Good News from Retail Sales, the Future of State Pension Plans and Opinions on Deflation
Dr. Gene, Ted Parrish, CFA and Bil Lako, CFP® discuss what drove the market during the week of July 5th and what may lie ahead for state pension plans.
Why We Choose to be Overweight in Industrials and Information Technology
Dr. Gene and Ted discuss the sectors they look to for growth.
Explaining Unemployment, Underemployment and Household Surveys
The "Money Talks" hosts explain the significance behind unemployment and underemployment rates.
Social Security: Your Earnings and Benefit Estimate Statement
About three months before your birthday, taxpayers should receive their "Earnings and Benefits Estimate Statement" from the Social Security Administration. This annual report will give you an idea of how much you may receive in Social Security when you retire. For a description of the information you will find on this statement, read this Financial Strategy.
Cost Segregation
If you own a residential rental or commercial building, you may be eligible for substantial tax breaks for depreciating your property through a cost segregation analysis. For more information on how different types of buildings are depreciated and what items may qualify for accelerated depreciation methods, read this C.P.A. Insight.
The “New Normal” is Really Just the “Old Normal”
Ted Parrish, CFA, and Senior Research Analyst Troy Harmon explain how the “New Normal” is really the old, pre-housing bubble normal and how the negative market commentators have ignored positive earnings news.
Important Changes to Education Savings Accounts (ESAs)
Beginning in 2011, Education Savings Account contributions will be capped at $500 per year per child, and expenses for primary education will not be considered qualified expenses. For more changes to these accounts and recommendations on what you can do with funds in an ESA, read this Financial Strategy.
Estate Planning Tool—Qualified Personal Residence Trust
A Qualified Personal Residence Trust can be used as part of your overall estate plan to transfer the family home to your children or grandchildren, without incurring federal estate tax. However, there are some tax considerations for your heirs if they choose to sell the property in the future. For more information on Qualified Personal Residence Trusts, read this C.P.A. Insight.
Signs Point to a Jobless Recovery
Dr. Gene, Ted and Bil discuss the market’s mixed news and how it weighs on earnings and GDP growth.
Auto Insurance
Auto insurance is generally a necessity, so it is best to understand the elements and dollar limits to the policy you are purchasing. For a close look at some of the options available and our recommendations, read this Insurance Know-How.