Retirement Watch Weekly
How to Respond to Changes in Annuities
The annuity market is changing rapidly. Investors interested in any type of annuity or that already own annuities need to be aware of the changes. They also need to stay informed of what’s happening in the market, because more changes are likely. One major change is insurers dropping out of annuity markets. Both fixed and […]
April 2011
April 29, 2011 08:00 p.m. A Turning Point in the Economy The economy is nearing a turning point, and few investors seem to realize it. We’ve been expecting it for a while and have our portfolios well-positioned for it. But as the point draws near, we’re becoming more cautious with the portfolios. The sell signals […]
The New Focus on Estate Planning Beyond Just Taxes
Estate Planning isn’t dead, not by a long shot. Traditionally, for many people estate planning means estate tax reduction. They figure if their estates aren’t going to be hit with federal estate taxes, they don’t need a plan. Now, with estates up to $5 million ($10 million for married couples) exempt from the federal estate […]
Reviewing Gift Tax Return Estate Planning Basics
Your estate may need to file gift tax returns even when gift taxes aren’t due. The IRS is cracking down on failures to file gift tax returns, with help from state databases. The IRS is checking state records of real estate transfers and matching those with gift tax returns, or the lack of them. Over […]
Avoiding Key Medicare Traps
Every government program has its technical requirements and details. Make a mistake or overlook a key point, and you lose some benefits or pay a penalty. Medicare is no different, but the consequences of an error can be very expensive. Here are some frequent mistakes to avoid. Medicare wants you to sign up when you’re […]
March 2011
March 23, 2011 10:45 a.m. Cohen & Steers Preferred Securities & Income In the April 2011 issue I recommended purchasing Cohen & Steers Preferred Securities & Income. Some of you report that you are unable to buy the fund through your preferred broker. Others want an alternative in your current mutual fund group. Here’s what […]
Changing Your Estate Planning Strategy Under the New Tax Law
One of the major surprises in the December 2010 estate tax law is known as portability. Under the old law (and the law that is scheduled to return in 2013 if Congress doesn’t act before then) each person had a lifetime estate tax exemption with a use-it-or-lose-it feature. If your estate didn’t use all your […]
Dealing with the Turmoil in Long Term Care Insurance
Long-term care insurance is in turmoil. We’ve been tracking and reporting on developments for a while. (See our January 2011 visit.) Insurers are dropping out of the market. Some insurers are increasing premiums substantially on long-term policyholders. LTCI is harder to obtain, and premiums for new policies are higher for the most part than a […]
