Retirement Watch Weekly
Estate Planning for the Growing ‘Unmarried Population’
In last week’s edition of Retirement Watch Weekly, I presented Estate Planning for “Modern Families.” There’s a lot more ground to cover, so let’s dive right back in – starting with estate tax implications for single people. Under the estate and gift tax, singles do not have the advantage of the marital deduction. An unmarried […]
How to Avoid the Medicare Mistakes People Make: Finding the Best Options for You
In my new Retirement Watch Spotlight Series, I’ll share my newest breakthrough strategies for protecting your assets and growing your portfolio, including how to prepare for the next market downturn. Click here now to learn more. […]
Bob’s Journal for 10/7/21
Businesses Show Confidence in the Economy Speculative-grade loans taken to pay dividends are setting records in 2021, according to S&P Global Market Intelligence’s LCD as reported in The Wall Street Journal. More than $72 billion in such loans have been taken out already in 2021, with the proceeds used to pay dividends. Though almost three […]
Estate Planning for ‘Modern Families’
The make-up of the modern family has changed quite a bit over the years. Therefore, traditional estate plans won’t work well for many families these days. A traditional plan is for couples who are in their first and only marriage and have only kids from that marriage. Different plans, tools, and strategies might be needed […]
Bob’s Journal for 9/30
U.S. Household Net Worth Surges Rising prices for stocks and homes have been good for the balance sheets of U.S. households, according to a quarterly report from the Federal Reserve. The total net worth of all U.S. households increased by $5.8 trillion in the second quarter of 2021 to $141.7 trillion. The largest contributors to […]
The Fed Plays Chicken with Inflation
Investors seem to agree with the Federal Reserve that the surges in economic growth and inflation are temporary. I am skeptical. Market pricing indicates most investors expect the growth rate to decline, and that slower growth will reduce inflation. I believe the markets are underestimating the prospects for continued growth and inflation. Recent economic growth […]
Medicare Mistakes You Need to Avoid
Many retirees spend more money out of pocket than they should for medical care. One source concluded that about 90% of Medicare beneficiaries pay more out of pocket than necessary. It is not surprising. Medicare is a complicated program. Since Medicare Open Enrollment is almost here (Oct. 15-Dec. 7), the following are my tips for […]
New Tax Rule #1: Say Good-Bye to Tax Deferral
It is hard to abandon longstanding rules of thumb. But sometimes, circumstances change, and it’s necessary to change our thinking if we want to maximize after-tax wealth. Perhaps the oldest rule in the tax-planning book is to defer taxes whenever possible. “Don’t pay a tax until you have to” is one of the first planning […]
