11.02.17

Active Versus Passive Investment Funds: Should You Let Participants Decide?
Adam J. Pechin

According to a report by Casey Quirk of Deloitte, 72% of money invested into funds went into passive funds in 2015. While some may see this as a strong case for passive investing, it is not that simple for plan sponsors.

10.04.17

For Good Financial Health, Take Your RMDs
Dan Newman

Employer-sponsored retirement plans and traditional IRAs offer participants almost unbeatable tax-saving and wealth-building opportunities. But the benefits come with a catch. At a certain point, you have to stop investing and start withdrawing in the form of required minimum distributions (RMDs) or pay a severe price.

09.12.17

Leaving a Financial Road Map for Your Loved One

We do not like to think about dying or becoming incapacitated due to illness, but it is important to be prepared.  In the event you become incapacitated or die, does your spouse or loved one know what assets you have or where they are located?  Do they know what bills need to be paid or how to pay them?  This article provides some questions and answers your loved ones need to know.

08.16.17

1031 Exchange – Beyond Deferring Capital Gains Tax

If you own highly appreciated business or investment real estate that you wish to sell, you can possibly avoid capital gains tax by exchanging it for new property of a like kind. A Section 1031 exchange can help you defer capital gains tax on appreciated property indefinitely and possibly eliminate it permanently.

06.15.17

What to do if You Inherit an IRA
Jacqueline N. Janczewski

Individuals who inherit an IRA have several options for handling the funds, depending on their relationship with the original accountholder. This article summarizes options for spouses and non-spouses.

05.09.17

Is Now the Time to Lock In a 30-Year Mortgage?

Buying a home is one of the most exciting and expensive purchases you will make. Whether you are buying a new home for your growing family, a vacation home for the summer or winter, or an investment property, deciding how to pay for it is just as important of a decision as it is to pick the house that is right for you. How you choose to finance such a major purchase can have a significant long-term impact on your finances. If you are purchasing your home and are considering a mortgage loan, this article will provide you with an understanding of the main types of mortgages and what benefits they can provide to help you determine which mortgage is most appropriate.

04.24.17

A Founder’s Decision to Sell: Considerations for Obtaining Sustained Value for a Life’s Work
David E. Weiss

Many of the most successful businesses are the product of the investment of its founder’s time, energy and money. Often, this investment may be the most significant source of their retirement income or personal wealth. Yet, at some point, whether due to political or market conditions, or more personal reasons, it may become time to sell the business and unlock the value of this investment. This article provides a few considerations business owners should take when it comes time to sell their closely held business, especially for those founders who have never been through a sales process, to achieve a successful exit.

03.30.17

Is There Unclaimed Property with Your Name on It?
Adam M. Levine

State unclaimed property programs are holding nearly $42 billion in assets, just waiting to be claimed by their rightful owners. This brief article explains how to search databases for unclaimed property and how to prove ownership.

02.02.17

Beyond Benchmarks: Alternative Methods of Measuring Your Portfolio’s Results

This article looks at several ways to measure investment portfolio performance. The traditional method is to compare results with those of a relevant market index. However, some investors may be better off considering risk-adjusted results or even follow a goals-based approach.

01.10.17

How to Shift Income to Family Members and Save Money

This article discusses a strategy on how individuals who own their own business can reduce their income while helping their children get a head start on saving for retirement. A Sidebar discusses the problem of capital gains trapped in non-grantor trusts and possible solutions for liberating them.