The rally in stocks has taken a breather ahead of the release of first quarter earnings which will be in full swing beginning this week. FactSet’s latest expectations are for the S&P calendar year to have a revenue growth of 5.3% and the calendar year to have an earnings growth of 9.8%. At some point, […]
Read MoreAuthor: kadon
New perspectives on revocable living trusts
One of the most useful and flexible wealth management tools is the revocable living trust. Traditionally, we like to point to three basic benefits that these trusts offer. Professional asset management. After studying your goals and circumstances, our asset-management specialists will map out a diversified investment program appropriate to your requirements. Our objective is not […]
Read MoreThe Necessity of Diversification
Diversification has been viewed as a necessary process for reducing risk. A recent study provides proof which shows diversification is also responsible for increasing returns. Morningstar’s John Rekenthaler, vice president of research, explored a recently published study by Arizona State University’s Hendrik Bessembinder titled “Do Stocks Outperform Treasury Bills?” The finding: “Most common stocks do […]
Read MoreFirst Quarter Recap
The Federal Reserve raised the target rate for Federal Funds from a range of 0.50-0.75% to 0.75-1.00% at its March 15 FOMC meeting. Market interest rates as measured by U.S. Treasuries were mixed. During the quarter, the yield on the 13-Week T-Bill rose from 0.48% to 0.74% but the yields on the 10-Year Treasury and […]
Read MoreLiving Trusts and Professional Trustees
Are you or is a loved one getting tired of spending the time and energy it takes to keep up with what seems to be the constant changes in life? Coping with the changes in markets and rates of return, income tax rates and reporting, retirement plan distribution rules, health care options, etc. can be […]
Read MoreAvoid a 50% IRS Penalty
An important deadline is approaching for those who turned age 70-1/2 in 2016 and elected to postpone taking their first required minimum distribution (RMD) in 2016. Those deferred, first year distributions must be taken by April 1, 2017. Since April 1 is a Saturday this year, make sure you take your distributions on or before […]
Read MoreReceive the Tax Benefit of your QCD
If you made a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) from your IRA to a charity be sure to let your tax preparer know about it. The IRS Form 1099-R you receive from your IRA trustee or custodian reports the full amount of any IRA distributions made as normal distributions. The form does not specify amounts distributed […]
Read MoreWeekly Update 03-06-17
In financial planning and investment management, process is far more important than product. There are no good rules of thumb when it comes to managing wealth. Every individual has various traits, family situations, educational and work experience and goals which, when taken as a whole, make each of us unique. There is no formula for […]
Read MoreABA WEALTH MANAGEMENT AND TRUST CONFERENCE
LEARNING NEVER ENDS With dynamics affecting the wealth management and trust industry, our advisors make constant efforts to stay on top of all changes. Our continued education helps us put you in the best possible position to grow your wealth and protect your legacy. This month, Chairman & CEO Stephen English and Vice President & […]
Read MoreASK A TRUST OFFICER: LIVING TRUSTS
Dear Trust Officer: My parents are retired, living in another state. They have a sizeable investment portfolio and are financially comfortable. However, as they are getting older, they are having trouble keeping up with their paperwork. Last year they were late in making tax payments, very unlike them. I would help them, but I just […]
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