Retirement Watch Weekly
How to Maximize Insured Retirement Income with Annuities
Most people want a steady, reliable income source in Retirement that they cannot outlive. But they also need for their income to grow, to maintain its purchasing power in the face of inflation. That’s a tough combination to get. In last month’s visit we looked at immediate annuities and fixed, deferred annuities as a way […]
Making Shrewd Roth IRA Decisions
The Roth IRA is one of the best investment tax shelters Congress ever created. But volatile markets add some complications to Roth IRA decisionmaking. If you converted a traditional IRA into a Roth IRA earlier this year or if you are considering a conversion, you should keep an eye on the markets before and after […]
How to Find the Best 529 Savings Plan for Your Estate Planning
Section 529 college savings plans are the best way for most people to save and pay for the education of a child or grandchild. But which plan should you use? The number of plans available has exploded. Most states (34) allow residents of any state to invest in their plans, and they allow distributions to […]
Handling the Latest Medicare Changes
There’s been another change in Medicare. The change especially affects those who are interested in HMO coverage. But it also has the effect of locking almost all beneficiaries in their chosen Medicare plan for all of 2002. The U.S. government extended the deadline HMOs had to declare whether or not they would remain in the […]
Great Estate Planning Strategies for Year-End Giving
You don’t need cash to put a sizeable tax deduction on this year’s tax return. If you have some appreciated assets, you have a way to keep the taxman at bay. The best assets to use are your first or second home and securities, such as stocks or mutual funds. Pick the proper strategy and […]
The Best Mutual Fund Brokers
Much has changed in the markets in the last 18 months, and those changes have altered the world of discount and mutual fund brokers. Some brokers have disappeared or merged. At many brokers, you’ll find higher minimum investments, higher costs, or restrictions on investing. But not all the news is bad. More funds are available […]
New Estate Planning Value In QTIP Trusts
The venerable qtip trust is an even more valuable estate planning tool for married couples after the 2001 tax law. Traditionally, the QTIP could save heirs a bundle of money while ensuring that wealth is distributed as you intended. But the trust can give your estate plan additional flexibility that is a key to dealing […]
How the 2001 Tax Law Affects Your Will
Your will and estate plan need to be reviewed. If you’ve procrastinated about a plan, this is the time to get started. But even if you have been meticulous, the 2001 tax law requires at least a review and probably significant changes. The common feature all estate plans will need for the next 10 years […]
