Hello and Welcome to our January 2019 Financial Planning and Capital Market Update!
If you are too busy to read, feel free to listen as we describe our post and thoughts in friendly podcast format as well as Video!
Newbies – We like to articulate our thoughts and review on a Monthly basis our Financial Planning Tips, Capital Markets and current events!
January – 2019 Video
Financial Planning Tip (s) –
Get and Earlier than normal start on those Taxes
Here in this post, we remind everyone that due to the new tax laws, it will be a good idea to get your tax information to your professional as soon as possible.
If your using tax software, be sure to do the recommended updates as we feel certain there will be necessary updates to the tables along the way.
Corrected 1099’s are the usual, with only a few last year, we will give everyone the green light once we get our first round of corrected tax forms – but again go ahead and get started with your taxes!
Stunning Findings about your old employer 401k
We had long suspected as much, but in this post we review a Cerulli study that interviewed over 800 401k providers, only to find out that less than 30% really want your funds once you leave.
We have experienced less than stellar service over the years with former employees 401k plans – leading to our long suspicion of these findings.
Make Pension Changes/Decisions Carefully
While our favorite commencement benefit for pensions (100% jt survivor) is fairly straight forward, the simplicity ends there.
In this post, we review recent trends in buy outs and what to watch for, as well as the many scenarios we have experienced that are not always in our best interest.
Capital Market Comments –
Good News – Recovery without a Re-test – So far
What a different a month makes – WOW! We literally have gone from the sky is falling to sunshine!
In our summary post in December, we mentioned that fast moving slumps, such as the one we had, frequently do not last long….
Here, earlier in the month we also mentioned that we fully expected some type of retest of those lows before we gained our footing.
We still do expect some type of re-test, but as of this date we have had the following positives that have added to the markets better mood:
Federal Reserve (FOMC) have turned very cautious about raising rates further (We are happily surprised at their yielding, and even more surprised at market participants joy)
Tariff talks are making progress – Interestingly, China has seen a slow down in their economy making for slightly more urgent talks – with a little compromise and statesmanship a resolve looks more likely – again a positive for capital markets.
Earnings are still cranking along – For the prior 4-6 quarters, earnings were red hot and hitting on all cylinders, so hot, they were not sustainable. Companies are still reporting good earnings, just not the Red Hot, overheated earnings from prior quarters – this is good news as it avails the FOMC to not have to raise rates to slow the economy –
All in all a Win- Win!
Have a Great Day – Talk to you at the end of February!
Hello and Welcome to our December 2018 Financial Planning and Capital Market Update!
If you are too busy to read, feel free to listen as we describe our post and thoughts in friendly podcast format as well as Video!
Newbies – We like to articulate our thoughts and review on a Monthly basis our Financial Planning Tips, Capital Markets and current events!
December – 2018 Video
Financial Planning Tip (s) –
Staying Invisible on the Internet
With concerns of our personal information being constantly delivered/sold to others, we found this really neat chart, here in our post as a great guide on staying invisible on the internet.
The chart is HUGE, noting the many ways we are being tracked this day and age… lots of neat, stop tracking me techniques included…
Capital Market Comments –
Good News – Such Fast Movements May Not Last as Long
One time when being fast may be to our benefit …
Markets that throw a quick hissy fit frequently get their feet under themselves …
Using the Great Recession of 07-09 as a guide (below) – BTW we DO NOT think this is what we are experiencing… it took years for the drop to occur, not days…
We may be experiencing a slow motion 87, 91 or 99 like drop, which were faster, briefer, caused by outside worry and forces, but certainly concerning at the time!
Let’ all buckle up and be thankful we NEVER drive fast – time will tell!
Have a Great Day – Talk to you at the end of January!
Hello and Welcome to our November 2018 Financial Planning and Capital Market Update!
If you are too busy to read, feel free to listen as we describe our post and thoughts in friendly podcast format as well as Video!
Newbies – We like to articulate our thoughts and review on a Monthly basis our Financial Planning Tips, Capital Markets and current events!
November – 2018 Video
Financial Planning Tip (s) –
Clump – Maximizing the new standard deduction
With a $12k individual standard deduction and double that for joint filers it takes work to maximize the standard deduction threshold… Add the fact that SALT State and Local Tax deductions are now limited to $10k annually, clumping expenses into one year as mentioned here in our post and visually below may be the only way to get above the standard deductions for many …
Capital Market Comments –
Powell Signals a Slower Rate Increase
Current FOMC (Federal Open Market Committee) chairman Jerome Powell signaled the rate increases may be closer to over than just was stated just a month earlier… where a December increase, which is still almost certain, but three additional increases were promised in 2019 – not any more.
Given the long/lower rates of the last decade, it is not a surprise that the new normal may be lower –
Market Participants cheered this statement!
Have a Great Day – Talk to you at the end of December!
In our explanative post here, we overview the RMD season items …. and remind those in the first year of their chose to defer or take …
RMD $$ mandated amounts are determined by the value of applicable accounts on the last day of the prior year
Current year age is a necessary factor included in calculating the RMD – see below next, first time exception – each year of seasoning (getting older) we are forced to take more out of the applicable accounts – hey the IRS has never taxed us on these in many cases – it’s their time!
After tax contributions to a qualified account MUST be accounted for in order to avoid taxes – here are greater details and our taxpayer obligations on this – don’t overpay – the IRS is not tracking this and will not come to the rescue and lower your taxes
All of an individual’s accounts must be included/totaled/value (certain exceptions are made to those continuing to work) to ascertain the needed distribution
Any one account can be used to satisfy the needed distribution (you do not have to take a little from each account, making it easier from an organization standpoint) BUT you must take at least the minimum distribution
Failure to take the mandated distribution amount COULD result in a 100% tax – Break in – our experience has been the IRS is nice about this, but let’s not test them
Social Security COLA Bump
Congratulations to those on a fixed income, the Social Security Administration SSA’s favorite inflation gauge measured a 2.8% increase, which we review in our post here and also even created this neat historical graph for our collective review…
Capital Market Comments –
Suddenly it’s Raining?
After a drop at the beginning of 2018 – mostly blamed on a creative synthetic product that bets risk will stay low (XIV) our patience was rewarded and footing found … until Ugly October came to roost…
What Gives?
At this time, no one with 100% certainty, can pin point what turned the market sky’s grey and sent rain…
Oddly, it may not be any one thing, just like an auto accident – usually multiple items occur at the same time that lead to an opening for contact with another …
Here are our best thoughts in order of our priority/possibility – again no one knows for sure…
Trendy high flying stocks that have been a momentum favorite, suddenly took it on the chin – alone in time not a big deal – seen next
Most mutual funds and many other assets managers close their books at the end of October – many heavily invested in the above trendy stocks had their year turn very ugly right at the finish line, possibly setting a musical chair like exit, causing much more volatility than what would have otherwise occurred if not so near the end of many fiscal years – an extra worry juggle ball in the air
Mid-Term elections are finally here, and it is unlikely anyone can predict with any certainty the outcome of the elections – capital market participants hate uncertainty – not a big deal if this was all they are watching, but another juggle/worry ball up in the air
Interest Rate Increase banter on how many an how long rates will increase before being “Normal” – we have discussed in great length the inverted yield curve and while we are no where near this event, yes… another juggle worry ball in the air
Tarif Talk has been around all year, but looks to come to more of a peak near the end of the year – yet another worry/juggle ball up in the air
The good news is the sun will likely come out again soon, but in true rain like fashion, it seems like the days go by SLOOOOWER when your stuck inside, under cover, without sun!
The GREAT news is earnings have been for the most part very good, not GREAT and screaming as they had earlier in the year, but still very good by comparison.
MAYBE ? – we are just overdue for a correction – This fantastic chart from our friends at JPMorgan reminds us all that these type of corrections are more of the norm, not the abnorm – we have just been without regular bouts for some time!
Have a Great Day – Talk to you at the end of November!
Hello and Welcome to our September 2018 Financial Planning and Capital Market Update!
If you are too busy to read, feel free to listen as we describe our post and thoughts in friendly podcast format as well as Video too!
Newbies – We like to articulate our thoughts and review on a Monthly basis our Financial Planning Tips, Capital Markets and current events!
This is month two of our upgraded Laptop, which means a new recording system of Audio and Video — while still working the kinks out, we are getting the hang of it – Enjoy!
September 2018 Video
Financial Planning Tip (s) –
The Emergency Fund
In our post here, a shortened version of an article in the coming Newsletter, we review all, about a much needed Emergency Fund, and the levels for certain scenarios.
Reasons to be slightly bigger-
Possible Job Change – Need to be higher on emergency funds
New Family Member- Higher is better
New Home – Expect unforeseen expenses – they always occur (Has anyone ever built or bought a home in less time and for less money than they thought? Nope, it’s in our nature)
Salary Fluctuations i.e. Commissions – Error on the higher side of that emergency fund
Others dependent on you – Business owner, large family, solo income earners, college or wedding – Higher is better
Reasons for a normal to smaller Emergency fund-
Dual Similar Incomes – Lower Emergency fund is ok
Very stable Job – Smaller side of the living expenses will
Very fixed income stability – Pensions, Social, etc.
High Deductibles – Why to Consider
In this post, we discuss the reasons for considering a Higher Deductible lifestyle –
Break In – There are always situations that a High Deductible will not work, we are just pointing out the advantages, under the correct circumstances!
Auto Insurance: One of the best ideas to consider a high deductible – take a look here at the great examples of why.
Home Owners: Another great coverage to consider a higher deductible.
Health Insurance: Once again a good one, but certain situations can easily negate the advantages of this!
Capital Market Comments – Interest Rates and Bonds
Short Term Headwinds Of Higher Rates on Bonds
This busy chart gives a great picture of the short term effects of interest rates on bond. Coming from such an extended long period of unusually low rates, we are reminding ourselves along with everyone else, this is very normal phenomenon and will correct itself with time by putting extra dollars in our pockets in the form of higher yields.
Have a Great Day – Talk to you at the end of October!
Hello and Welcome to our August 2018 Financial Planning and Capital Market Update!
If you are too busy to read, feel free to listen as we describe our post and thoughts in friendly podcast format as well as Video too!
Newbies – we like to articulate our thoughts and review on a Monthly basis our Financial Planning Tips, Capital Markets and current events!
Break In – We finally upgraded our Laptop, which means a new recording system of Audio and Video — five year old laptop technology was long in the tooth – Hope you Enjoy!
In our post here, a shortened version of an article in the coming Newsletter, we review the PLUP or Personal Liability Umbrella Policy- You likely need one!
Cost
In a world of sometimes seemingly ever higher costs, the PLUP is very affordable. Experiences have shown annually, cost of usually between $200 – $500 for $1 Million – $2 Million in coverage.
Insures your base Coverage are correct
Another neat and settling feature of the PLUP is that it mandates that your standard or base coverage are correct.
What you are protecting Coverage
The most obvious assets at risk are after tax dollars such as checking, savings and investments including Revocable Trusts.
In Part 2, a second repeat article, here, we discuss Trusts of all sorts and their usage.
Revocable Trust
Testamentary Trust
Irrevocable Trust
QTIP- Qualified Terminal Interest Trust
Credit Shelter A/B Trust
Generation Skipping Trust
Irrevocable Life Insurance Trust
Capital Market Comments
Small Business Optimism Hits All Time High –
With earnings booming it is not surprising to see Small Business Optimism reaching all time highs — It is always nice to recall that while there are fast moving machines, making trades in nanoseconds and huge amount of data is being deciphered electronically to get and edge – BUT and it is a big BUT – There is ultimately a human behind the machine!
She/he is pretty happy!
Have a Great Day – Talk to you at the end of September!
The general rules of Social Security are to wait until as long as you can. In our post here, and the chart below, may give pause to that thinking.
Many situations are different, deeming great thought and analysis needed before commencing OR delaying your Social Security Benefits.
Favorite Pension Benefit Option
Joint Survivor – As mentioned above in our Social Security review, situations vary. While our favorite options for Pensions is the 100% joint survivor –
Less Changes in the future
Straight forward
Simple
As mentioned in greater detail, in our post here, consider all options before making your final decision as this one is irrevocable !
Capital Market Comments
Turns Out, Over the Long Term Earnings do Drive Markets
With earnings booming and Capital Markets treading water, this chart caught our eye and in this post we discussed in greater detail current earnings AND the fact that over the longer term (see chart below) markets do EVENTUALLY react to earnings.
Have a Great Day – Talk to you at the end of August!
The opinions voiced in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. To determine which investments may be appropriate for you, please consult your financial advisor prior to investing!
Background
The is the vocal portion of J.K. Financial, Inc. a Dallas Texas Based Fee Only Total Wealth Financial Planning Firm. Founded by John Kvale, a Dallas Texas Fee only Financial Planner and Total Wealth Manager.
January 2019 Podcast Video, Financial Planning and Capital Market Update – By John Kvale
Hello and Welcome to our January 2019 Financial Planning and Capital Market Update!
If you are too busy to read, feel free to listen as we describe our post and thoughts in friendly podcast format as well as Video!
Newbies – We like to articulate our thoughts and review on a Monthly basis our Financial Planning Tips, Capital Markets and current events!
January – 2019 Video
Financial Planning Tip (s) –
Get and Earlier than normal start on those Taxes
Here in this post, we remind everyone that due to the new tax laws, it will be a good idea to get your tax information to your professional as soon as possible.
If your using tax software, be sure to do the recommended updates as we feel certain there will be necessary updates to the tables along the way.
Corrected 1099’s are the usual, with only a few last year, we will give everyone the green light once we get our first round of corrected tax forms – but again go ahead and get started with your taxes!
Stunning Findings about your old employer 401k
We had long suspected as much, but in this post we review a Cerulli study that interviewed over 800 401k providers, only to find out that less than 30% really want your funds once you leave.
We have experienced less than stellar service over the years with former employees 401k plans – leading to our long suspicion of these findings.
Make Pension Changes/Decisions Carefully
While our favorite commencement benefit for pensions (100% jt survivor) is fairly straight forward, the simplicity ends there.
In this post, we review recent trends in buy outs and what to watch for, as well as the many scenarios we have experienced that are not always in our best interest.
Capital Market Comments –
Good News – Recovery without a Re-test – So far
What a different a month makes – WOW! We literally have gone from the sky is falling to sunshine!
In our summary post in December, we mentioned that fast moving slumps, such as the one we had, frequently do not last long….
Here, earlier in the month we also mentioned that we fully expected some type of retest of those lows before we gained our footing.
We still do expect some type of re-test, but as of this date we have had the following positives that have added to the markets better mood:
All in all a Win- Win!
Have a Great Day – Talk to you at the end of February!
John A. Kvale CFA, CFP
Founder of J.K. Financial, Inc.
A Dallas Texas based fee only
Financial Planning Total Wealth
Management firm.
www.jkfinancialinc.com
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Posted in Economy, FOMC, General Financial Planning, Interest Rates, Investing/Financial Planning, Market Comments, Monthly Review, Podcast, Retirement Planning, Tax Related, Video
Tagged 401k, Fed Funds Rate, FOMC, Jerome Powell, Pension, Pension Buy out, Pension Lump Sum, Tariff