Below you'll find a list of all posts that have been categorized as “Investments and Trading”
Receiving an inheritance might seem like a financial windfall—but if that inheritance includes a traditional IRA, it may come with an unexpected side effect: a substantial tax bill. Thanks to recent changes from the SECURE Act, many beneficiaries now face new rules and tighter timelines when it comes to inherited retirement accounts. If you’re not careful, you could end up …
The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA), passed in 2017, ushered in sweeping changes to the U.S. tax code—reducing tax rates, doubling the standard deduction, limiting certain itemized deductions, and increasing estate tax exemptions. But many of these provisions were temporary, and without congressional intervention, they are set to expire at the end of 2025. If Congress allows the TCJA …
Sometimes you need a “sounding board” for your ideas and concerns. When you have financial questions or ideas, you need someone to listen. A professional can listen and help provide insight about possible financial moves you could make—plus give you guidance regarding your options. Every retirement saver needs to measure financial progress. Checking in with your financial professional every so …
Investors may want to avoid these common errors when saving for retirement. In the sports world, a mental error can cost your team the big game. When you are investing, a mental error can put your retirement portfolio at risk. Mistakes often result from letting misconceptions and emotions affect your decisions. Successful investing generally requires logic and reasoning. To avoid …
A look at the potential of compounding and early, steady investing. Time may be the greatest asset for the young investor. While some people may frantically try to catch up on retirement saving after age 50, you have the chance to harness the power of compounding by starting decades earlier. When you start may matter more than how (or how …
Learn how that could affect your retirement strategy A bull market can promote overconfidence. You may be lulled into thinking that the major indices will rise for years to come. That is not a given. The danger arrives if the market slumps and your income is too heavily tied to equity performance. The upside is that when the bulls run, …
In trying to do it yourself, there’s the chance you could do it all wrong. Many successful people refrain from trying to plan their financial futures. They delegate that job to professionals, as they lack the time, inclination, or knowledge to do it themselves. This makes sense. It takes years to gain a thorough understanding of financial market cycles and …
A few astute moves could help promote a better after-tax return. As you weigh risk vs. return, you may risk taking an eye off taxes. A focus on tax efficiency could help you improve the effective yield of your portfolio. You can try to cut or delay taxes linked to investing. Consider placing the most tax-efficient investments you have in …
With the stock market hitting all-time highs on a what seems like a daily basis, now is the time to review heavily appreciated and concentrated stock holdings. What is intent of the investment that you are holding? Is there a particular goal in mind? No one knows what the value of the investment will be when you want to achieve …
When it comes to investing, many people associate risk with losing money. But investing demands different forms of risk. Understanding each type — and the possible return linked with your retirement portfolio — can help you determine whether your investments are suitable for your situation. Examining Risk and Return Stocks historically have displayed the highest level of market risk — …
If you are thinking about changing jobs, are you aware what your choices are for managing the money in your current employer’s retirement plan? Although many people have chosen to take a cash distribution, there are several options that may benefit you more. Uncle Sam Loves Cash Distributions Taking a lump-sum cash distribution may cause an immediate 20% federal …
