Early Release Special Q 2 2018 Newsletter

This Newsletter was so full of tax related information, especially reach back to last year NOW savings ideas, that we published and sent paper copies early in the Quarter to beat the regular tax filing deadline.

Welcome to our Video and Audio Podcast Review of our Q 2 2018 Newsletter. For those on the road or just unable to grab the time to read, our podcast type review gives you the behind the scenes insight to our thoughts, observations and deep views of the entire Newsletter.

Click here for direct link to an electronic version (an early peek-good ole fashion paper versions are on their way to you shortly) and here for our Newsletter page

Let’s get going!

Q 2 2018 Newsletter

And here is your review!

Five Reach Back NOW Tax Savings Techniques

In this hugely in depth article was originally run in abbreviated form, her on street-cents.com

HSA – The Health Savings Account

In this part of the Newsletter Article we discuss why we like the HSA so much. Here are a few…

• No phase outs
• No mandatory end of year usage – use it or lose it
• Investment Options
• Pre-Tax contributions
• Tax Deferred Growth
• Tax Free Withdrawals for qualified medical costs

Here is the concise post, here on street-cents.

SEP – The Simplified Employee Pension Plan

Here are the high points to this portion of the Newsletter Article …

• IRA on Steroids
• Pre-Tax Contribution
• Super High Income levels if income high enough to offset
• 1099 Income Offset – even if you have a 401k and if you are in RMD mode
• Easy to contribute
• Tons of investment options
• Procrastinator’s dream with a contribution available upon extension filing

Here is the post, again specific to just to the SEP.

IRA – Vintage original retirement program, but still a goodie

Often forgotten, the good ole IRA makes up the third of our five tax savings techniques.

• Best for W-2 workers without a retirement plan
• While maximums are lower, income is not needed to contribute
• Flexible investments and death benefit options
• Pre-Tax is best way to fund – not post tax in most cases

Here is our post specific to the IRA.

Sales Tax Deduction

In likely the last year of this deduction due to changing tax laws, this deduction is given to most in a standard amount, but can be further enhanced under the appropriate situations.

If you had a big ticket item of any type that had sales tax, you likely will be above the standard given amount. Think back of when you purchased that car or other item. If it was last year, add all of your sales tax up as there is no limit to this deduction. (Phase outs may limit)

Note: Those in state income tax states are likely not a user of this deduction.

Here is the specific post.

Medical Expense Deduction

Forgotten frequently, we reminded recently in this post of the Medical Expense Deduction. In our Newsletter we really roll up the sleeves and attempt to remind everyone of the possible Medical Expenses you may have forgotten.

Publication 502, located here at the IRS website does a fantastic job of numbering the various deductions.

• Home Improvements
• Transportation
• Television
• Telephone

These are our favorite possibly forgotten Medical Expense Related Deductions.

If you are in doubt be sure to check the link to Publication 502 as we really can’t emphasize enough just how comprehensive their list is.

VIX and the XIV

In our detailed article in the Newsletter, we gest of the silliness of too aggressive investments.

When you pick up Penny’s in front of a giant steam roller … When the giant awakens …

Oops … it looks like this!

Much of the Volatility in the Capital Markets were sturred up by this event.

It may take some time to clear this completely. Patience!

Roth Versus IRA – AKA Pre-tax or After Tax

This is a super article that speaks to those who wonder if it is better to do a Roth or another type of Pre-Tax plan such as a 401k, IRA or SEP.

The answer to this question as mentioned in great detail in the Newsletter article is actually not that complicated.

The vast majority of people are in a higher tax bracket while working and lower while retired. If you are one of those people, Pre-Tax is better.

If you find yourself in a low income year/early earning, and expect your income to be higher in the future, a Roth might be better.

On word of caution that is included in our Newsletter .. Roth’s are often overused, so be careful.

Hope you enjoyed this slightly longer than normal summary and detailed review of our Newsletter – Podcast – Video, Review !

See Ya next Quarter!

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

www.street-cents.com