Power of Attorney Considerations
If you have not already done so, you may want to consider empowering someone to act on your behalf with regard to your assets. Also, you will want to consider the extent and conditions of the authority you may confer.... Read More →
Should You Take Advantage of North Carolina’s New Uniform Power of Attorney Act?
Jay H. Krall, Attorney at Law North Carolinians have a new Uniform Power of Attorney Act (“the new Act”) that became effective on January 1, 2018.[1] Powers that an agent appointed in a power of attorney (“POA”) can exercise under... Read More →
Effective Cash Management Strategies
After monthly expenses have been paid you may be left with excess cash in your checking account. Many individuals allow these funds to build up at the bank without a second thought. In this low-interest rate environment, rates offered by... Read More →
Reduce the Number of Account-Related Documents You Receive by Mail
You can reduce the number of account-related documents and disclosures you are currently receiving by US Mail by updating the delivery preferences at the custodian of your account(s). This e-delivery option is generally found under the account settings menu once... Read More →
Historically Low Bond Yields
Market-linked income notes may offer a solution for investors to the low bond yields currently available. These notes are issued by financial institutions and pay a relatively high contingent yield based upon the performance of one or more underlying stock... Read More →
Bear Market Investment Strategies
The S&P 500 dropped in value by more than 50% in the 18 months between October 2007 and March 2009. We recently celebrated the 10-year anniversary of the S&P 500 climbing from that low point in early March 2009. During... Read More →
Tapping Into New Growth Sectors
Some of our clients have asked that a portion of their portfolio be invested in cannabis-related stocks. It’s impossible to ignore this as a new growth sector. Canada became the first G7 nation to legalize cannabis in October 2018. More... Read More →
Managing Risk in a Rising Interest Rate Environment
Assets invested more conservatively to avoid stock market risk must still provide a reasonable contribution to portfolio return. This is currently complicated due to the risk of bonds falling in value in a rising interest rate environment. However, the bond... Read More →
Tax Efficient Methods of Making Charitable Gifts
Who This Applies To: Traditional IRA owners who are at least 70 1/2 Benefits to you: Making your charitable gifts directly from your IRA can result in three possible benefits Reduction in taxable income A decrease in the taxable portion... Read More →
New Tax Law Changes the Math for Roth Contributions
Who this applies to: Those individuals that make supplemental contributions to 403(b) and 457 retirement plans Benefits to you: Designating contributions as Roth can potentially lower taxes in three ways Paying taxes now at a lower rate than might be... Read More →