Our fall 2024 financial planning newsletter is now available. We cover our perspective on the election and market timing along with an investment market update. We also announce our upcoming Optimistic Aging virtual client event and share how to save money on taxes with your charitable giving. … [Read more...]
Tax benefits from charitable giving in 2024
Yes! You can still get tax benefits from charitable giving in 2024. With the higher standard deduction, you may have seen your charitable efforts have a reduced or no benefit on your taxes in recent years. However, it's still possible for your generosity to save money on taxes. It just may require a … [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...]
Winter 2024 Financial Planning Newsletter
The Winter 2024 Financial Planning Newsletter is now available. It includes an investment market update and some observations about market responses to the Fed's actions. In addition, we provide some updates on the tax consequences of student loan forgiveness and how to fund a Roth IRA from a 529. … [Read more...]
2024 Key Financial Planning Numbers
Here's a quick-reference sheet for some of the 2024 key financial planning numbers. It includes tax brackets, retirement plan contribution maximums, education credits, estate tax exemptions, HSA and FSA maximums, and social security maximum taxable earnings. As a highlight, the 401(k) limit … [Read more...]
Fall 2023 Financial Planning Newsletter
The fall 2023 financial planning newsletter is now available. We cover an update on the investment markets along with year-end planning reminders. Plus, we cover how to give to charities and your heirs most tax efficiently if you have charitable intent with your estate planning. In addition, we have … [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...]
Q3 2022 Financial Planning Newsletter
The third quarter financial planning newsletter is now available. In addition to highlighting posts from our blog on I Bonds and Cash for Retirees, we provide an investment market update. We share what's going on in the market and with inflation, how it affects your financial plan, and what you may … [Read more...]
Accessing Cash in Retirement
There is a lot of information available on how to save and invest for retirement. Investors select an asset allocation and learn what accounts to contribute to. But what about in retirement? We are still invested, but instead of saving, we need to spend some of our savings. How much should we have … [Read more...]
Q2 2022 Financial Planning Newsletter
Our Q2 financial planning newsletter is now available. In addition to features from our recent blogs on home maintenance and your emergency fund, we cover our perspective on the investment markets. You may be wondering what you should do about your portfolio's performance since the beginning of … [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...]
After-tax retirement contributions: how to know if you have any
With all the talk about converting after-tax retirement contributions to Roth, you may be wondering if this applies to you. Here's how to tell if you have any after-tax money in an IRA or 401k. First, let's cover the difference between after-tax money and Roth. Both after-tax and Roth … [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...]
2021 Child Tax Credit Advance Payments
If your family is eligible for the 2021 child tax credit, you have the option to decide if you want to receive advance payments or not. The default is to receive the advance payments. You also have the option to opt out. If you opt out, you will still receive the full tax credit. It will just be … [Read more...]
Financial Planning April 2021 Newsletter
The second quarter financial planning newsletter is now available. It includes information on inherited IRA required minimum distributions, estate planning, spending plans, and an overview of the investment markets. We also share an update on meeting options and our team. Click here to read the … [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...]
Financial Planning January 2021 Newsletter
The first quarter financial planning newsletter is now available. We all have a heightened awareness of the uncertainty of life right now, so our goal for the newsletter is to provide some reassuring insight and perhaps some actionable ideas. The newsletter includes: Friendly financial … [Read more...]
Can You Benefit from Qualified Charitable Distributions?
Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs) are a great way to reduce tax liability for those who are charitably inclined. Qualified Charitable Distributions are distributions from an IRA that are donated directly to a qualified charity. The account holder must be over age 70 ½ and the distribution … [Read more...]
Is a Donor Advised Fund Right for You?
Donor Advised Funds (DAFs) are a great tax planning tool for those who are charitably inclined. They are especially compelling when you have highly appreciated stock in a brokerage account or if your income is significantly higher than usual in any given year. Understanding the Tax … [Read more...]
December 2020 Financial Planning Newsletter
Our December 2020 financial planning newsletter is now available. It includes year-end financial planning tips from Lead Planner Patty Priddy. What a year 2020 has been! For most people, it is one for the books, or in the infamous words of Mr. Miyagi in Karate Kid, it is a year we want to “Wax … [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...]
2019 Year-End Tax Planning
With 2019 coming to a close, many of us are preparing for the holidays, and are trying to wind things down. Before you enter that holiday hibernation, we want to remind you of a few tax planning ideas that you may want to add to your holiday “to-do” list. Required Minimum Distributions Be sure … [Read more...]
April 2017 Financial Planning Newsletter
Our April financial planning newsletter is now available. It covers an update on the investment markets for first quarter, along with our perspective on current market valuations. In addition, we give you the most important retirement plan and tax limits for 2017 -- if you haven't already reviewed … [Read more...]
October 2016 Financial Planning Newsletter
The October Financial Planning newsletter is now available. In addition to an investment market update, it includes an update on the social security cost-of-living adjustment, tips on inheriting an IRA, a third quarter investment summary, year-end tax tips and more. To read the newsletter, click … [Read more...]
2016 Year End Tax Planning Tips
You won't start hearing tax preparation commercials on TV until next January. However, it will be too late for many of your best tax planning opportunities by then. Other than making some retirement contributions, most of your tax-affecting moves for 2016 need to be completed before December 31. … [Read more...]
April 2016 Personal Finance Newsletter
Our April 2016 newsletter was sent to email subscribers on April 19 and is now available online. For investing, the newsletter includes an investment market update and a review of the major factors affecting first quarter market performance. The newsletter also covers our perspective on the new … [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...]
May 2015 Personal Finance Newsletter
The May 2015 personal finance newsletter is now available. It covers several personal financial planning topics including why consuming too much financial journalism may be hazardous to your long-term financial health. There's also information on how divorce affects your social security and … [Read more...]
January 2015 Personal Finance Newsletter
Our personal finance newsletter for January is now available. It includes a review of the 2014 investment markets, an article highlighting the relationship between net worth and financial habits, and more. Please click here to read the newsletter. … [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...]
November Personal Finance Newsletter
Our November personal finance newsletter is now available. In addition to the investment market update, it includes several articles on personal financial planning. We have updates released by the IRS and social security administration for 2015: Retirement plan contribution limits for … [Read more...]
August 2014 Personal Finance Newsletter
The August 2014 Personal Finance Newsletter is now available. It includes a year-to-date investment market update, plus thoughts on why we shouldn't fear a correction. In addition, we highlight 10 tax breaks that haven't been extended yet for 2014 and why you may wish to consider a Roth IRA for … [Read more...]
Personal Finance Newsletter for December
The December financial planning newsletter is now available. It covers several tax items: Year-end tax planning tips for 2013 including new taxes to be aware of for higher income tax payers IRS regulations affecting legally married same-sex tax payers for 2013 In addition, we have … [Read more...]
August 2013 Personal Finance Newsletter
The August Personal Finance Newsletter is now available. It includes information on how this summer's Supreme Court rulings on same-sex marriage affects financial planning for couples in Texas and other states. It also covers an update on the bond market, how to fix an error on your credit report, … [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...]
October Personal Finance Newsletter
The October personal finance newsletter is now available. It includes the 2013 social security cost of living adjustment and maximum earnings level just announced this morning. A detailed review of the 3rd quarter investment market performance, plus 2012 year-to-date information is also covered. … [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...]
September Personal Finance Newsletter
The September personal finance newsletter is now available. In addition to an investment market update, it includes information on several financial planning topics. For retirees, we look at how remarriage affects social security. For those in the wealth accumulation phase, we look at the … [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...]
March 2012 Personal Finance Newsletter
The March 2012 personal finance newsletter is now available and covers several personal finance topics. For retirement planning, we look at your options when you inherit an IRA. For debt management, we cover how to pay down credit cards without hurting your credit. For investing, we look at … [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...]
December 2011 Personal Finance Newsletter
The December personal finance newsletter is now available. It includes information on a new student loan repayment program going into effect in January 2012, gift tax strategies, and tips on keeping your online accounts secure. Plus, for those that enjoy history, there's some perspective on stock … [Read more...]
Plan now for a successful 2012
Taking a few moments now to assess your financial situation can go a long way toward positioning you for success next year. Some items to consider: If Retired Have you taken any required minimum distributions from your IRAs for this year? Even if no IRA distributions are required, … [Read more...]
Harvesting Investment Losses for Tax Purposes
You frequently hear investment professionals suggest “harvesting losses” before the end of the calendar year to save money on taxes. Loss harvesting can be a highly productive strategy, and it pays to understand how it works and when you might not want to take advantage of it. The opportunity to … [Read more...]
July Personal Finance Newsletter
The July personal financial planning newsletter is now available. Because of the tumultuous investment markets and economic uncertainty, the newsletter includes two investing columns -- one a recap of the second quarter market performance with a look forward, and another by Jim Parker with … [Read more...]
May Personal Finance Newsletter
The May 2011 Personal Finance Newsletter is now available. It includes articles on long-term care planning, mid-year tax considerations, and deciphering health savings vehicles. A link to a great article on the relationship between how we spend our money and happiness is also included, as well as … [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...]
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...]
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...]
Social Security Workshop at Keller Public Library
I am conducting a free workshop on social security planning strategies at the Keller Public Library on Tuesday, August 17 at 6:30 pm. The session will cover what baby boomers need to know to maximize their retirement income. Attendees will learn: 5 factors to consider when deciding when to … [Read more...]
Should you pay off the mortgage?
One of the best financially freeing moments in life is the day you compare your savings and mortgage principal balances and realize that you could pay off your mortgage if you wanted to. If you’re at that point, congratulations! If you’re not there yet, keep saving; it can come sooner than you … [Read more...]
May 2010 Newsletter
The May 2010 newsletter is now available. It includes investing information with perspective on last week's market plunge and an update on the new reduced fees for trading Vanguard ETFs. For taxes, there's information on the new 3.8% medicare tax for high income individuals. For cash flow, we … [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...]
Pension Max: Is it right for you?
If you’re near retirement and have a pension, you may be considering a pension max strategy. With all the variables involved, it can be challenging to determine if it’s really in your best interest. First – what is pension max? Pension max is used by married couples to increase their net … [Read more...]
December 2009 Newsletter
The December 2009 newsletter is now available. It includes a market update, tips on tracking your expenses, year-end investing moves designed to save on taxes, and more. Click here to read the newsletter. … [Read more...]
2010 Key Numbers
The key numbers guide from Forefield has been updated for 2010. Not a lot of changes from last year, but still a convenient reference. It includes limits on retirement plan contributions, tax brackets, tax credit and deduction phase-outs, social security benefits, medicare, and much more. 2010 … [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...]
November 2009 Newsletter
The November newsletter is now available. It includes a market update, 2010 retirement plan contribution limits, and more. Click here to view it. … [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...]
Partial Roth Conversion Strategy
When people find out how much tax they would have to pay to convert their IRA from traditional to Roth, it’s often times a conversion show stopper. Even if all the analysis shows that conversion would be clearly beneficial to their after-tax retirement income levels or provide estate planning … [Read more...]
October 2009 Newsletter
The October newsletter is now available. It includes a reminder about the October 15 deadline to recharacterize 2008 Roth IRA conversions, a market update, how to calculate your net worth and why net worth is the financial number to watch, and more. To read the newsletter, click here. … [Read more...]
Roth conversion as estate planning technique
The 2010 lifting of income limits for Roth IRA conversions creates a sizable opportunity to reduce estate taxes. We’ve already discussed Roth IRA conversion basics, and who might want to convert. But if your estate is potentially subject to the estate tax at your death, you have an additional … [Read more...]
Who should consider Roth conversion
Given the historic opportunity of 2010 to spread the tax payment over 2 years in 2011 and 2012, everyone with a traditional IRA should take at least one look at Roth IRA conversion for next year. It is most beneficial to you when all of these apply: You'll pay the resulting "conversion" tax … [Read more...]
Paying the Bills: Potential Sources of Retirement Income
Planning your retirement income is like putting together a puzzle with many different pieces. One of the first steps in the process is to identify all potential income sources and estimate how much you can expect each one to provide. Social Security According to the Social Security Administration … [Read more...]
401(k) options when you change jobs
If you've lost your job, or are changing jobs, you may be wondering what to do with your 401(k) plan account. It's important to understand your options. What will I be entitled to? If you leave your job (voluntarily or involuntarily), you'll be entitled to a distribution of your vested balance. … [Read more...]
July 2009 Newsletter
The July 2009 newsletter is now available online. It reviews some blog information on FDIC insurance limits, establishing an emergency fund, and down market estate planning opportunities. It also covers new information on whether or not you should refinance your mortgage and considerations in … [Read more...]
Roth 401(k) and 403(b)
One of my fellow Garrett Planning Network members, Jim Blankenship in New Berlin, Illinois, did a great summary article on Roth 401(k)s and 403(b)s yesterday. More and more companies are making the Roth 401(k) or 403(b) an option. Legislation was also recently signed allowing the Roth … [Read more...]
June 2009 Newsletter
The June 2009 newsletter is now available. It includes articles on the new credit card law provisions, energy-efficient tax credits, estate planning for second marriages, and social security planning. Click here to read it. … [Read more...]
May 2009 Newsletter
The May 2009 newsletter is now available. It has information on the tax benefits of charitable giving, investing in a low-interest-rate environment, the extension of the federal money market guarantee, and divorce financial planning. Click here to read the May 2009 newsletter. … [Read more...]
April 2009 Newsletter
The April 2009 newsletter is now available online. It includes an update on market conditions, plus information on the Cobra subsidy, writing off worthless securities on your taxes, an estate planning pitfall to avoid, a conversation for parents about saving for retirement vs. college, and a how-to … [Read more...]
To Will or Not to Will
Catchy title, isn't it? To Will or Not to Will. I would love to take credit for it, but it all goes to the Texas Young Lawyers Association and the State Bar of Texas. When you do as a resident of Texas, if you don't have a will, the state of Texas has one for you. It's possible that the state's … [Read more...]
March Monthly Newsletter
The March monthly newsletter is now out. It includes information on current economic conditions, how to create your own Equity Indexed Annuity, figuring out if your insurance company is secure, Roth IRA conversions, and the Making Work Pay tax credit. To view it, click here. … [Read more...]
The Stimulus Act and You
On February 17, 2009, President Obama signed into law the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (the 2009 "Stimulus Act"). The legislation carries a projected cost of $787 billion, and contains hundreds of provisions. Key provisions that may be relevant to you include: New Making Work … [Read more...]
January 2009 Newsletter
The January 2009 newsletter is now available. It contains information on investing, saving for retirement, FDIC insurance, social security, financial preparedness for natural disasters, and information on upcoming events. … [Read more...]
Year End Tax Planning Techniques
Many tax provisions that had already expired or were scheduled to expire at the end of the year were extended as part of the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008, signed into law on October 3, 2008. Included in the list of extended provisions is an additional one year alternative minimum tax … [Read more...]
2009 Key Numbers
This document is a really handy reference. If you look at your finances on any sort of ongoing basis, you may want to print it out and keep it on your desk. It has everything from tax brackets to retirement plan limits, mileage deduction amounts, adoption credits, phase-outs, education tax … [Read more...]
Bailout Bill Tax Changes Affecting Business
The Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008, referred to by some as the "bailout bill," or, as others prefer to call it, the "rescue plan," was recently enacted in an attempt to help stabilize the turmoil in the U.S. economy. While a great deal of the attention has been focused on the bailout … [Read more...]
Ten Gifting Traps to Avoid
Lifetime gifting can be a powerful estate planning tool. Transferring property during your life, instead of at your death, has many advantages. Making lifetime gifts can be desirable for personal reasons (e.g., to help your children or other family members) or for financial reasons (e.g., saving … [Read more...]
Silver Lining in the Market Downturn
When you look at your retirement plan statement and it's down 30% or more from a couple months ago, it's hard to believe there might be a silver lining there somewhere. While the market downturn has created a tremendous amount of anxiety and it's caused a significant change in plans for some who … [Read more...]
Bail-Out Bill Tax Changes Affecting Individuals
The Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008, referred to by some as the "bailout bill," or, as others prefer to call it, the "rescue plan," was recently enacted in an attempt to stabilize the turmoil in the U.S. economy. While a great deal of attention has been focused on the true bailout … [Read more...]
2009 contribution limits announced
On October 16, 2008, the IRS issued news release IR-2008-118 announcing cost-of-living adjustments to dollar limitations for pension plans. Items addressed for 2009 include: Elective deferrals * The annual elective deferral limit for 401(k) plans, 403(b) plans, 457(b) plans, SAR-SEPs, and the … [Read more...]
Tax Credits and Deductions for Higher Education
What are the tax credits and deductions relating to higher education? There are two education tax credits--the Hope credit and the Lifetime Learning credit--that provide some relief to families in the midst of financing their children's college education. There is also a federal income tax … [Read more...]
October 2008 Newsletter
View our October 2008 Newsletter. … [Read more...]