Year: 2012

  I was recently working with a family on their estate plan that involved circumstances and decisions that could save hundreds of thousands of dollars in taxes if they take action this year. Before I get into the details allow me to set the context for potentially massive tax law changes that will occur next year […]

  A Birmingham News reader who obviously has his financial act together wrote me to discuss a topic related to the importance of tracking your finances. Here’s what he had to say: “I wanted to bring up a topic that I feel is very important to anyone in today’s expensive world. It is called ‘financial wealth […]

  I’m always amazed at the attention and awe that the public attributes to celebrities. Whether that person is an actor, musician, athlete or business titan such as Donald Trump, the public’s fascination borders on fanatical.    In reality they are full of human flaws just like each of us but because they are so much in […]

  Making the transition from working to retirement is often not as easy as it might seem especially when it comes to managing financial assets. A reader recently, rather astutely, addressed this issue with these comments: “One of the interesting shifts that occur as we get older has to do with enjoying the present and focusing […]

  With the April 15th income tax filing deadline just around the corner, I know many of you are busy gathering relevant information to file your tax return. The last thing you want is do something that flags your return by the Internal Revenue Service. Here is a list of the five most common errors that may […]

  Last year the Alabama Legislature passed two laws that you need to be aware of, one of which you need to give serious consideration regarding updating your estate plan. One of the most basic documents in your estate plan is a Power of Attorney. With this document you appoint someone; known as your agent, to […]

  This reader has money to invest and wants to know what their best strategy is right now. Question: “I’m age 70, have no debt with $100,000 to $200,000 available to invest but do not need the income. I’m considering buying an annuity that would pay for my life plus the lifetime of my wife. What do […]

  Most people are not aware of the Savers Tax Credit whereby the federal government will pay you for contributing to your 401k plan, IRA, Roth IRA, SEP, SIMPLE, 457, 403b or other similar retirement plans. This program is designed to encourage lower income individuals and families to invest in retirement plans so as to make […]

Periodically, I answer questions directly from our readers. Here’s what’s on their minds: Question: “I am interested in investing about $100,000 in blue chip stocks. What are three stocks you’d recommend that pay good yearly dividends?” J.W.  Answer: First let me make a point that you’ll want to own a minimum of ten to twenty stocks in […]

  This past year included a lot of excitement but not much progress from an economic or stock market perspective. Extraordinary events included the near shut-down of our government; the downgrading of U.S. treasuries from AAA status; the near default of Greece; as well as a highly volatile stock market that could rise or fall several […]