Let’s Talk About Midterm Elections and Your Investments
This week was midterm elections and we’ve had many questions about what it all could mean, which we’ll tackle in today’s blog. We consider it a great honor to vote, and while we may not know the final results of the election for days (or even months), what we do know is the election will …
Considering Tax Loss Harvesting? What You Need to Know First
Kevin Oleszewski, CFP® Senior Wealth Planner As the tax year draws to a close, many high-income investors will look to reposition their portfolios to intentionally generate losses as a way to offset gains — an investment strategy known as tax loss harvesting.
Protecting an IRA from Prohibited Transactions…in 5 Easy Steps
What is a prohibited transaction? A prohibited transaction occurs when an IRA owner uses IRA assets in a self-serving or self-dealing manner that improperly benefits the IRA owner.
To Convert or NOT To Convert…in 5 Easy Steps
What is a Roth IRA Conversion? A Roth IRA conversion is the process of moving IRA or employer plan assets to a Roth IRA.
Planning for a Disclaimer…in 5 Easy Steps
What is a disclaimer? A disclaimer is a formal refusal of an inheritance (or part of an inheritance) by a beneficiary. By creating a “path” for disclaimed assets to follow, a skilled planner can provide a beneficiary with the option to pass assets to alternate beneficiaries.
Avoiding Charitable IRA Beneficiary Mistakes…in 5 Easy Steps
Can IRAs be used to benefit a charity? IRAs can be a great source of funds to provide a benefit for a favorite charity, but these funds can create a number of traps that must be avoided in order to maximize benefits to both the charity and other IRA beneficiaries.
Avoiding the 10% Penalty…in 5 Easy Steps
What is the 10% penalty? A 10% early distribution penalty applies to taxable distributions made before age 59 1/2. Distributions made after 59 1/2 are not subject to the 10% early distribution penalty.
Planning For Multiple Beneficiaries…in 5 Easy Steps
When do multiple beneficiaries exist? Multiple beneficiaries exist when an individual names more than one beneficiary for their IRA. When should you name more than one beneficiary? When you want your IRA assets to go to more than one person or entity without having to incur additional fees …
Fixing Missed 60-Day Rollover Deadlines with Self-Certification…in 5 Easy Steps
If I miss the 60-day deadline for completing an IRA rollover, is there anyway to save the rollover amount from tax? Failing to complete a 60-day rollover on time can cause the rollover amount to be taxed as income and perhaps subject to a 10% early withdrawal penalty. However, the deadline …
Calculating an IRA Deduction…in 5 Easy Steps
What is an IRD (Income in Respect of a Decedent) deduction? An IRD deduction is a way of offsetting the impact of double taxation (federal estate tax and income tax) on certain inherited assets. It is an income tax deduction for the beneficiary (miscellaneous itemized deduction, not subject …
Avoiding Non-Spouse Beneficiary Mistakes…in 5 Easy Steps
How can I avoid making costly mistakes when I inherit an IRA from a person who was not my spouse? Inheriting an IRA can be a financial windfall, but it’s important to understand the complex, specific rules that apply to non-spouse IRA beneficiaries to avoid critical errors.