Lookout for Tax Scams

The IRS recently issued its annual list of tax scams. The list highlights various scams that taxpayers may encounter, many of which occur during tax filing season. Here are some of the scams that are highlighted on the list. Phishing Phishing scams usually involve unsolicited emails or fake websites that pose as legitimate IRS sites … Read more

What’s Not Covered by Medicare?

What health services aren’t covered by Medicare? Original Medicare — Part A hospital insurance and Part B medical insurance — offers broad coverage, but many services are not covered. Some may be fully or partially covered by a Part C Medicare Advantage Plan, which replaces Original Medicare, or a Medigap policy, which supplements Original Medicare. … Read more

Earnings Season & Corporate Reports

Earnings Season: What Investors Can Take Away from Corporate Reports Publicly traded companies are required to report their financial performance to regulators and shareholders on a quarterly basis. Earnings season is the often-turbulent period when most companies disclose their successes and failures. U.S. companies included in the S&P 500 index suffered year-over-year earnings declines in … Read more

Top 10 Year-end Tax Tips

Determine Eligibility for Itemized Deductions.  Year-end planning is required to determine if capped itemized deductions still exceed the modified standard deduction Consider accelerating income into 2019 or delay income until 2020. Some people may benefit from lower tax brackets. Max out your employer-sponsored retirement plan contributions. The deadline for funding 401(k), 403(b) or 457 plans is Dec. 31. … Read more

Categories Tax

Five Lessons from Today’s Retirees

Each year for its Retirement Confidence Survey, the Employee Benefit Research Institute (EBRI) surveys 1,000 workers and 1,000 retirees to assess how confident they are in their ability to afford a comfortable retirement. Once again, in 2019, retirees expressed stronger confidence than workers: 82% of retirees reported feeling “very” or “somewhat” confident, compared with 67% … Read more

Alternatives to Traditional LTC

If you are concerned about the high costs of long-term care but don’t want to purchase traditional long-term care (LTC) insurance, you might consider two strategies that combine permanent life insurance coverage with long-term care benefits. Keep in mind that any payouts for covered LTC expenses reduce (and are usually limited to) the life insurance … Read more

Video – 3 Take-aways for Market Volatility

Volatility gives us a great opportunity to buy things on sale – just ask Warren Buffet…that is – if you can keep your emotions in check! In this video, Sam and Dan talk about recent volatility in the stock market and how both growth and value investors can leverage the fluctuations in portfolio construction. Check … Read more

Investing in Real Estate 101

Historically low mortgage interest rates and rising home values are just a couple of reasons why investors may be drawn to real estate investing. Not only does real estate have the potential to provide a steady income stream, but it can help diversify an investment portfolio and act as a hedge against inflation. If you … Read more

Cover Your Assets! Part 3 – Trusts

Focused on Physicians: Asset Preservation Part 3: Trusts Asset Protection: About the Series Don’t be an unnecessary target! You’ve made a huge investment in your education and training, and your “deep doctor pockets” already make you a bulls-eye. Are you doing all you can to protect your interests….and ASSets? This three-parter takes a look at … Read more