To deduct contributions, follow the rules
Did you donate a car to a charitable organization in 2015, or some clothing to the church thrift shop? Maybe you made a cash contribution to your alma mater or in memory of a loved one.If you want to take a deduction for the donation, you have to itemize deductions on your tax return. But there’s more to it than that. First, you have to make sure the organization to which you’re ... READ MORE
Try to beat the market in 2016 with these
Even after the sharp sell-off so far this year, the stock market isn’t bargain-priced. But many stocks are cheaper than they were at the first of the year — making this a good time to beef up your investments in solid companies like the ones I recommend below. These five picks, in my view, ought to beat the market — whether the sell-off accelerates or ends today.I have a... READ MORE
Expert advice for these uncertain times
Readers have been asking about market volatility, capital preservation, and planning for a long-term secure retirement. I approached several experts I respect in various financial disciplines to ask their advice.Stan Haithcock, annuity expert: “Stay rational and grounded when looking for safe money solutions. In a low-interest world, annuity salespeople will tell you what you want to... READ MORE
Quinn on how to preserve your nest egg
Making your money last through retirement is harder than it used to be. We are living much longer, the rate of return for conservative investments is very low, and there is a great deal of volatility in the stock and bond markets.An excellent guide to help you reach your objectives is Jane Bryant Quinn’s new book, How to Make Your Money Last (Simon and Schuster). Like her other books, ... READ MORE
Ways to reduce the risk of a dividend cut
When investors think of dividends, they often think “safety.” Checks that arrive like clockwork come to mind.But a recent round of dividend cuts has given some income-seekers a rude awakening. Among the rudest: Kinder Morgan (symbol KMI), the energy pipeline giant, slashed its dividend 75 percent in December, cutting the quarterly payout from 51 cents a share to 12.5 cents. A... READ MORE
How to react to the stock market selloff
There’s nothing like a market rout to remind investors of the importance of following the tenets of sound investing. The declines during January and February were doozies, making the start of 2016 a baptism by fire. In the first four trading days of the year, the Dow Jones industrial average racked up a loss of nearly 1,000 points, or more than 5 percent. Selling continued to... READ MORE
All about required minimum distributions
It’s a watershed year for the baby boom generation. In 2016, the first of the boomers — those born in the first half of 1946 — will reach age 70 1/2. Their present from Uncle Sam is a demand that they begin withdrawing funds from their traditional individual retirement accounts (IRAs) and employer-sponsored retirement plans, such as 401(k)s. If you’re among... READ MORE
Workers seek phased retirement options
Roberton Williams’ plan was to retire on his government pension and take a part-time job to make up the difference in salary. It didn’t quite work out that way.Williams, 68, did retire, but then started another full-time job with the Tax Policy Center, a Washington think tank. “The plan was to work full time just until I got my feet wet,” Williams said.... READ MORE
Beware hidden dangers in bond funds
Regulators and money managers are raising alarms about a growing threat to bond funds and their investors. The concerns revolve around “liquidity” — the ability to buy or sell a security at a decent price within a reasonable period of time.As a result of new regulations enacted since the financial crisis, broker-dealers — the bond market’s middlemen —... READ MORE
The best bonds for your portfolio in 2016
As the Federal Reserve finally starts to gently raise interest rates, and fear and loathing reach a fever pitch in bond-land, I am reminded of a column that appeared in a well-known business magazine in December 2013, just before Janet Yellen’s confirmation as Fed chairman. It began, “Bonds are going to get killed. Are you ready?”My reaction at the time: Poppycock. Now,... READ MORE
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