Retirement Watch Weekly
The Markets so Far in 2017
The first two months of 2017 are behind us. Let’s take a look at how the main asset classes began the year. It’s quite a contrast from 2016, when all assets except government bonds were in freefall. U.S. stocks took most of the headlines in the first two months of 2017. You’re probably aware of […]
Identifying and Avoiding the Risks behind the Headlines
Will there be major economic and financial policy changes in 2017? Should your portfolio be adjusted to reflect those changes? Those questions dominated the recent MoneyShow Orlando. As I’ve said recently, we are in a period of exceptional uncertainty. A wide range of policy changes is possible, and that means a wide range of economic […]
Avoiding The Estimated Tax Trap
Estimated tax payments are a traditional trap for retirees. Most retirees were employees during their careers and had income taxes withheld from their paychecks. They never had to deal with the estimated tax rules and are surprised by the process in retirement. If you expect to owe more than $1,000 in federal taxes that will […]
Minimizing the Most Important Number on Your Tax Return
The most important number on your federal income tax return is on line 37, the last line on the first page of Form 1040. It’s your adjusted gross income (AGI). For retirees, AGI is even more important than for most other taxpayers. Your taxable income used to be the most important line on your return, […]
Avoiding RMD Mistakes with Retirement Accounts
Most people know that after reaching age 70½, they have to take required minimum distributions (RMDs) from their IRAs. But that rule is only the tip of the iceberg. Not knowing all the RMD rules is a source of many mistakes, resulting in extra taxes and penalties. Required minimum distributions also must be taken from […]
Making the Most of 401(k) Plans
Rollovers from 401(k) accounts are the main reason IRAs are among the most valuable assets many retirees own. When people leave a job, for either a new job or retirement, they often roll over the 401(k) balance to an IRA. To maximize the value of your IRAs in retirement, you need to maximize 401(k) account […]
Two Basic But Crucial Steps to Make Estate Planning Work
Some of the most important work on your estate plan doesn’t take place in the lawyer’s office. It doesn’t even involve the details of the will, trusts, Probate, powers of attorney, and the rest of the cornucopia of Estate Planning documents and strategies. Often the ultimate goal in estate planning is to ensure the wealth […]
Warren Buffett’s Latest Letter
The 2016 shareholder letter from the chairman of Berkshire Hathaway was posted on Saturday. In his review of the year’s business operations, Buffett also reviews how his investment strategy has changed over time. I’ve seen this discussed elsewhere, but it’s not something Buffett often draws attention to or gives his perspective on. He also gives […]
