As the third quarter comes to an end with the arrival of cool autumn weather, this is one of the best times to get serious about planning how to minimize the inevitable. Over 65% of the year has transpired so by now a more factual attack strategy can be implemented because much of what has occurred during the year is known or can be anticipated. At this point, your financial planner may now be more precise with recommendations to delay income for subsequent years as a tax strategy, and can be more specific about deductions you should take or delay to limit your estate’s tax exposure. Here’s a little primer on what to consider. 1. Defer Your Income: The first strategy to consider when planning ways to reduce your annual income tax is to discuss with your financial planner if it’s possible to defer your current tax year income until a future year. This could reduce your immediate tax liabilities and may also place you in a lower tax bracket as well, saving tax costs in two important ways. The strategy as possible with certain retirement plans, or if you own a business there may be ways to shift income to another year. 2. Shift Income to Family Members: It may also be possible for you to reduce your federal income tax liabilities by shifting income to other members...

Using a Personal Financial Pyramid is a great way to understand how to plan for your financial future because it structures your financial health and financial growth in a way that helps you take care of the basics while also helping you achieve your midterm and long-term goals. The pyramid’s base is composed of four elements you need for daily life: Cash Flow: The money you need for your daily living expenses includes funds to pay your rent or mortgage, purchase food and supplies, and pay for your utilities. Insurance: The base of your pyramid also covers all your insurance expenses such as the premiums on your home insurance, car insurance, medical/dental, long-term care, and life insurance. You should also consider having disability insurance as part of your shield. Though most people are eligible for Worker’s Compensation, the amount you’ll receive in case of a physical disaster won’t be a lot and will probably be insufficient to handle your monthly costs when you’re not able to work. If something happens that prevents you from working and you wind up in rehab for six months or a year, your family will need sufficient revenue until you can return to work. The price of this insurance is less costly than suffering without income for a lengthy period of time. Discretionary Funding: In the base, such items as household supplies, clothing, cell...

The future is not so far away as you may think, and to quote a favorite line from W.H. Auden, “The years shall run like rabbits”. You may have noticed that as you get older, time goes by faster and the months begin to blur into years. Planning for the future you want to enjoy when you’re older, and taking action to secure that future, is paramount! We’ve previously discussed the nature of short-term goals, which are for saving money for emergencies, and six months of income in case you lose your job. Midterm goals, as you know, are for funds you’ll need in the next 3-5 years. Long-term financial goals are goals that may take more than five years to achieve, and consist of substantial outcomes such as saving and investing for a comfortable retirement, paying off all your debts including your mortgage, and perhaps building a legacy to pass on to your children and grandchildren. Achieving your vision depends on several factors, such as how much money you save and invest each month, how many years you save and invest, the amount of time remaining before you’ll need your funds for retirement, and reflecting carefully on the kind of lifestyle you want to enjoy when you are in retirement. We’re fortunate that in the United States there are a number of opportunities for accelerating your savings. One...

The purpose of your short-term goals is to set the foundation that prepares you for the sudden immediate financial needs of daily life, like having enough funds to cover a medical or dental emergency, unexpected car repairs, and stockpiling the equivalent of six months’ income in case your job situation is disrupted. Funding your short-term goals eliminates anxiety and helps you move forward so you can secure your midterm goals without the financial chaos that surprise expenses create. Midterm financial goals are different, and these are the funds you’ll need in the next 3-5 years. Some examples of midterm goals are such things as saving enough money to replace your car, pay off your debts, or finish coursework for a degree or certificate that advances your future financial situation. Because you’re planning 3-5 years out, it’s best to keep your goals realistic but also flexible. If you set your goals too high, frustration can prevent you from reaching them. While we’ve all mastered the ability to save money for an annual vacation or new bedroom set, when it comes to more ambitious goals, sometimes the price tag and the amount of time it takes to achieve goals with a longer timeline can require real personal effort and dedication to your purpose in order to stay disciplined for the length of your savings path. If one of your midterm goals...

Very rarely can significant gains be realized without first setting goals, and the first set of financial goals that serve as the base for your financial independence are your short-term goals. Short-term goals are for saving money for emergencies, and six months of income in case you lose your job. While most people focus on their midterm and long-term goals, they may be doing themselves a disservice by not taking care of the basics. Short-term financial goals are important because life sometimes presents unexpected surprises. Having a few thousand dollars set aside and easily available for an emergency is a smart thing to do. Having some handy cash will limit the anxiety and stress many people suffer during periods of uncertainty. Your Lifestyle Protection Plan is designed to help you preserve your current lifestyle until you reach retirement, and being prepared for setbacks like a medical emergency, the sudden need to see a dentist, or perhaps something that happens in your home like the refrigerator giving out, or flooding in the basement, or an unexpected visit to your automobile mechanic are all circumstances that are difficult to handle if you don’t have a set aside fund designed for unexpected emergencies. One of the features of your Lifestyle Protection Plan is being prepared by achieving solid short-term goals. When a difficult situation appears, you can’t keep it on the back...