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Financial Planning
Articles
Six Things You May Not Know About the New Tax Act
While the impact of the Jobs and Growth Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2003 on the average household's finances won't be fully understood for some time, here are a few things you may not know about it. Rebalancing in a Bear Market
Investors have learned the hard way since early 2000 the importance of having a well-diversified portfolio. What they may not have yet learned is the importance of maintaining that diversification through periodic rebalancing. Full Disclosure Starting Point to Financial Planning Relationship
What exactly is full disclosure when it involves financial planning? How do you know you are receiving full disclosure? What should you look for? Consolidating College Loans May Be Smart Move
The new, dramatically lower, federal interest rates on college loans will make loan consolidation a smart move for many current and former college students, but it's not necessarily the right move for every student. Stop! Don't Cash in That 401(K)
Are you considering cashing in your 401(k) plan or similar qualified retirement plan? Stop! warn certified financial planner professionals. Cashing in is more costly than you probably realize. Are Your Savings Bonds Still Earning Interest?
Do you have old savings bonds stashed away in a safe-deposit box? Dig them out. They may be costing you money. Planners Urge Caution Transferring Custodial Accounts to College
Savings Plans The Tax Relief Act of 2001 made the already popular 529 college savings so sweet that many higher-income parents who had opened custodial accounts over the years because of the tax breaks are rushing to transfer the funds to 529 plans. Alternative Investments Can Be Worth a Look
As the markets struggle along, and with a growing belief among some investment experts that the market will produce only modest single-digit returns in the coming decade, what's an investor to do? One option is to consider alternative investments. IRS Further Eases Retirement Plan Distribution Rules
The IRS has finalized and clarified -- and in some instances, improved -- the surprise regulations it proposed in early 2001 that dramatically simplified the rules requiring minimum withdrawals from tax-deferred retirement plans such as 401(k)s and from individual retirement accounts (IRAs). DOL Ruling Designed to Ease 401(k) Advice for Employers
The Enron bankruptcy and the down market have demonstrated the critical need for workers to invest wisely in what is typically their main retirement account. Now, the Department of Labor has issued an advisory ruling that some observers feel is a step toward improving advice for participants while easing employers' fiduciary concerns. Automatic 401K Enrollment Should Be a Start, Not a Finish
Though an increasing number of 401K participants are content with being automatically enrolled in their company's plan, that's not a good idea, say financial planners. What You Should Know About Investing in Bonds
With many investors disenchanted or outright frightened by stock market returns since early 2000, bonds are back in vogue. Yet many investors don't understand the basics, let alone the subtleties, of bonds. Small Business Owners Better Able to Save for Retirement
Many small-business owners are reluctant to start a company retirement plan for themselves and their employees, often due to lack of knowledge about the plans, say several surveys. But those reluctant business owners may want to reconsider in light of provisions in the Tax Relief Act of 2001.
Myths About Government Funding of Long-Term Care
Here are several misconceptions about what the federal and state governments will do when it comes to funding long-term care. How to Build an Emergency Fund
As companies announce layoffs and the economy continues to stumble along, families hear more and more about the importance of building an adequate emergency fund. The Basics of Cost Basis
Whether trying to minimize the tax bite from a stock sale or reduce a potential estate tax bill, most tax-related calculations and strategies begin at a single point: basis. A Tough Tax Decision for Investors
Taxpayers in the 27 percent or higher tax brackets, sitting on stock or business-related assets bought before 2001, have an important tax decision to make by tax filing time this year. How to Organize Financial Records
Organizing personal financial records and other critical documents is a chore for most of us, but it is never a thankless task -- at least, it's not thankless to anyone who may need to retrieve those records in the wake of a disaster or death.
Financial Birthdays to Remember in 2002
Sometime during 2002, you and other members of your family will celebrate their birthdays. Beyond simply being a year older, some of these birthdays may be financially significant because of tax or retirement reasons. Here are some particular ages and implications of which to be aware. Preparing Financially for a Layoff
While preparing for a layoff may not seem feasible, there are ways to be financially prepared for the dreaded pink slip. Here are 10 steps from the Financial Planning Association. Three Key Questions When Buying Life Insurance
If you or your clients are among those considering buying life insurance beyond what you may already have through work, here are three key questions to ask. Annual Gift-Tax Exclusion Still Provides Benefits
It appears that the federal annual $10,000 gift-tax exclusion will finally increase to $11,000 in 2002, and anyone who has an estate vulnerable to estate taxes or who is funding high-cost college expenses should consider use of this exclusion. And more ...
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