What can I do now to minimize the impact of the new investment tax? My wife and I have an adjusted gross income of over the $250,000 and we're wondering if there is anything that we can be doing now to minimize the impact of the 3.8% tax. If we're near that $250,000 threshold would it be wise to funnel any money above it into a retirement plan? Or are there any asset classes where the tax doesn't ... Read More
life insurance
Life Insurance – A Misunderstood Asset Class
Do you want to clear a room or stop a conversation fast? Talk about life insurance. Mention life insurance to someone and the reaction is something like hearing nails across a chalk board. Folks will either run for fear that you're going to try to sell them something or their eyes will glaze over. Most folks don't want to talk about it. The topic is boring. And it's kind of weird to talk ... Read More
How I Gave Everything I Earned to the Government (or the Ex)
All your ex-es may live in Texas as the country song says but do you really want your hard-earned money to follow? And you may be a generous sort but would you rather have your wealth pass on to your family or Uncle Sam? More examples of smart people doing dumb things when it comes to estate and legacy planning. What do you think of when someone says "estate plan?" If you think that it's only ... Read More
Navigating thru Volatile Times – A Road Map & Resource Guide
On Wednesday, March 11, I launched the inaugural event of my Financial Road Map Series teleconferences. I want to thank each of you who stopped by to listen in to my brief discussion on taking control of your financial future by controlling what you can. To recap the important points we discussed: 1.) Control What You Can: No sense in worrying about things that are beyond our individual ... Read More