Ever considered converting to a Roth IRA? The current bear market may be a great opportunity to do so. Check out Thomas Manly’s interview with Mike Switzer on the South Carolina Business Review to learn more about Roth retirement accounts and how this switch can benefit you.
Listen to the interview here.
Getting ready for retirement? Before you can cross that bridge, you’ll need to cross some important items off your to-do list. But thanks to our work together, you might be more prepared than you think! This handy checklist of ten crucial steps can help you visualize how far you’ve come.
Retirement Budget
Understand what your income will be, and how you can confidently spend the money you have accumulated for retirement.
Emergency Savings
Prepare for emergencies by saving at least 3 months’ living expenses, and have that money easily available to you.
Tax Strategy
Have a sound tax strategy to guide you through the process of spending money from both taxable and tax-deferred accounts.
Lifestyle & Location
Consider where you’ll live, both short- and long-term. Have a plan for funding a move and understand the timing involved.
401k Strategy
Have a strategy for your 401(k) plan and determine the best time for you to access the money, based on your goals.1
Bucket List
Write down your personal goals for your retirement years. Explore your dreams, priorities and values.
Extended Care
Make arrangements in the event that you or a loved one encounters a health issue requiring full-time care.
Estate Strategy
Develop an estate approach that includes how you want your assets to be allocated, and who will handle your estate.
Health Insurance
Understand your options with Medicare and define a strategy for covering health care expenses for the long haul.
Social Security Strategy
Have a sound tax strategy to guide you through the process of spending money from both taxable and tax-deferred accounts.
If you’re not as prepared for retirement as you’d like to be, just reach out. Together, we can fine-tune these strategies so you can finish your checklist and get started on that bucket list.
1. Distributions from 401(k) plans and most other employer-sponsored retirement plans are taxed as ordinary income and, if taken before age 59½, may be subject to a 10% federal income tax penalty. Generally, once you reach age 73, you must begin taking required minimum distributions.
Have you ever had to deal with a “white elephant”? Not the actual pachyderm, but what Merriam-Webster calls “a property requiring much care and expense yielding little profit” or, more simply, “something of little or no value.” Of course, we’re not talking about the sort of “white elephants” you might get in a humorous gift exchange over the holidays, like a tacky t-shirt that isn’t even your size or an inexplicable kitchen gadget.
Not everyone has a rich uncle who will present them with a simple cash gift in his will. A “white elephant” is a gift that may cause more issues than it resolves, much as an elephant might eat an unwitting recipient out of house and home. It’s an asset that comes to you via gift or inheritance and needs to be quickly sold, liquidated, or transferred to avoid further expenses of time or money. In such cases, it is crucial to understand how to disclaim an inheritance properly and avoid holding the burden. The average American household stands to inherit $46,200. Not all those bequeathments are straight cash, and some might prove inconvenient or troublesome.1
There are several reasons why someone might not want to accept an inheritance:
Remember, this article is for informational purposes only and does not replace real-life advice, so consult a legal professional before deciding on an inheritance. The article provides high-level considerations, but a legal professional who is familiar with your situation may be able to provide more insights and guidance.
To officially disclaim an inheritance, you must meet the following requirements set forth by the Internal Revenue Service:
Notably, once you disclaim an inheritance, you have no say in who receives it. The estate will be treated as if you died before accepting it and will go to the contingent beneficiary named in the will. If there is no will, the distribution will resume according to the next person, in line with state law.3
However, disclaiming an inheritance may not be the best choice for individuals receiving Medicaid benefits. If you reject an inheritance while on Medicaid, it could be considered a transfer of assets, potentially making you ineligible for Medicaid for a certain period. It is crucial to seek guidance from a professional with information specific to your situation if you receive Medicaid benefits.
Again, you may not have the choice or inclination to refuse this inheritance. Let’s look at a few options open to you.
Donating Assets: Several tax strategies exist for charitable contributions. One method is to donate assets to charity. By doing this, you may be able to manage capital gains taxes and receive an income tax deduction for the full fair market value of the assets.
This is an overview and is not intended as tax or legal advice. Please consult legal or tax professionals for specific information if you want to donate the assets you received as part of an inheritance.
Real Estate: Unwanted land can become a financial burden. Selling land can be difficult if it has been on the market for months or years without any offers. The most common reason for this is that the price is too high. Determining the value of land can be challenging, so setting a realistic price is essential. Another reason for a property’s failure to sell is poor marketing. Undesirable features or location can also contribute to a property’s inability to sell, as can title issues such as liens or property boundary problems.
If you need help selling your inherited land, there are several strategies you can try. Listing the land for sale online on various platforms can provide maximum exposure. Contacting neighboring property owners may also be effective. Other options include donating the property to a charity. Several charities accept land donations, but they typically have a screening process and often sell land to raise funds for their organizations.
Collectibles: Perhaps the most common of these white elephant inheritances include collectibles, esoteric items that future heirs have no wish to inherit, such as stamps, baseball cards, comic books, figurines, or dishware. The inheritance may also require more thought or consideration, such as an art collection that includes several large canvases or a cache of ephemera, such as old letters that may have historical value and require special preservation.
Most metropolitan areas have resources for liquidating collectibles or helping you get in touch with collectors who might purchase these items wholesale. Holding an estate sale is another common step for quick movement. If you believe you can earn more, you might list these items for sale online. However, in most cases, you may have to decide whether this is worth the effort or whether donating the items to a charity might be simpler.
In short, don’t let the elephant gobble up your time and money! Another step, when possible, is to speak to your relative in advance if you anticipate inheriting something you can’t handle or don’t want. Conversations with your relatives might go a long way toward averting more work later and give them the satisfaction of knowing they are caring for you in the present.
1. Finance.yahoo.com, September 15, 2023
2. NasonLawFirm.com, September 27, 2023
3. GreatAOakAdvisors.com, September 27, 2023
The content is developed from sources believed to be providing accurate information. The information in this material is not intended as tax or legal advice. It may not be used for the purpose of avoiding any federal tax penalties. Please consult legal or tax professionals for specific information regarding your individual situation. This material was developed and produced by FMG Suite to provide information on a topic that may be of interest. FMG, LLC, is not affiliated with the named broker-dealer, state- or SEC-registered investment advisory firm. The opinions expressed and material provided are for general information, and should not be considered a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security. Copyright 2024 FMG Suite.
Whether you’re applying for Social Security in the future or currently receiving benefits, there are some important changes to earnings limits, Medicare premiums, and other differences to keep in mind. Ready to learn more? Read on.
That’s right! Due to an increase in the Consumer Price Index (CPI-W), the Social Security Administration (SSA) has made a 3.2-percent COLA Adjustment.1
Employees everywhere will be happy to hear that the cap on wages subject to Social Security withholdings has increased to $168,600.1
If a working individual starts receiving Social Security payments before full retirement age, the Social Security Administration will deduct $1 in benefits for each $2 that person earns above an annual limit. In 2024, the income limit is $22,320.1
During the year in which a worker reaches full retirement age, Social Security benefit reduction falls to $1 in benefits for every $3 in earnings. For 2024, the limit is $59,520 before the month the worker reaches full retirement age.1
Social Security recipients will see a $9.80 increase in Part B premiums. But first-time enrollees and Medicare beneficiaries who earn $206,000 or more in 2024 may pay a higher premium.2
For 2024, you’ll need to earn $1,730 to earn one “credit” toward Social Security and Medicare, up from $1,640 in 2023. What remains the same? You can only earn four credits each year, and you must earn at least 40 credits in order to qualify for benefits.3
For many, Social Security may be an important source of income during their “second act.” If changes to Social Security give you pause or make you question if you are making the most of your benefits, a qualified financial professional may be just the person you need to help you realize your retirement strategy’s full potential.
1. SSA.gov, 2023
2. CMS.gov, 2023
3. SSA.gov, 2023
The content is developed from sources believed to be providing accurate information. The information in this material is not intended as tax or legal advice. It may not be used for the purpose of avoiding any federal tax penalties. Please consult legal or tax professionals for specific information regarding your individual situation. This material was developed and produced by FMG Suite to provide information on a topic that may be of interest. FMG, LLC, is not affiliated with the named broker-dealer, state- or SEC-registered investment advisory firm. The opinions expressed and material provided are for general information, and should not be considered a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security. Copyright 2024 FMG Suite.
Famous people are all too human. Tabloid newspapers and celebrity magazines and websites make bank chronicling their every moment, from going out for a coffee to attending glamorous premieres and glitzy concerts. And, yes, whenever they make a mistake, those same outlets bring it to your phones and tablets in real time.
Sometimes these “oops” moments follow our celebrities long after they’ve taken their final bows, as their heirs and other interested parties battle over their estates. You might think that these stars, with their giant entourages, must have trusted financial professionals in their lives, assisting them in creating estate strategies–but in many cases, you would be wrong. Whether it’s because they have misconceptions about estate strategy or because they passed unexpectedly, these celebs have seen their legacies turn into games of tug-of-war.
The Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin, was one of the biggest recording artists in American history and a best-selling artist globally. From her early days singing gospel in her father’s Detroit church, Aretha found success with singles like “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman,” “Chain of Fools,” and “Think.” With 112 singles on the Billboard charts, Franklin had #1 hits in the 1960s, 70s, 80s, 90s, and, finally, 2014. In the world of popular music, her legacy is assured.
Less assured, though, were the many financial rewards Aretha reaped from her legendary career. After her death in 2018, multiple documents were found among her effects and papers, leading to a four-year legal dispute over the Queen of Soul’s estate. The trial proved emotional and dramatic for family members, with even voicemails from Aretha, a literal voice from beyond, used to determine the fate of not only her fortune but also her intellectual property (songs, recordings, and more). Ultimately, the court decided that four pages handwritten by Aretha and discovered in her couch represented her actual final will. 1,2
While your estate strategy can change over time, it’s important to formalize your changes as soon as possible. Accidents will happen, but those handwritten pages might have done Aretha’s family more good in the hands of a professional than tucked away in a piece of furniture. It might have helped them avoid such a long legal process.
Most people in their twenties aren’t thinking much about their estates. Jim Morrison was too busy living the life of a rock star to give the matter his full attention. From 1965 to 1971, Morrison was the frontman for The Doors, the psychedelically inspired rock band who made hits with “Hello, I Love You,” “Light My Fire,” and “Love Her Madly.” Together, they went from the opening act at Los Angeles’s Whisky a Go Go nightclub to touring the world in support of their six albums. After recording L.A. Woman in 1971, Morrison (known as “The Lizard King” to fans) decided to take some time off and live in Paris with girlfriend Pamela Courson. A few months later, Morrison died of reported heart failure at age 27.
Despite his reputation for the fast life and excess, which undoubtedly contributed to his tragic early death, Morrison did leave a two-page will naming Pamela Courson as his primary heir. While his assets were relatively modest at the time of his death, between his quarter ownership of the Doors and the renewed interest in the band fostered by his passing, his estate blossomed into a financial juggernaut. Unfortunately, Courson passed three years after him, with no will of her own. This led to a dispute over Morrison’s legacy, with both his own parents and Courson’s heirs challenging the competence of his will. Ultimately, they elected to divide Morrison’s estate evenly, out of court.3
The case of Morrison’s will highlights two important factors: 1) Everyone needs a competent estate strategy, even those who may feel they are too young to worry about such things. 2) A clearly written and well-thought-out will may be able to lock down your final intentions. In Morrison’s case, he specifically excluded his estranged parents from his will without naming them, instead listing his brother and sister as alternate heirs after Courson. There were certainly other (or better) ways to favor his siblings over his parents, as well as avoid the courtroom drama after Courson’s passing.
While these are two famous examples, there are many other famous celebrity estates to consider, including the following:
These stories may be fascinating and tragic but they all underline the importance of a clear and comprehensive estate strategy. Even those of us mere mortals who don’t have to deal with record executives, film producers, and the paparazzi have the potential to make mistakes that can be costly and troubling to our families and loved ones.
1. NY Times, July 11, 2023
2. Detroit Free Press, April 21, 2023
3. Cake, August 25, 2020
4. CNN, August 3, 2022
The content is developed from sources believed to be providing accurate information. The information in this material is not intended as tax or legal advice. It may not be used for the purpose of avoiding any federal tax penalties. Please consult legal or tax professionals for specific information regarding your individual situation. This material was developed and produced by FMG Suite to provide information on a topic that may be of interest. FMG, LLC, is not affiliated with the named broker-dealer, state- or SEC-registered investment advisory firm. The opinions expressed and material provided are for general information, and should not be considered a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security. Copyright 2024 FMG Suite.
The federal estate tax threshold rose to $25.84 million in 2023 for married couples and $12.92 million for individuals, as part of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA). Like several TCJA provisions, the higher estate tax limit is due to sunset in 2025. Barring congressional action, the exemption amount will return to about $6.8 million, adjusted for inflation, in 2026. Similarly, the current 40% maximum gift and estate tax rate will increase to 45%.1
For high-net worth individuals, this could influence wealth transfer strategies. Although this sunset is coming, the good news is that it’s still a few years away.
And there’s more good news: your financial professional can help you with your estate strategy, regardless of whether Congress decides to maintain the current threshold. Now may be an excellent time to get together and start thinking about your post-2025 strategy. I look forward to your call.
1. USBank.com, 2023
The content is developed from sources believed to be providing accurate information. The information in this material is not intended as tax or legal advice. It may not be used for the purpose of avoiding any federal tax penalties. Please consult legal or tax professionals for specific information regarding your individual situation. This material was developed and produced by FMG Suite to provide information on a topic that may be of interest. FMG, LLC, is not affiliated with the named broker-dealer, state- or SEC-registered investment advisory firm. The opinions expressed and material provided are for general information, and should not be considered a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security. Copyright 2024 FMG Suite.
Most portfolios are constructed based on an individual’s investment objective, risk tolerance, and time horizon.
Using these inputs and sophisticated portfolio-optimization calculations, most investors can feel confident that they own a well-diversified portfolio, appropriately positioned to pursue their long-term goals.1
However, as a retiree, how you choose to live in retirement may be an additional factor to consider when building your portfolio.
Using retirement funds to start a business entails significant risk. If you choose this path, you may want to consider reducing the risk level of your investment portfolio to help compensate for the risk you’re assuming with a new business venture.
Since a new business is unlikely to generate income right away, you may want to construct your portfolio with an income orientation in order to provide you with current income until the business can begin turning a profit.
There are a number of good reasons to consider using a professional money manager for your retirement savings. Add a new one. If you are considering extended travel that may keep you disconnected from current events (even modern communication), investing in a portfolio of individual securities that requires constant attention may not be an ideal approach. For this lifestyle, professional management may suit your retirement best.2
Market volatility can undermine your retirement-income strategy. While it may come at the expense of some opportunity cost, there are products and strategies that may protect you from drawing down on savings when your portfolio’s value is falling—a major cause of failed income approaches.
1. Diversification and portfolio optimization calculations are approaches to help manage investment risk. They do not eliminate the risk of loss if security prices decline.
2. Keep in mind that the return and principal value of security prices will fluctuate as market conditions change. And securities, when sold, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Individuals cannot invest directly in an index.
The content is developed from sources believed to be providing accurate information. The information in this material is not intended as tax or legal advice. It may not be used for the purpose of avoiding any federal tax penalties. Please consult legal or tax professionals for specific information regarding your individual situation. This material was developed and produced by FMG Suite to provide information on a topic that may be of interest. FMG Suite is not affiliated with the named broker-dealer, state- or SEC-registered investment advisory firm. The opinions expressed and material provided are for general information, and should not be considered a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security. Copyright 2024 FMG Suite.
Preparing your estate can be complicated, and if you’re a part of a blended family, estate decisions can be even more complex and nuanced. Blended families take on many forms but typically consist of couples with children from previous relationships. Here are a few case studies to help illustrate some of the challenges.
Simple wills often are structured to leave all assets to the surviving spouse. If your estate strategy relies on this type of will, you could risk overlooking children from previous marriages. Also, while it’s unsettling to consider, the surviving spouse can end up changing a will without proper measures put in place.1
When new children join a blended family, estate strategies can get even more complicated. But with a well-structured approach, you can direct how to distribute your assets.
While the divorce rate has been trending lower, the number of remarriages (2nd or more marriages) has increased. One person entering into a new marriage may have more assets than their spouse, given that 40% of all new marriages are remarriages for one or both spouses. An estate strategy can help ensure that your assets pass down according to your wishes.2
In blended families, a traditional trust is a good start, but it may not go far enough. One possible solution is to create three trusts (one for each spouse, in addition to a joint trust) to help address different scenarios.3
Using a trust involves a complex set of tax rules and regulations. Before moving forward with a trust, consider working with a professional familiar with the rules and regulations.
Blended families are pretty common these days. If you’re in that position, it’s important to remember that you can create an estate strategy to address your specific situation. The first step may be an estate document review.
1. Investopedia.com, April 30, 2023
2. Forbes.com, August 8, 2023
3. Investopedia.com, March 31, 2023
The content is developed from sources believed to be providing accurate information. The information in this material is not intended as tax or legal advice. It may not be used for the purpose of avoiding any federal tax penalties. Please consult legal or tax professionals for specific information regarding your individual situation. This material was developed and produced by FMG Suite to provide information on a topic that may be of interest. FMG, LLC, is not affiliated with the named broker-dealer, state- or SEC-registered investment advisory firm. The opinions expressed and material provided are for general information, and should not be considered a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security. Copyright 2024 FMG Suite.
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