On this episode of the Planned Solutions Financial Review Podcast we discuss, The SECURE Act has passed the House of Representatives and is expected to be taken up by the

Senate. The bill would make a number of changes to

person finance laws and regulations which may have

an impact on financial planning now and in the future.

And, Earthquake insurance is not covered by traditional

homeowner’s insurance policies. Instead,

protection against earthquake damage requires a

separate policy that comes with a number of limits

and details that differ from those of traditional

policies. These factors can make earthquake

insurance quite expensive but my be the only

financial recourse an individual may have if their

property is damaged by an earthquake.

Also,Under the IRS gift tax regime

every individual can gift up to

$11.4 million (2019 limit) during

their lifetime without paying gift

tax. However, gifts in excess of

$15,000 per year to any one

individual still requires that the

person giving the gift file a gift

tax return, even if no tax will be

due. However, there are some

exceptions which with careful

planning may allow an

individual to make gifts in excess

of the limit while still avoiding

the administrative time and cost

of filing a gift tax return.

Plus a look at the Planned Solutions Incorporated Office Bulletin Board- The Harlan D. Wood Memorial Cancer Charity Golf Tournament is just three months away. We hope you will sign up to attend or support the cause by donating to a cancer charity of your choice.

Date: September 6th, 2019

Location: Rancho Murieta Country Club – North Course

7000 Alameda Drive

Rancho Murieta, CA 95683

Time: 9am shotgun start, 1:30 barbecue

All profits go to cancer research and education. You can help by attending the tournament or donating. Not golfing? Bring friends and attend the BBQ.

To subscribe or unsubscribe to the Personal Finance Review (the written form of all the content we discuss on the podcast) please e-mail [email protected]

The Personal Finance Review is published and distributed on a biweekly basis by Planned Solutions, Inc. for informational purposes only. Please seek the advice of a qualified financial planner before taking any action.

Planned Solutions, Inc.

ADDRESS: PHONE:

1130 Iron Point Road, Suite 170 (916) 361-0100

Folsom, CA 95630 (800) 750-2111

E-MAIL: FAX:

[email protected] (916) 361-0191

WEB SITE:

www.PlannedSolutions.com

#finance #invest #investment #stocks #interestrate #bonds

On this episode of the Planned Solutions Financial Review Podcast we discuss, The 2017 Tax Act gave the US stock market a boost as corporate taxes were reduced and after-tax earnings increased. Today the Tax Act continues to support stock prices in the form of corporate stock buybacks as corporations have been able to access money that was stashed overseas to return it to shareholders. The pace of these buybacks will be more and more important in the future as they have become an important source of demand for stocks.

And, Margin debt, the amount of money investors borrowed using their investments as collateral, has declined sharply since 2018 and has been flat in 2019 despite the stock market recovery. This may be a sign that investor’s confidence that the current market cycle will continue is declining adding yet another factor that should be monitored closely for signs that the stock rally may run out of steam.

Also,Interest rates, and thus Mortgage rates, are once again at ultra-low levels when compared to long-term historical norms. In some cases, mortgage rates are once again below 4%. These low rates make this a good time for homeowners to review their mortgage rates and determine if they will benefit from refinancing to lower their rates. Lower mortgage rates are even more attractive for many people given that a large number of taxpayers are no longer benefiting from the mortgage interest tax deduction.

Plus a look at the Planned Solutions Incorporated Office Bulletin Board- Chase has been the President of the Rancho Cordova Rotary Charitable Foundation for the past four years. The Foundation provides scholarships to high school students, grants to local organizations seeking to fund community projects, and in-kind donations to the local food locker. Recently, the Foundation announced that it will be funding five grants this year as a part of its Home Town Hero Grant totaling more than $11,000 in total.

The Harlan D. Wood Memorial Cancer Charity Golf Tournament is just three months away. We hope you will sign up to attend or support the cause by donating to a cancer charity of your choice.

Date: September 6th, 2019

Location: Rancho Murieta Country Club – North Course

7000 Alameda Drive

Rancho Murieta, CA 95683

Time: 9am shotgun start, 1:30 barbecue

All profits go to cancer research and education. You can help by attending the tournament or donating. Not golfing? Bring friends and attend the BBQ.

To subscribe or unsubscribe to the Personal Finance Review (the written form of all the content we discuss on the podcast) please e-mail [email protected]

The Personal Finance Review is published and distributed on a biweekly basis by Planned Solutions, Inc. for informational purposes only. Please seek the advice of a qualified financial planner before taking any action.

Planned Solutions, Inc.

ADDRESS: PHONE:

1130 Iron Point Road, Suite 170 (916) 361-0100

Folsom, CA 95630 (800) 750-2111

E-MAIL: FAX:

[email protected] (916) 361-0191

WEB SITE:

www.PlannedSolutions.com

#finance #invest #investment #stocks #interestrate #bonds

On this episode of the Planned Solutions Financial Review Podcast we discuss, how the trade war has become an interest rate war. Many countries have responded to US tariffs by decreasing interest rates in order to reduce the value of their currency. A lower currency value makes their exports less expensive which can help to offset the cost of the tariffs. Meanwhile, trade deficits and surpluses tend to persist. This is the reason trade wars escalate and can last many years as one country acts and their trading partners respond accordingly.

And, Charitable contributions dipped by 1.7% in 2018. Some speculated that the changes in the tax law would cause charitable giving to drop sharply as many taxpayers would no longer receive a tax benefit for making charitable contributions. However, the decline is fairly small, especially given that global stock markets declined in 2018 which historically has been correlated with a decline in charitable giving.

Also,A survey of professional stock fund managers shows that they are the most pessimistic that they have been since the financial crisis. Approximately one-third of fund managers are underweight equities and the average cash holding has increased to 5.6% in actively managed stock funds. This may be an early sign that the fear of an escalating trade war or the risk of a recession on the horizon is causing investors to pull back on their stock holdings.

Plus a look at the Planned Solutions Incorporated Office Bulletin Board- Chase has been the President of the Rancho Cordova Rotary Charitable Foundation for the past four years. The Foundation provides scholarships to high school students, grants to local organizations seeking to fund community projects, and in-kind donations to the local food locker. Recently, the Foundation announced that it will be funding five grants this year as a part of its Home Town Hero Grant totaling more than $11,000 in total.

The Harlan D. Wood Memorial Cancer Charity Golf Tournament is just three months away. We hope you will sign up to attend or support the cause by donating to a cancer charity of your choice.

Date: September 6th, 2019

Location: Rancho Murieta Country Club – North Course

7000 Alameda Drive

Rancho Murieta, CA 95683

Time: 9am shotgun start, 1:30 barbecue

All profits go to cancer research and education. You can help by attending the tournament or donating. Not golfing? Bring friends and attend the BBQ.

To subscribe or unsubscribe to the Personal Finance Review (the written form of all the content we discuss on the podcast) please e-mail [email protected]

The Personal Finance Review is published and distributed on a biweekly basis by Planned Solutions, Inc. for informational purposes only. Please seek the advice of a qualified financial planner before taking any action.

Planned Solutions, Inc.

ADDRESS: PHONE:

1130 Iron Point Road, Suite 170 (916) 361-0100

Folsom, CA 95630 (800) 750-2111

E-MAIL: FAX:

[email protected] (916) 361-0191

WEB SITE:

www.PlannedSolutions.com

#finance #invest #investment #stocks #interestrate #bonds

On this episode of the Planned Solutions Financial Review Podcast we discuss, The stocks and bonds markets have turned decidedly negative in the past few weeks. Stocks have failed to push to new highs while the bond market yield curve is currently inverted: A signal of slower future economic growth. However, the economic data continues to predict that the US economy will remain on good footing signaling growth of between 2% and 3%.

And, Preventing senior financial abuse has become an important topic in the financial industry. However, the potential for abuse goes well beyond the financial world making it important that anyone who cares for or interacts with seniors is knowledgeable about the warning signs and resources that are available to help seniors who may have become a target or a victim.

Also,Medicare Part B and Part D are subject to means testing. This means that higher income households typically pay more in monthly Medicare premiums than lower income households. However, in some cases an individual may have a life-changing event that will cause their income to decline. In these cases, they can submit Social Security Form 44 to request a reassessment of their Medicare premiums to have them reduced to the amount that corresponds with their ongoing income level.

Plus a look at the Planned Solutions Incorporated Office Bulletin Board- Daryl attended the Financial Planning Association Northern California Conference held in San Francisco. The conference is one of the largest financial planning educational events in the country with thousands of financial planners in attendance and many educational breakout classes to choose from.

The Harlan D. Wood Memorial Cancer Charity Golf Tournament is just three months away. We hope you will sign up to attend or support the cause by donating to a cancer charity of your choice.

Date: September 6th, 2019

Location: Rancho Murieta Country Club – North Course

7000 Alameda Drive

Rancho Murieta, CA 95683

Time: 9am shotgun start, 1:30 barbecue

All profits go to cancer research and education. You can help by attending the tournament or donating. Not golfing? Bring friends and attend the BBQ.

To subscribe or unsubscribe to the Personal Finance Review (the written form of all the content we discuss on the podcast) please e-mail [email protected]

The Personal Finance Review is published and distributed on a biweekly basis by Planned Solutions, Inc. for informational purposes only. Please seek the advice of a qualified financial planner before taking any action.

Planned Solutions, Inc.

ADDRESS: PHONE:

1130 Iron Point Road, Suite 170 (916) 361-0100

Folsom, CA 95630 (800) 750-2111

E-MAIL: FAX:

[email protected] (916) 361-0191

WEB SITE:

www.PlannedSolutions.com

#financial #invest #finance #investment

On this episode of the Planned Solutions Financial Review Podcast we discuss, Budget cuts at the Internal Revenue Services (IRS) having a negative impact on many of the agency’s core functions. Among these is a sharp decline in the percentage of individual tax returns that are audited each year which may result in reduced tax collection for the nation. However, other areas, such as customer service and agents dedicated to resolving IRS notices and correspondence, have also been negatively impacted.

And, There is often some confusion about how Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) from tax-deferred retirement accounts are calculated and when they must be taken. One area of confusion in particular is the date on which the first RMD must be taken: The Required Beginning Date (RBD). In this episode we explain how the RBD is calculated.

Also,Telephone scammers have once again switched tactics. Now, instead of impersonating the IRS, many callers are impersonating the Social Security Administ-ration. These callers claim that the recipient’s Social Security Number has been suspended and they need to pay a fee to correct the error. They promise the fee will be refunded after the mix-up is corrected but instead pocket the money. It is important for individuals to be aware of this scam and hang up on anyone who called claiming to be a representative of the Social Security Administration.

Plus a look at the Planned Solutions Incorporated Office Bulletin Board- Joel’s Book Report: The Checklist Manifesto by Atul Gawande

This book was recommended from a financial blogger who keeps a running list of recommended books to read. The author is a doctor who worked with a surgical team to develop a checklist for the World Health Organization. Their goal was to drastically reduce complication rates by using checklists – the catch being it needed to be detailed enough to be used worldwide (language and economic barriers) while being simple enough to be effective.

To subscribe or unsubscribe to the Personal Finance Review (the written form of all the content we discuss on the podcast) please e-mail [email protected]

The Personal Finance Review is published and distributed on a biweekly basis by Planned Solutions, Inc. for informational purposes only. Please seek the advice of a qualified financial planner before taking any action.

Planned Solutions, Inc.

ADDRESS: PHONE:

1130 Iron Point Road, Suite 170 (916) 361-0100

Folsom, CA 95630 (800) 750-2111

E-MAIL: FAX:

[email protected] (916) 361-0191

WEB SITE:

www.PlannedSolutions.com

#financial #invest #finance #investment

On this episode of the Planned Solutions Financial Review Podcast we discuss, The Federal Reserve. They've held the target for its key interest rate steady in May citing balanced economic risks which included an expected resolution to the US-China trade war. The President responded by threatening to increase tariffs on China causing the trade talks to break down. Is the President pushing for a better deal with China or increasing economic uncertainty in an effort to coax the Fed into lowering interest rates?

And, The potential cost of long-term care can be a major risk for many retirees. Some address this risk by creating a plan to fund long-term care expenses from their retirement income or assets while others choose to purchase insurance to reduce their risk. The decision of whether to buy insurance is specific to an individual’s financial situation and should be discussed with a qualified professional.

Also,Before sending your children off to college you may want to create the legal documents that will allow a parent to act on the child’s behalf. Once a child reaches age 18 they are an adult according to the law. Therefore, a parent’s ability to help manage their child’s financial and heath care matters may be diminished. However, this risk may be mitigated by creating a financial and health care power of attorney that will give the parent the legal authority to act on their child’s behalf in case of an emergency.

Plus a look at the Planned Solutions Incorporated Office Bulletin Board- Creating or updating an estate plan can be an easy thing to put off. An estate plan is usually not something that is needed until someone passes away or becomes incapacitated, but it can be a very important part of the efficient management and dispositions of an individual’s financial resources in the future. Unfortunately, no one knows when they may die or become incapacitated so waiting too long to address this financial risk can prove costly.

To subscribe or unsubscribe to the Personal Finance Review (the written form of all the content we discuss on the podcast) please e-mail [email protected]

The Personal Finance Review is published and distributed on a biweekly basis by Planned Solutions, Inc. for informational purposes only. Please seek the advice of a qualified financial planner before taking any action.

Planned Solutions, Inc.

ADDRESS: PHONE:

1130 Iron Point Road, Suite 170 (916) 361-0100

Folsom, CA 95630 (800) 750-2111

E-MAIL: FAX:

[email protected] (916) 361-0191

WEB SITE:

www.PlannedSolutions.com

#financial #invest #finance #investment

On this episode of the Planned Solutions Financial Review Podcast we discuss, Oil prices increased sharply in 2019 largely due to supply constraints that hit the market. However, oil prices are now approaching the level where higher cost producers, such as many oil producers in the US, are likely to restart production or increase supply. This may help oil prices find an equilibrium in the $50-$70 range. In the meantime there are a number of steps that consumers can take to limit the impact that higher gasoline prices have on their budgets.

And, Beneficiary designations are a common feature of many different types of accounts. However, many people often overlook the importance that beneficiary designations play in a properly crafted estate plan or they fail to update their beneficiary designations after a major life event. Therefore, it is good policy to review beneficiary designations on a regular basis to ensure that they still reflect your wishes.

Also,A recent report by the trustees of the Social Security system highlights the program’s un-sustainability under its current rules. The Social Security program is expected to run a deficit (benefits exceed income from Social Security taxes) for the first time since the 1980s in 2020. The program will then dip into its nearly $3 trillion in reserves which will extend benefits until 2035. If no action is taken in the next 16 years the program will be insolvent in 2035. What do you need to know?

Plus a look at the Planned Solutions Incorporated Office Bulletin Board- Spring is high school graduation season for some. This means Spring is also college funding planning season for many parents. We discuss key factors you need to think about in your college fund planning.

To subscribe or unsubscribe to the Personal Finance Review (the written form of all the content we discuss on the podcast) please e-mail [email protected]

The Personal Finance Review is published and distributed on a biweekly basis by Planned Solutions, Inc. for informational purposes only. Please seek the advice of a qualified financial planner before taking any action.

Planned Solutions, Inc.

ADDRESS: PHONE:

1130 Iron Point Road, Suite 170 (916) 361-0100

Folsom, CA 95630 (800) 750-2111

E-MAIL: FAX:

[email protected] (916) 361-0191

WEB SITE:

www.PlannedSolutions.com

On this episode of the Planned Solutions Financial Review Podcast we discuss, Property and casualty insurance (home, auto, and liability insurance) is often an afterthought until there is a claim. Then the coverage limits become very important as it may determine whether the policyholder(s) will incur large out of pocket expenses or can rely on their insurance to cover the loss. Therefore, it is important to review insurance coverage and limits every few years to make sure they are sufficient. What Do you need to know?

And, The International Monetary Fund (IMF) recently updated its global economic growth forecast by reducing its estimated growth rate to 3.3% for 2019. The IMF cites a number of economic factors including trade, business confidence, and government policies as heightened risks to economic growth going forward. What does this mean for the economy?

Also,There is speculation that the US and China are nearing a trade agreement that will at least create a ceasefire in the trade war. The belief is that both sides will make some concessions and agree to stop the tit for tat escalation. However, the US has now turned its focus to the European Union with threats of a fresh round of tariffs on European goods. The EU has responded with plans to retaliate against US goods. So it appears the trade war focus may just be shifting.

Plus a look at the Planned Solutions Incorporated Office Bulletin Board- It is important to remember that a request for an extension to file individual tax returns is not an extension of time to pay any tax due. What do you need to understand about filing a tax extension? And, All of us at Planned Solutions want to thank our clients for the many referrals that we have received so far this year. Planned Solutions spends very little on marketing so we rely on word-of-mouth referrals to continue to grow. Therefore, we are very thankful when our clients think highly enough of us to pass along our information to their friends, family, co-workers, ect

To subscribe to the written form of all the content we discuss email [email protected]

On this episode of the Planned Solutions Financial Review Podcast we discuss, Long-term interest rates recently declined to the point where they are now lower than short-term interest rates. This is called an inverted yield curve as it differs from the normal state of the curve in which long-term interest rates are higher than short-term rates. An inverted yield curve is often used as a recession indicator as historically a recession has occurred six to twelve months after the yield curve inverts. What impact can this have on the economy?

And, The IRS released its 2019 list of the “Dirty Dozen” tax scams that are most common. This year the list focuses on taxpayers who falsely claim deductions for medical expenses, charitable contributions, and business expenses that cannot be substantiated. The Earned Income Tax Credit also continues to be a problem. The IRS reiterates the penalties that taxpayers may face should they file false tax returns. What do you need to know?

Also,There has been a lot of press about change in the tax withholding tables in February 2018 causing many taxpayers’ tax withholding to decrease so that they received smaller refunds or owe tax. Taxpayers who found themselves in this situation should take action now to adjust their withholding's in order to avoid a repeat of the same outcome next year. This is especially important because the IRS may be more aggressive in enforcing tax underpayment penalties for the 2019 tax year.

Plus a look at the Planned Solutions Incorporated Office Bulletin Board- The IRS has issued a warning to taxpayers regarding identity theft and tax scams. What do you need to look out for?

To subscribe to the written form of all the content we discuss email [email protected]

On this episode of the Planned Solutions Financial Review Podcast we discuss, The fourth quarter US economic data and shed some light on the areas of strength and weakness in the US economy. US households continued to spend in the fourth quarter but at a slower pace than the second and third quarter. Business investment was strong but the trade deficit detracted from growth once again and government spending has slowed as the fiscal stimulus passed in late 2017 and early 2018 has run its course.. What impact can this have on the economy?

And, The US goods trade deficit increased by 12% in 2018 despite the tariffs placed on a variety of foreign produced goods. In general, the tariffs and other trade barriers that were imposed by the US caused the global economic growth rate to slow leading to reduced demand for US goods. Meanwhile, US economic growth has proved more resilient with US consumers continuing to purchase foreign made goods. What do you need to know?

Also,There is a misconception that home mortgage interest is no longer deductible or is capped. In fact home mortgage interest is still deductible with no cap on the amount of interest paid. However, the limit on the home equity indebtedness that qualifies for a mortgage interest deduction was reduced for mortgages originated after 12/15/17. In addition, interest paid on home equity debt in which the money borrowed was not used to buy, build, or improve the home is no longer tax deductible.

Plus a look at the Planned Solutions Incorporated Office Bulletin Board- We are often asked how long an individual should keep their income tax records. We tell you what you need to know.

To subscribe to the written form of all the content we discuss email [email protected]