Retirement Watch Weekly
End of the AMT?
The Alternative Minimum Tax might be nearing its end. Powerful U.S. senators announced their plan to pass a termination of the AMT by the end of 2005. If they are successful, many middle class and upper middle class Americans will breathe easier. But even if the senators are successful, you still must fear getting trapped […]
Get a Jump on Charitable Giving
Charitable giving tends to be clustered in the last couple of months of the year. But if you want to maximize charitable giving and your after-tax wealth, begin your charitable gift planning now. Instead of rushing the process in the busy year-end period, take the time today to plan the best way to make gifts […]
Starter Funds for the Grandkids
Grandparents who want to begin modest accounts to benefit their grandchildren face fewer choices. Many grandparents would like to invest a small amount of money for a grandchild and add a little to it each year. After a couple of decades or more, the grandchild will have a nice sum of money to pay for […]
7 Ways to Defend Elderly from Abuse
Older Americans are ready targets for exploitation and abuse. Unfortunately, sometimes the sources of exploitation are caregivers or others the person trusts. Loved ones and friends can take action to prevent such abuse and to catch it before it gets too far. Consider taking the following actions. Be involved. Even if you have no legal […]
How to Maximize Retirement Community Write Offs
Two surprises await many new residents of the popular continuing care retirement communities. These surprises are two tax issues that are different from those the residents are used to. Most of these comprehensive retirement communities provide a combination of residential services and medical care. The communities usually include at least independent living, assisted living, and […]
Analyzing the New Annuities
Few investors right now are buying the old-fashioned annuities. But as they shift from their accumulation years to their distribution years, many investors want some key features of annuities: tax deferral, guaranteed income, and income that cannot be outlived. Insurers are responding with an array of new features. Some are worth considering; others are the […]
Ways to Boost Social Security Benefits
Social Sec-urity is in the news because of President Bush’s reform proposal. But there are a number of issues regarding the current system that are real head-scratchers for beneficiaries. Let’s take a look at the confusing issues I hear about most. Survivor’s vs. retirement benefits. A spouse or ex-spouse might be eligible for his or […]
11 Strategies to Handle Trusts Better
Trusts no longer are just for the very wealthy. Many families use trusts for a variety of reasons. Unfortunately, trusts often can result in significant problems for loved ones long after the trust creator is gone. Problems include excess costs, poor investments, low payouts, and unresponsiveness to the family’s needs. In many states, beneficiaries are […]
