Retirement Watch Weekly
Protecting Against ID Theft
Identity theft will be the crime of the millennium. It dominated the news recently when three credit card company employees were arrested for selling the data of 30,000 customers for $100 each. Fraud is perhaps the most common crime, and ID theft is another form of fraud. ID theft is growing rapidly, however, and soon […]
How to Start The Tax Year Off Right
Income tax returns for 2002 will occupy some of your time in the next few months. My advice is to complete the return early, even if you let it sit and don’t mail it for a while. The 2002 return can be a tax planning tool for 2003. Many tax and economic changes make the […]
Deducting Variable Annuity Losses
A big tax issue for many investors is whether or not losses in a Variable Annuity are deductible. It is possible to deduct a variable annuity loss. There is some disagreement, however, over where on the tax return to deduct the loss. To deduct the loss, the annuity has to be sold (liquidated). Shifting investments […]
How Social Security Can Help Your Spouse
A key issue everyone faces is when to begin Social Security benefits. One aspect of this decision that is easy to overlook is how the choice could affect a spouse’s lifetime income. We’ve discussed when to begin Social Security benefits in past visits, most recently in the May 2002 issue (available in the Archive of […]
Estate Planning Strategies: Trusts And Your IRAs
Trusts can solve many problems, making them a vital estate planning tool. When an IRA is involved, however, trusts must be used with great care. The IRS changed the rules to make things easier, but all the rules still aren’t clear and traps remain. Trusts are a good way to leave wealth to those who […]
Where To Retire In Style
The image of the ideal retirement that is ingrained in the imagination of most Americans includes a home in a sun-drenched retirement community. Reality often doesn’t match the ideal. Some studies show that 25% or more of those who retire to Florida leave within five years. I’ve met retirees who admit to choosing the wrong […]
Estate Planning Strategy: How to Start Savings for Grandchildren
What is the best way to get your grandchildren started on the right foot financially? Most people get the answer to this question only half-right. A goal of many grandparents is to provide some financial support for their grandchildren. Some grandparents put money aside for college education expenses. Others set up trusts, custodial accounts, or […]
Year-End IRA Opportunities And Strategies
The closing of this year brings some important opportunities to IRA owners. Don’t put this issue aside until you have read this article and decided whether you need to take action by Dec. 31. Those of you who converted a regular IRA to a Roth IRA this year have a decision to make. When a […]
