Blog

How Have You Planned for Healthcare Expenses?

By Bruce Starks, CPA, CFP®

Good to Know How will you cover your retirement healthcare costs if you retire before age 65?  There may be more options than you think!  Over the next few weeks, the author will highlight key alternatives for retirees too young to qualify for Medicare. This article, Part 1 of a series, will highlight the pros…

Donating Short-term Appreciated Securities

By Bruce Starks, CPA, CFP®

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…

Reducing the AMT

By Dan Madden, CFP®

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…

CFP Board Announces Elizabeth Miller as 2024 CFP Board Chair-Elect

By Dan Madden, CFP®

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…

Passing Property Via Will

By Bruce Starks, CPA, CFP®

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…

Retirement Funding Calculation

By Dan Madden, CFP®

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…

Long-Term Disability Coverage Trap

By Bruce Starks, CPA, CFP®

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…

Donating Short-term Appreciated Securities

By Bruce Starks, CPA, CFP®

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…

Accelerated Death Benefits

By Dan Madden, CFP®

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…