Four Weeks to a Better Holiday Budget

You can see it just ahead, looming on the horizon – the holiday season. While children can hardly stand the wait, adults often wish it were a few more months away. Unfortunately, time does not stop. This year, do not wait for the holiday season to put the squeeze on your wallet. Take the time now to plan and budget.

Week one:

Before you spend a cent, start a savings plan. Estimate the total amount you can realistically afford to spend this holiday season. Divide that amount by the number of weeks between now and mid-December. Create a special holiday savings fund and start setting aside your weekly goal. Open a special account for your savings or merely designate an empty coffee can. The important thing is to start saving now.

Week two:

Divide all your holiday expenses by category and do not leave anything out – gifts, decorations, wrapping paper and ribbons, entertaining, greeting cards, postage and charities. Figure out how much you would like to spend on each and write down these goals. Make sure the total does not exceed the limit you set in week one.

Weeks three and four:

Start shopping. Last-minute gift buying often results in spending more than you planned, so do not put it off. Make a list of what you would like to buy for each person and shop around for the best price. The more time you put into your list, the less time you will spend wandering the malls – and the less you will spend on unnecessary or unwanted items. Most important, if you must use credit cards, do not charge more than you can afford to pay off in three months.

By using the time ahead of you to plan and budget, you can reduce the financial headaches that often accompany the holiday season. You may even find yourself looking forward to the holidays as eagerly as the children.

Track Your Progress
Total Savings Goal: $______ Weekly Savings Goal: $______

Spending Plan
Gifts: $______ Greeting Cards: $______
Decorations: $______ Postage: $______
Gift wrap, etc.: $______ Charities: $______
Entertaining: $______

Gift List
Name: Gift Idea: Approximate Cost:
________ ________ $________
________ ________ $________
________ ________ $________
________ ________ $________
________ ________ $________
________ ________ $________
________ ________ $________
________ ________ $________
________ ________ $________
________ ________ $________
Estimated Gift Total: $________

Because of the possibility of human or mechanical error by S&P Capital IQ Financial Communications or its sources, neither S&P Capital IQ Financial Communications nor its sources guarantees the accuracy, adequacy, completeness or availability of any information and is not responsible for any errors or omissions or for the results obtained from the use of such information. In no event shall S&P Capital IQ Financial Communications be liable for any indirect, special or consequential damages in connection with subscriber’s or others’ use of the content.
© 2013 S&P Capital IQ Financial Communications. All rights reserved.
a garden salad with several ingredients, representing the variety of investments you should aim for in your asset allocation strategy.

Investing 101: What is Asset Allocation?

Every Financial Advisor talks about asset allocation, but what does that really mean to me?

In simple terms it means that we try to make sure your stocks, bonds, exchange traded funds and mutual funds are set up to maximize the different asset classes in a way that gives you returns without risk you can’t handle. Too many people buy mutual funds and stocks and lose sight of the type of asset classes they own.

Most common asset classes for stocks are Large Cap (capitalization or market value greater than $10 billion), Mid-cap (medium size or market value between $2 billion to $10 billion) and Small Cap (small size or market value less than $2 billion). There are developed international stocks (Europe, Canada, Austrailia) and emerging market international stocks (Brazil, China, India,etc…). Then there are the alternative markets (real estate, commodities). For bonds there are short term (less than 2 years to maturity), intermediate (longer than 2 years but less than 10 years) and long-term (over 10 years to maturity).

Think of it as a large garden salad. Too much of one thing can overpower the taste and change the nature of the salad. But the right mix of ingredients and dressing can enhance your experience and leave you wanting more.

The Stretch IRA: A Handy Estate-Planning Tool

  • Stretch IRA: A Handy Estate-Planning Tool
    ——————————
    A stretch IRA is a traditional IRA that passes from the account owner to one or more younger beneficiaries at the time of the account owner’s death. Since the younger beneficiary has a longer life expectancy than the original IRA owner, he or she can “stretch” the life of the IRA by receiving smaller required minimum distributions (RMDs) each year over his or her life span. More money can then remain in the IRA with the potential for continued tax-deferred growth, which could provide significant long-term benefits.

Creating a stretch IRA has no effect on the account owner’s RMD requirements, which continue to be based on his or her life expectancy. Once the account owner dies, however, beneficiaries begin taking RMDs based on their own life expectancy. Whereas the owner of a stretch IRA must begin receiving RMDs after reaching age 70 1/2, beneficiaries of a stretch IRA begin receiving RMDs after the account owner’s death. In either scenario, distributions are taxable to the payee at current income tax rates.

Beneficiaries have the right to receive the full value of their inherited IRA assets by the end of the fifth year following the year of the account owner’s death. However, by opting to take only the required minimum amount instead, a beneficiary can theoretically stretch the IRA and tax-deferred growth throughout his or her lifetime.

Other key considerations to note:

· New rules allow beneficiaries to be named after the account owner’s RMDs have begun, and beneficiary designations can be changed after the account owner’s death (although no new beneficiaries can be named at that point).

· The amount of a beneficiary’s RMD is based on his or her own life expectancy, even if the original account owner’s RMDs had already begun.

Note that the information presented here applies to traditional IRAs bequeathed to a non-spousal beneficiary. Special rules apply to spousal beneficiaries. Contact your financial advisor or tax professional for more information.

Because of the possibility of human or mechanical error by S&P Capital IQ Financial Communications or its sources, neither S&P Capital IQ Financial Communications nor its sources guarantees the accuracy, adequacy, completeness or availability of any information and is not responsible for any errors or omissions or for the results obtained from the use of such information. In no event shall S&P Capital IQ Financial Communications be liable for any indirect, special or consequential damages in connection with subscriber’s or others’ use of the content.

© 2013 S&P Capital IQ Financial Communications. All rights reserved. Material from the Financial Planning Association.

High-Yield Bonds: Income Potential at a Price

High-yield bonds have long been a popular source of diversification for long-term investors who seek to maximize yield and/or total return potential outside of stocks. 1 High-yield issues often move independently from more conservative U.S. government bonds as well as the stock market.

These bonds – often referred to as “junk” bonds – are a class of corporate debt instruments that are considered below investment grade, due to their issuers’ questionable financial situations. These situations can vary widely – from financially distressed firms to highly leveraged new companies simply aiming to pay off debts.

As the name “high yield” suggests, the competitive yields of these issues have helped attract assets. With yields significantly higher than elsewhere in the bond market, many investors have turned to high-yield bonds for both performance and diversification against stock market risks.

These are valid reasons for investing in high-yield bonds, especially long term. But as you read about what these issues could offer your portfolio, it’s also wise to consider how these bonds earned their nicknames.

The Risk-Return Equation

In exchange for their performance potential, high-yield bonds are very sensitive to all the risk factors affecting the general bond market. Here’s a summary of some of the most common risks.

• Credit risk: A high-yield bond’s above-average credit risk is reflected in its low credit ratings. This risk – that the bond’s issuer will default on its financial obligations to investors – means you may lose some or all of the principal amount invested, as well as any outstanding income due.

• Interest rate risk: High-yield bonds often react more dramatically than other types of debt securities to interest rate risk, or the risk that a bond’s price will drop when general interest rates rise, and vice versa.

• Liquidity risk: This is the risk that buyers will be few if and when a bond must be sold. This type of risk is exceptionally strong in the high-yield market. There’s usually a narrow market for these issues, partly because some institutional investors (such as big pension funds and life insurance companies) normally can’t place more than 5% of their assets in bonds that are below investment grade.

• Economic risk: High-yield bonds tend to react strongly to changes in the economy. In a recession, bond defaults often rise and credit quality drops, pushing down total returns on high-yield bonds. This economic sensitivity, combined with other risk factors, can trigger dramatic market upsets. For example, in 2008, the well-publicized downfall of Lehman Brothers squeezed the high-yield market’s tight liquidity even more, driving prices down and yields up.

The risk factors associated with high-yield investing make it imperative to carefully research potential purchases. Be sure to talk to your financial professional before adding them to your portfolio.

Source/Disclaimer:
1 Diversification does not ensure a profit or protect against a loss in a declining market.
From the Financial Planning Association®

Required Attribution

Because of the possibility of human or mechanical error by S&P Capital IQ Financial Communications or its sources, neither S&P Capital IQ Financial Communications nor its sources guarantees the accuracy, adequacy, completeness or availability of any information and is not responsible for any errors or omissions or for the results obtained from the use of such information. In no event shall S&P Capital IQ Financial Communications be liable for any indirect, special or consequential damages in connection with subscriber’s or others’ use of the content.

How to Help Your Kids and/or Grandkids Understand Investing

h2. One way is to set up a custodial account

Setting up a custodial account can be a savvy move for adults who want to either teach their kids to invest with their own money or for parents to gift their assets and help their children under the age of 18 to become financially independent.

But there are many considerations – and consequences – to weigh before opening an account.

The Account Options

The two types of accounts you can use to set up an investment account or to gift assets to your youngster are called a Uniform Gift to Minors Act (UGMA) or Uniform Transfers to Minors Act (UTMA). Which one you use will depend on your state of residence. Most states – with the exception of Vermont and South Carolina – have phased out UGMA accounts and now only offer UTMA accounts.

UTMA accounts allow the donor to gift most security types, including bank deposits, individual securities, and real estate. UGMA accounts limit gifts to bank deposits, individual securities, and insurance policies. Here are some points to consider.

1. There are no contribution limits. Parents, grandparents, other relatives, and even non-related adults can contribute any amount to an UGMA/UTMA at any time. Note that the federal gift tax exclusion is currently $14,000 per year ($28,000 for married couples). Gifts up to this limit do not reduce the $1 million federal gift tax exemption.

2. The assets gifted are irrevocable. Once you establish an UGMA or UTMA, the assets you gift cannot be retrieved. Parents can set themselves up as the account’s custodian(s), but any money they take from the account can only be used for the benefit of the custodial child. Note that basic “parental obligations,” such as food, clothing, shelter, and medical care cannot be considered as viable expenses to be deducted from the account.

3. Taxes are due – potentially for both you and your child. Some parents may initially find custodial accounts appealing to help them reduce their tax burden. But it’s not that simple. The first $1,000 of unearned income is tax exempt from the minor child. The second $1,000 of unearned income is taxable at the child’s tax rate, which could trigger the need for you to file a separate tax return for your child. Any amounts over $1,900 are taxable at either the child’s or the adult’s tax rate, whichever is higher. Note that state income taxes are also due, where applicable.

4. Your child will eventually gain complete control. Once your child reaches the age of trust termination recognized by your state of residence (usually 18 or 21), he or she will have full access to the funds in the account. Be warned that your child could have different priorities for the assets in the account than you do. Money that parents had earmarked as paying for college tuition could instead be used to purchase a sports car or fund a suspect business venture. This is where you need to make sure your child understands the account and how it works. Make them responsible for attending meetings with your adviser.

5. It could impact financial aid considerations. For financial aid purposes, custodial assets are considered the assets of the student. If the assets in the account could jeopardize your child’s chances of receiving financial aid, speak to your tax and/or financial professional. One of your options could involve liquidating the UGMA/UTMA and establishing a 529 account.

Before making any decisions about establishing a custodial account, be sure to talk to your tax and financial professionals.

Source/Disclaimer:
This communication is not intended to be tax advice and should not be treated as such. Each individual’s tax situation is different. You should contact your tax professional to discuss your personal situation.

woman looking at flowers thinking about diversification mistakes to avoid

Investing for Beginners: 3 Diversification Mistakes to Avoid

Every adviser talks about diversification. Basically having your investments spread across a variety of asset classes, such as large companies, small companies, international, etc… The weightings assigned to each asset class mainly depends on your time horizon, goals, and risk tolerance.

One of the largest mistakes investors make is thinking they are diversifying their portfolio by diversifying the advisers or companies managing their money. Having your assets spread across companies may seem diversified but actually can be destructive to your goals.

When one person isn’t seeing the whole picture, advice becomes centralized on what they know. The more spread out you are, the narrower the scope of the advice. Be open with your advisers about what you have, and where.

The second mistake is concentrating on one asset, gold comes to mind. Whenever anyone wants “to sell everything and buy gold.” it usually sends chills down my spine. The whole point of diversifying is making sure you are not relying on one asset to fund your goals.

Every asset class has bad years and good years. No one can accurately predict the ups and downs. When everyone invests in the same asset a bubble can occur when emotion trumps fundamentals. Remember when people say real estate “always goes up”? Or technology can only go higher? Beware of concentrating money in only one area.

The last diversification issue is diversifying your taxes. Not only do you have options on where and how you are taxed, most people forget to think about it as they plan for retirement. Tax deferred and tax free can be the difference in a few hundred dollars a month in income. Although the tax situation is still uncertain right now, it’s not a bad idea to explore Roth IRA‘s and whether you should hold growth stocks in a taxable account or not.

Remember an IRA is great for tax deferral but eventually you will pay income tax on every dollar coming out when you begin receiving distributions.

The Sticker Shock of Medicare Part D – Why You Should Shop Around

The enrollment season for Medicare prescription drug Part D and Medicare Advantage Part C runs from October 15th through December 7th. Reevaluating coverage annually can make the difference of hundreds of dollars in your pocketbook.

The suprise is that you may be facing double-digit premium increases if you stay with your current plan.

So start with your statement, review the annual notice of change that you should have received in September. This will explain any basic benefit changes for 2013.

Dig deeper, if you are currently taking any prescription drugs look for statements that the insurance company has the right to ask the ordering physician about cheaper alternatives, this could delay prescription drug fulfillment. Also pay attention to how much the plan charges for the drugs you need.

The doughnut hole is shrinking. Good news for those caught in the middle of spending $2,970 – $6,733. Enrollees will receive discounts on brand name drugs and a higher discount on generics.

Many plans are moving to a “preferred delivery network”. That means you must agree to receive your drugs through a specific retail or online pharmacy network. Make sure it works for you.

For those of you still working be aware of the high income surcharges on Medicare. This year the surcharges affect individuals with annual income starting at $85,000 (single filers) or $170,000 (joint filers), and move up from there. And there is a two year lag in income reporting so your 2012 surcharges are based on your 2010 tax returns.

The best online tool is the Medicare Plan Finder on the Medicare website. Fill in your medicare number and drugs you are using to find the right plan. Another site for one on one help is medicare counseling, a network of non-profit Medicare counseling services. And if you prefer to talk to someone on the pone there is the Medicare Rights Center offering free counseling by phone at 1-800-333-4114.