The Fed Launches QE3
With the fiscal cliff roughly 100 days away and the first Tuesday in November still too far off, institutional and retail investors were counting on the Federal Reserve to combat market anxiety with a new stimulus. In its latest policy announcement, the Fed came through – on September 14, the central bank launched its third round of easing in the past four years.1
Major Retirement Planning Mistakes
Much has been written about the classic financial mistakes that plague start-ups, family businesses, corporations and charities. Aside from these blunders, there are also some classic financial missteps that plague retirees.
Looking at the New Estate Tax Laws
With 2013 approaching, many families and their financial, tax and legal consultants are weighing major estate planning decisions. A short-term window of opportunity may be closing. The relatively low estate tax rates we have now may soon disappear, along with one of the largest federal tax breaks available in decades.
Can We Avert the "Fiscal Cliff"?
Recently, you may have heard about the “looming fiscal cliff”, the “coming fiscal cliff” and so forth. What exactly is it? Briefly stated, the “fiscal cliff” is a potential $7 trillion dilemma facing Congress this fall – a Congress not known for ready cooperation. If America goes over it, our economy could stumble.
20 Tips for Minimizing Your Taxes in 2012 & Beyond
If your goal is tax minimization, here are 20 “to-dos” you might want to accomplish before 2013 arrives; alone or in combination, they could save you some money. Just one note beforehand: consult the tax or financial professional you trust before you make these moves, so you can see how they fit within your overall financial picture.
The Pros & Cons of Roth IRA Conversions
The Bush-era tax cuts could sunset in 2013, and that possibility has prompted some traditional IRA owners to think about Roth conversions. If tax rates go up, going Roth may be smart. The key word in that last sentence is “may,” as going Roth may not be for everyone.
An Estate-Planning Checklist
Estate planning is a task that people tend to put off, as any discussion of “the end” tends to be off-putting. However, those who leave this world without their financial affairs in good order risk leaving their heirs some significant problems along with their legacies.
No matter what your age, here are some things you may want to accomplish this year with regard to estate planning.
Audit Red Flags
Are you one of those taxpayers worried about being audited? Let’s look at some red flags that might get you extra IRS scrutiny.
Ways to Put a Refund to Work...
Is a tax refund coming your way? If you have already received your refund for 2012 or are about to receive it, you might want to think about the destiny of that money. Here are some possibilities:
Tax Corporations Less... Tax Dividends More?
On Capitol Hill, a rough consensus is starting to emerge: a feeling that the corporate tax rate should be reduced to help U.S. firms stay globally competitive. At the same time, President Obama’s 2013 federal budget proposes a massive tax hike on corporate dividends, a change that could harshly impact the individual investor.
Obama's Proposed 2013 Budget & the Taxpayer
The wealthiest taxpayers could be hit hard if the tax hikes in President Obama’s 2013 federal budget proposal become law. The good news is that the tax changes outlined by the President in mid-February may be softened by eventual bipartisan compromise. As currently proposed, they would impact the wealthiest Americans on several fronts.