In this episode of the Planned Solutions Incorporated Podcast, In a real-life case study, we explore just one way that a financial advisor can use strategic timing along with the integration of investment and tax planning to increase the long-term financial benefits from a savings and investing strategy. Here we explore the intersection of long-term investing (the compounding of returns), counterintuitive tax strategies (tax-gain harvesting), and estate planning an efficient transfer of wealth to the next generation. Also, Earnings for the S&P 500 companies increased by 21.7% year-over-yea ..read more

In this episode of the Planned Solutions Incorporated Podcast, Interest rates are often referred to generically when referencing the Federal Funds Rate (the overnight lending rate between banks that the Federal Reserve manages). However, many interest rates are impacted by the term of a loan and the risk that the loan will not be paid back. To fully understand the bond market investors must understand the implications of the interest rate curve (interest rates paid for different terms) and interest rate spreads. Also, Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) can be useful financial planning tools for th ..read more

In this episode of the Planned Solutions Incorporated Podcast, The IRS charitable contribution rules are complex. The rules differ depending on the type of property donated (cash, check, credit card, or in-kind), the amount donated, the taxpayer’s income or other tax deductions, whether the taxpayer receives goods or services in return for the donation, and how the donations are made. Therefore, taxpayers need to plan their charitable contributions if they are seeking a tax benefit. Also, The Federal Reserve is sending mixed messages to investors and some Fed Governors advocate a proactive app ..read more

In this episode of the Planned Solutions Incorporated Podcast, Mortgage rates have declined recently from very high levels. This has caused some homeowners who purchased a new home last year during the higher interest rate environment to consider refinancing their mortgage to capture the lower rates. While mortgage interest rates are a big factor in determining whether it makes sense to refinance a mortgage other factors should be considered as well. Also, US Consumer Sentiment surged to end 2023 as yet another positive sign that US consumers will continue to support US economic growth. Consum ..read more

In this episode of the Planned Solutions Incorporated Podcast, The Magnificent Seven (the seven most valuable companies included in the S&P 500 index) increased in value by 75% in 2023, whereas the remaining 493 stocks in the index increased by 12%. This has captured the attention of investors and the financial press. However, what is often ignored is the large losses these stocks reported in 2022. In fact, over two years these seven stocks have had an overall performance very similar to the S&P 500 index as a whole. Also, The US stock market dipped to start 2024. However, the decline ..read more

In this episode of the Planned Solutions Incorporated Podcast, There is a discrepancy between the official government price data for shelter (rents) and the data reported by multiple private data providers. The US government numbers show rents increasing 6.5% over the past year while private data reports a 2.1% decrease in rents. Many economists and investors believe the private data to be more accurate and up to date causing them to price in a sharp decrease in inflation in the next three to six months. Also, Early signs show that consumers continued to increase their spending during the holi ..read more

In this episode of the Planned Solutions Incorporated Podcast, The federal tax code offers several tax credits for the purchase and/or installation of energy-efficient property. These credits generally fall into three categories: Residential Clean Energy Credits (credits for clean energy generation), Clean Energy and Vehicle Credits (credits for buying electric or fuel cell vehicles), and Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credits (credits for improving the energy efficiency of home heating or cooling). Also, The S&P 500 has rallied recently and is now at a new high for the year. The index ..read more

In this episode of the Planned Solutions Incorporated Podcast, The official inflation rate ticked down to 3.2%, the same level as the July report, and the lowest inflation rate in several years. All the major categories, including food, energy, and shelter declined over the past twelve months creating hope that inflation will now continue its downward trend that started over a year ago. This is also positive news for the Federal Reserve which now may be able to hold interest rates steady next meeting. Also, The Social Security Administration announced good news for people collecting benefits a ..read more

In this episode of the Planned Solutions Incorporated Podcast, Trend following is often used by investors in an attempt to profit by predicting market price trends. The effectiveness of this is unproven at best. However, trend following may be used as an effective risk management tool by highlighting time periods when investors may benefit from reducing investment risk or investing more cautiously during periods of heightened market risk. Also, the likelihood of a recession in the US appears to be decreasing. The Weekly Economic Index (WEI) has been increasing, signaling a higher rate of econo ..read more

In this episode of the Planned Solutions Incorporated Podcast, Interest rates have increased sharply in the past 18 months as the Fed attempts to slow the economy and bring inflation down to its 2% target. However, several areas of the economy have reacted in unusual ways as the job market has remained strong and single-family home prices remain elevated, while commercial real estate prices have dropped. In addition, the level of household debt, commercial business debt, and even government debt have all increased despite higher interest rates. Also, The interest rate applied to tax balances t ..read more