Don Sowa's MoneyTalk

Taxes are one of the only areas of finance in which knowledge of the rules and strategic planning can lead to increased rate of return without the need to take on additional risk. Donna and Nathan discuss some of the items that should be on your priority list as we approach the April 18th deadline. Hosts: Donna Sowa Allard, CFP®, AIF® & Nathan Beauvais, EA, CFP®

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In the wake of Russian sanctions, energy markets have been on everyone’s mind, but with this once dominant sector of the S&P 500 having taken a backseat over recent decades the impact on the stock market has been less pronounced than in energy crises of the past. Nathan discusses the future of energy, the hot commodities sector and how to achieve diversification from a tech heavy S&P 500. Hosts: Donna Sowa Allard, CFP®, AIF® & Nathan Beauvais, EA, CFP®

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With the deadline on prior year IRA contributions approaching, now is a good time to think about when it·s a good time to contribute to a pre-tax retirement account vs an after-tax investment account. Steve and Nathan discuss how age and income play into your contribution strategy. Hosts: Steven Beauvais & Nathan Beauvais, EA, CFP®

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The Federal student loan moratorium has been once again extended until August 31st. Donna discusses how many student loan holders have taken advantage of this pause to increase their savings and improve their credit. Host: Donna Sowa Allard, CFP®, AIF®

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With higher mortgage rates, an increase in mortgage delinquencies, and fewer online home searches and home tours, the housing market may finally be showing signs of slowing. Donna and Nathan explain why a little deceleration in housing may not be the worst thing for the economy. Hosts: Donna Sowa Allard, EA, CFP® & Nathan Beauvais, EA, CFP®

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The Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas recently stated that housing prices have steadily been increasing since 2012 and have become increasingly unhinged from the fundamentals. Nathan cautions homeowners hoping to maximize their selling price by pouring money into home renovations that the economics may not be in their favor. Host: Nathan Beauvais, EA, CFP®

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Since the income cap on Roth conversions was lifted in 2014, anyone with a traditional IRA can convert it to a Roth regardless of their income. Donna and Nathan discuss why this rule change was particularly advantageous to wealthy retirees looking to circumvent their required minimum distributions. Hosts: Donna Sowa Allard, CFP®, AIF® & Nathan Beauvais, EA, CFP®

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The VIX volatility index is down 35% over the past few weeks but remains historically high, indicating that fear continues to be a driver of market activity. Steve and Nathan discuss strategies for remaining resolute as an investor and avoiding the type of knee-jerk reactions that come from over being overly immersed in the news of the moment. Hosts: Steven Beauvais & Nathan Beauvais, EA, CFP®The VIX volatility index is down 35% over the past few weeks but remains historically high, indicating that fear continues to be a driver of market activity. Steve and Nathan discuss strategies for remaining resolute as an investor and avoiding the type of knee-jerk reactions that come from over being overly immersed in the news of the moment. Hosts: Steven Beauvais & Nathan Beauvais, EA, CFP®The VIX volatility index is down 35% over the past few weeks but remains historically high, indicating that fear continues to be a driver of market activity. Steve and Nathan discuss strategies for remaining resolute as an investor and avoiding the type of knee-jerk reactions that come from over being overly immersed in the news of the moment. Hosts: Steven Beauvais & Nathan Beauvais, EA, CFP®The VIX volatility index is down 35% over the past few weeks but remains historically high, indicating that fear continues to be a driver of market activity. Steve and Nathan discuss strategies for remaining resolute as an investor and avoiding the type of knee-jerk reactions that come from over being overly immersed in the news of the moment. Hosts: Steven Beauvais & Nathan Beauvais, EA, CFP®The VIX volatility index is down 35% over the past few weeks but remains historically high, indicating that fear continues to be a driver of market activity. Steve and Nathan discuss strategies for remaining resolute as an investor and avoiding the type of knee-jerk reactions that come from over being overly immersed in the news of the moment. Hosts: Steven Beauvais & Nathan Beauvais, EA, CFP®

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2021 was a particularly unique year for tax rules due in part to pandemic related accommodations and SECURE Act legislation. Donna covers some of the notable changes impacting taxpayers, including the 10-Year Rule for Inherited IRAs and the expansion of deductions for charitable contributions. Host: Donna Sowa Allard, CFP®, AIF®

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Nearly 60% of taxpayers will be receiving a tax refund this year, at an average amount of $3300. Donna offers some ideas for individuals looking to make smart moves with those refund checks. Host: Donna Sowa Allard, CFP®, AIF®

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