Tag Archives: Estate Planning

Q1 2021 J.K. Financial, Inc. Newsletter … Video Audio Podcast Review – Reminders, Updates, New Tax Rates, By John Kvale

Posted on December 23, 2020 by | 1 comment

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

Q 1 2021 J.K. Financial, inc NewsletterDownload

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

Table Description automatically generated

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

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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September 2018 Podcast Video, Financial Planning and Capital Market Update – By John Kvale

Posted on October 1, 2018 by | Leave a comment

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 FundMoney - dollar-941246_1920

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!

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

street-cents

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August 2018 Podcast Video, Financial Planning and Capital Market Update – By John Kvale

Posted on August 31, 2018 by | Leave a comment

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!

August 2018 Video

 

Financial Planning Tip (s) –

The PLUP – Personal Liability Umbrella Policy

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.

Estate Planning Part 1 – Wills and the Basics

In a reappearance due to constant usage, we also brought back our Estate Planning Series here, Part 1.

  • Will
  • Power of Attorney
  • Healthcare Power of Attorney
  • HIPPA – Release of health information
  • DNR- Cease and Decease – Do not Resuscitate

Estate Planning Part 2 – 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!

8-15-18 Gallup Small Business Optimism

Have a Great Day – Talk to you at the end of September!

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

street-cents

 

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Estate Planning Docs Part 2 – Trusts

Posted on August 27, 2018 by | Leave a comment

Last Monday we replayed Part 1, here in our post, one week later we wanted to re-roll out Part 2 of this all important Document review, checklist and explanation – Enjoy!

Trusts, in our opinion are most helpful for organization, directives for minors, and very useful in avoiding Estate Taxes, just to name a few.

Estate Tax Review

Estate taxes are the tax that is incurred upon the final death of an estate member. Unlike Federal taxes, Estate taxes are accessed on the TOTAL VALUE of all assets less liabilities. Currently these taxes begin just under $5.5 million for a single person and if done correctly can be double ($11 million total) for married couples. Above these total amounts, the tax rate quickly gets to 40%. For this reason, the popularity and needs of many of the following Trusts have grown and will continue.

Trusts – All Type ReviewLivingTrustEstatePic

Over the last several years we have grown warmer to the use of Trusts. Residing in Texas, a low cost probate state, Trusts frequently have lessor place in the Estate plan. However, we are finding more and more uses for them, and as such wanted to have a detailed list of the various Trusts – This is the second, and more deep dive to our original Estate Planning Doc Summary.

Revocable Trust – By far the most common and most commonly misunderstood Trust of the bunch. Revocable means it can be changed at the grantors request. Due to this fact, there is very little tax or liability avoidance. The key positive for this trust is organization, especially over state borders. In high probate cost states may prevent substantial probate costs.

Testamentary Trust – Trust that is usually embedded in a Will and is created upon the grantors death. Testamentary trusts can take many forms, but are a key aspect of Estate planning for minors, estate tax, and generational transfers. It has virtually no existence until the grantor passes away.

Irrevocable Trust – The Hulk of Trusts. Being Irrevocable, once established and funded, this Trust is a beast. Estate tax, liability, inheritance are just a few items that can be addressed with an Irrevocable Trust. The biggest issue of this type of trust is it what makes it a beast, Irrevocable … once you put assets in it, there is no turning back. Careful use is advised.

QTIP Trust : Qualified Terminal Interest Trust – Most common set up by Grantor to give direction to assets beyond the spouse. Frequently used in second marriages to protect children from a prior marriage. Created and resides most frequently in a Will.

Credit Shelter/A:B Trust – Type of trust that is used to help minimize Estate taxes by maximizing the first person in a married couples Estate tax exemption upon death commonly resides in a Will. Can give directives to eventually end up to a non-spouse beneficiary, but living spouse maintains control during lifetime.

GST or Generation Skipping Trust – This handy estate planning trust gives relief to Grantors by jumping a generation and essentially skipping the Grantors children and passing to the grandchildren. Income may be distributed to the children, but the ultimate beneficiary will be the grandchildren. Under current law there is Estate tax relief from this trust.

ILIT : Irrevocable Life Insurance Trust – This trust is very useful in getting life insurance proceeds out of a Grantors estate. While life insurance is free from Federal taxes in most cases, proceeds are included in an Estate for Total Estate Tax purposes. Done correctly, the ILIT trust can limit most if not all of the proceeds from an estate and thereby estate taxes.

Pat yourself on the back (especially if you are still awake and made it this far.) With a reasonable understanding of these types of trusts, you now have deep knowledge of the types of Trusts available. Reach out if you have any questions.

Have a Great Day!

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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1 Minute Video New Vault Series – Continued Updates and New Reports

Posted on August 30, 2017 by | Leave a comment

In a neat coincidence of the subject of the last video for this series, we had intended on reminding that additional information, updates and constant improvements are a part of our New TOTAL Vault.

Continued Improvements and Updates

Last week, after our most recent Video, new updates were made for a more clean look on the landing page…

We have only touched the Tip of the iceberg of the powers that our New TOTAL Vault contains … giving us many more features and powers to roll out in the future.

Estate Planning Graphs is one of our favorites and is being rolled out on a case by case basis due to the complexity.

Have a great Continued Improvements Day!

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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Coming Soon ANOTHER Sizzling New Vault Feature – Estate Planning Flow Chart (Clients)

Posted on August 24, 2016 by | 1 comment

In our final sizzle feature (most likely) for this year (16) for our New Total Vault, we wanted to wet your appetite and let you know this feature is available and will be rolled out slowly due to the complexity.

Estate Planning Flow Chart

We get the Wills complete, the Trusts are set up, the beneficiaries appointed, and the decisions made. Then we stick all those fancy documents in our New Total Vault and the originals in our safe place…and…. well …. we forget what we set up !

NOT ANY MORE !

Your New Total Vault has not only an Estate Planning Flow Chart, but an all inclusive calculator and estimator.

Check this out:

Easy to visualize — once set up, can be created with live information at the click of a mouse!

Flow Chart for Estate Planning

Here is the calculation section:

Estate Flow Chart Calculations

 

Our Goal is to have this up and running for everyone as we review our Estate Planning Documents… Lofty… yep…just a step for steppers!

If you have  a desire to complete this early,  just let us know, we will move you to the top of the working group !

Have a Super Day!

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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June 2016 Video, Planning Tip-Economic and Capital Market Monthly Review, By John Kvale

Posted on July 6, 2016 by | 1 comment

We are at the half way point of the year. In this review of the year so far and preview of the remainder, we look longer than our regular month for sentimental and digital diary reasons!

Here is our  June 2016, Extended view – Economic and Capital Market Review, with a great financial planning tip, and of course our Video for your viewing and listening pleasure.

Hope you enjoy!

June 2016 Video

 

Financial Planning Tip –

Estate Planning Docs In One Box

After discovering we DID NOT have a comprehensive high level Estate Planning article, a two-part series was happily created – for the record more articles similar to this are expected due to their popularity and handy reference ability:

ESTATE PLANNING DOCS

Will – Document that directs non-beneficiary directed assets (Ex ..house, property, cash and regular investment assets) and may create trusts for minors, names a Custodian, Executor and may also create trusts and Trustees for estate tax minimization and other uses (see final statement in article below on Trusts.)

Power of Attorney– Financial document that appoints someone other than you to make most financial decisions in your absence. .

Healthcare Power of Attorney – Document that appoints someone to make important healthcare decisions if you are unable.

HIPPA – Allows your appointed person to receive medical information on your behalf.

Living Will- Cease and Decease – DNR – These titles are one in the same and are frequently confusing. This document allows medical professionals to NOT mandate all possible care, should you become deceased mentally, but not in body function.

Estate Planning Docs Part Two – Trusts

TRUSTS – ALL TYPE REVIEW

Revocable Trust – By far the most common and most commonly misunderstood Trust of the bunch. Revocable means it can be changed at the grantors request.

Testamentary Trust – Trust that is usually embedded in a Will and is created upon the grantors death.

Irrevocable Trust – The Hulk of Trusts. Being Irrevocable, once established and funded, this Trust is a beast. Estate tax, liability, inheritance are just a few items that can be addressed with an Irrevocable Trust.

QTIP Trust : Qualified Terminal Interest Trust – Most common set up by Grantor to give direction to assets beyond the spouse.

Credit Shelter/A:B Trust – Type of trust that is used to help minimize Estate taxes by maximizing the first person in a married couples Estate tax exemption upon death commonly resides in a Will.

GST or Generation Skipping Trust – This handy estate planning trust gives relief to Grantors by jumping a generation and essentially skipping the Grantors children and passing to the grandchildren.

ILIT : Irrevocable Life Insurance Trust – This trust is very useful in getting life insurance proceeds out of a Grantors estate.

Here is a link to the original detailed post.

Economic Update

Brexit changes our view on rates

With the British vote to exit the European Union, the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) lead by chair Janet Yellen will be hard pressed to raise rates. The only reason we can see higher rates sooner rather than later now would be some (multiple reports needed) major inflationary factors that feed through to the economic reports- While big advocates of higher rates and our research shows rates have been raised during an election year, it’s likely off the table for the remainder of the year.

Brexit changes US Presidential Election

Brexit may also change the US Presidential election as the polls of the British were so far from accurate, we expect many to have less confidence in our current US Presidential polls.

Capital Markets Update

New all time high?

With the afore-mentioned rate increase off the table and possible international perceived disruption due to Brexit – US capital markets  may be the recipient of fresh capital from global corners of the world.

New highs (S&P 500) would not surprise us at this time and the odds are now better than not from our perch. Minor expansion in Bunny like fashion (explanation to come upon occurrence) looks possible, of course twists and turns have been the norm lately.

7-5-16 SP 500

Earnings are the ultimate driver of equity prices, and US capital markets are currently frothy if not overpriced.  We think they can get more overpriced due to the above concerns.

7-1-16 PE Ratio SP 500

 Long term average is 15!

Have a Great Day!

See you again at the end of July !

John A. Kvale

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
JK Street Cents Logo

 

 

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Posted in Earnings, Economy, Estate Planning, Forecast, General Financial Planning, Interest Rates, Investing/Financial Planning, Market Comments, Monthly Review, Video

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Estate Planning Docs Part Two – Trusts

Posted on June 15, 2016 by | 2 comments

Trusts, in our opinion are most helpful for organization, directives for minors, and very useful in avoiding Estate Taxes, just to name a few.

Estate Tax Review

Estate taxes are the tax that is incurred upon the final death of an estate member. Unlike Federal taxes, Estate taxes are accessed on the TOTAL VALUE of all assets less liabilities. Currently these taxes begin just under $5.5 million for a single person and if done correctly can be double ($11 million total) for married couples. Above these total amounts, the tax rate quickly gets to 40%. For this reason, the popularity and needs of many of the following Trusts have grown and will continue.

Trusts – All Type ReviewLivingTrustEstatePic

Over the last several years we have grown warmer to the use of Trusts. Residing in Texas, a low cost probate state, Trusts frequently have lessor place in the Estate plan. However, we are finding more and more uses for them, and as such wanted to have a detailed list of the various Trusts – This is the second, and more deep dive to our original Estate Planning Doc Summary.

Revocable Trust – By far the most common and most commonly misunderstood Trust of the bunch. Revocable means it can be changed at the grantors request. Due to this fact, there is very little tax or liability avoidance. The key positive for this trust is organization, especially over state borders. In high probate cost states may prevent substantial probate costs.

Testamentary Trust – Trust that is usually embedded in a Will and is created upon the grantors death. Testamentary trusts can take many forms, but are a key aspect of Estate planning for minors, estate tax, and generational transfers. It has virtually no existence until the grantor passes away.

Irrevocable Trust – The Hulk of Trusts. Being Irrevocable, once established and funded, this Trust is a beast. Estate tax, liability, inheritance are just a few items that can be addressed with an Irrevocable Trust. The biggest issue of this type of trust is it what makes it a beast, Irrevocable … once you put assets in it, there is no turning back. Careful use is advised.

QTIP Trust : Qualified Terminal Interest Trust – Most common set up by Grantor to give direction to assets beyond the spouse. Frequently used in second marriages to protect children from a prior marriage. Created and resides most frequently in a Will.

Credit Shelter/A:B Trust – Type of trust that is used to help minimize Estate taxes by maximizing the first person in a married couples Estate tax exemption upon death commonly resides in a Will. Can give directives to eventually end up to a non-spouse beneficiary, but living spouse maintains control during lifetime.

GST or Generation Skipping Trust – This handy estate planning trust gives relief to Grantors by jumping a generation and essentially skipping the Grantors children and passing to the grandchildren. Income may be distributed to the children, but the ultimate beneficiary will be the grandchildren. Under current law there is Estate tax relief from this trust.

ILIT : Irrevocable Life Insurance Trust – This trust is very useful in getting life insurance proceeds out of a Grantors estate. While life insurance is free from Federal taxes in most cases, proceeds are included in an Estate for Total Estate Tax purposes. Done correctly, the ILIT trust can limit most if not all of the proceeds from an estate and thereby estate taxes.

Pat yourself on the back (especially if you are still awake and made it this far.) With a reasonable understanding of these types of trusts, you now have deep knowledge of the types of Trusts available. Reach out if you have any questions.

Have a Great Day!

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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How does someone with a $300 million net worth NOT have a Will?

Posted on May 23, 2016 by | Leave a comment

Recently, a famous musician, especially popular in my generation, passed away suddenly at the very young age of 57. While very fond of his music, his planning was disappointing.

Not only will he be missed, but his lack of a basic planning tool, may lead to many terrible outcomes.

No Will ?

It is estimated the Prince’s net worth is near $300 million. Certainly he had been advised to create an Estate Plan with the appropriate documents to help ensure a fluid transition, should he pass.

For whatever reason, by Prince not having a Will, his estate may have some of the following challenges.

  • Unknown spirit of wishes – The courts will decide who gets what, rarely a desirable outcome.
  • Massive extra expenses – While the courts decide who gets what, the extra avoidable expenses are certain to mount.
  • Delay – It would not be surprising to us for it to take a decade (yes, 10 years or more) to completely settle the estate.
  • Friends/relatives come running- Just as a lottery winner finds she has many new friends and unknown relative, $300 million will certainly draw attention and confusion.
  • Taxes- Prince’s estate will be subject to multiple levels of taxes, not all would have been avoided, but without any planning, the federal government stands to receive much more than otherwise would have been necessary.

It will be interesting to find out why Prince chose not to have any plans….heck, we may never know. No matter, while his music has left a legacy, his mistake certainly can teach us all an easy lesson!

Have a Great Day!

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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April 2016 Video, Economic and Capital Market Monthly Review, By John Kvale

Posted on May 2, 2016 by | Leave a comment

Here is our April 2016, all new…trendy format Monthly Economic and Capital Market Review, along with a Video for your viewing and listening pleasure. Hope you are enjoying!

 April 2016 Video

Financial Planning Tip – The Estate Plan

Estate Docs Summary

Recently we came across the fact that we did not have a post with a summary of Estate Planning Docs. Here is a link to the detailed explanation of each.

The documents needed:

  • Wills
  • Power of Attorney
  • Healthcare Power of Attorney
  • HIPPA
  • Living Will
  • Trusts

A good Estate Plan will likely include most of these documents.

Economic Update

US Dollar Takes a rest

After a scorching run (much stronger) in 2014 and early 2015, the US Dollar has slowed it’s ascent. While travelers abroad have enjoyed a stronger translation of currency, headwinds have occurred in many other ways.

  • International Company profits struggle
  • Commodity weakness
  • Foreign holdings sag in value
  • Foreign Countries holding US debt saw increased amounts
  • China devalue the US peg, slowly

4-29-16 US Dollar 1- year

 

GDP Update

The first Quarter of 2016, Gross Domestic Production (the broadest measure of economic growth/production) was revised to .5%.  The Federal Reserve members want this much higher, think 2% plus.

As can be seen this number is volatile and for some reason has been showing a rather weak first quarter reading the past several years.

Two consecutive negative readings of GDP are the definition of a recession.

 4-28-16 GDP Econoday

Capital Markets Update

Commodities

After dropping to $26 and change in February, oil breached $45 a barrel this latest month. It is highly possible that when we look back on the affects of this extremely low oil price had on our economy, it MAY have been much greater than we ever expected.

Oil related tentacles may have gone much more broad than measured. Another benefactor of the stable/weaker US dollar.

 

4-29-16 Crude Front Futures

 

International Markets

Little brother international markets, more commonly known as Emerging Markets may be getting their feet under them. Tossed out and left for dead, these markets may have the strongest long term growth potential in the world.

4-28-16 EEM

Never go all in or all out !

 

Have a Great Day!

See you again at the end of May !

John A. Kvale

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
JK Street Cents Logo

 

 

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Posted in Economy, Investing/Financial Planning, Market Comments, Monthly Review, Video

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