Year End Tax Planning Tips

Posted on December 20, 2024 by VP of Marketing and Business Development Jessica

A main reason people get so anxious around tax time is that they’ve delayed so many important things: Like organizing their paperwork. Contacting their accountant. And taking advantage of opportunities that could lessen their tax burden.

While you’re on your own for tackling the first two, we can help you with the last point – taking advantage of opportunities that could lessen your tax burden. In fact, there are a number of things you can do that could potentially reduce next year’s tax obligations. Let’s take a look.

First, let’s look to losses. If you think your investments will produce capital gains – whether short or long-term – you can offset these with capital losses.

For assets that you hold less than a year, any gains – considered short-term – these are taxed at ordinary rates from 10% to 37%. You can offset these with short-term losses.

For assets that you hold longer than a year – considered long-term – any gains are taxed at a top rate of 20%, which you can reduce by … you guessed it … long-term capital losses.

Now, if your losses are greater than your gains, good news: You can deduct up to $3,000 in capital losses against your ordinary income on that year’s tax return and carry forward any unused losses to future years.

Because of this, you might want to avoid short-term gains, since these are taxed at higher rates. To do so, if you believe you will have a short-term gain for the year, try to either offset it with a short-term loss or consider holding the asset for at least a year, when they will become long-term assets and taxed at a lower rate.

This requires that you review your portfolio regularly and estimate your gains and losses. Most capital gains and losses are triggered when you sell the asset, offering you control over the event. However, others — mutual funds, for instance — are difficult to predict as they are made up of a number of assets. If you find assets that have performed poorly, consider using them to offset your gains, as it will reduce your capital gains tax.

Keep in mind that it’s beneficial to elect a loss before a gain, because you can carry over unused losses to future years, whereas capital gains are taxed in the year that they occur.

As tax laws change often and are complex, consider speaking with a tax professional to help you manage your tax burden. You can call or email the financial professionals in the First Financial Investment & Retirement Center at 732-312-1534, mary.laferriere@lpl.com or maureen.mcgreevy@lpl.com

Securities and advisory services are offered through LPL Financial (LPL), a registered investment advisor and broker/dealer (member FINRA/SIPC). Insurance products are offered through LPL or its licensed affiliates. First Financial Federal Credit Union (FFFCU) and First Financial Investment & Retirement Center are not registered as a broker/dealer or investment advisor. Registered representatives of LPL offer products and services using First Financial Investment & Retirement Center, and may also be employees of FFFCU. These products and services are being offered through LPL or its affiliates, which are separate entities from and not affiliates of FFFCU or First Financial Investment & Retirement Center.

Securities and insurance offered through LPL or its affiliates are:

This material is for general information only and is not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. There is no assurance that the views or strategies discussed are suitable for all investors or will yield positive outcomes. Investing involves risks including possible loss of principal.

LPL Financial does not offer tax advice or services.

This material was prepared by LPL Financial, LLC

Tracking #1-05363580

Your Year End Financial Checklist

Posted on December 6, 2024 by VP of Marketing and Business Development Jessica

Aspects of Your Financial Life to Review as the Year Closes

The end of the year can remind us of last-minute things we need to address and the goals we want to pursue. Here are some aspects of your financial life to consider as this year leads into the next.

Keep in mind that this article is for informational purposes and is not a replacement for real-life advice. Contact a tax or legal professional before modifying your tax strategy. The ideas presented are not intended to provide specific advice. Also, tax rules are constantly changing, and there can be no guarantee that the rules will stay the same for any period of time.

Investments & Retirement Strategy: If you aren’t already, you may want to consider contributing the maximum to your retirement accounts and review any existing retirement accounts from work. If you are eligible to make any catch-up contributions, it may be a great time also to consider making that decision.

Taxes: It’s a good idea to consider checking in with your tax or legal professional before the year ends, especially if you have questions about an expense or deduction from this year. Also, it may be prudent to review any sales of property as well as both realized and unrealized losses and gains. Look back at last year’s loss carried forward. If you’ve sold securities, gather up cost-basis information. As always, bringing all this information to your financial professional is wise.

Charitable Gifting: Plan charitable contributions or contributions to education accounts and make any desired cash gifts to family members. Such gifts do not count against the lifetime estate tax exemption amount as long as they stay beneath the annual federal gift tax exclusion threshold. Besides outright gifts, you can explore creating and funding trusts on behalf of your family. The end of the year is also an excellent time to review any trusts. Using a trust involves a complex set of tax rules and regulations. Before moving forward with a trust, consider working with a professional familiar with the rules and regulations.¹

Life Insurance: The end of the year is an excellent time to double check that your policies and beneficiaries are up to date. Don’t forget to review premium costs and beneficiaries and consider whether your insurance needs have changed. Several factors could impact the cost and availability of life insurance – such as age, health, the type of insurance purchased, and the amount purchased. Life insurance policies have expenses, including mortality and other charges. If a policy is surrendered prematurely, you may pay surrender charges, which could have income tax implications. Before implementing a life insurance strategy, you should consider determining whether you are insurable. Finally, remember that any guarantees associated with a policy are dependent on the ability of the issuing insurance company to continue making claim payments.

Life Events

Evaluate any significant life changes in the last year:

Marital status
Moving
Changing jobs
Buying a home
Starting a business
Inheritance
Gifts
Additions to the family

All these circumstances can financially impact your life and how you invest and plan for retirement and wind down your career or business. While it’s likely that you have discussed these matters with your financial professional already this year, don’t forget to bring them up in your review.

You can call or email the financial professionals in the First Financial Investment & Retirement Center at 732-312-1534, mary.laferriere@lpl.com or maureen.mcgreevy@lpl.com

Securities and insurance offered through LPL or its affiliates are:

This material is for general information only and is not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual.

1. IRS.gov, September 15, 2023

Retiring Debt When You Retire

Posted on November 14, 2024 by VP of Marketing and Business Development Jessica

Many Americans rely on credit cards for their everyday purchases. After all, it’s so easy and tempting – that new pair of shoes looks great, and while they’re expensive, you can pay them off over time, you think, barely giving things a second thought as you tap your smartphone or swipe your card for payment.

But these spontaneous purchases come at a cost – interest that accumulates if you fail to pay your charge card bill in full each month. That debt is bad enough at any age, but when you’re facing retirement and need to live on a fixed income, it can be a brutal financial strain.

While you may not be willing to part with your credit card as you reach your Golden Years, there are a few key considerations for using it when relying on a fixed monthly income.

1. Recognize that not all credit cards are alike. When trying to decide whether to sign up for a card, think about your intended use. While it may offer an attractive rewards program, if you’re not paying off the balance each month, you could pay far more in interest than any rewards would provide. Additionally, these cards typically come with large annual fees and even higher interest rates. Think twice before agreeing to that new card and instead look for a card with a lower interest rate.*

2. Building up a good credit score can help you get a lower interest rate on a credit card. To improve your rating, make sure that you pay your bills on time and minimize your debt. It’s a catch 22 – if you could pay your bills on time each month, you wouldn’t necessarily need a credit card.

3. Try your best to reduce your debt each month. While doing away with all credit cards may be impractical, reducing your debt will help keep your finances in order and your fixed income more predictable.

If you need help reducing your debt, talk to a financial professional who could help you develop a plan that works for your habits and lifestyle.

Call or email the financial professionals in the First Financial Investment & Retirement Center at 732-312-1534, mary.laferriere@lpl.com or maureen.mcgreevy@lpl.com.

Securities and insurance offered through LPL or its affiliates are:

This material was prepared by LPL Financial, LLC

Tracking #1-05363571

*APR varies up to 18% for purchases, when you open your account based on your credit worthiness. The APR is 18% APR for balance transfers and cash advances. APRs will vary with the market based on the Prime Rate. Subject to credit approval. Rates quoted assume excellent borrower credit history. Your actual APR may vary based on your state of residence, approved loan amount, applicable discounts and your credit history. No Annual Fee. Other fees that apply: Cash advance fee of $10 or 3% of the total cash advance amount—whichever is greater (no maximum), Balance transfer fee of $10 or 3% of the balance—whichever is greater (no maximum), Late Payment Fee of $29, $10 Card Replacement Fee, and Returned Payment Fee of $29. A First Financial membership is required to obtain a Visa® Credit Card and is available to anyone who lives, works, worships, or attends school in Monmouth or Ocean Counties.

The Impact of Elections on the Markets and Tax Policy

Posted on October 18, 2024 by VP of Marketing and Business Development Jessica

We’re in the final stretch of the 2024 presidential election race. As we follow the news and parse the most recent polls, some may ask, “How might what happens on November 5 impact my finances?”

As financial professionals, we’ve done some homework and come to the following conclusion: you may care passionately about who wins, but your investment portfolio probably doesn’t.

Markets Over the Long Term

Consider how the stock market has performed under Republican and Democrat presidents throughout history. As the accompanying chart shows, the stock market has fluctuated under the leadership of both parties. However, the long-term trend suggests that the stock market’s performance may have more to do with the overall strength and resiliency of the U.S. economy than the person who sits in the Oval Office.¹

Stocks are measured by the Standard & Poor’s 500 Composite Index, an unmanaged index considered representative of the overall U.S. stock market. Index performance is not indicative of the past performance of a particular investment. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Individuals cannot invest directly in an index. Stock price returns and principal values will fluctuate as market conditions change. Shares, when sold, may be worth more or less than their original cost.

Is a Split Government Better for the Financial Markets?

While stock market performance has not historically depended on who wins the presidency, history shows that the market tends to like split control between the two major parties.

As the chart below illustrates, Democratic control of the White House and Senate, with Republican control of the House, has produced the highest average annual return.

However, the runner-up is the opposite—a Republican president and Senate and a Democratic House. While mixing and matching control of the levers of power in Washington, D.C., produced comparable results, the low results for the Republican president and Democratic Congress combo may be attributed to the 1973 oil crisis and 2008 global financial crisis bear markets.¹

What Matters to the Markets

Following how election results have affected the stock market over time is fascinating. Still, data suggests economic trends tend to have a more consistent relationship with market performance than who wins in November. Improving economic conditions (which can include falling inflation) tends to create a more favorable business environment.²

The Fate of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 overhauled the federal tax code by adjusting individual and business taxes. Although some of the provisions were permanent, most individual tax changes are not. Unless extended, many of the changes implemented are scheduled to “sunset” on December 31, 2025. At that time, rates will revert to pre-2017 levels.³

Keep in mind this article is for informational purposes only and is not a replacement for real-life advice. Tax policy is subject to revisions during the legislative process. We encourage you to consult your tax, legal, and accounting professionals before modifying your tax strategy. Also, we always welcome collaborating with your tax professional to help align your financial and tax strategies.

Staying the Course

While elections can trigger some market volatility, it’s critical to keep short-term events in perspective and not allow them to distract you from long-term financial strategy. The best approach is often to create a portfolio that reflects your goals, time horizon, and risk tolerance.

We’re Here If You Have Questions

We’re here to help. If you are a current client and want to discuss your strategy, please contact First Financial’s Investment & Retirement Center by calling 732.312.1534. You can also email mary.laferriere@lpl.com or maureen.mcgreevy@lpl.com

Securities and insurance offered through LPL or its affiliates are:

The information provided is not intended to be a substitute for specific individualized tax planning or legal advice. We suggest that you consult with a qualified tax or legal professional. All performance referenced is historical and is no guarantee of future results. All indices are unmanaged and may not be invested into directly.

Prepared by FMG Marketing

Sources:

1 Baird.com, March 14, 2024. The S&P 500 Composite Index represents the stock market, which is an unmanaged index considered representative of the overall U.S. stock market. Index performance is not indicative of the past performance of a particular investment. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Individuals cannot invest directly in an index. The return and principal value of stock prices will fluctuate as market conditions change. And shares, when sold, may be worth more or less than their original cost. https://www.bairdwealth.com/insights/market-insights/baird-market-strategy/2024/03/all-that-matters-elections-and-your-money/

2 U.S. Bank, June 21, 2024. https://www.usbank.com/investing/financial-perspectives/market-news/how-presidential-elections-affect-the-stock-market.html

3 Tax Foundation, June 2024. https://taxfoundation.org/research/federal-tax/2024-tax-plans/#Topics

Habits That Can Work Against Wealth Creation

Posted on October 11, 2024 by VP of Marketing and Business Development Jessica

Are You Undercutting Your Efforts to Build Wealth?

Good money habits can help you as you save and invest for the future. Bad habits can leave you treading water financially. Let’s review three bad money habits to avoid.

1. Not saving enough. Instead of paying themselves first, some families pay others first. Dollars they could save and invest are instead spent on consumer goods and services they don’t truly need. Money that could be saved and invested for tomorrow is spent today. Are there areas in your life where you could cut costs?

2. Carrying too much debt. Every effort should be made to reduce the size of credit card bills, student loans, and other consumer debt that risks siphoning money away from the pursuit of your long-range financial objectives.

3. Investing too conservatively. Historically, equity investments offer the potential for double-digit returns when the markets perform well. Fixed-income investments are frequently dependent on interest rates – when interest rates are low, their value is greater. When interest rates increase, these investments are subject to increased loss in value. Accepting some risk may give an investor a chance for greater reward.

Are these habits slowing your wealth-building momentum? Why not see where you stand today and gauge the potential positive impact that can come from paying yourself first and adjusting the way you invest? Call or email the financial professionals in the First Financial Investment & Retirement Center at 732-312-1534, mary.laferriere@lpl.com or maureen.mcgreevy@lpl.com

Securities and insurance offered through LPL or its affiliates are:

This material was prepared by LPL Financial, LLC

Tracking #485886

Considerations When Purchasing Life Insurance

Posted on September 13, 2024 by VP of Marketing and Business Development Jessica

Discussing life insurance can be a sensitive topic — after all, talking about death is never comfortable. But life insurance is an important financial product, especially if you support others or have substantial assets that you wish to transfer to future generations.

Choosing a life insurance plan is anything but straightforward, though. There are many types of insurance and features for you to consider. Here’s a quick overview of the most popular types.

The most popular type is term insurance, which often is the least expensive. These policies are written for a specific period of time — one to 30 years, for instance. You can renew them once the term expires, but the price may increase. If you wish to lock in the premium, you’ll select what’s called a level term policy.

A declining balance term insurance policy is used to protect your mortgage principal, and its benefits are paid only if you die during the policy’s term, which aligns with your mortgage amortization. Once you pay off your mortgage, the policy expires and has no value – unless you choose to renew it.

Whole life features permanent protection with a savings element. You can lock in a premium rate, and part of the premium accrues a cash value. As the savings amount increases, you can even borrow up to 90% of the policy’s cash value tax-free.

Next is universal life, which is like whole life but potentially accrues higher savings. You can change the premium amount and withdraw cash, and even possibly change the face value of the policy. These can offer a guaranteed return on cash value, too.

A variable life policy generally features a fixed premium and a flexible cash value policy. In fact, you can invest the cash in a variety of investment types. However, keep in mind that the cash value and death benefit can fluctuate, based on the performance of your investments.

Finally, universal variable life is considered an “aggressive” policy. While similar to variable life, there is no guarantee beyond the original face value death benefit. As such, they are more common with wealthy buyers who can withstand the risks.

For questions about navigating the many complexities of life insurance, including recommended coverage amounts, consult your financial professional. You can also email the financial professionals in the First Financial Investment & Retirement Center at mary.laferriere@lpl.com or maureen.mcgreevy@lpl.com.

Securities and insurance offered through LPL or its affiliates are:

The cost and availability of Life Insurance depend on many factors such as age, health and amount of insurance purchased. In addition to premiums, there are contract limitations, fees, exclusions, reductions of benefits, and charges associated with policy. And if a policy is surrendered prematurely, there may be surrender charges and income tax implications.

Variable Universal Life Insurance/Variable Life Insurance policies are subject to substantial fees and charges.

Both loans and withdrawals from a permanent life insurance policy may be subject to penalties and fees and, along with any accrued loan interest, will reduce the policy’s account value and death benefit. Withdrawals are taxed only to the extent that they exceed the policy owner’s cost basis in the policy and usually loans are free from current Federal taxation. A policy loan could result in tax consequences if the policy lapses or is surrendered while a loan is outstanding.

Policy values will fluctuate and are subject to market risk and to possible loss of principal.

Any life insurance guarantees are contingent upon the claims-paying ability of the issuing company.

This material was prepared by LPL Financial, LLC

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Fun and exciting financial education for all!

Category Archives: Planning for Your Financial Future & Retirement

Year End Tax Planning Tips

Your Year End Financial Checklist

Retiring Debt When You Retire

The Impact of Elections on the Markets and Tax Policy

Habits That Can Work Against Wealth Creation

Considerations When Purchasing Life Insurance

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