Retirement Watch Weekly
Returning Unwanted 2009 RMDs
Late in 2008, Congress suspended required minimum distributions for IRAs for 2009. If you are over age 70½, you don’t have to take an RMD for 2009. Some people did not receive word of the suspension before they took their RMDs in early 2009. Others had periodic distributions scheduled, and the distributions could not be […]
Taking Advantage of the 0% Tax Rate
There still is time to take advantage of the 0% tax rate. This special tax benefit was put in effect for select taxpayers in 2008, 2009, and 2010 for their long-term capital gains and qualified dividends. Even if you are a higher-bracket taxpayer, you may be able to benefit from the 0% rate. The 0% […]
Taxing Gains on Gold ETFs
The IRS continues to issue positions on exchange-traded funds that hold gold and other precious metals. Previously we reported good news for investors who owned gold ETFs in IRAs and other retirement accounts. The standard rules are retirement accounts are not allowed to purchase collectibles, and precious metals are collectibles. But the IRS ruled privately […]
November 2009
November 27, 2009 11:00 a.m. The Next Shoe? The tricky thing about a financial crisis is you never know what will trigger it or make it worse. Of those who thought the financial crisis was not over, few expressed the thought that a debt default by Dubai World would trigger the next phase of the […]
October 2009
October 30, 2009 12:15 p.m. Is Retirement Unhealthy? And more… One of the classic rules of thumb about retirement is that men pass away within three years of retiring. Once their careers end, their lives end, was the explanation. That seems tough to prove, given the steady expansion of life expectancy, and has been considered […]
The Keys to Estate Planning – Taxes and The Law
In fewer than 10 years Estate Planning changed dramatically and still is changing. When I first wrote about estate planning, estate taxes were the driver of most plans. Even middle class Americans – modest millionaires we called them – needed plans to avoid estate taxes. The estate tax code changed dramatically. The 2001 tax law […]
Giving Gifts and a Lecture
Grandparents are filling only half their roles these days. They are providing financial help to their grand-children. In fact, they increased their financial aid as the economy worsened. Unfortunately, they are offering gifts and providing financial aid without much advice. About 63% of grandparents say they provided some form of financial assistance to their grandchildren […]
Choosing from Medicare’s Options
Medicare enrollment season is almost upon us. Every year, Medicare beneficiaries have a six-week period beginning Nov. 15 to select their medical plans. New Medicare members face the same choices when they enroll. Many of you have decisions to make. Even if you are happy with your Medicare plan, it is a good idea to […]
