Welcome to our Video and Audio Podcast Review of our Q1 2021 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.
In this start to a new year, we update the pictures on the Video and also the entry and exit music. Our editor actually greatly adjusted the colors and fonts of the Newsletter this year, which we really liked as well.
Click the Download button below, for a 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
This Newsletter is chocked full of reminders from events and experiences we had with you in the field last year the would be helpful looking forward into 2021!
J.K. Financial q 1 2021 newsletter
Let’s get going! We hope you enjoy!
Q 1 2021 Newsletter
(YouTube)
The Homestead Reminder
With a very large number of moves in 2020 …. much greater than we can ever recall, in this Article we remind of the Homestead.
In the year 2020 we have had more change of residences than we can ever recall over the past three decades. As a reminder, and using Texas as a template, if you live in your home on January 1 you can do what is called a homestead tax exemption. Once again through the lens of Texas, this is a particularly good tax savings exemption that everyone should do if you live in Texas.
Q 1 2021 J.K. Financial, Inc. Newsletter Lead Financial Planning Article
And just a bit more description from the same Article …
From TexasLawhelp.org – a fantastic non-profit resource we use frequently – again only for Texas residences, those living in other states may want to check for a similar organization.
What property qualifies as a “homestead?”
A “homestead” is a house or other residential structure that you own, together with up to 20 acres where the structure sits if the land is used for residential purposes. A manufactured home on a rented lot qualifies as long as you own the home. Manufactured homes must meet additional requirements for a “Statement of Ownership and Location,” but if you did not receive the paperwork from the prior owner and cannot locate the seller after making a good faith effort, you can submit the affidavit in Form 114-A.
Estate Planning Tops Our Minds
It was literally a race for the greatest increase over normal years, for folks moving to a new residence (per above) or reviewing and updating their Estate Plans.
Has Anything Changed Since My Documents Were Written?
Just because five, seven or even ten years have transpired does not mean that you automatically need to update your documents. If everything looks right, and things have not changed then those documents are likely just fine.
On the other side of the equation if things have changed in the past twelve months (or even less) that would make your documents incorrect, you likely need to do an update so your directives are appropriate.
Q 1 2021 J.K. Financial, Inc. Newsletter Second Lead Financial Planning Article
If we are not in possession of a copy, please send to us or upload to your Vault as we keep things safe and most importantly FOREVER!
Q 4 2020 ES Reminder – The Safe Harbor
Mid-month, January 15, 2022 to be exact is the final due date for Quarterly Tax Payments ( Q 4 2020 ES Tax Payments.) With a pushed out ordinary filing date due, it seems like to many we just filed last year’s taxes (2019), and here we are already rushed to complete 2020. Hence the reminder.
Here is what is looks like
Here is the link to Publication 505 for 2020 (https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p505.pdf) which gives you full instructions on how to file. Here is the link to Form 1040 ES Publication for 2020 (https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f1040es.pdf) which contains the final voucher.
The Safe Harbor
Lastly, if you are in a situation where you tax bill may be dramatically different from the prior year, in this case 2019, consider trueing up your 2020 taxes to at least 110% of year 2019 total Federal tax withholding. To help avert any penalties or interest.
Retirement Contribution Levels and Medicare IRMA Amounts
While we have posted these levels earlier here, and we know the formatting was a bit wonky, we wanted to review them again directly from the Newsletter.
Here are last years most common levels along with whats up for 2021 – mostly unchanged
IRMA – Income Related Monthly Adjustment Amount – Medicare Part B Surcharge
“ If your modified adjusted gross income is above a certain amount, you may pay an Income Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA). Medicare uses the modified adjusted gross income reported on your IRS tax return from 2 years ago. This is the most recent tax return information provided to Social Security by the IRS. “
Here are the 2021 limits and adjustments:
We hope you enjoy … talk to you Next Quarter – Happy 2021 !!!
John A. Kvale CFA, CFP
Q 4 2020 Newsletter Video Audio Podcast Review of Year Events, Cause and Effects By John Kvale
Welcome to our Video and Audio Podcast Review of our Q 4 2020 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 a 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!
Thanks in advance!
Q 4 2020 Newsletter
(YouTube)
As the spread of the Covid Virus occurred, Capital Market Participants in true anticipation form, voted with their feet and sold assets across the board well ahead of the eventual lock downs.
The largely followed S&P 500 (Larger US Companies) fell over 33% along with major international markets such as the German Dax falling over 35% and US Small companies represented by the Russell 2000, falling over 40%.
The most startling item of the drop was the speed at which this drop occurred, 27 days!
Ignoring the speed of these most recent declines is a bad idea as we need only look earlier in 2018 to see ANOTHER very fast drop.
The FOMC Steps In – Lowers Rates
By Mid-March as Capital Markets continued their descent, the FOMC (Federal Open Market Committee) led by Jerome Powell, dropped the hammer on interest rates by a full 1% to zero. During normal times, .25% is the usual adjustment as can be seen by the late 2019 and early 2020, non-crisis adjustments.
FOMC Adds More Fuel
Correctly using the financial crisis of 07-09 as the play book, the FOMC took the bazooka out, and starting buying assets to flood the markets with liquidity. The current bazooka is much bigger (about 3 X) this time as can be seen by the difference in balance sheet increase of $1 Trillion in 07-09 versus the $ 3 Trillion and counting increase currently.
It Worked (Maybe Too Well), Capital Markets Took Notice
You know us to be very positive – all through the many negatives that have occurred !
You also know we will call it like we see it!
Markets have officially gone too far and are ahead of themselves, expect bumps and no extra risk taking is warranted at this time – CAREFUL!
We hope you enjoy … talk to you Next Year – 2021 !!!
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
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Posted in Audio, Economy, FOMC, General Financial Planning, Interest Rates, Investing/Financial Planning, Market Comments, Newsletters, Podcast, Video
Tagged FOMC, Forward PE, Inflation, Interest Rates, JPMorgan, QE, Trimmed Mean, Valuation