The Internal Revenue Service has announced the annual inflation adjustments for a number of taxrelated provisions for 2018, including, of course, the latest tax rate schedules and tax tables. These are the numbers for the tax year 2018 beginning January 1, 2018 (assuming there are no big changes as the result of tax reform). They are not the numbers and tables that…

Don’t Let Myths Derail Retirement

From: REAP, LLC. | Retirement & Estate Advisors & Professionals

As an individual, you’re unique — and so is your retirement plan. Yet many Americans continue to believe some common retirement myths that have the potential to derail or negatively impact one’s future.

Myth: You only need to plan for retirement. Once you retire, the work is done.
It’s best to think of your retirement plan…

How safe is your online identity?

From: REAP, LLC. | Retirement & Estate Advisors & Professionals

As Americans increasingly turn to the internet to connect, work and shop, the threat of malicious hackers and identity thieves continues to rise. We in the financial services industry are upping efforts to secure clients’ information, but there are additional efforts individuals must consider as part of a more holistic approach.

Understanding IRAs and Retirement Plans / Tax-Saving Strategies

History of IRAs:

Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA):

• Federal law establishing standards for private pension plans.
• Did not require employers to have pension plans, but enforces rules for those that do.
• Studebaker went out of business in the late ‘60s and couldn’t pay their employee pensions because they weren’t funded adequately.
• Taxpayers could contribute up to $1,500 per year and reduce taxable income by the…
  
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What is socially responsible investing?

From: REAP, LLC. | Retirement & Estate Advisors & Professionals

The demand for socially responsible investing has grown 33 percent since 2014, signaling increasing investor interest in making a positive difference in the world. Is this a passing fad or an investment factor worth considering?

SRI and ESG
Sustainable, responsible and impact investing (SRI) focuses on environmental, social and corporate governance (ESG) criteria in…

Addressing Consumer’s Objections to Annuities

From: www.wealthmanagement.com

Annuities, according to author and retirement income expert Tom Hegna, aren’t bad, but, he cautions, “there are bad annuities.” In this video clip from The American College New York Life Center for Retirement Income, Hegna speaks with Professor Dave Littell about common consumer objections to annuities and what advisors can do to reframe the conversation with clients about this important tool as part of an…

Should you get travel insurance?

From: REAP, LLC. | Retirement & Estate Advisors & Professionals

Vacations are worthwhile investments that require logistical and financial planning, often months in advance. What you put in shapes what you’ll get back. So when does it make sense to add travel insurance to your vacation checklist?

Consider the Coverage You Might Need
Most travel insurance policies address three main facets of travel: medical situations, loss/theft…

50 Things: What a Professional Financial Advisor Does for You

Financial Planning

1. Cares more about you and your money than anyone who doesn’t share your last name.
2. Guides you to think about areas of your financial life you may not have considered.
3. Formalizes your goals and puts them in writing.
4. Helps you prioritize your financial opportunities.
5. Helps you determine realistic goals.

Retirees Moving to These States Can Get Some Great Tax Breaks

From: www.cheatsheet.com

Where you live when you retire matters — and not just because you want to be close to the beach or a golf course. State taxes can take a bite out of your retirement income, one reason why some retirees decide to pull up stakes when they stop working and search for a home with better tax…

“This chart shows historical performance of the S&P 500 index throughout the U.S. Bull and Bear Markets from 1926 through 2016. Although past performance is no guarantee of future results, we believe looking at the history of the market’s expansions and recessions helps to gain a fresh perspective on the benefits of investing for the long-term.”