Planned Solutions

On this episode of the Planned Solutions Financial Review Podcast we discuss, a clear theme has already emerged as the key risk that threatens to define the year when it comes to the economic data and the markets: Political risk in the US and abroad.

And, Due to the current government shutdown the IRS

has announced that there may be delays in processing income tax refunds. Therefore, to be safe, taxpayers should expect their refunds to come later this year. While there may be delays in processing income tax refunds the IRS will continue to process tax payments and estimated tax payments without delay. What do you need to know?

Also,The government shutdown is impacting a large number of

economic data reports. Under the current shutdown the Bureau

of Economic Analysis, the government agency tasked with

tracking US economics growth as well as a number of other key

statistics, will not be reported. Fortunately, some of the other

agencies that provide key economic data, such as the Bureau of Labor Statistics, remain open and will continue to report data during the shutdown.

Plus a look at the Planned Solutions Incorporated Office Bulletin Board- Chase gave a presentation to the Financial Planning Association of Northern California on the current state of the global economy. The presentation focused on the conflicting economic data

that has been reported recently increasing the fears of a recession in late 2019 or early 2020. And Daryl and Joel attended a two day annual tax update seminar in preparation for the upcoming tax

season.

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,Consumer spending represents approximately twothirds of US economic output. Therefore, economists track consumer activity and sentiment indicators closely when creating economic forecasts. However,in the fourth quarter the consumer data may be

sending mixed signals. What are the various indicators and why do they cause mixed signals?

And, The trade war between the US and China has drawn

on for six months with little progress toward a resolution. The US placed tariffs on a variety of Chinese goods in June. China responded in-kind by increasing tariffs on US exports, including a broad

list of agricultural goods that US farmers ship to

China. Both countries have taken action to support their

industries that are most negatively impacted by the

trade war. What are the two key indicators that can track the trade war?

Also,It has been a while since we have written anything about digital

currencies. Our last article was on November 22, 2017 in which

we argued that Bitcoin is a highly speculative investment and was

showing many of the signs of a bubble. At that time a single

Bitcoin was selling for $8,234. Following our article the price of

Bitcoin continued to rise, but did the bubble burst as was speculated?

Plus a look at the Planned Solutions Incorporated Office Bulletin Board- Planned Solutions will soon be sending out our tax engagement letters and organizers in early January. Returning tax preparation clients should have received an e-mail giving the option to receive the tax information in an electronic format. Clients who opt in will need to establish a client portal through Black Diamond if they have not already done so. The portal will allow clients to access

their tax documents and share tax information Planned Solutions in a secure way. If you would like to receive your tax information in a digital format but did not receive the opt in e-mail you can e-mail Katie at [email protected].

Returning tax clients who do not opt in for digital delivery should receive their tax packet in the mail by mid-January.

If you have any question about the engagement letter or tax organizer, please call or e-mail us. If you did not get a tax packet and would like Planned Solutions to prepare your 2018 income taxes,

please let us know and we will get a packet out to you before filing season starts on February 1st.

On this episode of the Planned Solutions Financial Review Podcast we discuss, how Market sentiment appeared to have shifted abruptly in 2018. For the first part of the year Wall Street seemed

quite optimistic following the corporate tax cuts in late

2018 which translated into strong earnings reports and

solid economic growth. Yet in the second half of the

year investor attitudes appear to have changed as the

focus has shifted to potential risks on the horizon

rather than hard data.

There are a number of risks that seem to be

influencing investor behavior recently, we highlight these influences.

And, Interest rates have made headlines this year as the

Federal Reserve continued to push short-term rates

higher. Longer-term interest rates also increased

although by less than short-term rates and the yield

curve (graphical depiction of the interest rates on loans

of different terms) flattened. This has created some concern that the credit cycle may come to an end as borrowers slow their pace of borrowing in response to higher interest rates or lenders increase lending standards due to concerns about future defaults. We discuss facts you should know about the Credit Cycle.

Also,Taxpayers have just a few weeks left to make their charitable

contributions for the 2018 tax year. In order to qualify for the tax deduction, the deduction must be made by the end of the

year and must be made to a qualified organization. Special

records must be kept as well depending on the type and

amount of the contribution. We discuss facts that you should know about your charitable donations.

Plus a look at the Planned Solutions Incorporated Office Bulletin Board- Chase is preparing for two different economic update presentations he has been asked to give.

If you have yet to subscribe to the Personal Financial Review, the written form of all content we discuss email [email protected]

On this episode of the Planned Solutions Financial Review Podcast we discuss, The stock market and how it has become increasingly focused on Federal Reserve policy and the future path for interest rates. So much so that the comments from various Federal Reserve Open Market Committee (the committee tasked with setting short-term interest rate targets) members have caused the stock markets to swing wildly in recent weeks. What are the implications?

And, One of Warren Buffett’s many notable quotes seems particularly timely at the moment. Buffet once said: “The less prudence with which others conduct their affairs, the more prudence with which we should conduct our own affairs.” The idea is that we are all participants in the same economy. Therefore, the actions of others are likely to have an impact on our financial prospects even if we act more prudently.

Also,Tax Loss Harvesting is a strategy that involves selling certain investment positions (stocks, bonds, mutual funds, ETFs, etc.) at a tax loss to offset realized capital gains or other taxable income up to the $3,000 limit.

Plus a look at the Planned Solutions Incorporated Office Bulletin Board- With the holidays quickly approaching, we want to make sure you are aware of our holiday schedule for this year.

December 24th Closed December 25th Closed January 1st Closed

Given the above holiday schedule, as well as the holiday schedule of many of the companies that we work with, we ask that any forms or other requests that must be completed before year-end be submitted as soon as possible. If any paperwork or requests come in close to the end of the year, we will make our best efforts to process the forms or fulfill the request but cannot guarantee that it will be completed in time due to factors beyond our control.

If you have yet to subscribe to the Personal Financial Review, email [email protected]

On this episode of the Planned Solutions Financial Review Podcast we discuss, Cyclical Industries Showing Signs of Weakness

The home construction industry has been reeling

recently as a combination of factors has caused

builders to become more cautious.

The US federal government ran a deficit of over $100 billion in the month of October. This is a 59%

increase from October 2017 and puts the deficit on

pace total $1 trillion for the year.

Also,The IRS recently announced an

increase in retirement plan

contribution limits for 2019.

These limits are tied to the rate of

inflation and typically have a

minimum adjustment amount of

$500.

Plus a look at the Planned Solutions Incorporated Office Bulletin Board- The Planned Solutions Team once again volunteered at our local food locker for the big

Thanksgiving rush.

If you have yet to subscribe to the Personal Financial Review, email [email protected]

On this episode of the Planned Solutions Financial Review Podcast we discuss, Defensive Industries Outperforming in a Turbulent October verses the broad market. Business Deductions for Meals and Entertainment- What you need to know when it comes to the Tax Cut and Jobs act, and how it has changed allowed deductions.

Plus a look at Year-End Tax Planning. We focus on Retirement Plans , deadlines and contribution amounts.

Plus a look at the Planned Solutions Incorporated Office Bulletin Board- The holiday schedule. Planned Solutions will be closed November 22nd and 23rd, as well as December 24th, 25th and January 1st.

If you have yet to subscribe to the Personal Financial Review, email [email protected]

On this episode of the Planned Solutions Financial Review Podcast we discuss, Cash Management- In the past cash management was a big part of financial planning. The goal was to allocate cash

holdings, whether it be money set aside for future

expenses, an emergency fund, money to which a goal

has not yet been assigned, to an account that would

pay an attractive yield without incurring high

transaction fees, lockup periods that are incompatible

with the goals and objectives, or an unacceptable

fluctuation in value. The US Government Deficit- The US Treasury Department announced that the federal government deficit increased to $779 billion for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2018. The overall budget deficit was $113 billion greater, a

17% increase, from the previous year, making it the largest budget deficit since 2012.

Plus, Social Security Changes for 2019- The Social Security Administration recently announced the 2019 Cost-of-Living Adjustment(COLA). Starting January 2019 Social Security beneficiaries will receive a 2.8% increase in benefits, which is 0.8% higher than the 2018 increase of 2.0%.

Plus a look at the Planned Solutions Incorporated Office Bulletin Board- Tax planning is key, At Planned Solutions we also have tax planning season which runs from mid-October through the end of the year. Also,The processing of Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) is in full swing, what do you need to know?

If you have yet to subscribe to the Personal Financial Review, email [email protected]

On this episode of the Planned Solutions Financial Review Podcast we discuss, Longer-term US interest rates may have finally given in

to the upward pressure from short-term interest rates.

This month the benchmark 10-year Treasury bond yield

moved through its long-term trading range to levels that

have not been seen since 2011. The amount of student loan debt outstanding

increased substantially following the Great

Recession. Student loan debt now represents over

$1.5 trillion and continues to increase, partly because

borrowers are not aware of their options or make common mistakes. Also, IRA owners are required to begin taking Required Minimum

Distributions by April 1st the year after they turn 70½ at the

latest. The RMD is calculated using the IRA balance as of the

end of the prior year and an age factor that is published by the

IRS. Plus a look at the Planned Solutions Incorporated Office Bulletin Board- At Planned Solutions we are constantly working to keep up with industry trends and find new and valuable ways to improve our clients’ financial lives. We recently decided to add a new team

member to help us move forward with several long-term initiatives that we believe will help us continue to maintain and improve the value that we provide to our clients. If you have yet to subscribe to the Personal Financial Review, email [email protected]

On this episode of the Planned Solutions Financial Review Podcast we discuss, Which way will interest rates trend from here? A recent survey of investment managers by Bank of America Merrill Lynch shows that investment managers are becoming more pessimistic. Also, Revocable Living Trusts provide the grantor(s) of the trust (the individuals who create the trust and provide the assets that fund the trust) the flexibility to make changes throughout their

life time. Plus a look at the Planned Solutions Incorporated Office Bulletin Board- A review of The 16th annual “Harlan D. Wood Cancer Charity Golf Tournament and Several members of the Planned Solutions Team attended the Sacramento Area Habitat for

Humanity Hard Hats and High Heels Gala.

On this episode of the Planned Solutions Financial Review Podcast we discuss Tax Reform, Round 2. Listen for details on the House Ways and Means committees second tax bill. Insight into Investment Fees and Expenses and how the play a major role in the performance of an investment portfolio. Trust Funding-A Revocable Living Trust as a part of estate planning and the transfer of property. Consumer Confidence and at a cyclical high, but what does it really mean to the economy? Plus a look at the Planned Solutions Incorporated Office Bulletin Board- Chase contributed to the mid-year update of the Sacramento Business Review (SBR).