November 17th, 2023

The Economics of Tax-Loss Harvesting

’Tis the season when many financial services professionals look at the best way to offset the taxable dividend distributions their clients might be receiving, using losses that can be ‘harvested’ by selling under-water investments and booking the losses on taxable (that is, not IRA or Roth) accounts. This is not always a trivial exercise; a … Continue reading “The Economics of Tax-Loss Harvesting”

November 17th, 2023

Charitable Contribution Complexity

If you donate money to somebody in need, you can write off that gift on your tax returns, right? If only the charitable contribution laws were that simple. The actual rules say that you can itemize your charitable donations on Schedule A of IRS Form 1040.  But (and these are enormous ‘buts’) only if you’re … Continue reading “Charitable Contribution Complexity”

October 25th, 2023

The Looming Revert

Nobody is talking about the fact that the tax provisions in the Tax Cuts & Jobs Act of 2017 are due to revert back, after December 31, 2025, to what they had been in 2017—just 26 months from now. But if and when that threshold is crossed, it could be a rude awakening for a … Continue reading “The Looming Revert”

September 26th, 2023

The FDIC’s Dilemma

Pssst? Want to buy a low-interest bond? That’s basically what the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. is saying to investors, who are understandably not eager to take them up on the offer. The bonds in question are part of the $114 billion in debt obligations that the agency acquired when it took over the failed Silicon … Continue reading “The FDIC’s Dilemma”

September 26th, 2023

Would You Want to Live Back in the Good Old Days?

The phrase ‘good old days’ suggests that we’re not living in the best time in history, but it often begs the question of when WERE the ‘good old days?’ Was it before our lives were ruined by technology? Was it during the derring-do age of knights in shining armor and the birth of romantic love? … Continue reading “Would You Want to Live Back in the Good Old Days?”

September 20th, 2023

Common Financial Phobias

According to a recent survey, more than half of all Americans fear for their financial futures. Another study says that 77% of Americans feel anxious about their current financial situation. Even if both of the surveys overstate the numbers, the fact is that many of us have phobias about our finances, often rooted in past … Continue reading “Common Financial Phobias”

September 20th, 2023

The New Tech Mania: AI

With the slow leak in the markets lately, you might not realize that we are currently experiencing an outrageous investment mania. Stocks of companies that are involved in artificial intelligence have been soaring at unprecedented rates, prominently including Upstart Holdings (up 393% this year alone); C3.ai (255%); Nvidia (220%); Palantir Technologies (177%) and Meta Platforms … Continue reading “The New Tech Mania: AI”

August 16th, 2023

Navigating Retirement Pitfalls

Much is written about the classic financial mistakes that plague start-ups, family businesses, corporations, and charities. Some classic financial missteps have been known to plague retirees, too. Calling them “missteps” may be a bit harsh, as not all of them represent errors in judgment. Either way, becoming aware of these potential pitfalls may Middle-Class Millionaires … Continue reading “Navigating Retirement Pitfalls”

August 16th, 2023

Housing Starts in Decline

Did you know that last year, roughly 1.66 million new homes were constructed? This includes single-family homes (975 million), 2-4 unit residences (54.8 million), and buildings with 5 or more family units (635 million). This total number is actually down from the 1.73 million new homes built in 2021, and 2023 is on pace for … Continue reading “Housing Starts in Decline”

July 26th, 2023

Insurance Needs Assessment: For Empty Nesters and Retirees

With the children now out of the house, financial priorities for Middle-Class Millionaires become more focused on preparing for retirement. At this stage, you may very likely be at the height of your earning power and fast approaching peak savings as you lay the groundwork for retirement. During this final leg to retirement—and throughout your … Continue reading “Insurance Needs Assessment: For Empty Nesters and Retirees”