Retirement Watch Weekly
How to Find the Highest After-Tax Yields
The highest-yielding investment might not pay you the highest after-tax income. That is because of the different tax rates created by the 2003 tax law. Investors who seek the highest yield following the old rules might have less cash to spend than they could have. Interest from bonds, certificates of deposit, money market funds, real […]
New Savings from Brokers
Opportunities are increasing for cheap investors. Only a couple of years ago I reported that the discount and mutual fund brokers were raising fees and increasing minimum investment amounts. The brokers didn’t want small investors, frugal investors, or long-term investors. Since then, the stock market has rebounded and trading volume is up. In addition, a […]
Using and Misusing the Marital Deduction for Estate Tax Planning
The marital deduction is key to most estate plans of married couples. It can wipe out the entire estate tax liability. But misuse of the marital deduction can create a larger long-term tax bill or cause non-tax problems. Let’s look at how to use the marital deduction and avoid misusing it. The estate tax is […]
Is It Better to Pay Taxes Now?
Tax planning was turned on its head by the last couple of tax laws. Several key planning rules need revisions for those who want to maximize after-tax wealth. One of the oldest tax planning rules is that it is better to defer a tax whenever possible. Paying taxes tomorrow is better than paying them today. […]
Estate Planning: The Essentials
Estate Planning need not be as complicated as many people make it. Sophisticated tools are needed by the very wealthy, business owners, those with children from more than one marriage, and others with special needs. For most of us, a good estate plan is fairly straightforward. We need only the basics. Most estate plans can […]
Comparing Continuing Care Retirement Communities
Last month we introduced Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRC) and their different pricing options. Each community combines independent living, assisted living, and a nursing home. Residents are guaranteed lifetime care. Some require a modest deposit and monthly fees. Others require a large payment that might be partially refundable to your heirs, and they charge lower […]
How to Beat the Estimated Tax Hassle
We’re coming up on the day many retirees dread. It arrives four times each year. What many do not realize is that they easily can avoid this day. During their working years, most retirees had income taxes withheld from paychecks. They did not worry about making quarterly estimated tax payments during the year. The only […]
Is the Housing Bubble Real?
Housing prices in 2004 again were hot in a number of areas across the country. In three dozen metropolitan areas, home prices appreciated more than 20% in the last 12 months. In 14 major markets, prices more than doubled in the last 60 months. These strong growth markets primarily are in California, Nevada, Florida, New […]
