IRA Giving After Age 70 1/2 : How to Make a Qualified Charitable Distribution

IRA Giving After Age 70 ½: How to Make a Qualified Charitable Distribution As a former CPA with over 40 years of experience, our observation is that people are very generous with the donations they make. People typically donate cash, write a check to the charity, or put the donation on their credit card. Now,… Continue Reading: IRA Giving After Age 70 1/2 : How to Make a Qualified Charitable Distribution

Goodbye to the Joneses. 3 Practical Steps to Arrive Financially.

Goodbye to the Joneses. 3 Practical Steps to Arrive Financially. The Joneses are everywhere. And boy, do they like to spend money; frequently money they do not even have. Please do not try to compete with them. They will beat you every time. When running out to money or filing for bankruptcy tires them, they… Continue Reading: Goodbye to the Joneses. 3 Practical Steps to Arrive Financially.

“I Love Paying Taxes.” Said No One, Ever!

With April 15th right around the corner, well its Tax Day. Time to settle with Uncle Sam. If you have state income taxes, you will also have to settle with Cousin Sam. A Brief History of Income Taxes The first modern day income tax in the United States was in 1913 with the passage of… Continue Reading: “I Love Paying Taxes.” Said No One, Ever!

3 Easy Reasons to Open a Roth IRA

In my opinion, many investors will need to open a Roth IRA for their retirement. Here are 3 reasons why. 1) To Fund Your Retirement Sorry to state the obvious. If you do not realize this already: You are on your own with your retirement. Let that sink in. You (likely) will not be getting… Continue Reading: 3 Easy Reasons to Open a Roth IRA

6 Easy Ways a Financial Advisor Can Add Value

1) Risk Management

I know risk management is just another term for insurance. No one wants to read about insurance, much less buy more of it. Insurance however is just a way to share the risk. There are many risks we face and not all of them can be insured against. A good financial advisor will be able to articulate the risks and offer the ways to manage these risks.

2) Cash Flow

Face it, money is tight. The economy is not exactly roaring. One way a financial adviser can add value is to get a handle on your expenses. It won’t be their job to tell you what your budget is. That’s your job. A good advisor however will be able to tell you what the consequences of going off the reservation too far are. Day to day living expenses, saving for retirement and education and oh, paying for a little vacation all add up.

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The Difference Between Tax-Deferred and Tax-Free Investing

Investors need to know the difference between tax-deferred and tax-free investing. Tax-Deferred Investing Investors can avail themselves to tax-deferred investing by contributing to their 401(k) plan at work or by funding their IRA. Contributions to these accounts are tax-deferred. The contributions are put in pre-tax. The funds grow tax deferred. When distributions are made from… Continue Reading: The Difference Between Tax-Deferred and Tax-Free Investing

4 Things Every Investor Can Control

Investors can easily get distracted these days.  Hop in the car on the way to work, turn on the radio and get updates on the stock market futures. Check your online portfolio at work during your lunch break.  Perhaps you even check it several times a day when you should be working. Stop off after… Continue Reading: 4 Things Every Investor Can Control

3 Proven Reasons You Need a Roth IRA

This article is original content written by Manchester, CT Financial Advisor Thomas Scanlon, CFP®, CPA To be eligible for a Roth IRA you need to have earned income from wages or from self-employment.  Additionally higher income earners are not eligible.  Married couples filing a joint return with a modified adjusted gross income of less than… Continue Reading: 3 Proven Reasons You Need a Roth IRA