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
December 2020 Financial Planning and Capital Market Review – Goodbye Year – Hello 2021 By John Kvale
Hello and Welcome to our December 2020 (yes the final review of 2020!) 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 audio 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!
Hope you enjoy!
December 2020 Video – Final of Year
YouTube
Financial Planning Tips
Retirement Levels and Contribution Amounts
In our post here, we review the coming 2021 Retirement levels of contributions and max amounts….
With the most popular highlighted and also matching the catch-up amounts, there are a few changes, but for the most part much of the same from last year 2020 !
Money Begins Moving at a Snails Pace
Oddly, something we had not experienced before…. early in the Month of December, as mentioned here in our Warning Post — money slowed to a trickle pace…
While not sure if this was a result of remote workers, last minute movements, procrastination or a combination of all, money slowed alarmingly…. So much so that we have marked our calendars for an earlier start to year end “Stuff” for 2021 !
Thankfully we are happy to announce, we made it through with not too terrible of delays… but got me once, shame on you …. you know the rest !
Capital Market Comments
Why Price is So Important
In a carefully chosen extreme example, meant to remind but not alarm, in this rewind/remember 1999 post of what can happen if price is not remembered, we show the length a badly timed “all in” purchase – again carefully chosen can take almost two decades to get back to even…
“Price is what you pay, value is what you get!”
Final Thoughts As Year Ends
As the year wound down, we shared a collection of points that we hope made you chuckle but also had some serious items as well…. here in this post. If you missed it … worth your time!
There you have it, so long 2020 – That is your December, final for the year review.
John A. Kvale CFA, CFP
Founder of J.K. Financial, Inc.
A Dallas Texas based fee only
Financial Planning Total Wealth
Management firm.
jkfinancialinc
street-cents
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Posted in General Financial Planning, Investing/Financial Planning, Market Comments, Podcast, Retirement Planning, Tax Related
Tagged 401k Maximums, Break Even, December, Price Importance, QQQ, Retirement Benefits, Review, Roth Maximums