Did you know that a percentage of your IRA distributions may not be subject to New Jersey state taxation? There are two possible exclusions for IRA distributions from New Jersey income taxes.
How to Get the Most Out of Your Equity Compensation
Growing up, my parents instilled two philosophies in me; to always live below my means and save for the future. Those simple words of wisdom resonated with me and unknowingly shaped my personal and professional life. Through my parents’ guidance, anytime I’d get a cash gift, I’d put some away in savings (i.e., my very secure piggy bank) and spend the rest on myself (i.e., probably on candy or something of the sort).
Ed Leach, CFP® to join Avantis Investors ESG Advisor Panel
On Friday, May 20th, Avantis Investors, a provider of low-cost ETFs, celebrated the launch of three new Responsible ETFs by ringing the closing bell of the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE). In attendance at the closing bell to celebrate the launch was Ed Leach, a Partner and Wealth Advisor at HIGHLAND.
Market Volatility: It’s Different This Time
Every time the stock market experiences a correction (down >10%), we hear that familiar phrase, “It’s different this time.” Since 1950, there have been 39 corrections for the S&P 500, and they have all been the result of a different set of circumstances. There have been six years when long-term government bonds lost 5% or more during the same period, all with varying circumstances. Being different doesn’t mean that the market will not recover from a correction.
Overcoming The Challenges of Being a Beginner
“The expert in anything was once a beginner.” This quote by Helen Hayes (an American actress who is one of 16 people to win an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony Award) is an excellent reminder that when you take the first step to learn or try something new, you are making yourself vulnerable to the feeling of failure.
Understanding Your Compensation Package
Series I Bonds – A Free Lunch?
529 Plans For Grandchildren May Be Getting Better
Five Financial Tips to Live By
There seems to be a list of five things for anything you can think of to improve your odds of success. Pareto’s Principle (the 80/20 rule) states that 80% of the results will typically come from 20% of the cause. If a list of five things can truly make a difference in your life, that is an excellent return on your behavior.
Rising Interest Rates, The Economy, and Your Portfolio
For the first time since December 2018, the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) voted at its March meeting to raise the federal funds target rate range by ¼ percent to 0.25% - 0.50%. Following this initial increase, the median voting member expects seven more rate hikes in 2022 and an additional four hikes in 2023.
“Risk” Versus “Cost”
Should You Sell Your Stock Compensation When It Vests Below the Grant Price?
There has been no shortage of volatility with global equity markets on a rollercoaster ride this year. A steep drop in prices scares investors and heightens our senses to pay attention to avoid making mistakes. However, this fear can lead to indecision or taking no action.
IRS Offers Clarity on the Secure Act
Do you have these Important Estate Planning Documents?
Russian SWIFT Sanctions and Your Portfolio
War in Ukraine
Our prayers and thoughts are with the Ukrainian people who are suffering immeasurably at the hands of the Russian military today. To characterize this as "geopolitical risk" that will impact our portfolios seems insensitive. Millions of Ukrainian people woke up today with plans to go to school and work, meet up with friends, or start vacations, and instead have bombs falling on their cities as Russia commits to war on their land.
Crash Course on NQSOs and Taxes
As we head into the throes of tax season, investors will be getting a slew of tax documents to report on their tax returns. Tax filing can be complicated even further by adding equity compensation into the equation because there can be (1) multiple tax reporting forms for one transaction, (2) different tax treatments based on the type of compensation (3) specific rules for varying strategies.
Discussing Money With Your Significant Other
The Behavioral Side of Inflation
During a recent financial review with a couple, we discussed inflation. The wife asked me, “So, what is cyclical inflation.” I used the term illustrating the difference between temporary, transitory inflation and built-in, cyclical inflation. It suddenly occurred to me that those are some fancy words. What do they mean in plain talk?
Social Security and Medicare Changes for 2022
The new year has begun, and with it come changes to monthly benefits and costs for Social Security and Medicare. On the positive side, Social Security recipients will see a 5.9% cost-of-living increase in their benefits, the largest since Ronald Reagan was President. Unfortunately, due to various factors, Medicare is also experiencing the most significant increase in Part B and D premiums in the program’s history.