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Enjoy the current installment of "Weekend Reading For Financial Planners" – this week's edition kicks off with the news that Congress has passed highly anticipated tax legislation, making 'permanent' (i.e.,
Also in industry news this week: While RIA M&A deal flow hit record levels in 2024 (both in terms of volume and the speed of completing them), firm valuations saw relatively modest gains In its latest annual regulatory oversight report, FINRA joined the SEC in flagging the potential risks to firm and client data from the use of third-party vendors (..)
Also in industry news this week: According to a recent survey, advisors are putting an increasing share of client assets into model portfolios, allowing for customization and time savings that advisors appear to be using to provide more comprehensive planning services RIA M&A deal volume saw an annual record in 2024 as a lower cost of capital, (..)
Which could prove to be a boon for the financial advice industry as more consumers are willing to entrust their assets to an advisor (while at the same time possibly making it tougher for some advisors to differentiate themselves primarily by how they put their clients' interests first?).
In this article, Senior Financial Planning Nerd Sydney Squires draws on research from Morningstar that identifies 11 core motivators that influence how prospects choose their particular advisor. Financially motivated prospects, meanwhile, benefit from clarity and specificity.
Also in industry news this week: A recent survey indicates that younger "DIY" investors are more likely to be interested in working with a human advisor than their older counterparts, suggesting an opportunity for advisors to tap into this demographic (perhaps by setting minimum planning fees that ensure these clients can be served profitably today (..)
Also in industry news this week: A recent study suggests that while a majority of financial advisory clients surveyed have only had 1 advisor, deteriorating client service is a key risk factor that could sway certain clients to leave for a different advisor RIA M&A activity in 2024 is poised to surpass the total number of deals seen in 2023, according (..)
Each week in Weekend Reading For Financial Planners, we seek to bring you synopses and commentaries on 12 articles covering news for financial advisors including topics covering technical planning, practice management, advisor marketing, career development, and more.
Also in industry news this week: A House committee has advanced a bill that would extend several expired business-related tax measures from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act and would increase the value of the Child Tax Credit The SEC released its examination priorities for 2024, which include a focus on advisers' adherence to their duty of care and duty of (..)
A new bill would make many parts of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 permanent, including its changes to tax brackets, the higher standard deduction, and the cap on state and local tax deductions. What advisory firms can do to make the most out of client testimonials and avoid negative reviews on third-party websites.
Also in industry news this week: Top Democratic Senators are urging the Treasury Department to crack down on a range of estate planning strategies for high-net-worth individuals, including GRATs and IDGTs Amid fallout from recent bank failures, both Republicans and Democrats are considering whether current FDIC insurance limits should be increased (..)
From there, we have several articles on investment planning: While I Bonds have received significant attention during the past year, TIPS could be an attractive alternative for many client situations. ” to pass by the end of the year, while passage of other proposed tax measures appears to be less likely.
”, a series of measures that will have significant impacts on the world of retirementplanning. From there, we have several articles on advisor marketing: Five tactics advisors can use to make the most of the online referrals they receive. How ‘regifting’ can help save money and reduce waste.
This weeks Tax Advisor news roundup covers key updates for financial professionals. Last but not least, we have a rundown of the IRSs ‘Dirty Dozen’ tax scams for 2025. Wealth Taxes in Europe, 2025 ( Cristina Enache , Tax Foundation) Net wealth taxes are recurrent taxes on an individuals wealth, net of debt.
Let us face ittech startups encounter a unique set of tax challenges that can make or break their financial future. The complex interplay between traditional tax regulations and the innovative nature of tech businesses demands smart planning from day one.
Also in industry news this week: The latest update on the status of the Department of Labor's proposed regulation related to fiduciary advice on retirement accounts and why the agency is referring to it as a "retirement security rule" rather than a "fiduciary rule" A report suggests that RIA M&A surged in the 3rd quarter, as large acquirers resumed (..)
Tax deductions can save you thousands annually by reducing your taxable income through legitimate business expenses. Understanding these deductions is more critical than ever as tax laws evolve, presenting new opportunities for savings. Understanding this distinction is crucial for maximizing your tax benefits effectively.
Without proper planning, taxes can unexpectedly take a large bite out of the proceeds, potentially reducing financial security and the legacy. When you understand various exit strategies and their tax implications early, you position yourself to make informed decisions that maximize after-tax value while ensuring a smooth transition.
Freelancers and contractors may enjoy greater flexibility and independence than full-time employees, however, this autonomy brings increased tax responsibility. Unlike W-2 employees, freelancers and independent contractors are responsible for managing their own tax obligations, which can be a complex process.
April 15 marks the IRS tax return filing deadline for 2025. Although this is the traditional tax filing deadline, given the spate of recent natural disasters (such as the California wildfires and Hurricane Milton), the IRS is granting certain filing and payment extensions beyond this date.
This article will explore how to navigate complex tax situations arising from multiple income sources, examining various income types, reporting requirements, self-employment obligations, and strategic approaches to record-keeping and taxplanning that can help protect your financial interests. What is an RSU?
We've also announced a Save-The-Date for a second IAR CE Intensive Day later this year – on Thursday, October 30th, we'll host an "IAR P&P CE Day" (covering the Products & Practice portion of the IAR CE requirement), with a particular focus on advanced tax and retirementplanning.
While a Roth conversion may never make sense for some individuals, for others, early retirement years may be the best time to convert pre-tax accounts to tax-free Roth. Your current and projected future tax rate is often a main component of the decision, but there are other considerations and benefits as well.
In November 2022, proponents of the Massachusetts ‘millionaires’ tax (question 1) won their bid to nearly double the income tax rate on individuals with taxable income over $1M a year. As proposed, the new legislation would increase these tax rates to 9% and perhaps even 16% , respectively, starting in 2023.
Backdoor strategies are retirement contribution methods that allow individuals to bypass income limits and contribute to tax-advantaged retirement accounts. The strategies typically involve making after-tax contributions to a traditional IRA or 401(k), then converting those funds into a Roth IRA or Roth 401(k).
The 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) brought sweeping changes to the tax code, impacting every taxpayer and business owner. Here’s a summary of the major tax law changes coming in 2026 and some steps individuals and business owners can take to prepare. For some, this may lead to more taxes paid on capital gains.
Roth IRA conversions present a significant challenge for retirement planners: pay taxes now or later? Moving funds from traditional IRAs to Roth accounts triggers immediate taxation but promises tax-free withdrawals in retirement.
Plus there are also some additional benefits inherent within 401(k) accounts that are not available to IRAs – you can read up on the reasons to leave your money in the 401(k) in the article Not So Fast! Of course you would have to pay tax on the distribution, but otherwise you can take the money from your IRA for these purposes.
Retirementplanning is an essential aspect of financial security, especially as one transitions from a phase of regular income to relying on savings and investments. With increased life expectancy, the modern retirementplan may need to account for not only a longer life but also for the increased expectations during this phase.
Life transitions such as marriage, divorce, the birth of a child or grandchild, career changes, retirement, an inheritance, or the purchase or sale of a home can all influence your broader financial picture. These events may affect your investment approach, taxplanning strategies, insurance needs, and estate planning documents.
So historically, every $1 million invested would yield annual dividend income of $19,800 on average… before tax. If you own 10,000 shares, you receive $40,000 in dividend income (before taxes) and have a portfolio currently worth $2M. If qualified, the IRS uses more favorable long-term capital gains tax rates.
With medical inflation outpacing general inflation, ignoring healthcare in your retirementplan is a risk no one can afford. Factoring in retirement healthcare costs is a smart move. And if you are unsure where to begin, talking to a financial advisor can help you build a more personalized and realistic retirementplan.
While they do share some similarities, there are enough distinct differences between the two where they can just as easily qualify as completely separate and distinct retirementplans. Either plan is an excellent choice, particularly if you’re not covered by an employer-sponsored retirementplan. Not exactly.
Retirementplanning is deeply personal, and for single individuals, it comes with both unique opportunities and important considerations. Whether by choice or circumstance, retiring solo means you’re in full control of your financial decisions, but you also face distinct planning challenges that require thoughtful strategy.
They max out a 401(k), skim through Social Security rules, maybe even dabble in stocks, but when retirement day approaches, they realize their savings, insurance, or investment mix just doesn’t add up. The goal of this article isn’t to scare you. What’s the earliest you can retire? Not for a 25- or 30-year runway.
One of those options might be to set up a defined contribution plan such as a 401(k). [1] 1] A 401(k) will allow you to set aside some of your assets into a tax-advantaged account that can have market exposure and the potential to grow over time. [2] 4] This is a tax-advantaged account, much like a 401(k). [5]
Photo credit: jb Employers have been giving us lots of opportunities to make this decision of late: when leaving an employer, whether voluntarily or otherwise, we have the opportunity to rollover the qualified retirementplan (QRP) such as a 401(k) from the former employer to either an IRA or a new employer’s QRP.
Congress is once again poised to make sweeping changes to the retirement and tax rules in the last two weeks of the year. retirement changes. In the new bill, the age when retirees must begin drawing from non-Roth tax-deferred retirement accounts would increase to 73 in 2023 and 75 in 2033. The Secure Act 2.0
A comment on an article at Yahoo about retirement mistakes said the following; The thing to really do is 5 years before you are required to take the money you have in an IRA is Transfer all the money in your IRA into your Roth account. Actually the article is very thin and might not be worth using one of your free articles.
The Wall Street Journal had an article about the fear common to retirees about outliving their money. Maybe you have very few moving parts or have many more moving parts but it is important to realize that no one's retirementplan will be done in by everything going exactly as planned.
Note: Since most investors are more familiar with stocks, a comparison of risk and return within the equity market has been intentionally omitted from this article). Taxes, fees, expenses, trading costs, etc. Examples in this article are generic, hypothetical and for illustration purposes only. can all weigh on performance.
Freelancing is liberating, but without a solid financial plan, it can also be unpredictable. As a freelancer, you juggle not only your craft but also your finances, taxes, and retirementplanning. That’s where financial planning for freelancers comes in. Plan for taxes ahead of time 4.
In the dynamic landscape of retirementplanning, the article " Managing Taxes in Retirement using the Effective Marginal Tax Rate " published in Advisor Perspectives by Dr. Wade Pfau and Joe Elsasser, CFP(R), provides valuable insights into tax-efficient distribution strategies.
While grappling with various aspects of retirementplanning, it is imperative to acknowledge a critical factor that often does not receive its due attention – longevity risk. While this is undoubtedly positive, it introduces the challenge of ensuring that your financial resources last an extended retirement period.
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