60s
20 Second Advisor: Should I buy GA film tax credits?
Looking for an easy way to reduce your taxes? Film tax credits are a great way to reduce your taxes every year. Here’s an example of how they work: ABC film company makes a movie in Georgia and spends $1M making the movie. The state of Georgia gives ABC credits up to 30% of what…
Read More20 Second Advisor: Stimulus checks, PPP, and what’s coming?!
In case you missed it, Congress passed a 2nd stimulus/aid package at the end of 2020 that authorized the following: Additional $600 stimulus payment to each person making under $75,000 (if filing single) or $150,000 (if filing jointly). The payments phase out for incomes above these limits. Additional paycheck protection program (PPP) funds. Certain businesses…
Read More20 Second Advisor: New Year – Two questions that drive meaningful change.
I aspire to live a great life. I define this as follows: To live a life full of meaning and love. To be healthy and physically capable of doing the activities I enjoy. To experience new things and travel. To give back to others. This kind of life doesn’t just happen overnight. In fact, I’m…
Read More20 Second Advisor: Don’t swing for the fences.
I grew up playing baseball, and it was common advice that I needed to hear, “Don’t swing for the fences.” When trying to hit a homerun, you end up taking your eye off the ball, and usually miss hitting the ball entirely. In investing, there is similar wisdom. Yes, it’s alluring to find an investment…
Read More20 Second Advisor: Jelly Beans & Performance
Some clients check their portfolios weekly. Others might only check it once or twice a year. Whenever you look at your performance, you’re really asking yourself: “How I am doing RELATIVE to some other benchmark?“ For example, if the Dow Jones Industrial Average is up 10% and your portfolio is also up 10%, you would…
Read More20 Second Advisor: Is the Stock Market Divorced from Economic Reality?
Below is an excerpt from an article I thoroughly enjoyed reading. It captures the thoughts and emotions of several clients I’ve spoken to recently, and how/why the market can be so high right now amid all the uncertainty. From its record high on February 19, 2020 the S&P 500 Index1 fell 33.79% in less than 5…
Read More20 Second Advisor: The early bird doesn’t always get the biggest worm.
A big question that investors face as they approach retirement is when/how to take social security. Most investors are aware there is some type of penalty for taking early social security, but a lot of clients don’t know the exact reduction they’ll see by taking early benefits. Take a look at the chart below- it…
Read More20 Second Advisor: Target Retirement Funds – Good or Bad Idea?
For a lot of investors, the 401(k) is the main savings vehicle for accumulating wealth. 401(k) plans often provide matching contributions which helps you to save more each year, and reach your retirement goals quicker. The downside (in my mind) of some 401(k) plans is that you have limited investment options. It may be difficult…
Read More20 Second Advisor: Why It’s Easy to Retire in GA.
Retiring takes a lot of hard work, saving, and discipline. However, if you chose to retire in Georgia, there are some great tax benefits that make the transition to retirement a little cheaper and easier. Here are the main benefits of retiring in GA: GA Retirement Income Exclusion: This allows GA taxpayers (age 65 and…
Read More20 Second Advisor: SECURE Act Means More Roth Conversions
The SECURE Act was recently enacted by Congress. There are several new rules pertaining to retirement such as new Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) ages, inherited IRA provisions, and accessing your IRA money for certain expenses. One of the planning opportunities that arises with the new law is potentially doing more Roth IRA conversions for retirees.…
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