Before adding bonds to your portfolio, it’s important to know some basics about how they work and the significant variations that exist among bonds. What follows is an overview. Bond Basics Bonds are essentially IOUs, issued by federal, state, and municipal governments as well as by corporations and governmental agencies. They are intended to raise […]
Switching Investments
Your retirement plan gives you the flexibility to change your investment choices if you consider it appropriate to do so. When does it make sense to add or subtract from your holdings in one or more funds in your plan account? Here are some times when you might consider making a switch. When Your Retirement […]
Renting Residential Real Estate — A Tax Review for the Nonprofessional Landlord
Investing in residential rental properties raises various tax issues that can be somewhat confusing, especially if you are not a real estate professional. Some of the more important issues rental property investors will want to be aware of are discussed below. Rental Losses Currently, the owner of a residential rental property may depreciate the building […]
Top Tax Benefits of Real Estate Investing
Real estate investing comes with significant tax benefits. Find out how to identify the top tax strategies for maximum benefit and how to use them to your advantage come tax time. As with all deductions, consult your tax accountant for the most up-to-date on what is/is not allowed regarding tax deductions related to real estate […]
Installment Sale to the Rescue
You’ve finally found a buyer for the rental property, land, or business you’ve been trying to sell but the buyer doesn’t have enough cash to pay the full purchase price in a lump sum. So you agree to an installment sale. The buyer will make a partial payment now and pay you the balance over […]
Take the Pulse of Your Tax Health
Regular financial checkups give you an opportunity to identify where you can improve your overall tax situation. They also help identify areas of concern that may require more detailed attention. In a similar fashion, regularly reviewing your tax situation with a financial professional can identify opportunities to improve your tax picture and can often shed […]