Marotta’s Gone-Fishing Portfolio: Review of 2023 Returns
Last year, our 2023 Marotta’s Gone-Fishing Portfolio was a recommendation of 12 stock investments. This article is to report on the 2023 performance of those twelve stocks.
College Saving Strategies: One-Time Gift or Monthly Contribution?
Once you have calculated the funding requirements for your college savings goals, there are three strategies for funding the accounts.
Inherited RMD Update: IRS Waives 2024 Penalties and Delays to 2025
Taxpayers waiting for final guidance, have seen penalties waived for 2021 or 2022 RMDs, for 2023 RMDs, and now for 2024 RMDs.
#TBT Slow and Steady Wins the Race
In 2003, David stopped to rescue a snapping turtle from 250 West. Even now, the financial planning lessons from that turtle are still sage advice.
#TBT What Are Normal Market Movements?
It is common for investors to be surprised by movements in their portfolios. This 2019 article reminds us though that even volatile movements can be quite normal.
#TBT Learning to Live on Your Own
Here are several tips on how to live richly on your own.
Q&A: How Should I Invest My Cash?
Our recommendation is to keep money that may be needed within the next six months invested in a money market fund.
Baby Registry Guide from a Financial Planner (Updated 2024)
Now that we’ve been parents for a few months, I can confidently say all of these items vastly improved our journey into parenthood.
2023 Babies: Start Saving for College Today!
For babies born in 2023, here are the amounts that should be saved starting at birth to cover four years of college expenses at age 18.
How to See Closed Account Information at Schwab
If closing an account at Schwab is in line with your goals, take comfort in knowing that you are able to close your accounts at Schwab without losing access to your important documents.
Distribute Your First 401(k) RMD in April or December?
Within employer-sponsored retirement plans, there are special provisions for employees (not owners) who continue to work beyond their typical required beginning date.
How to Set Beneficiaries on Your HSA with Fidelity
Once you’ve open an HSA and have started making contributions, it is important that you set beneficiary designations on the account.
Q&A: Wash Sale: VFIAX and VOO?
The IRS has very limited case law on what constitutes a substantially different fund. However, here is what we do in our own trading.
How the Kiddie Tax is Calculated
Some investable assets in the name of the child can currently keep $2,300 of unearned income from the tax rate of the parents.
Can Taxable Life Insurance Benefits Contribute to an IRA?
If you have this fringe employer or former employer benefit, I hope you are able to take advantage of making small Roth IRA contributions throughout your retirement.
2024 Tax Facts
Here is a reference chart with 2024 income tax rates, capital gains rates, retirement contribution limits, and more.
#TBT Harvest Major Capital Losses Whenever You Have Them
While you can only use $3,000 per year of capital losses to reduce your taxable income, you should bank as much capital loss as possible for other future uses.
#TBT Testamentary Donor Advised Funds
Your executor will be grateful for an easier way to settle that part of your affairs.
#TBT Can I Use 529 Funds for Off-Campus Housing?
Yes, but housing is one of many expenses that are subject to a reimbursement limit. Here’s how to do it.
Two Ways to Fix Social Security Filing Mistakes
If you are still in your 60s, the good news is your decision doesn’t have to be permanent. You actually have two ways in which you can change your benefit amount.
Who Should Own My Child’s 529 Account to Assist the FAFSA?
With the grandparents as the owner rather than the parent, the student may have a better chance of receiving financial aid.
#TBT Tackling College Costs at the Eleventh Hour
The best way to climb the mountain of college costs is gradually, but if you need to make some last minute leaps, our government has a few tax-related strategies.
ABLE Accounts: Tax-Advantaged Savings for People with Disabilities
ABLE accounts offer people with disabilities a new opportunity to save and invest for the future.
#TBT Best Practices for Trusts, Foundations, and Endowments
“If you have been asked to serve as a board member or trustee for a non-profit organization, feeling honored is a natural response but a terrible reason for saying yes to the job. Your role as committee member, board member, or trustee will likely designate you as a fiduciary, a role with specific legal responsibilities.”