Retirement Income Planning

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5 Steps for When You're in the Retirement Home Stretch

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It’s the home stretch! Important retirement decisions during the five to ten years before you leave the workforce can easily create more questions than answers. Dropping to the bottom line, one way to describe retirement readiness is getting in step with financial and lifestyle matters before you stop working. 

What to do? Start with the big picture and think about what the ideal retirement looks like for you. Maybe you have already dropped to the bottom line and have a preferred timeframe in your sights. Either way, below are five steps to help.

Five Fundamental Steps to Help Guide Decisions Leading Up to Your Retirement Day:

  1. See When You Can Realistically Retire
    It’s not a simple decision. Start with getting a general idea about out how much money you’re likely to spend each year. Some expenses drop off like payroll taxes, retirement savings, and potentially mortgage debt. Additional expenses may surface like extended travel, bucket list items, or higher than average health care costs.

  2. Make a Plan to Pay Off Your Debt
    While you are still working, review all outstanding debt. Personal loans, student loans, and credit cards tend to have higher interest rates. Make a plan to pay these off before you retire. Now is also the time to find the balance between putting “extra” on the mortgage and funding retirement accounts. Your financial planner and CPA can help with these decisions.

  3. Run the Numbers to Understand Where You Stand Today
    This is your opportunity to see how close you are to your potential retirement goal and what changes you might need to make. An annual review with your financial planner will help chart progress, identify gaps, and create solutions.

  4. See How Retirement Age Affects Social Security Benefits
    Some people are inclined to begin receiving Social Security as soon as possible, even if it means reduced payouts. For planning purposes the best decision depends on many variables including health, wealth, tax situation, and life expectancy. Understanding the impact to your retirement plan is a big part of making the decision when to draw those benefits.

  5. Keep Your Plan on Track
    Now that you are hitting the final stretch it is time to give your retirement savings all that you can.  Ramping up for the next ten years will make a big difference. 

You are almost there! Candidly thinking through your options and taking your plan to the next level is sure to help you hit your retirement mark in good stride. But if you need help along the way, please reach out to us or your Financial Planner for guidance.

Laurie Renchik, CFP®, MBA is a Partner and Senior Financial Planner at Center for Financial Planning, Inc.® In addition to working with women who are in the midst of a transition (career change, receiving an inheritance, losing a life partner, divorce or remarriage), Laurie works with clients who are planning for retirement. Laurie is a member of the Leadership Oakland Alumni Association and is a frequent contributor to Money Centered.

Opinions expressed are those of Laurie Renchik and are not necessarily those of RJFS or Raymond James. Every individual's situation is unique; please consult with a financial professional before making any investment decision.

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The Flexibility of a Roth IRA

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Contributed by: Kali Hassinger, CFP® Kali Hassinger

Whether it’s a 401(k) or 403(b), many employers provide employees with the option to defer their income and help save toward retirement. Although these are essential savings tools, it’s important to be aware of and understand other retirement savings options as well.  With a Roth IRA, your money is given the same opportunity to be invested and grow over time without taxation, with the additional benefit of being tax free at withdrawal! With a Roth IRA, however, the funds invested are already taxed, so there is no immediate tax benefit. Roth IRAs do provide additional advantages and flexibility, which can make them very attractive additions to your retirement savings.

Use of Contributions

Because you’ve already paid tax on the funds invested, Roth IRAs can allow you to take out 100% of your contributions at any point, with no taxes or penalties. Generally, contributions are assumed to be withdrawn first. Earnings, on the other hand, are subject to penalty if withdrawn prior to age 59 1/2.

First Time Homebuyers

Roth IRAs can be beneficial to young investors thanks to an exception which allows the account holder to withdraw funds prior to age 59 ½ without paying the 10% penalty tax.  After the Roth IRA has been established for 5 years, the account holder is able to withdrawal up to $10,000 if the funds are used toward his or her first home purchase. This means that a couple, if they both have established Roth IRAs, could use up to $20,000 toward their first home purchase.

Required Minimum Distributions

Roth IRAs do not have required minimum distributions (RMDs) during the lifetime of the owner, unlike other tax-deferred savings (like traditional IRAs, 401(k)s, 403(b)s) which require the owner to begin taking distributions at age 70 ½.  An inherited Roth IRA will, however, require the beneficiary to take annual distributions, but these withdrawals are still tax fee.

Conversions

Since Roth IRAs can be beneficial for long term tax planning, the IRA has placed income limits on who can make contributions. If your income is above this threshold, however, you may be able to work around those limitations by completing a back-door Roth conversion. This process is essentially opening and funding a traditional IRA with a non-deductible contribution, but then immediately converting the funds from that account into a Roth IRA. 

Whether you’re just starting out or getting close to retirement, a Roth IRA could be a beneficial addition to your retirement savings. By simply understanding all of your options, you can be more equipped to help achieve your long term financial goals. Please contact us if you have questions about this type of retirement account and how it could benefit your financial plan, we’re here to help!

Kali Hassinger, CFP® is an Associate Financial Planner at Center for Financial Planning, Inc.®

The information contained in this blog does not purport to be a complete description of the securities, markets, or developments referred to in this material. The information has been obtained from sources considered to be reliable, but we do not guarantee that the foregoing material is accurate or complete. Any opinions are those of Kali Hassinger and not necessarily those of Raymond James. Expressions of opinion are as of this date and are subject to change without notice. There is no guarantee that these statements, opinions or forecasts provided herein will prove to be correct. This material is being provided for information purposes only and is not a complete description, nor is it a recommendation. Investments mentioned may not be suitable for all investors. Roth IRA owners must be 59½ or older and have held the IRA for five years before tax-free withdrawals are permitted. Like Traditional IRAs, contribution limits apply to Roth IRAs. In addition, with a Roth IRA, your allowable contribution may be reduced or eliminated if your annual income exceeds certain limits. Contributions to a Roth IRA are never tax deductible, but if certain conditions are met, distributions will be completely income tax free. Unless certain criteria are met, Roth IRA owners must be 59½ or older and have held the IRA for five years before tax-free withdrawals are permitted. Additionally, each converted amount may be subject to its own five-year holding period. Converting a traditional IRA into a Roth IRA has tax implications. Investors should consult a tax advisor before deciding to do a conversion. Every investor's situation is unique and you should consider your investment goals, risk tolerance and time horizon before making any investment. Prior to making an investment decision, please consult with your financial advisor about your individual situation.

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The Last Day for 2016 IRA Contributions is Coming Soon!

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Contributed by: Jeanette LoPiccolo, CRPC® Jeanette LoPiccolo

Just like last year, the 2017 federal tax return deadline doesn't fall on the usual date of April 15. With the 15th falling on a Saturday and a holiday on the 17th, income tax filings for the 2016 tax year and federal tax payments are due on Tuesday, April 18th, 2017.

The last day to make a contribution to an IRA for any tax year is when taxes are due.

So, April 18th, 2017 is the last day to make a contribution to your individual retirement account for the 2016 tax year. Even if you file for an extension on your tax return, the deadline for 2016 IRA contributions is still April 18th.

Individuals who are 50 or older can contribute up to $6,500 to an IRA during a tax year, whereas younger savers can contribute $5,500. Making a contribution to an IRA before the tax deadline is a great way to catch up if you didn't maximize your IRA contribution during the last calendar year. 

Contributing to your retirement account is not just a smart decision for your future. Making a contribution to a traditional IRA can potentially reduce taxes you owe or result in a larger refund for the 2016 tax year. 

In addition, did you know that the Saver’s Credit is available to some taxpayers who make IRA contributions? While not everyone reading this blog may be eligible for this deal, you may have a friend or family member who is. You can pass along this info because helping others save money feels good too, right? 

It’s called the Retirement Savings Contributions Credit (aka the Saver’s Credit). Nick Defenthaler, CFP®, wrote a great blog about it.

Want a quick example of how the Saver’s Credit works? Jill, who works at a retail store, is married and earned $37,000 in 2016. Jill’s husband is finishing college and didn’t have any earnings. Jill contributed $1,000 to her IRA for 2016 before the 4/18/17 deadline. After deducting her IRA contribution, the adjusted gross income shown on her joint return is $36,000. Jill may claim a 50% credit, $500, for her $1,000 IRA contribution.

For more information, check out the IRS website link here.

If you have any questions or want to contribute to your retirement account, please feel free to contact us or your CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional.

Jeanette LoPiccolo, CRPC® is a Client Service Manager at Center for Financial Planning, Inc.®

This information has been obtained from sources considered to be reliable, but we do not guarantee that the foregoing material is accurate or complete. Opinions expressed are those of Jeanette LoPiccolo and are not necessarily those of RJFS or Raymond James. Please note, changes in tax laws may occur at any time and could have a substantial impact upon each person's situation. While we are familiar with the tax provisions of the issues presented herein, as Financial Advisors of RJFS, we are not qualified to render advice on tax issues. You should discuss tax matters with the appropriate professional. Links to third party websites are being provided for informational purposes only. Raymond James is not affiliated with and does not endorse, authorize or sponsor any of the listed websites or their respective sponsors. Raymond James is not responsible for the content of any website or the collection or use of information regarding any website's users and/or members.

Sources:
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If Tom Brady was your Financial Planner

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Contributed by: Timothy Wyman, CFP®, JD Tim Wyman

What if Tom Brady, one of the all-time great quarterbacks, was your financial planner? Just imagine, what if he decides that after leading his team to a comeback victory in this year’s championship game that he is done with football and becomes a financial planner instead?  And, he accepts you and your family on his client roster.

I have heard Tom Brady discuss keys to his and his team’s success many times. He speaks of preparation, trusting the process, and being associated with high integrity teammates and organizations. My sense is that financial planner Tom Brady would apply much of the same to his financial planning advice. 

Prepare yourself for a successful retirement or financial independence.

Put a plan in place taking into consideration your current realities and where you want to go (the end zone). Identify how you will make first downs as you continue to strive for the goal line; save the correct percentage of income, utilize tax advantaged accounts such as 401k’s and 403b’s, invest for growth but don’t take unnecessary risks until you’re 4th down and 8 in the 4th quarter. This preparation occurs year round – not just when it is convenient.

Tom Brady would also be a financial planner stressing the importance of trusting the process. 

If you have a plan in place that reflects your personal goals, you practice it Monday through Saturday, and then trust it on game day.  My sense is that Tom Brady would be one of the best at closing the gap between what financial markets return and what investors actually gain due to less than ideal investment behavior. Tom would be a master at behavior finance because he would give his clients the courage and confidence to trust the process and continue to trust it during games. I can picture him in the huddle with ten other professionals – the fans are going crazy – the clock is winding down and Tom calmly says, “We’ve been through this before, we have prepared, we have planned for this, now let’s go win the game.” Maybe just as important, I am quite certain Tom Brady wouldn’t say, “Let’s abandon our process – for this last quarter of the game let’s switch to the Air Raid offense and hope we are right.” Financial planner Tom Brady would most likely instill discipline in his practice for the benefit of his clients.

If Tom Brady was a financial planner, I feel he’d want to be associated with a firm that espoused the same values as him rather than being the largest in size or in the market.

He would want an organization that has history and owners that shared his passion for excellence. He would want to be associated with an organization that put his interests first, not a commissioner or Wall Street.

Lastly, if Tom Brady was a financial planner he would share and celebrate in your success. The accomplishment of goals such as attaining a successful retirement or perhaps winning a football game on a specific Sunday are unique and not everyone will experience either. Tom would be on the podium with you – thanking all that had a hand in reaching the goal – shedding a tear or two before he got back to the office to prepare for his next client.

Until Tom Brady announces his career change, please feel free to let us be your Tom Brady. Our financial planners and entire team are here to help you prepare and can’t wait to celebrate your success.

Timothy Wyman, CFP®, JD is the Managing Partner and Financial Planner at Center for Financial Planning, Inc.® and is a contributor to national media and publications such as Forbes and The Wall Street Journal and has appeared on Good Morning America Weekend Edition and WDIV Channel 4. A leader in his profession, Tim served on the National Board of Directors for the 28,000 member Financial Planning Association™ (FPA®), mentored many CFP® practitioners and is a frequent speaker to organizations and businesses on various financial planning topics.

Opinions expressed are those of Timothy Wyman and are not necessarily those of RJFS or Raymond James. Investing involves risk, investors may incur a profit or loss regardless of the strategy or strategies employed. Raymond James is not affiliated with Tom Brady. This content is hypothetical and has been provided for illustrative purposes only.

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The Connection between Home Renovations and Financial Planning

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Contributed by: Nick Defenthaler, CFP® Nick Defenthaler

About two months ago, my wife and I decided that it was time to take the plunge and finish our basement.  As I’m sure many of you can relate to, our 18 month old son’s toys have quickly taken over our living room. What was once a peaceful area for us to relax and watch some TV, has literally turned into a mini-jungle gym! We wanted more room for his play area as well as give us some extra space for entertaining friends and family. Home renovations are a pain. We’ve all been there. They’re expensive, stressful, and can often time end up being a money pit. After much thought and months of saving, however, we decided it was the right time to move forward with our project.

I think it’s important to note that I am NOT a do-it-yourself kind of guy. The extent of my handyman skills are changing lightbulbs and hanging a picture. I think acknowledging this as a weakness is extremely important. Since I know home improvements are not my forte, we’ve elected to delegate this work and hire a professional to make sure our project was done properly and to our liking. Even if I had the expertise to do some of the work on my own, I know I wouldn’t want my spare time to be consumed working on the basement. I’d much rather spend that time with my family and friends. 

We spent several weeks interviewing different contractors to determine who we felt would be the best fit for our project. Many things were taken into account throughout this process. Referrals from friends and family, quality of work, level of comfort and cost, just to name a few. We probably met with five contractors who all wanted the job, and who were all fairly close in price. Jack, the contractor we ended up hiring, was not the cheapest, but he wasn’t the most expensive. We decided to move forward with him because we gained a level of trust with him and knew he did quality work for mutual friends and family members. Jack won me over when I called him about five times within two days, asking him what probably seemed like simple, and more than likely, dumb questions. To Jack’s credit, however, he never lost his patience with me or made me feel silly for asking them. He was willing to make sure my mind was at ease, knowing this was not something I was an expert in. Although the process has been stressful at times, Jack has kept us in the loop the entire time, been extremely honest and overall, has done a phenomenal job building out our basement to how we had envisioned. 

As our basement is in the final stages of completion, I couldn’t help but take a step back and realize how many similarities existed with our home renovation and how we work together with clients at The Center. Over our 30+ year history, in my opinion and experiences, the clients that have the most potential success are those who realize that investing and financial planning is not an area of expertise or something they want to spend free time on. They value delegating, have the desire to hire a professional they trust and know we will be with them throughout each step of life to help them achieve their personal and financial goals. One of the best pieces of advice I was ever given was to always identify and accept the things you are not an expert in, and hire a professional to do the work right for you. I firmly believe those who find the most success in life are masters at this. By doing so, it allows us to focus more energy on the areas we are truly passionate about. Time is hard to come by, why not try to spend more of it on the things that create more meaning and happiness for us and our family? So give us a call when you’re ready to delegate, we’re always here to help and answer your questions!

Nick Defenthaler, CFP® is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ at Center for Financial Planning, Inc.® Nick is a member of The Center’s financial planning department and also works closely with Center clients. In addition, Nick is a frequent contributor to the firm’s blogs.

Any opinions are those of Nick Defenthaler, CFP®, and not necessarily those of Raymond James.

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Planning for a Wild 2017

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Contributed by: Kali Hassinger, CFP® Kali Hassinger

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Happy 2017 everyone! A new year is a great opportunity to evaluate your financial wellbeing and set goals for the future.  Some of you may have existing financial plans in place, and others may be thinking that 2017 is the year to take control of your finances.  In either situation, it’s important to understand that financial planning is an ongoing and ever-evolving process. Separate from your personal circumstances, there are many outside forces that affect your financial plan, and there are a few items that may be especially important to evaluate this year.

Given the events of 2016 and possible changes in 2017, the following circumstances could be prime examples of why it’s important to review and update your plan.

  • Taxes – With the impending presidency of Donald Trump and the GOP in control of both the House and the Senate, we are anticipating a possible overhaul of the current tax system. For almost all taxpayers, your current tax rate could be reduced.  If the brackets are consolidated as expected, 2017 may be a good year to accelerate taxable income or max out your Roth IRA contributions. You can read more about the proposed tax plans here (http://www.centerfinplan.com/money-centered/2016/12/22/is-tax-reform-coming ).  

  • Estate Planning – Just as with taxes, the political landscape of 2017 is set to possibly repeal the current Estate Tax. Because this tax is such a central point for Estate Planning with high net worth individuals, some current estate plans may need to be revised. There is also the possibility that the current gift tax laws may be on the docket for elimination. Although nothing is certain at this point, we will remain up to-date on any changes as they come.

  • Allocation – 2016 was certainly a year of surprises for the market. After a decline in January, the shock of Brexit, and Donald Trump’s unanticipated election, the market overcame intermittent volatility and reached all-time highs in November.  Just as no one could predict that the market dip after Brexit would recover so quickly, no one expected the markets to actually go up in the wake of Trump’s election. There is no way to predict the future, but there is a disciplined investing approach that can help you through market uncertainties. With a balanced investment portfolio it is possible to reap the benefits of part of these gains while also insulating yourself from potential volatility. Your balanced portfolio returns may not reach the same highs as the S&P 500, but it can help you reach your goals with proper management over time. 

Regardless of your situation, a new year is always a great opportunity to reorganize and review your goals.  Life can be unpredictable, but not unplannable. We are always here to help, and we encourage you to reach out with questions.

Happy New Year! 

Kali Hassinger, CFP® is an Associate Financial Planner at Center for Financial Planning, Inc.®

This information does not purport to be a complete description of the securities, markets, or developments referred to in this material, it is not a complete summary or statement of all available data necessary for making an investment decision and does not constitute a recommendation. Opinions expressed are those of Kali Hassinger, CFP®, and are not necessarily those of RJFS or Raymond James. Expressions of opinion are as of this date and are subject to change. There is no assurance that the statements, opinions or forecasts mentioned will prove to be correct. Investing involves risk, investors may incur a profit or loss regardless of the strategy or strategies employed. Asset allocation and diversification do not ensure a profit or guarantee against loss. Raymond James Financial Services, Inc. and its advisors do not provide advice on tax or legal issues, these matters should be discussed with the appropriate professional. The S&P 500 is an unmanaged index of 500 widely held stocks that is generally considered representative of the U.S. stock market. Please note that direct investment in an index is not possible.

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How Much of My Income Should I Be Saving?

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Contributed by: Nick Defenthaler, CFP® Nick Defenthaler

This is a common and logical question to ask, right?  Unfortunately, there are too many unknown factors to give a precise answer.  If you’re 45, you have at least 15-20 years before you retire.  A lot can change in life during this time frame! What you think you may want retirement to look like might drastically change over the course of nearly two decades. How much you save obviously can have a big impact on your retirement goals. The simple answer I often hear in regards to this question is, “save at least what your company match is.” Meaning, if your employer offers a 4% match, you should contribute at least 4% to be eligible for the free money your employer is offering by incentivizing you to save for the future. Time to get blunt. Saving 4% isn’t enough. If you’re in your mid to late twenties, this is an acceptable savings rate to get in the habit of saving for retirement, in conjunction with paying down student loans, saving for a house, wedding or having children. When you’re 20 or fewer years away from retirement, however, that number simply needs to be more than the company match – probably closer to 15% - 20%. 

Thirty or forty years ago, saving 4% often times could in-fact create a successful retirement. So what’s changed? The extinction of the company pension plan.  Do you know that it would take a $615,000 retirement account to re-create a $40,000 income stream for 30 years, assuming a 5% distribution rate? In addition, most retirees who do receive a pension don’t just spend their pension income, they withdraw from their portfolio as well -- meaning far more than the $615,000 in my example would have to be accumulated prior to retirement to supplement spending for a 25+ year time horizon. 

So, if you’re not saving in the teens or twenties for retirement, how do you get there? I recommend implementing what I call the “one per year” strategy.  Meaning, you commit to increasing your 401k savings percentage by at least 1% each and every year until you get where you need to be in regards to your retirement saving goals. This is typically very doable for most; we just simply don’t make the change online or with our Human Resources department. As the New Year quickly approaches, now is the perfect time to evaluate your current savings level and check in with your planner to see if you need to be doing more. Many 401k plans now actually offer a great feature that automatically increases your contribution level each and every year, typically in January. Studies have shown that when things are automated, such as savings, they actually get done!  Ask your HR manager or 401k administrator if the plan allows for this and if so, seriously consider taking advantage of it.  

By increasing savings gradually, it will help make retirement savings far more manageable and realistic for many.

Think about it, if you’re trying to lose 100 pounds and you become fixated on that large number, chances are you’ll become overwhelmed and give up on your weight loss goal. Those who have the most success are the ones who focus on small victories. Losing a few pounds per month until that goal is met– the same goes for retirement savings.  

Keep it simple and be consistent – good things usually happen when we do just that!

Nick Defenthaler, CFP® is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ at Center for Financial Planning, Inc.® Nick is a member of The Center’s financial planning department and also works closely with Center clients. In addition, Nick is a frequent contributor to the firm’s blogs.

The information contained in this blog does not purport to be a complete description of the securities, markets, or developments referred to in this material. The information has been obtained from sources considered to be reliable, but we do not guarantee that the foregoing material is accurate or complete. Any opinions are those of Nick Defenthaler, CFP® and not necessarily those of Raymond James. Expressions of opinion are as of this date and are subject to change without notice. There is no guarantee that these statements, opinions or forecasts provided herein will prove to be correct. Investing involves risk and you may incur a profit or loss regardless of strategy selected. 401(k) plans are long term retirement savings vehicles. Withdrawal of pre-tax contributions and/or earnings will be subject to ordinary income tax and, if taken prior to age 59 1/2, may be subject to a 10% federal tax penalty. Matching contributions from your employer may be subject to a vesting schedule. Please consult with your financial advisor for more information.

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Restricted Stock Units vs Employee Stock Options

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Contributed by: Kali Hassinger, CFP® Kali Hassinger

Some of you may be familiar with the blanket term "stock options." In the past, this term was most likely referring to Employee Stock Options (or ESOs). ESOs were frequently offered as an employee benefit and form of compensation, but, over time, employers have adapted stock options to better benefit both the employee and themselves.

ESOs provided the employee the right to buy a certain number of company shares at a predetermined price for a specific period of time. These options, however, would lose their value if the stock price dropped below the predetermined price, thus becoming essentially worthless to the employee. As an alternative to this format, a large number of employers are now utilizing another type of stock option known as Restricted Stock Units (or RSUs). This option is referred to as a "full value stock grant" because, unlike ESOs, RSUs are worth the "full value" of the stock shares when the grant vests. This means that the RSU will always have value to the employee upon vesting (assuming the stock price doesn't reach $0). In this sense, the RSU is more advantageous to the employee than the ESO.

As opposed to some other types of stock options, the employer is not transferring stock ownership or allocating any outstanding stock to the employee until the predetermined RSU vesting date. The shares granted with RSUs are essentially a promise between the employer and employee, but no shares are received by the employee until vesting. Since there is no "constructive receipt" (IRS term!) of the shares, there is also no taxation until vesting.

For example, if an employer grants 5,000 shares of company stock to an employee as an RSU, the employee won't be sure of how much the grant is worth until vesting. If this stock is valued at $25 upon vesting, the employee would have $125,000 of compensation income (reported on the W-2) that year.

As you can imagine, vesting can cause a large jump in taxable income for the year, so the employee may have to select how to withhold for taxes. Some usual options include paying cash, selling or holding back shares within the grant to cover taxes, or selling all shares and withholding cash from the proceeds. In some RSU plan structures, the employee is allowed to defer receipt of the shares after vesting in order to avoid income taxes during high earning years. In most cases, however, the employee will still have to pay Social Security and Medicare taxes the year the grant vests.

Although there are a few differences between the old school stock option and the newer Restricted Stock Unit hybrid, these options can provide the same incentive for employees. If you have any questions about your own stock options, please reach out to us!

Kali Hassinger, CFP® is an Associate Financial Planner at Center for Financial Planning, Inc.®

The information contained in this report does not purport to be a complete description of the securities, markets, or developments referred to in this material. The information has been obtained from sources considered to be reliable, but we do not guarantee that the foregoing material is accurate or complete. Any opinions are those of Kali Hassinger, CFP® and not necessarily those of Raymond James. Expressions of opinion are as of this date and are subject to change without notice. There is no guarantee that these statements, opinions or forecasts provided herein will prove to be correct. Investing involves risk and you may incur a profit or loss regardless of strategy selected. This information is not intended as a solicitation or an offer to buy or sell any security referred to herein. Investments mentioned may not be suitable for all investors. This is a hypothetical example for illustration purpose only and does not represent an actual investment.

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Should I Accelerate My Mortgage Payoff?

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Contributed by: Matt Trujillo, CFP® Matt Trujillo

Most homeowners make their regular mortgage payments every month for the duration of the loan term, and never think of doing otherwise. But by prepaying your mortgage, you could reduce the amount of interest you'll pay over time.

How Prepayment Affects a Mortgage

By prepaying your mortgage, you could reduce the amount of interest you'll pay over the life of the loan, regardless of the type of mortgage. Prepayment, however, affects fixed rate mortgages and adjustable rate mortgages in different ways.

If you prepay a fixed rate mortgage, you'll pay your loan off early. By reducing the term of your mortgage, you'll pay less interest over the life of the loan, and you'll own your home free and clear in less time.

If you prepay an adjustable rate mortgage, the term of your mortgage generally won't change. Your total loan balance will be reduced faster than scheduled, so you'll pay less interest over the life of the loan. Every time your interest rate is recalculated, your monthly payments may go down as well, since they'll be calculated against a smaller principal balance. If your interest rate goes up substantially, however, your monthly payments could increase, even though your principal balance has decreased.

Should I Prepay My Mortgage?

A common predicament is what to do with extra cash. Should you invest it or use it to prepay your mortgage? You'll need to consider many factors when making your decision. For instance, do you have an investment alternative that will give you a greater yield after taxes than prepaying your mortgage would offer in savings? Perhaps you'd be better off putting your money in a tax-deferred investment vehicle (particularly one where your contributions are matched, as in some employer-sponsored 401(k) plans). Remember, though, that the interest savings you'll obtain by prepaying your mortgage is a certainty; by comparison, the return on an alternative investment may not be a sure thing.

Other factors may also influence your decision. The best time to consider making prepayments on your mortgage would be when:

  • You can afford to contribute money on a regular basis

  • You have no better investment alternatives of comparable certainty

  • You cannot refinance your mortgage to obtain a lower interest rate

  • You have no outstanding consumer debts that are charging you high interest that isn't deductible for income tax purposes (e.g., credit card balances)

  • You are in the early years of your mortgage, when, given the amortization schedule, the interest charges are highest

  • You have sufficient liquid savings (three to six months' worth of living expenses) to cover your needs in the event of an emergency

  • You won't need the funds you'll use for mortgage prepayment in the near future for some other purpose, such as paying for college or caring for an aging parent

  • You intend to remain in your home for at least the next few years

Particularly against a fixed rate mortgage, regular contributions toward prepayment can dramatically shorten the life of the loan and result in savings on the total interest you're charged. As always, consult your financial planner before make any large financial moves. We’re here to look at the big picture and help make the best decisions for you particular situations.

Matthew Trujillo, CFP®, is a Certified Financial Planner™ at Center for Financial Planning, Inc.® Matt currently assists Center planners and clients, and is a contributor to Money Centered.

Raymond James Financial Services, Inc. and your Raymond James Financial Advisor do not solicit or offer residential mortgage products and are unable to accept any residential mortgage loan applications or to offer or negotiate terms of any such loan. You will be referred to a qualified Raymond James Bank employee for your residential mortgage lending needs.

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How to Get on the Same Financial Page

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If I told you that over 40% of couples don’t know how much their partner earns, would you believe it? The Couples Retirement Survey recently published by Fidelity Investments revealed that this statistic is in fact true. My first thought was, “how can this be” and a close second was “what’s the best way for folks falling in the 40% to get in sync financially?”   

Here are 5 straightforward questions to help get the conversation started.

Getting to the answers may not be easy especially if there is no centralized management in the household. Ready – set – go!

  1. Do we have any financial secrets? Talk about debt, obligations, past mistakes and what you learned. Are you a spender or a saver? Develop a shared vision for the future.

  2. How much do we earn? Include bonuses in your discussion and consider your future career goals and earning potential as well. 

  3. What’s our budget? Do you know your cost of living? Is it above your means or below? Create and maintain a budget together.

  4. What do we own and what do we owe? Take an inventory or your collective assets and liabilities; property, insurance policies, bank and retirement accounts—anything that involves money.

  5. How much are we saving for retirement and where are the accounts? Keep track of your 401(k)s, including those from previous jobs; IRA’s and other accounts dedicated to retirement savings. How much are you contributing and whose name is on each?

The preceding five questions are conversation starters. Want to get started? Set a date to talk money using these questions as a starting point. Compile all of your account numbers and passwords in a secure place for easy reference and share with your partner. Schedule time with your financial planner to review your progress and strategize for a more complete understanding of your financial status as a couple which is crucial to planning, budgeting and saving toward future goals.

Laurie Renchik, CFP®, MBA is a Partner and Senior Financial Planner at Center for Financial Planning, Inc.® In addition to working with women who are in the midst of a transition (career change, receiving an inheritance, losing a life partner, divorce or remarriage), Laurie works with clients who are planning for retirement. Laurie is a member of the Leadership Oakland Alumni Association and is a frequent contributor to Money Centered.

This information has been obtained from sources considered to be reliable, but we do not guarantee that the foregoing material is accurate or complete.

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