Retirement Watch Weekly
Using an IRA to Build a Business
In this tough job market, more people are opting to start businesses instead of seeking employment. To help fund those businesses, they often look to their qualified retirement accounts (401(k)s and IRAs). It can be a great financing strategy, but it’s also one fraught with potential tax traps and that the IRS is closely examining. […]
Reducing Taxes for 2010 and Later
Here are some tax tips that can help with your 2010 income tax returns and your planning for 2011 and later. Those in Medicare Part D prescription drug plans probably know that under the Affordable Health Care Act the coverage gap, or doughnut hole, is being phased out. In 2010, members whose prescription drug costs […]
New Pension Options for Small Business Owners
Folks age 50 and over, especially small business owners, generally are playing catch-up with their retirement savings. Many self-employed and small business owners don’t know all the retirement plan options available to them to enhance their savings. That’s understandable. There are many pension plan options available, and several were created quietly by Congress over the […]
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 […]
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 […]
