For parents seeking tax-advantaged strategies for transferring funds to their minor children—whether as a way to save for college or simply to give their kids a financial head start when they become adults—a popular type of custodial account called a UTMA account may provide a solution. However, understanding the tax implications of UTMA accounts is
Investors are often concerned about minimizing transaction costs that can eat into their gains, without realizing that taxes can take an even bigger bite out of returns. Tax-aware investment management offers some protection. This is an active investment approach that aims to maximize after-tax returns. It relies on careful construction of a portfolio and proactive
For anyone who participates in buying and selling stocks, making a profit is the ultimate goal. However, two main types of stock market participants—traders and investors—follow different strategies in pursuit of that goal. The most significant difference comes down to timing: investors seek to build wealth by holding a portfolio over years or even decades,
There are endless ways to invest, with vehicles and opportunities to suit different needs, time horizons, and risk tolerances. As you explore the various options available, it’s wise to consider the tax consequences of your investments. Frequent, active trading with a goal of chasing profits can bolster your income nicely—but taxes can eat into your
If you are fortunate enough to be eligible to receive a pension from your employer when you retire, one of the main decisions you will face is whether to accept a lump-sum distribution or lifetime monthly payments. As you approach your retirement date, it’s important to think carefully about this decision, since it is usually
Investors looking for an easy way to buy a diversified portfolio used to opt for mutual funds. Today, exchange-traded funds (ETFs) are an increasingly popular option offering several benefits. Both vehicles invest shareholders’ combined money in a broad set of assets, which provides the safety of diversification without the stress of buying and selling individual
From stock options to profit-sharing plans, there are many ways to provide employees with an ownership interest in a company. However, the most common method is a type of tax-favored employee benefit plan known as an ESOP, or employee stock ownership plan. Currently, over 6,400 ESOPs exist in the U.S., covering an estimated 14.2 million
It’s easy to focus your retirement planning on your finances and give little thought to healthcare. Medicare, the federal health insurance program for older and disabled Americans, is waiting in the wings to provide at least basic coverage. But Medicare is complex, and enrollment can only happen at certain times. It doesn’t cover all medical
When you reach age 62, you are eligible to begin taking the Social Security benefits that you have paid into throughout your working life. While this is an exciting milestone and you may be eager to start receiving your share, you will be entitled to a greater benefit for each year that you defer taking
Now that the presidential election is just days away, what do we know about the leading candidates’ current tax plans? The top line takeaway is that former Vice President Joe Biden has pledged not to raise taxes on anyone earning less than $400,000, while President Trump has floated more tax cuts with few specifics. Trump’s