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Archive for the ‘Financial Planning’
Estate Tax Laws Are Changing – Are You Prepared?
Posted in: Financial Center & Financial Planning |
Tax season is, once again, just around the corner. And while for many Boomers, preparing your income tax returns may seem like the more pressing concern, anyone who’s read any of my articles or blog...
Tags: boomer, federal estate tax, gift tax exemption, income tax returns, new legislation
The Talk Every Boomer Couple Needs to Have
Posted in: Financial Center & Financial Planning |
Money problems can overwhelm a relationship, particularly one on the verge of marriage or a live-in arrangement.
According to the Financial Planning Association, here are a few ways to avoid potential...
Tags: boomer couples, joint accounts, money priorities
Boomers: Can You Recognize Your Financial Personality?
Posted in: Financial Center & Financial Planning |
Not all investors are created equal.
According to study results released by the Financial Planning Association of Washington, D.C., there are distinct money “types” that trained financial advisors,...
Tags: beneficiaries, financial health, financial planning association, magicians, successful business people
Federal Death Tax Gone; State Tax Remains Ominous
Posted in: Financial Center & Financial Planning |
In the last days of 2009, Congress let the federal estate tax die for 2010.
That’s right, for those who are “smart” enough to pass away this year, there is no federal estate tax.
I’m imagining...
Tags: federal estate tax, financial advisors, heirs, inheritance taxes, tax experts
Rushing to Roth Could Be Costly
Posted in: Financial Center & Financial Planning |
So, I’m driving to the office listening to my favorite all-news radio station when along comes a commercial that says “Converting your traditional IRA to a Roth IRA without paying those nasty taxes...
Tags: income tax liability, money, retirement, tax monies, traditional ira
“The Romantic Side of Estate Planning” – Leaving a Legacy of Love
Posted in: Financial Center & Financial Planning |
As I’ve mentioned before, I’m a hopelessly romantic boomer. That said, I’m also an estate planner. With Valentines Day approaching, I thought I’d try a different slant on estate planning. ...
Tags: advanced planning, boomer, investment records, keys to your heart, social networking sites
Retirement 101: Getting Back to Basics
Posted in: Financial Center & Financial Planning |
Since the most recent market meltdown, Americans are re-evaluating their financial situations.
Some, mostly those who have invested some time and money in the process of “planning,” are doing so...
Tags: basic building blocks, cash reserves, financial security, income sources, retirement lifestyle
The Resurgence of Uncertainty
Posted in: Financial Center & Financial Planning |
The economic recovery is alleged to have started back in March. Health care reform, in one shape or another, was a given. Barak Obama was the icon of “change” in our government. What a difference...
Tags: economic recovery, health care bill, legislative focus, stimulus
Get 2010 Off to a Great Financial Start
Posted in: Financial Center & Financial Planning |
Made any resolutions about money for this year?
There’s still time.
Look at some of the suggestions coming from the Financial Planning Association of Washington, D.C.
Write down your goals
Money...
Tags: 401 k, career plan, financial goals, financial planning association, personal finances
Are You Smarter Than a Ponzi Schemer?
Posted in: Financial Center & Financial Planning |
The $50 billion Ponzi scheme pulled off by Bernie Madoff was a huge story in 2009.
He had operated his bogus investment company for nearly 30 years, pulling wool over the eyes of allegedly sophisticated...
Tags: Bernie Madoff, credentials, financial fraud, financial planning association, investment company
“Estate Tax 2010” – Congress Didn’t Act, Where Does This Leave Us?
Posted in: Financial Center & Financial Planning |
The final year of The 2001 Tax Act (EGTRRA 2001) is now upon us, and estate tax repeal, at least temporarily and unless reinstated retroactively, is upon us. Quite frankly, I never expected this to happen. ...
Tags: death tax, estate tax law, federal estate tax exemption, generation skipping transfer tax, new legislation
Make This the Year You Take Over Your Financial Future
Posted in: Financial Center & Financial Planning |
Remember the scene from “Network” where the actor encourages everyone watching to go to the window, open it, and yell: “I’m mad as hell, and I’m not going to take it anymore”?
Well if that’s...
Tags: bailout, consumer protections, credit cards, goals and aspirations, new year
Congressional Menu for 2010? Pork… Pork… and Yes… More Pork!
Posted in: Financial Center & Financial Planning |
A little more than a year ago, the American voters elected a new President on the basis of “change”. One of the major issues was the alleged end to special interests, lobbyists and “back-room”...
Tags: federal spending, healthcare reform, medicare payments, senate health committee
Al’s Holiday Reflection
Posted in: Financial Center & Financial Planning |
Yes, it’s the week before Christmas and again here I sit…
Seeking holiday spirit… and brilliance… and wit!
For years I’d look forward to completing this part,
My annual poem… my joy from...
Tags: christmas wish, festival of lights, happy holidays, peace on earth
SEC Chickens Out on Annuity Rule
Posted in: Financial Center & Financial Planning |
Last week, in a filing with the U.S. Court of Appeals the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) agreed to a two-year delay in the implementation of it’s controversial Rule 151A which would have required...
Tags: financial abuse, indexed annuity, insurance industry, senator herb kohl, senior citizens
“Estate Planning: The Gift that Keeps on Giving” – Take Time this Holiday to Discuss Estate Planning with Your Family
Posted in: Financial Center & Financial Planning |
Great food, family get-togethers, holiday cheer…estate planning?!? While it may seem like a less than ideal topic for a fireside chat, estate planning is critically important and the holidays can present...
Tags: charitable gifts, fireside chat, grandkids, holiday season, timeless gift
Time to Visit Santa and Your Tax Man!
Posted in: Financial Center & Financial Planning |
Santa yes… but visit the tax man? Hey, it’s only December! I don’t need the tax guy until next year… around April right? Not if you’re into the art of planning ahead. Not if you’re interested...
Tags: december 31, new year, retirement plan, tax form, year end
Time for Legislation on Financial Advisors
Posted in: Financial Center & Financial Planning |
For years, I have been trying to warn consumers and investors about the multitude of untrained, untested and generally unqualified individuals posing as financial advisors.
Although our practice gets...
Tags: consumer protection, financial advisors, FINRA, legislative action, state securities
Independent Advisors “Circle the Wagons”
Posted in: Financial Center & Financial Planning |
There are many ways to define “independent” investment advisors; however, I suspect the most appropriate definition would be that of an advisor or firm who is in no way directly connected with the...
Tags: Bernie Madoff, corporate operations, insurance license, insurance products
“Al” Benelli, CFP™, FIC
Posted in: Financial Authors & Financial Center & Financial Planning |
A.T. “Al” Benelli, CFP™, FIC, Program Director for Boomer-Living.com,is a Certified Financial Planner® practitioner and founder of The Merlin Group, a financial advisory firm located in Trooper,...
