Blog
Reducing the AMT
Which of the following tax planning ideas would help Beth the most if she currently has to pay AMT taxes? Pay her $1,000 January mortgage payment before the end of the year. Pay her $2,000 January alimony payment to her ex-husband before the end of the year. Recognize a $3,000 short term capital gain on…
Read MoreCFP Board Announces Elizabeth Miller as 2024 CFP Board Chair-Elect
CFP® Board Updates In July, the CFP Board announced Elizabeth Miller, CFP® as its 2024 Chair-elect. She has previous experience with the CFP Board as a Board Director in 2020 and is a member of CFP Board Center for Financial Planning’s Campaign Development. Liz Miller, CFP®, CFA®, is the founder and President of Summit Place…
Read MorePassing Property Via Will
Course: Investment PlanningLesson 14: Evaluation Portfolio Performance Student Question: Hello – I’m a little confused about the example (below) discussing an heirloom of only sentimental value. Why would this be titled at all for a will, especially since an earlier lecture said items of no value would pass through will as the situation does not…
Read MoreRetirement Funding Calculation
Erika wants $50,000 a year in today’s dollars in retirement. She anticipates retiring in 10 years and living in retirement for 30 years. Erika can earn 7% on her investments and she expects inflation to average 4%. Approximately how much should Erika have saved by the day she retires to meet this goal? $913,000 $983,000…
Read MoreLong-Term Disability Coverage Trap
Good to Know What’s worse than never accumulating wealth? Losing it after you’ve accumulated it! From that perspective, an underinsured long-term disability can zap a client’s wealth faster than the government can spend tax dollars. When, if ever, has your client reviewed their LTD insurance policy? They may be under the mistaken impression that the…
Read MoreDonating Short-term Appreciated Securities
Course: Income Tax PlanningLesson 15: Property Transactions Student Question: In the lesson, deducting donations of ‘cash’ versus ‘long term appreciated securities’ are differentiated. I’m curious about “short term appreciated securities”. In other words, if I own a stock – bought at $10,000 and it’s worth $50,000 when I donate, but I’ve only owned it 6…
Read MoreAccelerated Death Benefits
Which of the following individuals would typically qualify for accelerated death benefits under their term life insurance policy? Ida who is expected to die within 7 months from cancer. Jacob who is expected to die within 10 months from AIDS. Kay who is expected to die within 3 months from kidney failure All of the…
Read MoreThis Short Quiz Can Keep You Out of Trouble With CFP Board
CFP® Certificants in the News CFP Board reminds us of the duty to report ethical matters in their July Newsletter article-Focus on Ethics: Duty to Report Information to CFP Board. This brief quiz will test your understanding. True or False, a CFP® professional must report the following to CFP Board within 30 days? Being named…
Read MoreLoan Impact on Basis in a Modified Endowment Contract
Course: Insurance PlanningLesson 15: Income Taxation of Life Insurance Student Question: Can you help me better understand the difference between policy basis in a normal policy and policy basis on a modified endowment contract. From the Coursework: But for MEC purposes, the basis is increased by any portion of loans that were considered taxable income…
Read More