If you're not receiving pay as a federal employee because of the government shutdown, the financial effects are very similar to an actual job loss. There are lots of resources on how to financially prepare for a potential job loss. In this article, we want to address the best shutdown financial … [Read more...]
Catch-Up Contributions in 2026
The SECURE 2.0 Act passed right at the end of 2022. While it's not quite BC (before COVID), it's still nearly 3 years ago. Most notably, it adjusted the required minimum distribution (RMD) age for IRA owners not already subject to RMDs, but there was something else in there that needs a good … [Read more...]
Summer 2025 Financial Planning Newsletter
Our summer 2025 financial planning newsletter is now available with LOTS of great information. In addition to updates on the investment markets, we share tips on determining whether taxable or municipal bonds are best for you. We also include 2 sections on tax-planning strategies around the One Big … [Read more...]
Summer 2024 Financial Planning Newsletter
The summer 2024 financial planning newsletter is now available. In addition to the investment market update, it includes updates on inherited IRA required minimum distributions, HSA contribution limits, and the new Fincen filing requirement for business entities. The newsletter also highlights … [Read more...]
Spring 2024 Financial Planning Newsletter
The Spring 2024 financial planning newsletter is now available. In addition to the investment market update, we include financial spring cleaning ideas and links to some of our team's favorite financial podcasts. We also provide a gentle nudge on keeping your estate planning up-to-date, along with … [Read more...]
Using a 529 Plan to Fund a Roth IRA
You may have heard that you can use 529 Plan money to fund a Roth IRA. But how does it work? And why would you want to do this? College savings (529) plans are popular tools for saving for college. But the big concern is always: what if my child doesn't go to college? Will I end up paying … [Read more...]
Summer 2023 Financial Planning Newsletter
Our summer 2023 financial planning newsletter is now available. In addition to the investment market updates, it includes tips on retirement contributions including the new rules for 2024 401(k) catch-up contributions. We also cover last week's IRS guidance about Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) … [Read more...]
Financial Planning 2023 Q1 Newsletter
The 2023 Q1 financial planning newsletter is now available. It includes highlights of the Secure Act 2.0 and how it will affect you, as well as student loan and investment market updates. In addition, we cover 2023 retirement plan contribution limits and tax season reminders. Please click here to … [Read more...]
Q1 2022 Financial Planning Newsletter
Our Q1 2022 financial planning newsletter is now available. In addition to an investment market update, we discuss the potential for a bear market and how that affects your actions now. We also dig into how inflation affects your financial plan and cover the upcoming student loan interest and … [Read more...]
Q4 Financial Planning Newsletter
This quarter's financial planning newsletter is now available. This edition is chock-full of actionable ideas including: Year-end tax legislation planning considerations Updates and reminders for maximizing retirement plan contributions and HSAs, Medicare open enrollment, required minimum … [Read more...]
Build Back Better 2021 Year-End Planning Considerations
We want to share a few items for 2021 year-end planning consideration as a result of the Build Back Better reconciliation bill introduced in Congress on September 13. One of the biggest changes is the elimination of Roth conversions of after-tax dollars beginning in 2022. Please see our full … [Read more...]
Roth conversion of after-tax contributions – limited time only?
We don’t normally invest much energy in discussing pending legislation until it becomes law. However, the Build Back Better reconciliation bill introduced in Congress on September 13 creates a time-sensitive opportunity for Roth conversions of after-tax dollars. Beginning in 2022, after-tax … [Read more...]
FAQs on RMDs from Inherited IRAs
When the SECURE Act was passed by Congress at the end of 2019, the rules changed for most future Inherited IRA holders. But wait… wasn’t there also the CARES Act in 2020 that allowed ALL IRA owners to forego taking their required minimum distribution (RMD) for 2020? Yep. Between the SECURE Act … [Read more...]
Should You Do Tax Planning Now for the Biden Administration
A lot's being written right now about how to prepare for the Biden tax plan. There are click-bate headlines warning of actions you must take now before December 31, 2020. Before we take any tax planning actions, we need to consider the various scenarios that could unfold. First, we won't know … [Read more...]
How Stocks Perform in Election Months
As we wait for votes to be counted this morning, it may be helpful to put stock market returns in historical context. The attached graphic from Dimensional Fund Advisors shows performance of stocks in the months of presidential elections going back to 1926. You'll notice there's not a consistent … [Read more...]
Coronavirus Financial Planning Updates
The tax filing and payment deadline for your 2019 taxes has been extended to July 15. It may still make sense to file your 2019 taxes sooner if it enhances your ability to qualify for the direct payment or receive it via direct deposit. Estimated tax payments due on April 15 for 2020 are also … [Read more...]
2020 SECURE Act Changes to IRAs and Required Minimum Distributions
The SECURE Act stands for Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement. It was signed into law on December 20, 2019 and most provisions went into effect on January 1, 2020. Lawmakers mostly focused on enhancing options and eligibility for retirement plans. However, one significant change … [Read more...]
Planning with Medicare Premiums in Mind
Depending on your income, premiums for Medicare Part B could cost more than the standard rate ($144.60 per month in 2020). This is referred to as IRMAA – the income related monthly adjustment amount. In 2020, Part B premiums will cost more if your modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) is higher than … [Read more...]
January 2016 Financial Planning Newsletter
The January 2016 financial planning newsletter is now available. It includes an update on the investment markets with perspective on the volatility of the last two weeks, plus an overview of 2015 market returns. In addition, we cover what you need to know when filling out the FAFSA and the tax … [Read more...]
Tax Provisions Extended for 2015 and Beyond
In one of its final actions for calendar year 2015, Congress passed the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2016. It addressed a host of popular but temporary tax provisions that had expired at the end of 2014. The Act extended some and made other provisions permanent. The major provisions are … [Read more...]
November 2015 Financial Planning Newsletter
Our November 2015 is now available online. It includes details about the social security law changes enacted last fall, as well as action that those ages 66 - 69 before April 29 this year will want to consider taking. In addition, it provides 2016 retirement plan limits, and the Medicare Part B … [Read more...]
Major changes in social security strategies for retirees
As a result of the budget bill passed last week, two social security strategies that we've recommended to many clients over the years are no longer available or significantly limited. File and Suspend The strategy involves one spouse filing an application for retirement benefits when he or she … [Read more...]
June 2015 Personal Finance Newsletter
The June newsletter is now available. In addition to the regular investment update, it includes highlights and take-aways from a book I just read and highly recommend -- Happy Money: The Science of Happier Spending by Professors Elizabeth Dunn and Michael Norton. The newsletter also has updates on … [Read more...]
Converting After-Tax 401k contributions to Roth
It's time to reconsider whether making after-tax contributions to a 401k is a good financial planning strategy. Prior to the IRS' ruling last fall, it was unclear whether you could convert after-tax 401k contributions to Roth. And if you did convert them, there was disagreement in the financial … [Read more...]
Tax provisions extended for 2014
While Congress took the extension of many popular tax provisions down to the wire, the Tax Increase Prevention Act of 2014 passed before the end of December. All of the following provisions were among those retroactively extended, and are now effective through the end of 2014. So for those of us … [Read more...]
May 2013 Personal Finance Newsletter
The May personal finance newsletter is now available. In addition to the introduction of our new staff members Jordan Nightingale and Rachel Songer, it includes financial planning information on understanding your expenses in your 401k as you plan your retirement, how to use payable on death … [Read more...]
January Personal Finance Newsletter
The January 2013 personal finance newsletter is now available. It includes lots of financial planning news and updates. Starting with a review of the 2012 investment year, we also review the details of the fiscal cliff compromise and how it may affect you. In addition, there are articles on … [Read more...]
November/December Personal Finance Newsletter
The November/December Personal Finance Newsletter is now available. It includes information on the 2013 retirement plan limits and an update on investment market performance. There are also two articles relevant to the fiscal cliff negotiations -- a review of the considerations in harvesting long … [Read more...]
Q&A on 2013 tax changes
As you might imagine, whether I'm sitting at my financial planning office in Dallas or Keller, I'm having a lot of conversations right now about the tax changes scheduled for the end of the year. Following are some of the most common questions, as well as my perspective on them. Q: Do … [Read more...]
June 2012 Personal Finance Newsletter
The June newsletter is now available. With the Supreme Court upholding the healthcare law last week, you will want to read the article and watch the video on how the new 3.8% Medicare tax works so you can begin incorporating this into your financial plans if it affects you. Also in this newsletter … [Read more...]
May 2012 Personal Finance Newsletter
The May 2012 personal financial planning newsletter is now available online. If you've been waiting for it's arrival, you may want to sign up to receive it through email on the same day it's sent to clients and friends. Sign up is available at https://keenerfinancial.com/about. The May … [Read more...]
February 2012 Personal Finance Newsletter
The February 2012 personal finance newsletter is now available. In the newsletter, we have financial planning inspiration from Keller High School seniors to refocus on paying yourself first. For investing, it includes an investment market update and information on the new cost basis rules. For … [Read more...]
February Personal Finance Newsletter
The February personal finance newsletter is now available. In addition to the investing market update, the topics are: Extension of tax-free charitable contribution option from IRAs for those over 70 1/2 New cost basis reporting rules (important for those with taxable investment … [Read more...]
January 2011 Personal Finance Newsletter
The January newsletter is now available with a 2010 investment market recap, a humorous look at investing resolutions for the new year, and details on the estate tax changes enacted in December. It also includes an announcement of topics for the Keller Public Library personal finance workshop … [Read more...]
December Personal Finance Newsletter
The December 2010 personal finance newsletter is now available. It includes an important update on social security rules, 2011 IRS mileage rates, considerations in rolling your traditional 401(k) to a Roth IRA, and changes to the adoption assistance program. As always, there's also an investment … [Read more...]
October Personal Finance Newsletter
The October 2010 personal finance newsletter is now available. It includes information on social security, medicare open enrollment season, year-end investment planning, and the new small business jobs act provisions. In addition, an investment market update and information on free financial … [Read more...]
September Personal Finance Newsletter
The September 2010 personal finance newsletter is now available. It includes information on opportunities unique to 2010 for year-end tax planning, tips on teaching your college-age child about money, how a stronger dollar affects your portfolio, information on FDIC insurance now that higher limits … [Read more...]
August 2010 Personal Finance Newsletter
The August 2010 personal finance newsletter is now available. It includes information on how college scholarships are taxed, how the new healthcare law affects Medicare drug plans, and, as always, an investment market update. Enjoy! Click here to view the newsletter. … [Read more...]
April 2010 Monthly Newsletter
The April 2010 monthly newsletter is now available. It includes information on how the new healthcare law may affect you as an individual and new student loan and financial aid provisions. Also covered are an investment market update and a discussion on the merits of dollar cost averaging to make … [Read more...]
New Health Care Law Highlights
If you're like me, you found it challenging to keep up with the provisions of the health care bills as they worked through the legislative process. But now that the bill is law, it's helpful to understand how it may affect your individual situation and any changes that need to be made to your … [Read more...]
March 2010 Newsletter
The March 2010 Newsletter is now available. It includes an investment market update, Part II in my series on how to tap into your home equity in retirement, considerations in evaluating an early retirement offer, information on 2009 tax deduction for 2010 Haitian relief contributions, 2011 tax rate … [Read more...]
January 2010 Newsletter
The January 2010 newsletter is now available. Beginning in 2010, it will be published the second week of each month. This month's newsletter includes a brief 2009 market update, an update on the estate tax for 2010, how to conduct a home inventory, and more. Click here to read it. … [Read more...]
Buying a home to cash in on home buyers tax credit?
You may have heard that the first-time home buying tax credit was extended through April 30 next year, and that it now includes a credit for some non-first-time home buyers also. For details on the extension and who is eligible, visit the IRS website. This is great news if you fall into the … [Read more...]
2009 Year-End Tax Planning Checklist
Reviewing your tax situation for the year when you still have time to do something about it is always a good idea. You have many more options to affect your tax liability by acting before the year ends. This year, it's still important to review all the regular opportunities available every … [Read more...]
Roth IRA Conversion Overview
Through 2009, converting an IRA from a traditional IRA to Roth is only available for those with household incomes under $100,000. Beginning next year, that changes. However, a lot of people aren't aware of the upcoming changes -- according to Financial Planning magazine, only 42% of advisor … [Read more...]