: Kiplinger This article was originally published on Kiplinger – https://www.kiplinger.com/ The drawbacks of Medicare Advantage plans can become apparent when serious illness or injury strikes. Medicare Advantage plans are attracting seniors with their appealing price tags and promise of comprehensive health coverage in one convenient package. But are these plans actually a disadvantage […]
Source: Kiplinger This article was originally published on Kiplinger – https://www.kiplinger.com/ Sin stocks – shares of businesses that make weapons, operate casinos, brew beer and grow tobacco, among other activities – are immoral and don’t merit their precious investment dollars. However, these stocks have the potential for massive outperformance, and many have – sometimes […]
Source: Kiplinger This article was originally published on Kiplinger – https://www.kiplinger.com/ As much as 85% of your Social Security benefits could be taxable if you have other sources of income, such as earnings from work or withdrawals from tax-deferred retirement accounts. Q. How do I calculate what portion of my Social Security benefits is […]
Source: HBR.org This article was originally published on HBR.org – https://hbr.org/ Executive Summary It’s hard to know if we’re really making efficient use of our time. It seems like we’re working hard — and we’re certainly stressed out. But are we spending our time on the right things? To figure this out, try a time-tracking […]
Source: Chambliss This article was originally published on Chambliss – https://www.chamblisslaw.com/ While the execution of wills requires formalities like witnesses and a notary, the reality is that most property passes to heirs through other, less formal means. Many bank and investments accounts, as well as real estate, have joint owners who take ownership automatically […]
Source: HBR.org This article was originally published on HBR.org – https://hbr.org/ Executive Summary Scented environments have been shown to reduce typos in office workers; improve the perception of product quality; increase purchase intent, average unit sales, and duration of a retail visit or stay among consumers; and boost the willingness of consumers to pay […]
A set-it-and-forget-it investing approach is certainly a pretty easy route for retirement savers to take, but it might be contributing to some big problems for portfolios, and even the market itself, down the line. Passive investing is taking over the world. Okay, that’s an exaggeration, but investment researchers at Sanford C. Bernstein & Co. say […]
Executive Summary Imagine you are putting together a team for an important project. You have two candidates for the last slot. First, there’s Tess. She has not only a lot of relevant experience but also a wide network in the industry. She seems to know all about the emerging trends; her colleagues marvel at her […]
The Supreme Court of Alaska issued a ruling on March 2, 2018, denying Alaska courts the exclusive jurisdiction purportedly granted by the Alaska asset protection statute. This holding is consistent with a ruling by the Delaware Court of Chancery in 2014. Based on these cases, it appears that one state’s asset protection statute cannot, by […]
Source: Kiplinger This article was originally published on Kiplinger – https://www.kiplinger.com In addition to your credit, any assets you bring to the marriage should remain in your own name. The average cost of a wedding ranges from $25,000 to $35,000, plus another $5,000 for the honeymoon. Yet in the excitement of planning it all, […]
Executive Summary One toxic team member is all it takes to destroy a high-performing team. But what can you do if the toxic person is your peer? First, have an honest, candid conversation with the person. If you don’t attempt to do this, you are 100% ensuring that the relationship will, at best, continue in […]
Source: HBR.org This article was originally published on HBR.org – https://hbr.org/ Research has shown that firms benefit when their CEOs have strong networks. A new study explored that idea by looking at whether the diversity of a CEO’s network affects their firm. Researchers used BoardEx data to examined a sample of 1,212 CEOs who led […]
Source: Kiplinger This article was originally published on Kiplinger – https://www.kiplinger.com/ If you go by the book, you would shoot for 10% to 20% of your gross income. But that ballpark figure can be deceiving. Savings and retirement estimators are helpful, but often misleading, tools. These calculators can be insufficient to determine how much […]
Source: Kiplinger This article was originally published on Kiplinger – https://www.kiplinger.com A happily ever after retirement requires a real plan. Here are some of the (tough) questions your retirement planner should be asking you in order to make that plan. If you’re having minor chest pains for the first time, you’d probably go to […]
Source: Kiplinger This article was originally published on Kiplinger – https://www.kiplinger.com Market value: $25.8 billion Dividend yield: 4.3% General Mills (GIS, $44.98) sells a diversified mix of packaged meals, snacks, cereal, yogurt, baking products and more under several well-known brands, including Cheerios, Yoplait, Pillsbury, Nature Valley and Betty Crocker. With a track record of […]
If you want Fluffy to come with you, get your paperwork ready — and prepare to pay. Getty Images By Pat Mertz Esswein, Associate Editor and Kaitlin Pitsker, Staff Writer April 9, 2018From Kiplinger’s Personal Finance Update: In late March, a dog died after being stowed in its carrier in an overhead bin on a […]
Even if you have a qualified health insurance policy only for a few months out of the year, you can still make a tax-deductible contribution to a health savings account. Getty Images By Kimberly Lankford, Contributing Editor April 9, 2018 QI was working part-time for the first few months of 2017 and bought my own […]
Source: Kiplinger This article was originally published on Kiplinger – https://www.kiplinger.com The amount of workers at small businesses can contribute to a SIMPLE IRA for 2018 is unchanged from 2017, but there are ways to boost retirement savings. A Savings Incentive Match Plan for Employees IRA, or SIMPLE IRA for short, is a retirement […]
In In re Estate of Perez-Muzza, two days before the statute of limitations period ended, a contestant filed a will contest seeking to have a court set aside an order admitting a will to probate. No. 04-16-00755-CV, 2018 Tex. App. LEXIS 1859 (Tex. App.—San Antonio March 14, 2018, no pet. history). Will contests must be […]
Source: Kiplinger This article was originally published on Kiplinger – https://www.kiplinger.com/ Delaying Social Security and using RMD rules to draw down your nest egg is a winning combination for middle-income retirees. Retirement-income strategies are big business. Financial advisers and online advice services will help you transform your savings into a steady retirement paycheck—for a […]
Executive Summary In a recent publication in the Journal of Product Innovation, researchers undertook a systematic review of 40 years of innovation research. Using a natural language processing approach, they analyzed and organized 1,078 articles published on the topics of disruptive, architectural, breakthrough, competence-destroying, discontinuous, and radical innovation. Two topics stood out: disruptive innovation and radical innovation. Disruptive innovation […]
Executive Summary It may not be a regular occurrence but when you’re put on the spot in a meeting, it can be an unnerving moment. Instead of keeping your eyes down and hoping you don’t get called on, prepare for these opportunities – and make the most of them. Look through the agenda ahead of […]
Executive Summary The average professional spends 4.1 hours per day responding to work messages. But psychologically, it carries a disproportionate weight: regardless of how much time we actually spend, it feels like we are always answering email, and always stressed about the unanswered messages waiting in our inboxes. Keeping track of every email you receive over a two-week period might reveal […]
Source: Kiplinger This article was originally published on Kiplinger – https://www.kiplinger.com/ Grandparents have the power to help shape little ones’ financial futures, and all it starts with some good old heart-to-heart talks. Fear, power, greed, and self-esteem … These are words and thoughts we associate with money, and we’re passing them onto our children […]
The former professional boxer-turned-entrepreneur shares why giving back to the community is a top priority, as well as the money lessons she’s learned that enabled her career transition. Giving back is something that comes naturally to retired (and undefeated) professional boxer-turned-entrepreneur Laila Ali. Born the daughter of the late legendary boxer and activist Muhammad Ali […]
A tear in a swimming pool’s lining, a protective layer applied to the pool before it’s filled, is a common repair encountered by homeowners. The liner acts as a barrier between the pool walls/floor and water, and it helps prevent mold growth. Vinyl lining is popular largely due to its affordability. Expect to pay $200, […]
Source: HBR.org This article was originally published on HBR.org – https://hbr.org/ Executive Summary You’ve seen the practice. A group of managers get together at a resort for two days to hammer out a “strategic plan.” Done and dusted, they all head home. But have they produced a plan with a strategy? Often, the answer is […]
Executive Summary Many leaders quickly lose their confidence and competence when making business presentations. For a subset of them — those who need to present in English when it isn’t their native language — the stakes and the stress can feel even higher. Meanwhile, the need for leaders to be able to present in English […]
At least 10 years before you plan to retire you should start taking a hard look at how much you’re spending. Getting a handle on that number (and how to improve it) is key for a secure retirement. The financial planning industry tends to put a big emphasis on how much you’ve saved for retirement, […]
Source: Kiplinger This article was originally published on Kiplinger – https://www.kiplinger.com Age: 54 Estimated net worth: $40 million How she struck it rich: Combined wealth with her husband and author, former U.S. President Barack Obama Frugal habit: Shops at Target The former first lady is known for being thrifty. While her husband former President […]
Executive Summary Research shows that women of color are more likely to be assigned or asked to take on office housework tasks, such as ordering lunch or running mentoring programs. When faced with these requests, what should they do? Saying yes could mean hurting their career and reinforcing their position as less powerful. Saying no […]
Do you want to shake up your career? In this episode of HBR’s advice podcast, Dear HBR:, Dan and Alison answer your questions with the help of Whitney Johnson, the author of Disrupt Yourself: Putting the Power of Disruptive Innovation to Work. They talk through what to do when you’ve trained for one career and […]
Source: Adler Pollock & Sheehan P.C. This article was originally published on APSLAW – https://www.apslaw.com/ After recent tax legislation, including the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA), few tax shelters are left standing. One key exception is life insurance. If certain requirements are met, the buildup of value in a life insurance policy is […]
Volatile markets might keep you up at night, but long-term investors would do well to remember that they’re also a chance to get high-quality stocks at bargain prices. Hey, any time blue-chip stocks go on sale, investors should be ready to pounce. Wall Street analysts certainly think that way. The blue-chip Dow Jones Industrial Average […]
Jurgen Ziewe/Getty Images Over the past few decades, Silicon Valley has been such a powerful engine for entrepreneurship in technology that, all too often, it is considered to be some kind of panacea. Corporate executives seek to inject “Silicon Valley DNA” into their cultures, and policy makers point to venture-funded entrepreneurship as a solution for […]
Executive Summary Employees take leaves of absence for all sorts of reasons, from dealing with a cancer diagnosis to caring for a sick child. When the employee returns to the office, of course, there is often a sense of relief, and leaders can forget that there are many steps that must occur before employees can return to full […]
Imagno/Getty Images Show me a person who sees uncertainty as opportunity, and I’ll show you a person who has mastered the new world of work. A person like Juliet (not her real name), for example, who described a stressful stretch of her career as “disgustingly exciting.” Juliet had left full-time employment in the public sector […]
Source: Kiplinger This article was originally published on Kiplinger – https://www.kiplinger.com/ The year 2017 has topped all prior years as the costliest on record for natural disasters in the United States. Some estimates put the loss at over $300 billion. SEE ALSO: Real Estate Investment Isn’t Always a Good Deal Consider some of the […]
Your furry friends can run up a big tab over their lifetime, but we’ll show you how to keep expenses in check. It happened in a flash. One minute Dan Perlowitz of West Orange, N.J., had his dog Gracie’s leash in hand, and the next she had broken away and run onto a nearby highway. […]
Source: Kiplinger This article was originally published on Kiplinger – https://www.kiplinger.com/ Look for two- to three-year-old used vehicles because they’ve already lost the lion’s share of their initial value. Most used car shoppers will find plenty of bargains in 2018. A record number of vehicles are coming off lease, increasing dealer supply and […]
Source: Kiplinger This article was originally published on Kiplinger – https://www.kiplinger.com/ The closer you get to retirement the more likely you are to need all the help you can get. To help you decide what kind of financial advice is best for you, see if your situation is similar to this hypothetical client: […]
Source: Kiplinger This article was originally published on Kiplinger – https://www.kiplinger.com/ Be sure to interview a few options and check into their backgrounds before hiring someone. Interview a few advisers before you settle on one. Having conversations with the advisers will also give you a feel for how your personalities mesh. Ask questions, and […]
At this stage of life, a robo adviser with a low minimum asset requirement may be sufficient, but you might also consider a financial planner who charges a flat fee or by the hour for extra help with broader planning. To help you decide what kind of financial advice is best for you, see if […]
Source: Kiplinger This article was originally published on Kiplinger – https://www.kiplinger.com/ The best financial adviser for you should work to serve your unique needs. Thanks to technology and regulatory reforms, the financial advice industry is undergoing a tectonic shift. You now have more options if you’re seeking advice from a planner who is committed […]
Despite being a money expert himself, Kiplinger editor Mark Solheim found the advice industry to be a labyrinth of credentials and opaque fee structures when he went looking for financial guidance from the pros. My wife and I live in a 1,000-square-foot house in Washington, D.C. That’s no typo. The house is tiny. We’ve thought […]
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 […]
Fraudsters are using payment apps such as Paypal and Zelle to trick you out of your money. Finding a good hairstylist is hard, but finding a traveling hairstylist is even harder. As a splurge, I looked for someone who would come to my apartment to spend four or more hours braiding my hair. Thanks to […]
Travelers who want more than a couch to sleep on have new options. Getty Images By Miriam Cross, Staff Writer April 4, 2018From Kiplinger’s Personal Finance The line between home rentals and hotels is blurring, and that’s good news for travelers who like the idea of staying in a home away from home but are […]
Source: Kiplinger This article was originally published on Kiplinger – https://www.kiplinger.com/ Many records are no longer needed three years after filing your tax return, but you may have to keep documents involving the purchase of a house or investments for years longer. QNow that I’ve filed my income tax return, I’m going to clean […]
Source: Kiplinger This article was originally published on Kiplinger – https://www.kiplinger.com/ Our four portfolios will help you harness higher interest rates. It’s a sure bet that interest rates have settled into a higher range and are poised to rise further. But don’t let that scare you away from bonds (when rates are rising, […]
Is your elderly parent or other relative who lives alone experiencing difficulty with daily living activities? Although moving a loved one to a nursing home might be the best option for all concerned, the move may be challenged by the senior citizen, much to the adult children’s chagrin. In some cases, a squabble can evolve […]
Source: Kiplinger This article was originally published on Kiplinger – https://www.kiplinger.com/ When you have competing priorities, you may need more assistance sorting through your financial picture. To help you decide what kind of financial advice is best for you, see if your situation is similar to this hypothetical client: Kiplinger’s Guide to the Financial […]
When you book an award ticket, points cover only the base fare. Taxes, fees and surcharges can add anywhere from a few bucks to a few hundred dollars. Depending on how much those fees add, “it may be better to pay for the ticket yourself instead of blowing 100,000 miles and paying a fuel surcharge,” […]
Source: Kiplinger This article was originally published on Kiplinger – https://www.kiplinger.com/ Beware, however: They are not protected from losses by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. For years, money market mutual funds have paid practically nothing. But each time the Federal Reserve lifts short-term interest rates, yields on money market funds tend to rise in […]
You can still recharacterize a Roth contribution and move the money to a traditional IRA. Getty Images By Kimberly Lankford, Contributing Editor April 4, 2018From Kiplinger’s Personal Finance QI know I can’t undo conversions from a traditional IRA to a Roth anymore. But what if I contribute to a Roth and then discover my income […]
Source: Kiplinger This article was originally published on Kiplinger – https://www.kiplinger.com/ If you (or your teenager) often drop or misplace your cell phone, it may be worth it to buy coverage along with the phone. Q. Now that new cell phones are more expensive, should I consider getting cell phone insurance? What are […]
Source: Kiplinger This article was originally published on Kiplinger – https://www.kiplinger.com/ You may be able to rein in your loan payments before they go up. Rising interest rates have boosted the cost of borrowing against your home, and rates are likely to go higher. The average rate on a home-equity line of credit […]
Unlimited monthly access usually ranges from about $300 to $500 and includes a slew of amenities. Getty Images By Kaitlin Pitsker, Staff Writer April 4, 2018From Kiplinger’s Personal Finance As more people go into business for themselves or take on side gigs to generate extra income, co-working spaces are expanding their services to appeal to […]
Plot a Social Security claiming strategy now to ensure the surviving wife or husband will be eligible for the most Social Security income later. Savvy husbands and wives spend a lot of time coordinating when to start taking Social Security to maximize their total benefits. But it’s just as crucial to plan for when that […]
Our actively managed funds turned in mixed results over the past year. But they are in the race for the long haul. A race, especially a marathon, requires planning and preparation. Runners set time goals, and they have a plan for how to tackle rough stretches of the course. Investors aren’t much different. They set […]
Overall Rating for Taxes on Retirees: Least tax-friendly State Sales Tax: 6.5% state levy. Localities can add as much as 4%, and the average combined rate is 8.62%, according to the Tax Foundation. These rates apply to groceries as well. A food sales tax credit of $125 per person is available to seniors and those […]
Executive Summary There is a paradox when it comes to what we expect in leaders. On the one hand, we believe that effective leaders display humility — they bring out the best in others, are open to admitting their shortcomings and mistakes, and give appreciation and credit to their followers. A recent study set out to […]
Executive Summary While chronic disease management (CDM) apps have had some initial success, they have not yet lived up to their potential. This shortcoming is not due to the capability of the technologies, which are quite impressive; the problem is the incentives and institutions of the delivery system into which the technologies are being introduced. To succeed under […]
HBR Staff In an era where nearly every consumer good and service — from books and groceries to babysitting and shared rides — can be purchased through an electronic transaction on a mobile device, it seems reasonable to think that more and more of our health care can also be managed using apps on mobile devices. Proponents of […]
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