Retirement Watch Weekly
Beating The Stealth Taxes
There are hidden income taxes. I call them stealth taxes. More Americans fall prey to these taxes every year, especially older or retired Americans. There are three main stealth taxes: the alternative minimum tax (AMT), the Pease tax (the itemized deduction reduction), and the PEP (personal exemption phaseout). These stealth taxes are in addition to […]
The Result of Market Change on Your Estate Plan
A new tax law isn’t the only reason to revisit your estate plan. Investment market changes and falling interest rates change the effects of many estate plans, often without their creators knowing the consequences. Here’s a guide to some the effects the changes of the last 18 months might have on your estate plan. The […]
The Advantages of Student Loans
Borrowing to cover some or all of your family’s college costs could be the smartest wealth building strategy for many of you – and it recently became much more attractive. While it is comforting to pay the expenses from income or savings, that might not be the best way to continue building your family’s wealth. […]
How to Make Your Income Grow
Take a look at my new recommended portfolio. The Income Growth Portfolio is for those who can meet their current expenses with an income yield from their portfolios of 3% to 5%. But these investors are relatively young. They need the income and principal to grow over 15 to 30 years to keep pace with […]
Tax Breaks from Retirement Activities
More and more retirees stay active. Some work or start businesses. Some have hobbies. Technology and other changes in the economy make it possible for more and more seniors to pursue avocations. But too many seniors overlook big tax breaks from these activities. Over the years I’ve driven through the horse country of Virginia many […]
The Best Strategies for Financing College
Forget all you’ve learned about helping to pay for college. The rules for most people aren’t what you’ve heard. College is so expensive, especially at private schools, that most students get some form of financial aid. Some of the schools boast about the percentage of students who get aid. Even loans are financial aid, and […]
The Right Long-Term Care Insurance Policy for You
Many of you should at least consider purchasing a long-term health care policy. In high cost of living areas, anyone with net assets between $200,000 and $2 million should take a look at the policies. In lower-cost areas, a lower net worth merits a look at the policies. That doesn’t mean each of you should […]
Shake Up In the Bond Market
The fixed income world has changed, making it time to adjust our Income Portfolios. Government budget surpluses, shrinking supplies of treasury bonds, low inflation, and other factors changed the bond market over the last couple of years and will affect it for years. Those who don’t throw out the old rules and adapt to this […]
