http://www.beacon-advisor.com fee only, hourly financial planning Mon, 01 Dec 2008 20:14:48 +0000 http://backend.userland.com/rss092 en Despite widespread stock market losses in 2008, several mutual fund companies have announced that they will make capital gain distributions to shareholders in mid-December. This is a double whammy to investors because shareholders who hold mutual funds in taxable accounts must pay taxes on those capital gain distributions even if those ... http://www.beacon-advisor.com/2008/12/watch-out-for-capital-gain-distributions/ The Pension Protection Act of 2006 allows IRA owners age 70 1/2 or older to make direct transfers of up to $100,000 per year from their IRA to a charity. The provision became available for IRA distributions taken after Aug. 17, 2006 and originally only applied through the end of ... http://www.beacon-advisor.com/2008/12/donating-your-rmd-to-charity/ December's a busy month with holiday preparations, but it's not too late to focus on last-minute tax savings. Consult with your tax professional to see if these might work for you: Do an AMT sweep: One of the reasons why it's wise to consult a tax adviser before you start accelerating ... http://www.beacon-advisor.com/2008/12/say-goodbye-to-2008-with-some-smart-tax-moves/ There's a special sinking feeling as you approach Dec. 31 and realize you've done no tax planning whatsoever. That includes big issues like end-of-the-year investment decisions, and the smaller ones - like that stuff you no longer use piling up in the basement. Charitable giving is an important part of tax ... http://www.beacon-advisor.com/2008/12/get-your-charitable-donations-lined-up/ Investing in the stock market is a lot like driving on a long road trip.  At some point, you’re going to run into pot holes and rough patches.  When that happens, you should definitely drive with more caution, but you have to keep on going if you want to reach ... http://www.beacon-advisor.com/2008/09/when-the-road-to-investing-gets-bumpy/ The recent financial news - banks failing, the Treasury taking over Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, the stock market dropping several hundred points in one day - may have you feeling a bit helpless when it comes to your finances. While you may not be able to make the market go ... http://www.beacon-advisor.com/2008/09/smart-money-moves-to-make-in-tough-times/ With everything going on in the financial world lately - the Treasury taking over Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, the collapse of Lehman Brothers and IndyMac Bank, and the government bailout of AIG - it’s no surprise that investors are wondering if their money is safe. Thankfully, there are safety measures ... http://www.beacon-advisor.com/2008/09/keeping-your-money-safe/ On July 30, 2008, President Bush signed H.R. 3221, the Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008 (the "Act”). The Housing Act is intended to revamp the housing finance industry, encourage home ownership and help prevent foreclosures. Below is a summary of some of the tax provisions in the bill that ... http://www.beacon-advisor.com/2008/09/housing-act-2008/ Introducing a new consulting service: Jump Start Your Finances Are you: Overwhelmed by your company’s 401K choices? Confused about investment products? Living from paycheck to paycheck? Saving enough to meet your financial goals? Getting all the tax deductions you are entitled to? Jump Start Your Finances is a consultation session for younger individuals and couples, who have ... http://www.beacon-advisor.com/2008/09/jump-start-your-finances/ While I was on vacation this week, some thief was busy emptying out my checking account. I have always loved the convenience of debit cards, but this recent experience has me re-thinking the cost of that convenience. First, your liability if you are a victim of debit card fraud is greater than ... http://www.beacon-advisor.com/2008/08/debit-card-fraud/