Breaking Down the Retirement Proposals in the President’s Budget

The Retirement Proposals in the President's Budget

In mid-April, President Barack Obama unveiled his budget for the upcoming year. Although the budget is essentially a “wish-list” for the President and most of its proposals and recommendations are likely to fall by the wayside at some point, the number of retirement related items in this year’s budget is causing many clients to take notice. Below we discuss the six proposals included in this year’s budget that directly relate to retirement accounts so that you can answer the questions … [Read more...]

10 Reasons Annuities Make Sense for a Portion of a Retirement Plan

10 Reasons Annuities Make Sense for a Portion of a Retirement Plan

With life expectancies greater than ever, retirement could very likely be the longest phase of our client’s lives.  Therefore, it is absolutely imperative for retirees to have a plan in place that; Provides the ability to spend and enjoy their money in retirement Protects them from “living too long” and outliving their income Since retirement income planning is an extremely important and complicated process, this is something retirees should not to attempt to do on their own.  … [Read more...]

Tax Planning and the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012

Tax Planning and the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012

Approved during the final hours leading into the New Year; Congress passed the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012. While the American Taxpayer Relief Act will perpetually extend numerous tax provisions that were scheduled to expire at the end of 2011 and 2012, the determination of certain tax provisions are still up for discussion.  Many of these changes affect individual taxpayers. Individual Income Tax Rate The Bush-era tax rates were due to expire at the end of 2012 for individuals with … [Read more...]

A Post-ATRA Look at Roth Conversions

Post-ATRA-Roth-Conversions

On January 2, 2013 the American Taxpayer Relief Act (ATRA) was signed into law making changes to many areas of the tax law, including ordinary income tax, capital gains tax and estate, gift and GST tax. In light of the law’s new provisions, there are several planning strategies that advisors should revisit with clients to see if they have been impacted by the changes made by ATRA and if so, whether those changes make such a strategy more or less favorable. One common strategy that should be … [Read more...]

Top of the Table Advice

Top of the Table Advice

What has helped you achieve Top of the Table production for the Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT)? I always strive to provide the most objective advice to a client that includes a comprehensive solution to address all of their financial goals and needs. By always acting in a client’s best interest and staying true to their unique financial profile, I have attracted loyal, long-term clients who are gratified to refer others to me. Can you talk about what area of finance your business focuses … [Read more...]

An Interview with a Top of the Table Advisor

Interview-with-Top-Advisor

How have you achieved “Top of the Table” production for the Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT)? I attribute my consistency to the effectiveness of our organization. I have 10 dedicated associates who all are focused on helping me do what I do best - see clients and prospects. I delegate everything I can to my team so I can spend my time seeing my clients and solving their problems, prospecting for new business and meeting new centers of influence who can lead me to potential new clients. … [Read more...]