Insights
2017 – Federal Tax Legislation Update
The 2017 Tax Reform package continues to make its way through Congress. This legislation has the potential to be the most significant change to tax law in recent memory. However, further changes to the legislation are likely, as the House and Senate must come...
Calculating Retirement Needs
A staple in retirement planning is the search for “your number.” That is, how much money do you need to accumulate in savings and investment accounts so you can afford to stop working? Life expectancy is increasing, so the amount you have when you retire might have to...
Small Companies Can Do Well While Doing Good
The federal Small Business Administration reports that about 75% of small business owners donate some portion of their profits to charity each year. The average contribution is around 6% of earnings. Fulfilling philanthropic intentions has emotional rewards, and there...
Tax-Wise Portfolio Rebalancing
Studies indicate that savvy asset allocation may lead to long-term investment success. Individuals can find a desired mix of riskier asset classes, such as stocks, and relatively lower risk asset classes, such as bonds. Sticking with a chosen strategy might deliver...
After-Tax Dollars in Traditional IRAs
Making your retirement contributions tax efficient is one of the most important factors when planning your retirement strategy. Non-deductible contributions to an IRA may be part of that retirement plan. Workers under age 701/2 can deduct contributions to a...
Holding Down Premiums for Medicare Part B
Medicare, the federal government’s health insurance program for people 65 and older, has four parts. Although Medicare offers good value to many seniors, high-income Medicare enrollees can pay over $5,000 a year for Part B, whereas high-income couples on Medicare can...