Retirement Watch Weekly
How COVID-19 Changes Some Social Security Decisions
Because of the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, many people are reevaluating their Social Security claiming decisions. If you’re among them, be sure you use the Social Security rules to make your revised strategy maximize lifetime benefits as much as possible. The economic downturn caused many people to lose their jobs, and business owners saw […]
Don’t Let Taxes Slash Your Gold Profits
Gold is a hot investment again. We were fortunate to add gold to our portfolios in August 2017. Since then, it’s done well. The price has increased steadily since late 2018, and we increased our allocation earlier this year. Very easy global monetary policy, a lot of geopolitical uncertainty and other factors created strong support […]
5 Reasons 2020 Could Be the Best Year to Convert an IRA
This year might be the best year for many of you to convert all or part of a traditional IRA to a Roth IRA. Roth IRAs are one of the most powerful retirement and tax planning vehicles. Earnings compound free of taxes. Distributions of the principal always are tax free, and distributions of income and […]
How to Prepare for the Approaching Estate Planning Crossroad
We’re approaching a crossroad in estate planning, and many of my readers are among those who most need to take action before we reach it. Few people today have to worry about federal estate and gift taxes, be-cause of the high level of exemptions. The 2017 tax law doubled the individual exemption to $10 million. […]
Estate Planning Basics – The Foundations Of A Great Estate Plan
Everyone needs an estate plan, no matter how much or how little money is involved. For example, you need an estate plan even if you don’t expect to owe taxes on the estate. It is more important to decide who should receive the wealth, how much each should receive and when and how the wealth […]
Bob’s Journal for 6/18/20
Some Notable Events That Grabbed My Attention This Week This is a good time to put your long-term care plan in order, so you won’t have to suffer the way many long-term care facility residents have during the pandemic. A high percentage of the novel coronavirus infections and fatalities have been residents of U.S. nursing […]
Wills and Estate Planning: 6 Reasons Why your Will is Critical to Your Estate Plan
One of the most important tasks you undertake is to create an estate plan to ensure you’re taken care of for the rest of your life and then distribute your assets and provide for your loved ones after you die. A primary component of an estate plan is a will. It is crucial to outline […]
Estate Planning Strategy to Avoid the Tax on Helping Grandkids
Most people are concerned about the financial futures of their grandchildren and even great-grandchildren- more so than the security of their own children. After ensuring their own retirement years are secure, many people tell survey takers the security of the third and fourth generations is their next worry. Apparently they believe their children can take […]
