Blog
A Blog is a terrible thing to waste! Therefore we will try to post relevant information from our many Reps for our many people. Whether it’s ideas from the investment services world or concepts from the financial industry, you can read about it here. And once in a while, we may throw in a movie review or some other surprise. So keep checking in, we’re glad to have you reading along and appreciate any thought or comments that you would like to share with us.
Your 4% Withdrawal Strategy May Not Be Enough
YOUR 4% WITHDRAWAL STRATEGY MAY NOT BE ENOUGH Get the Tax Guidance You Need to Help Live the Retirement You Desire There’s a lot of concern among industry experts about whether the popular 4% withdrawal rule can provide enough income...
Read MoreMoney Wise Podcast on I-Bonds
My buddy Rob West did a great knowledge downloads on I-Bonds, Well worth listening to! https://moneywiselive.org/episodes/taking-interest-in-i-bonds?fbclid=IwAR2ZTkwFboiv4i-OreegvtqxTgHLnmB-HSny_qIPwAB0V3A32b2YpSXzCss
Read MorePossible Capital Gains Tax Increase
Interesting article about Capital Gains tax might be taxed at ordinary Income tax rates
Read MoreGood Practical Advise - Don't buy a new Car
I thought this was a great and funny video. I loved the comment, when you are young get a new wife and an old car! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yig2etl02k0
Read MoreGreat Tax Savings Opportunity - 2020 Only
Only a few days remain to be sure you are able to take advantage of the 2020 CARES Act above the line deduction of up to $600 for married couple ($300 for single) to your favorite church or charity. This is a huge benefit for the...
Read MoreShow All
Last Minute Tax Savings Tip
This is a letter that P&L sent to clients last year with some good tax planning tips. Please take a look at it and give me a call if you would like to discuss further: Donor Giving
Read MoreCollege Savings Plan
Just ANOTHER reminder to call us at 219.531.9519 to start a 529 plan for your child or grandchild. For Indiana residents; a tax break may apply. AND 529s receive the more favorable parent treatment on FASFA....
Read MoreGreat Retirement Article
Please take a look at this great retirement article: Retirement Realities
Read MoreMedicare Premiums
Higher income could translate into higher Medicare rates. Higher income can happen because of a Roth Conversion, RMDs, Second Home Sale or other Capital Sale, taxable inheritances. Please talk to us before making financial decisions....
Read MoreRoth Conversions
I have been talking to many clients about Roth Conversions so I thought I would post this to the Blog. Also it is a big Illinois savings now, since Retirement Income is Tax Free. I am not sure how long this will last, I believe a...
Read MoreHappy Year End Planning!
Thanksgiving is behind us and Christmas is coming quickly. NOW is the time for year-end planning both for taxes and Investment work. Please talk to your Advisor about Roth Conversions, Safe Harbor, Donor Funds and other things that...
Read MoreKingdom Advisor Designation
A designation that is being recognized in the financial industry is one that I hold, the CKA. Here is an interesting news article that explains the designation and gives some more information. Therefore in the financial industry I hold...
Read MoreNames have been changed
I know the title sounds like the opening line of the old TV Series Dragnet, "The Names have been changed to protect..." but the reality is that our Broker Dealer name has been changed from HD Vest to Avantax Wealth ManagementSM . It is...
Read MoreSubject: To Itemize or Not to Itemize, that appears to be the Big Question!
Attached is a White Paper that we wrote about the New Tax Law and how it effects on itemization. There is a great strategy laid out that we have discussed with many clients that might be useful to you. Please contact us to schedule a...
Read MoreRoth Conversion
I was going to write an explanation of why under the new tax law it is a great time to do a Roth Conversion. But then as part of my research I stumbled acroos an article that probably does a better job than I ever could, entitled The...
Read MoreDonor Funds
A donor-advised fund is like a charitable investment account, for the sole purpose of supporting charitable organizations you care about. When you contribute cash, securities or other assets to a donor-advised fund at a public charity...
Read MorePaycheck Check Up
DO YOU NEED TO PERFORM A PAYCHECK CHECK-UP? The Tax Act and Jobs Act made significant changes to the tax law, including changing the tax rates and brackets, increasing the standard deductions, eliminating personal exemptions,...
Read MoreReady for Medicare
Richard Morowczynski 11:36 AM (18 minutes ago) to Paul Get Ready for Medicare Open Enrollment! When? - October 15th 2018 through December 07th, 2018 Why? - It's your chance to review your current coverage and see if you need to make...
Read MoreVery Good Long Term Care Article - Please Read
I thought this was a good article. I think every client should read this. I would be happy to discuss with you because I believe we can really help you with this! https://www.usatoday...
Read MoreHSA Accounts - What is the Big Deal?
HSA's otherwise known as Health Savings Accounts are a wonderful way to help save for current and future healthcare expenses. HSA's enjoy a Triple Tax Advantage A. Contributions are tax deductible B Earnings (within the account)...
Read MoreWe write it on the wall!
This year we had every client look at our wall and read our 5 points to Financial Soundness: 1. Spend less than you make 2. Avoid Debt 3. Have an Emergency Fund 4. Have a Plan 5. Realized you simply need to manage what you have.
Read MoreCredit freezes will be free, thanks to banking deregulation law and Equifax changes
Check out this article about Law Change Credit Freeze
Read MoreAdd Revenue Stream
The kids are gone and now summer is not your only season to vacation. One idea you might want to consider for adding a revenue stream is renting out your home while you jet off on an adventure. You can make your empty nest situation...
Read MoreEnd of Tax Season Letter
Dear Client, May 2018 Tax Season is behind us, Extensions are ahead for October. We are thankful for many new clients (which we accept only by referral from our current clients) and are looking forward to establishing long-term...
Read MoreIdeas to Consider
Below are few ideas that we would like you to consider. Please contact us with comments or questions. Also please send us your ideas so that we can share. Use Costco (4%) or Sam’s Club (5%) Charge Card wherever you buy gas...
Read More5 things to look for in an Advisor
I have read a few articles and thought I would share a few ideas. I like it when someone takes complicated ideas and put them in a few simple steps. Here are 5 things to look for in an Advisor: 1. The Advisor talks openly and honestly...
Read MoreStrategies to discuss with us
Ideas to Consider and Discuss with P&L Backdoor Roth: In our opinion Roth accounts are the greatest thing since sliced bread because Roth accounts grow Tax-Free forever. This is a great benefit. Many people cannot fund a Roth directly...
Read MoreIn Case of Emergency
I attended a Seminar and was very impressed by a concept which I thought was a great idea. It is very simple and I believe everyone should have one. In short it is a USB Memory Drive on a Key which can be placed on your key ring which...
Read MoreMarginal Tax Rates
Many people ask about Marginal Tax Rates. Therefore I have posted a chart for 2015. Please contact me with any questions. Table 1. 2015 Taxable Income Brackets and Rates Rate Single Filers Married Joint Filers Head of Household Filers...
Read MoreBig Penalty for Not Filing
It just became a lot expensive for taxpayers to not file their tax returns. Among other tax-related changes, the new Trade Facilitation and Enforcement Act of 2015, a measure authorizing U.S. Customs and Border Protection, increases...
Read MoreIRS Tax Fraud
Phone Scams Continue to be a Serious Threat, Remain on IRS “Dirty Dozen” List of Tax Scams for the 2016 Filing Season WASHINGTON — Aggressive and threatening phone calls by criminals impersonating IRS agents remain a...
Read MoreFinancial Lessons from Star Wars
I thought this was very well done. There are some good lessons in this article: http://www.kiplinger.com/slideshow/saving/T065-S001-personal-finance-lessons-from-star-wars/index.html?rid=EML
Read More5 Steps for Financial Soundness
1. Spend Less than you Make. 2. Avoid the use of Debt. 3. Retain an Emergency Fund 4. Have a Long Term Plan. 5. Realize that this is a Stewardship Responsibility.
Read MoreIRS Announces Standard Mileage Rates in 2016
The rate for business miles driven is 54 cents per mile for 2016, down from 57.5 cents per mile in 2015.
Read More10 Top Extenders
Congress finally took action in late December and passed a tax extender bill formally known as the Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes Act of 2015 (PATH), which was then signed into law. Retroactive to January 1, 2015, many tax...
Read MoreHybrid Product - Life Insurance with LTC
Hybrid Product VS Traditional Long Term Care Insurance We are strong believers in Long Term Care Insurance since Paul’s father was in Long Term Care for about 10 years. In addition, we have worked with many clients that have been...
Read MoreI-Bond Rate increased to 1.64% as of 11/1/15
What interest will I get if I buy an I bond now? The composite rate for I bonds issued from November 1, 2015, through April 30, 2016, is 1.64%. This rate applies for the first six months you own the bond. How do I bonds earn interest?...
Read MoreWhat is a QLAC?
Not a Quack but a QLAC! QLAC – Qualified Longevity Annuity Contract – New Retirement Product! With the possibility of a quarter-century or more of retirement, many Americans fear they may outlive their money. The government has...
Read MoreSocial Security Change
The End of File & Suspend for Married Couples A great claiming strategy to try & optimize Social Security benefits disappears. Provided by www.HDVReps.com Congress just changed the Social Security benefit rules. On October 30, Capitol...
Read More