Retirement Watch Weekly
Asset Declines are an Estate Planning Opportunity
There is at least one silver lining in today’s dark cloud – Estate Planning opportunities are being created. Today we have a rare opportunity to transfer wealth to younger generations while incurring very low gift and estate taxes. Falling market prices and low interest rates are a great combination for estate planners. If the price […]
Money-Saving Move for Estate Planning in 2008
A little-known provision of the estate tax can save quite a bit of taxes for estates of those who passed away in late 2007 or the first part of 2008. The estate tax is based on the value of the estate assets, normally the value on the date of the owner’s death. The executor, however, […]
A Loophole for 529 Plans Losses
Many people who saved for college through 529 savings plans face substantial losses in their accounts. There is a silver lining in the tax law, and it is one reason 529 plans are among the best ways to save for education. Income and gains earned by the 529 account are sheltered. If the account balance […]
Medicare, Other Health Changes on the Way
The good news is that Medicare premiums are unchanged for 2009. They remain at $96.40 per month for Part B. This is the first year in the last eight the premium will not rise. The program’s reserves increased, allowing it to keep premiums and fees steady. But do not take that as a sign of […]
IRA: Key Questions and Answers
The financial crisis continues to have secondary effects few people anticipated. Decisions are required, especially with regard to IRAs. Let’s take a look at the IRA: key questions and answers. Is there relief for IRA owners over age 70½ who have not yet taken their required minimum distributions for the year? IRA owners must take […]
How to Avoid the Retirement Medical Expense Surprise
The wildcard in every retirement plan is the cost of medical care. It probably is the cause of most retirement plan failures. There are several reasons medical expenses disrupt so many plans: Many people are used to employer-paid medical care. Before they retire, they do not realize the full cost of medical insurance. Employers used […]
Red Alert for Financial Frauds
The financial crisis means it is time to be on high alert for financial frauds. Scamsters know this is the best environment to find vulnerable targets. I dug through my files recently for a 2004 Wall Street Journal interview with imprisoned scamster Eric Stein. He laid out how frauds operate and why now is a […]
How Safe Are Your Assets?
Is your money safe? It is amazing how quickly investors went from not worrying about risk to having that be the first question on their minds. As the financial crisis spreads, people are worried about the safety of their money and how to make their assets more secure. Here’s an overview of the rules for […]
