In last week’s column, I discussed strategies to avoid potential capital gains taxes. I’m going to continue with the same theme, but in a slightly different way. This week l will talk about required minimum distributions (RMDs), particularly how taking them can create unwanted income tax liabilities, while not taking [...]
Last Wednesday I discussed the Medicare Advantage programs and today we finish with the Part B Supplemental (or Medigap) coverage. By the way, Open Enrollment began yesterday and you have until December 7 to apply for a change of plan. If you have not, I suggest you set up your [...]
Should I pay-off my mortgage is a common question we receive. There isn’t a one-size fits all answer, as each case has unique variables to think about. You can find people who will recommend both for and against paying off the remainder of your mortgage. It’s not always a case [...]
Yesterday it appeared that Hurricane Dorian was weakening somewhat and its probable path this week would spare our Atlantic coast from the worst possible destruction. As it slides slowly northward, the damage may come from storm surges and torrential rain. I have watched some coverage of the preparations. Even Floridians [...]
If you asked 100 people that struggle to balance their monthly budgets where they spend too much money I would guess the number one answer they would give would be eating out. Too often there just don’t seem to be enough hours in the day to plan meals, go grocery [...]
My family will soon be taking our first (and probably last) pilgrimage to Orlando to do the whole “Disney thing”. When I first proposed this excursion to my wife last year I had no idea how complicated and time-consuming the whole process would be. In my ignorance I assumed you [...]
My favorite movie of all time is The Shawshank Redemption. In one of the most powerful scenes in the movie it’s lead protagonist Andy Dufresne, played by Tim Robbins, tells his friend life comes down to a single choice, “get busy living or get busy dying.” Both the simplicity and [...]
For investors, proper perspective is about the most important quality one can possess. I am referring to the practice of viewing where we are in terms of historical benchmarks and the statistical probabilities from long history Our shared human condition is that we are creatures of the here and now. [...]
This past Monday, Chase Bank made national news for an unintentionally controversial tweet they sent their 365,000 followers. The tweet depicted an imaginary conversation between a person and their bank account. The full tweet was as follows You: “why is my balance so low?” Bank Account: “make coffee at home” [...]
The crazy market swings and slumps of the past 20 years were hard for anyone to stomach. It’s one thing when you are working and earning a paycheck. Time is on your side and you have the opportunity to buy “discounted” shares of the market. It’s entirely another thing when [...]
