Tax Traps to Avoid in Retirement
“Our new Constitution is now established, and has an appearance that promises permanency; but in this world, nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes.” It is a quote that comes down to us from Benjamin Franklin, who uttered the phrase in 1789. Taxes–federal, state, local, sales tax, property tax, gasoline tax, […]
Read ArticleCrosscurrents
The tech-heavy NASDAQ Composite, and key measures of mid-sized and small companies touched new highs in June. Much of the underlying momentum can be traced to faster economic growth, rising corporate profits, and still-low interest rates. Another factor that lends support–S&P 500 companies repurchased a record $189.1 billion of their own shares in the first […]
Read ArticleSome Financial Advice Beyond the College Dormitory
Congratulations! We know you’ve already heard that from family and friends, but after four years of college — or more if you have obtained an advanced degree — you deserve it. And the well-wishing cheers go beyond Johnny or Jane; well done, mom and dad! A couple of weeks ago, one of our advisors was […]
Read Article5 Steps to Reducing Healthcare Costs in Retirement
Healthcare costs will be the biggest expense for most retirees. It’s not a pleasant prospect, but it is a reality. A 65-year-old couple that left the workforce in 2017 will spend an average of $275,000 to cover medical expenses through retirement, according to the latest retiree healthcare cost estimate provided by Fidelity Benefits Consulting. That’s […]
Read Article3 Tips for Choosing Your Financial Planner
You know that the right financial planner will help you clear a path to your financial goals and keep up the momentum along the way. But knowing whether your financial advisor is on your side can be harder to nail down. How do you know if your advisor will have the experience and freedom to […]
Read ArticleIs Now the Time to Convert your IRA into a Roth?
There are many different ways you can shelter your savings from taxes. It is a powerful incentive for us to save for retirement. Options give us choices, but choices can confuse as options proliferate. In the name of simplicity, we’ll avoid what is sometimes called the “alphabet soup” of retirement accounts. Instead, let’s spend a […]
Read ArticleA Sea of Tranquility — Not!
Last year, stocks marched higher with only minor pullbacks. When the year ended, the largest peak-to-trough decline for the S&P 500 Index was just under 3%. It was a year that lacked turbulence and rewarded diversified investors. Since the beginning of February, volatility has returned. It’s a reminder that periods of relative tranquility don’t last […]
Read ArticleAdvisoryHQ’s 2018 ranking of the “Top 10 Best Financial Advisors in Austin, TX
The WorthPointe team is grateful for AdvisoryHQ’s recent inclusion of our firm in their Top 10 Best Financial Advisors in Austin, TX list. AdvisoryHQ employs a unique methodology that objectively evaluates the total assets under management (AUM), firm size and quality, as well as the amount of revenue generated by an advisory firm. Being recognized […]
Read ArticleBusting the 5 Biggest Retirement Myths
Urban legends, urban myths, and fake news. Whatever you call it, in our age of information, claims of spurious repute can go viral in minutes. Anyone with a computer can start a blog and offer up opinions on just about any subject, whether he or she is an authority or not. Sources? Who needs sources? […]
Read ArticleIn 2018, Meet the new boss, same as the old one
Any thoughts that 2018 might start with a pause in the bull market were quickly dispelled in the first week of the year. A “buy the rumor, sell the news” view on tax reform has shaken out to be more aptly described as buy the rumor and buy the news. In our opinion, the credit […]
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