Whitepapers

Are you getting a tax refund this year? Plenty of folks are. Much like trivia, running through the
[[https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/filing-season-statistics-for-week-ending-march-25-2022 IRS
data]] is always interesting…at least for those who love diving into the minutiae. So here are
some tax facts for the 2022 season.

IRA transactions for 2022 must be accurately reported to the IRS to avoid adverse tax consequences. Depending on the transaction, this reporting must be done by the IRA custodian, the IRA owner’s tax preparer, or both. In some cases, the tax preparer will need to expand on reporting done by the IRA custodian so that the IRA owner can get any tax savings for which they qualify. The following tips for the four key IRA tax forms can be used to simplify important reporting requirements.

Distributions from an IRA or employer-sponsored retirement plan (employer plan) are subject to a 10% additional tax (early distribution penalty) if taken before the owner reaches age 59½. This penalty is waived if the distribution qualifies for an exception. One of these exceptions is the death exception, which applies to distributions taken from beneficiary accounts. However, spouse beneficiaries often lose qualification for this exception because they make wrong elections for the retirement accounts, they inherit.

Despite repeatedly denying he had any designs on his neighbor, Vladimir Putin launched an invasion of Ukraine late last month.

Conditions on the ground are quite fluid, and we will not delve into military strategy. 

What we can offer is a sobering perspective for those who are suffering in Ukraine. As I was flipping through the TV channels the other night, I was quite aware that what is happening in my home does not compare to what is happening in the homes of moms, dads, sons, and daughters in Kyiv. I would not want to trade places with them. I am sure you would not either.

This comprehensive reference guide rounds up market returns and economic data as of December 31, 2021. Market performance includes data for a wide variety of asset classes, sectors, indexes and more. The economic data focuses on interest rates, GDP, inflation, key labor statistics and more.

Getting ready for retirement? Before you can cross that bridge, you’ll need to cross some important items off your to-do list. But thanks to our work together, you might be more prepared than you think! This handy checklist of ten crucial steps can help you visualize how far you’ve come.

For most, it is difficult to think about the possibility of needing long-term care. But many will need it, and that is where advisors can lend help and hope. Start the discussion and prepare clients now so they do not face a financial crisis later

• Wintering 101: Your Guide to Seasonal Living
• Financial Lessons for Every Age
• Shopping for Big Ticket Items Online
• Tell Your Story: How to Finally Write that Novel

As we roll into the final weeks of the year, economic growth and corporate profits are strong, and investors are celebrating another excellent year. Despite the threat of a less accommodative Fed and the latest Covid variant, the S&P 500 closed at a new high on December 10.

What would happen if a retiree moved from a 30% equity/70% cash asset allocation to a 50% equity/50% cash allocation? We see what difference it would have made in their average monthly withdrawal over rolling 25-year retirement periods.

Long-term care planning—if not now, when? Two big questions loom as the American population comes of age for long-term care—How do I plan for it? Can I afford it?

Will you be paying more in taxes next year? Let’s ask the question in another way. Since politicians have taken aim at high earners: Are taxes going to rise for the wealthiest taxpayers?

• Retire Well or Save for College?
• Monumental Impact: Women, Money, and a Global Pandemic
• All About Apples
• Autumnal Oddities

We think of annuities as providing protected lifetime income for retirees, but they can be put to other, not-so-obvious uses as well, including for building wealth and passing it on to heirs.

Are you on track to retire comfortably? What are your financial goals? How much income will you need to generate each month when you have retired? What might be some of your longer-term goals outside the financial arena, but goals that would be aided by a larger pool of savings?

While you can't be certain what the future holds, you can strategize for the retirement life you want- and take these five steps to help you get there with confidence.

Thinking of all that you have seen may amaze you at times. But now you’re six months shy of your 60th birthday. You are 59½, to be exact. Why is that age so significant?

• Pandemic-Proof Your Finances
• The Great Wealth Transfer
• How to Stock and Emergency Kit
• Online Tourism

• Declutter Your Documents
• Make Your Money Work for You
• A Matcha Made in Heaven
• Seedling Today, Garden Tomorrow 
  

Fueled by powerful tailwinds, major indexes were at or near all-time highs as the week began. But are cracks beginning to appear?...

In this guide, we will explore where your tax dollars go and some of the ways tax filing may look different in 2021 as well as what you can do to prepare. 

• Financial Gifts - What You Should Know
• A Walk Atop the Snow
• Stepping Up and Giving Back
• Smart Moves for the Financial New Year and Beyond

As a business owner, you face unique challenges and opportunities when building your financial future. This special report provides insights on mistakes to avoid and steps to take for building the retirement you desire—while managing your myriad responsibilities.

Taking steps to help protect your estate is a key financial choice. With proper strategies, you may be able to maximize your opportunities and help manage stress and confusion for your loved ones. This whitepaper outlines critical elements worth considering when creating your own estate strategies.

Women investors face many challenges to building wealth and
securing their financial futures. We developed this resource as
a guidebook for women who are seeking perspectives on how
to take control of their financial lives. We hope you find useful
information that helps you make the most of your financial
well-being today and every day.