Some Last Minute Financial Tips

While shoppers attack the malls in hopes of saving a bundle on those must have items, some simple year-end financial moves might just pad your wallet in even bigger ways.  So, think like a shopper and make a mad dash for the Planning Aisle.

Buyer Beware:  Look carefully before grabbing year-end bargains on mutual funds or ETFs for your taxable accounts. Funds, such as these, are required to distribute any gains they have realized during the year. Rather you own your fund shares one day or 360 days, any gains distributed will hit your tax bill, equally. 2018 markets may be down, but many funds are projecting big taxable distribution. Don’t forget that funds held in your retirement accounts don’t create the same issue, since these funds aren’t taxed until you take a distribution.            

50% Off  is HUGE:  Taking half off the price of anything, is great. Receiving only half the expected distribution from your IRA, isn’t so great.  If you are over 70 ½ years of age, you must take your annual Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) from your retirement accounts. Failing to do so subjects you to a 50% tax penalty on the amount not taken. How big is your RMD? There’s a simple, though detailed, calculation based on the your account balance and current age. Your advisor or the custodian of your account will be glad to crunch those numbers for you. 

That Perfect Gift:  Cash and coins are always an easy gift to give, especially when it comes to the kettle on the corner, or your favorite charity. But before you reach for your wallet, take a peek at your portfolio. No. The size of your account shouldn’t dictate the giving. But if you’ve got securities with long-term capital gains, it is smarter to gift those shares than to write a check. If you sell that stock and donate the proceeds, you’ll be in line for a nice charitable deduction. But you’re also cued up to pay capital gains tax on the profits from that sale. Instead, simply give the security directly to the charity. You’ll still get the tax deduction for the value donated, but you’ll avoid creating the taxable capital gain.

 

OSBORN Wealth Management is a fee only advisory firm dedicated to providing conservative asset management, experienced retirement planning and unbiased financial advice. Blog posts are intended for informational and educational purposes, only, and are not an offer to sell. As individual's circumstances are always unique, please consult a professional before embarking on any changes to your investment, planning, tax or legal situation. For questions on this Blog post, or general inquiries about our professional advisory services, please give us a call at 219-362-8567 or email me at drummond@osbornwealthmanagement.com.

SYNERGOS Financial Services d/b/a OSBORN Wealth Management is a Registered Investment Advisor currently registered in the states of Indiana and Michigan. The firm provides fee-only portfolio management and advisory services, and is not associated with any banks or broker-dealers. For more information, please view our current ADV filing.

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