Retirement Watch Weekly
Warning: Viatical Settlement
Interest rates are at their lowest levels in 40 years. Yields are too low for many people to meet their goals. That sends them in search of higher yields, and that attracts the scam artists. One spreading scam involves something known as a “Viatical Settlement.” The viatical settlement is a legitimate arrangement, but many of […]
Most Overlooked Deducations
Many taxpayers don’t take all the deductions to which they are entitled. Some think all the good deductions were eliminated in the Tax Reform Act of 1986. Others are afraid that the IRS will audit them for taking certain deductions. A lack of good records is the problem for a number of taxpayers. For most […]
How to Reduce Tax on Social Security
Each year more seniors pay taxes on Social Security benefits than did the year before, and those who already were taxed pay more. That is an inevitable result of the way the tax is structured, unless you take action to reverse things. The benefits are taxable when adjusted gross income exceeds certain levels. One big […]
Beware Of Troubled Insurers
Insurers are under stress. Their stock portfolios lost a bundle in the bear market, and yields on their bond portfolios are way down. Many set low premiums in the 1990s to increase market share, or they promised benefits they cannot deliver today. The result is a number of safety rating downgrades for annuity and life […]
Don’t Forget Estate Planning Gift Tax Returns
Failing to file a gift tax return is a common mistake that fouls up many estate plans. The gift tax return rules are not what most people think, and that leads to many mistakes and penalties. A gift tax return (Form 709) might be due even if no gift taxes are owed. Gifts are tax […]
The Next Bear Market
Is the bond market the next bubble waiting to burst? Investors certainly have been pouring money into bonds and bond funds, just as they bought technology stocks and funds near the top of the market. The new-found attraction for bonds is understandable. They have had a 22-year bull market. As stocks tanked, the most popular […]
Best Ways to Avoid Estate Planning Mistakes
Avoiding taxes is not the most important part of Estate Planning. In coming years, it will be even less important for many people. A more important part of estate planning often is avoiding family fights and disappointment while passing wealth the way you want. Here are the key issues to resolve to avoid problems. Share […]
Estate Planning Strategy: Roth IRAs For Youngsters
A Roth IRA is one of the best investment and wealth building vehicles for youngsters. That’s right, for youngsters. Establishing a Roth IRA for your children or grandchildren creates a valuable, low-cost legacy for which the youngsters later will be very grateful. A few thousand dollars now could be worth hundreds of thousands of tax […]
