Don’t Increase Your Bond Allocation In Bear Markets
There is an artistry to a bond allocation, and while the historical analysis can only be suggestive, they do tell a strong narrative.
#TBT The Economics of a Thanksgiving Turkey
This article should give you something fun to discuss this year.
Today, We Celebrate Saving Tuesday
Saving Tuesday is the Tuesday before Thanksgiving. It is a day to squirrel some savings away for your future self.
In Roth Conversions, Paying the Tax is One of the Benefits
Taxes related to traditional IRA withdrawals only happen once. Meanwhile, the funds in your taxable account are subjected to taxation each year.
#TBT The Economics of a Thanksgiving Turkey
This article should give you something fun to discuss this year.
#TBT How Can We Make Medical Insurance Affordable?
We have written on the topic of healthcare reform multiple times, including our 2014 economics of healthcare series which culminates in this article.
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.
What Counts As Income For Roth IRA Funding Purposes?
Roth IRAs can only be funded with earned income. Here is a guide to what the IRS considers to be earned income.
What Interferes With a Backdoor Roth?
Here are three common Roth transactions and how they interact with MAGI for Roth IRA purposes.
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.
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.”
#TBT Common Endowment Mistakes
When endowment funds fall victim to poor management, the results are as bad as they are far reaching. This 2016 article reviews the six most common pitfalls of endowments and how to avoid them.