Most Clicked Financial Planning Digest Stories
1. Combining activities to avoid Section 183 limits
Financial Planning Digest | Nov 17, 2009
Tax Adviser, The (11/2009)
2. Savings vehicle aims to combine best of pensions, 401(k)
Financial Planning Digest | Nov 17, 2009
DB(k) plans, which were created in the 2006 tax code, may be launched as early as January. The plans are appealing because they combine a 401(k)-like savings vehicle with a guarantee resembling that found in a traditional pension plan. The plans will be allowed at firms with fewer than 500 employees, but some want Congress to allow all firms to implement the plans. The new plans were developed by the American Society of Pension Professionals and Actuaries and Principal Financial Group. Google (11/06)
3. Stimulus act may help struggling owners of rental property
Financial Planning Digest | Nov 17, 2009
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 may be helpful to some rental property owners who are struggling with reduced cash flow while owing more on the mortgage than the property is worth. The law allows owners who are not able to service the property debt and either modify the debt or lose it to the lender to defer recognition of income from indebtedness canceled this year or next. Journal of Accountancy (11/2009)
4. Conditions are ideal for transferring ownership of family business
Financial Planning Digest | Nov 17, 2009
The economic downturn has created an ideal time for family businesses to transfer ownership of the company within the family, according to this article. "With business valuations depressed and interest rates near historic lows, owners can use wealth-planning strategies, such as trusts and other techniques, to pass bigger slices of their businesses to their heirs more cost-efficiently," said Joseph Fahey of Wells Fargo & Co.'s Private Bank. FA-Mag.com (11/10)
5. November/December Planner now available
Financial Planning Digest | Nov 17, 2009
The last 2009 issue of Planner is devoted to an extensive article about Roth IRA conversions by Robert Keebler. Keebler covers not only the basics of this tax-saving and wealth-preserving planning tool -- to become available to all on Jan. 1, 2010 -- he analyses different reasons for converting: tactical, opportunistic, strategic or hedging. He also offers useful material on recharacterization, including circumventing anti-cherry-picking rules with segregated conversions. The electronic version of Bob Keebler's book, Rebirth of Roth: A CPA's Ultimate Guide for Client Care, will be provided FREE to PFP members at the end of December. To access other Roth resources, click here.
Other articles include highlights of the upcoming 2010 AICPA Advanced Personal Financial Planning Conference (taking place Jan. 17 through 20 in Orlando) by conference chair Michael Goodman and an update on the PFS Exam and Case Study program (Dec. 7 through 10 outside Dallas -- last chance to register is Nov. 24) and its valuable sponsorship program (extended due date to submit application is Nov. 24). Click here to read the newsletter.
6. Justices suggest SEC should set mutual fund fees
Financial Planning Digest | Nov 17, 2009
Several Supreme Court justices appeared to suggest during a case being closely watched by the mutual fund industry that the Securities and Exchange Commission, and not courts, should have authority over setting fund fees. "It makes a lot more sense to have the SEC regulate rates than to have courts do it, doesn't it?" Chief Justice John Roberts said. Financial advisers were quick to echo the apparent sentiments of the justices. "That's what the SEC is there for," said Richard Schroeder, executive vice president of Schroeder Braxton & Vogt. InvestmentAdvisor.com (11/03) InvestmentNews (11/03)
7. New Member Benefit: Bob Veres Inside Information newsletter
Financial Planning Digest | Nov 17, 2009
Bob Veres Inside Information newsletter service was introduced last month as a FREE benefit to all PFP Section members and PFS Credential holders. The November newsletter is now available on the PFP Web site. In this issue, Bob provides valuable practice-management tips that CPA financial planners can apply as they strive to improve client relationships and service. View this month's newsletter. Also, Bob Veres Media Reviews service will save you hours of reading each week by summarizing the content of three or four professional magazines each month, with direct links so you can go straight to the articles that interest you. You stay on top of everything in that pile of magazines next to your desk. Two November editions of Media Reviews are now available.
8. Advisers have opportunity to help investors with Roth conversions
Financial Planning Digest | Nov 17, 2009
InvestmentNews (11/10)
9. Some analysts say 10% unemployment could be the new normal
Financial Planning Digest | Nov 17, 2009
InvestmentNews (11/15)
10. Some investors see opportunities in commercial real estate
Financial Planning Digest | Nov 17, 2009
The economic downturn has prompted some investors, particularly retirees, to become more conservative, preferring to put their money in bonds and bank CDs. Others, however, see the steep decline in commercial real estate prices as an opportunity. "They view it as a once-in-a-lifetime buying opportunity," he says. Whether or not that's true, it does seem that with today's low valuations, there are real deals to be had," said Dennis Stearns, a planner in Greensboro, N.C. Financial Planning (11/2009)
Sign up for Financial Planning Digest
