Insights

Roth Planning Opportunities in 2020

Tax brackets are positioned well, interest rates are favorable and RMDs are on hold. So you’re probably asking yourself if now is a good time to convert your IRA into a Roth account. In this webinar, we look at the advantages of a Roth conversion in a down market and how you can save big on taxes down the road by investing in a conversion now. The CARES Act, the SECURE Act and the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act are all affecting this part of retirement finances, and the benefits they offer won’t last forever. Click Here to Watch the...read the full article

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Market Commentary: Coronavirus Takes Toll on Retail, Manufacturing

The global economy continues to slow rapidly, based on key data released last week. In the U.S., retail sales dropped 16.4% from March to April. Individuals cut back on purchases due to risks from the coronavirus, lockdowns, and declining income from job losses. The drop increases to 21.6% when compared to one year ago. Industrial production showed similar weakness, falling 13.7%. 

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10 Questions to Determine if Your Advisor Meets Standards

You may be in isolation, but that doesn’t mean you’re alone. Your team of professionals – from your advisor, to your insurance providers, to your bank – should be going to work for you in these unprecedented times.

But how do you know if you’re receiving the value you should from your financial advisor? We put together 10 questions to help you determine how much value you’re receiving from your advisor.

Download the questions today to get started.

 

Market Commentary: Only Half of U.S. Population is Classified as Employed

The U.S. jobs report confirmed what was already known: millions of Americans are losing their jobs. The monthly payrolls report estimated a decline of 20.5 million jobs last month. The unemployment rate rose to 14.7%, which is estimated to be the highest since the Great Depression. A broad measure of employment estimates 51.3% of Americans have a job.

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RMD Planning in 2020 After the CARES and SECURE Acts

Have you considered skipping your required minimum distributions (RMDs) in 2020? The CARES Act – a relief package passed as the coronavirus pandemic shakes the economy – gives you that opportunity. Before you waive your RMDs, you need to know what you stand to gain and how the CARES Act and another piece of landmark retirement legislation, the SECURE Act, play together. Click Here to Watch the Webinar

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How to Use a 529 Plan to Help 2020 Grads Celebrate-In-Place During Coronavirus Quarantine

Warmer weather comes with a few traditions: well-kept lawns, baseball stadium lights, open windows. And every year in May and June you’ll see the balloons on stop signs and borrowed folding tables in the open garage, proud parents snapping pictures. The graduation party is a universal rite of passage.

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Market Commentary: Drop in GDP Expected to Continue

Economic news indicated the economic damage from COVID-19 continues to grow. U.S. gross domestic product shrank 4.8% in the face of the coronavirus and social distancing designed to combat its spread. Next quarter, expectations are for a nearly 30% decline. Initial unemployment claims fell to 3.8 million. The number of claims remains high, and the six-week total is more than 30 million.

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Market Commentary: U.S. and Foreign Leaders Moving to Open More Businesses

Leaders around the world announced steps to open up their economies by gradually reducing social distancing as the global economy continued to struggle. In the U.S., more than four million people filed initial claims for unemployment.

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Quarterly Market Outlook: Q2 2020

Carson Partners’ Scott Kubie shares key events we saw in the past quarter and how we think they’ll affect markets in the upcoming quarter. Contact us to speak with a financial advisor.

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Retirement Planning in 2020: Making the CARES Act Work for You

When the market is volatile, you might feel like there’s a question mark hanging over your retirement plan. Add in new legislation, a global pandemic and rising unemployment rates, and that question mark might loom even larger. We want to help you navigate this tricky time with confidence, so we put together a webinar that covers everything related to retirement planning, now that the CARES Act is in effect. Click Here to Watch the Webinar

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