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While rates are low, here are three estate planning ideas

While rates are low, here are three estate planning ideas

Interest rates have reached historic lows since the Federal Reserve continued to maintain its quantitative easing program. Given the current environment, high-net-worth clients may want to explore certain strategies that may benefit from lower rates. At the same time, several estate-planning strategies are negatively affected by low rates. Advisors may want to discuss the following

Partial improvement for social insurance programs

Partial improvement for social insurance programs

The latest data on the future viability of federal social insurance programs are mixed. While the outlook for Medicare improved slightly in the recently-released Social Security Administration Trustees’ annual report, Social Security’s anticipated insolvency date remained unchanged at 2033. As Social Security and Medicare remain a significant part of retirement planning for most workers, it

Employer health insurance mandate delayed

Employer health insurance mandate delayed

An important decision by the Obama administration may prompt questions from clients. Business owners last week received a one-year reprieve on a requirement by the federal health-care reform law for employers to provide health insurance for full-time employees. The Administration moved the effective date of this requirement to 2015 from 2014, in response to business

Congress eyeing proposals that may limit retirement savings

Congress eyeing proposals that may limit retirement savings

Three proposals being debated on Capitol Hill would limit many investors’ ability to plan for retirement. As Washington lawmakers grapple with the federal budget deficit, some retirement accounts and provisions have come under scrutiny. Here are three proposals that have been introduced: 1. Scale back retirement plan contributions Originally proposed in the 2010 Simpson-Bowles Commission

Clarity on estate tax can prompt client discussions

Clarity on estate tax can prompt client discussions

Whether your client’s estate is large, small, or somewhere in between, a new law that took effect this year might warrant a closer look. The American Taxpayer Relief Act holds important provisions for investors with estate assets. The law made permanent the 2012 federal estate tax and gift tax exemption levels and included an adjustment

Captive insurance may help protect business assets

Captive insurance may help protect business assets

For business owners, asset protection may be the firewall that could protect the business and wealth they have created over years from unforeseen circumstances and loss. Small businesses, in particular, may lack sufficient insurance coverage to prevent a catastrophic judgment in a lawsuit. Medical professionals may be at risk of a devastating malpractice claim. Medical

Advice among top 3 factors of successful saving

Advice among top 3 factors of successful saving

Americans are on track to save 61% of current income in retirement, according to Putnam’s latest Lifetime Income ScoreSM survey. The study also found that those best positioned for success shared these characteristics: Have access to workplace savings plans Defer 10% or more of their income Work with a financial advisor Conducted with Brightwork Partners

A 529 plan offers benefits beyond paying for college

A 529 plan offers benefits beyond paying for college

There are numerous incentives for parents to save for a child’s future higher education, rather than rely on borrowing. Cost is one. Total charges at both private and public four-year colleges rose more than 4% from 2011-2012 to 2012-2013, according to the College Board. Source: The College Board, “Trends in College Pricing 2012.” Another incentive

Planning does not stop in retirement

Planning does not stop in retirement

A big concern for workers is ensuring that their assets last in retirement. As workers plan for retirement, they may want to understand that withdrawal rates and investment style in retirement can significantly impact how long those assets will last. That is why it is important for pre-retirees to seek professional financial advice. Selecting a