Friday, November 27, 2020

New IRA rules: use tax-advantaged accounts longer

 

How Congress people determine the winners and losers

Recently, Sen. David Perdue (R-GA) provided the perfect example of how politicians make winning in the stock market easy ... for themselves. Our representatives are well rewarded for helping the winners win. Another example is the guaranteed $1.95 billion “advance purchase” agreement with Pfizer. This ensures Pfizer’s senior management will be well compensated for delivering 100 million doses of vaccine. We will still have to pay for each dose separately. There are many examples of this activity as shown here: https://www.reuters.com/article/markets-saft-idUSL2N14V2OV20160113. But we can still double our savings in 10-12 years over and over with a stock market account by using a low-cost index fund. We win too: TIME value of money. And we can make our savings tax-FREE by using an IRS-approved account—less tax; more to spend.

https://www.amazon.com/Money-Ball-Investing-Winning-unfair/dp/1548831409

 

$1,000,000 retirement fund?

The secret to reaching this goal is TIME and compound interest—both you can use for FREE. This strategy is recommended by the famous investor Warren Buffett. It takes $250 a month for 35 years to reach this goal using his strategy. The Buffett strategy does not cost a lot—there are no broker fees, no upfront costs. There is an annual charge of 0.04%. For your $250 a month, you will be buying shares of a mutual fund that invests in 500 company stocks like these: Apple Microsoft Amazon.com Alphabet (Google) Facebook Berkshire Hathaway (GEICO, etc) Johnson & Johnson Procter & Gamble NVIDIA and Visa. Because you are not paying a broker’s commission each month, you will earn about 11% a year over time. Of course, in 35 years, your $1 million will not buy as much as today’s money will buy because of inflation. However, no one spends their whole retirement funds right away so if you keep compounding interest, you can buy $1 million worth of things eventually. Remember, you only invested $105,000 for your million dollars. The rest is your gain in capital. This strategy only works if you keep investing $250 or more a month and you use the mutual fund Buffett recommends.

https://www.amazon.com/Warren-Buffett-Your-Investment-Advisor/dp/1518690963

 

New IRA rules: use tax-advantaged accounts longer

New rule: We must begin paying tax on our tax-deferred accounts like IRA and pensions starting at 72 NOT 70½. We are told how much to take out in the form of the IRS table of required minimum distributions (RMD). When we are earning wages and pulling out RMDs, the tax consequences can result in higher tax rates and an increased percentage of our Social Security benefits being subjected to taxes. New rule: reduce taxes by making a deductible IRA contribution after age 70½. The SECURE Act in 2019 changed that. Now our traditional IRA contributions have NO age cutoff and allows additional contributions as long as we still work. Even a part-time or self-employment job like Lyft Uber will qualify. We can deduct up to $7,000 each depending on income. Avoid future tax hikes: create a tax-FREE retirement by converting IRA money to Roth IRA tax-FREE money. We may choose to convert any amount to the Roth from our traditional IRA. We pay taxes now instead of paying greater amounts later. Tax needed to pay for breaks for rich.

Make a plan: https://www.amazon.com/Your-Plan-Live-Age-100/dp/1548180793

 

Money is tight—cut coverage on some plans

Life insurance: buy term to cover your family for 20 years only. Once your kids are on their own there is no need to cover them. Usually you will have enough in assets for your survivor by then. Permanent life with a savings component and individual disability cover are a waste of money unless you’re protecting your personal business. Vehicle insurance: low deductible and comprehensive coverage on an older car that you own is a waste of money. Better to use an umbrella liability policy to cover lawsuits so you don’t lose your home and assets. Use a savings/investment account to replace mortgage life, accident and disability. Create an education fund to protect your children’s future. Child life insurance is a waste. Beware dental, travel, car rental, pet, ID theft and warranty insurance exclusions. A savings/investment account can cover all these low-probability risks. Instead use the premiums over time for a better retirement nest egg.

The best insurance is having money: https://www.amazon.com/Drop-Your-Insurance-Only-What/dp/1448623391

 

Why Wall Street loves stock traders

Academics who study stock pickers have long observed that the vast majority of professional money managers – about 85% – underperform their benchmarks over a multiyear period. Yes, once in a while for short periods, they hit the money—just like gamblers. But we know the house makes money from those who keep betting despite the odds because of their illusions. Wall Street makes money from trading and fees repeated year in and year out with little for us. Consider all the professional traders who use powerful computers to pick and trade thousands of shares in seconds. Individuals have little chance of finding the gold seam. Wall Street spins a money fantasy—do the opposite: stay invested, don’t trade, buy low-cost market indexes in diversified sectors, use tax-advantaged accounts, and manage dividend/gain taxes. A study of 1600 traders concludes: “We show that it is virtually impossible for individuals to day trade for a living.” DALBAR tracks returns over time: High-cost managed equity funds average 3.79% vs. low-cost S&P 500 index average 11.06% a year. Use low-cost index funds or ETFs from Vanguard, Schwab, or Fidelity and beat the Wall Street “professionals.”

https://www.amazon.com/You-Beat-Wall-Street-professionals/dp/1986031373

 

 

 

**********ACCOUNTABILITY**************

 

Like 1776, this period is a test of democracy—We reject the "American fascist"

 

Our ‘Truth and Reconciliation Commission’ 

 

Trump’s war: 270,000 KIA

Trump defies Supreme’s decision

Will Biden need military to evict Trump?

 

American-style fascism vs democracy

Do 74 million of us want democracy?

The Big Con continues: we never learn

 

How Govt wastes our money: Our Representatives gave 3.7 Trillion to the wealthy! 

Will Trump shutdown government in final revenge act on America? Revenge

Trump country ND leads the world in deaths: 1 in ever 1000 dead: real not hoax

43% of drivers/passengers killed in accidents not wearing seat belt. Masks same?

Supremes: religious can spread virus: no masks required bec/ “no restrictions on bike shops”

 

Trump let Mexican drug dealer “El Padrino” go free: freeing many of his ‘friends’

Another armed teen shoots 8 in WI mall: 2nd Amendment killing us: dead have no rights

GA is recounting votes after recounting votes by hand: how many times; how much cost

 

Trump donor Rod Aycox gets federal money targeted for small biz: friends in high places win

“Follow the money”: GA senator run off between rich and richer: American Socialism for Rich

NYC road/bus checks for virus: just like in the movies: 14 days lockup for out of towners

 

SCAMS/SPINS:

American owners shows how to kick people when they are down on their luck

The BIG Con continues: ‘worldwide’ conspiracy to change 6 million votes: Blue to Red

Biden cannot find any socialists Trump said would take over government

Can GOP hold off all Biden appointments/policy until TrumpWorld comes back?

 

40-50% of Americans say they won’t take vaccine that can save their lives. Leaders maskless

Will these machine gun terrorists leave the White House quietly before January 20?

Trump attacks birthright citizenship: U.S.-born children not citizens: we are not citizens?

 

Biden’s EPA pick: lobbyist who helped DuPont avoid regulations  

 

GOP gave up its democratic principles to a Trump dictatorship: can GOP go back?

Dictators don’t go quietly: usually force is needed: “I am the only one who matters”

 

How many criminals will the ‘law and order’ con man pardon? Giuliani still licensed?

So it is OK to lie to FBI if you have a friend in high places: Justice for some not others

 

Trump found a judge to stop PA certification: can one woman change millions of votes?

Could Trump reverse 4 state election results: MI, WI, AZ, GA? His alien advisor helps?

Trump told supporters NOT to use mail ballots: suppressing the vote backfired on him

Trump’s conspiracies have MAGA world talking Georgia boycott so Dems win!

 

Real voter fraud: Trump told us to vote in person AND by mail--no Black voter fraud

 

$75,000 truck massage: Don’t need a house—work 24/7 live in truck just to pay for it

GM Suv pickup recall 7 million airbags that explode w/o warning in heat/humidity

Tesla probes failure of the left or right front suspension fore links

 

USEquityAdvantage auto loan payment program contained misleading statements: fine

FDATR violated Telemarketing Sales Rule deceptive and abusive telemarketing: fine

 

Fake ‘Medicare’ caller gets info to steal ID: Call real number on card to give info

Judge: Trump’s Voice of America head tried to subvert unbiased reporting to world

Businesses with interruption insurance must sue their insurer even after paying for years

 

Fake vids tweets easy to make: never trust one source of information: info war continues

Fake charities look real: check IRS list BEFORE giving money: VA and disaster favorite

Trump’s Treasurer Mnuchin's moves money for pandemic to secret GOP fund: “illegal.”

 

OxyContin maker pleads guilty 3 criminal charges but bankrupt & owners get NO jail

Oxy killed at least 70,000 but Sacklers took $ billions out already and no one to jail

 

 

IRS: Easy Steps to Protect Your Computer and Phone and Avoid Phishing Emails.

 

Is it a scam?  Check AARP scamline 877.908.3360.

 

Check IRS: https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/dirty-dozen-part-1-taxpayers-should-be-on-the-lookout-for-these-scams

https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/dirty-dozen-part-2-thieves-work-all-year-to-scam-taxpayers

Check Social Security: https://blog.ssa.gov/

Safeguard data: ConsumerReports help: https://securityplanner.consumerreports.org/

 

Jobs

https://www.healthcare.gov/get-coverage/ for uninsured: subsidy pays most premium

 

 

Who owns your account now?

Need to reduce debt: file bankruptcy at low cost: get new start with your life

CBS’s Simon & Schuster to German Bertelsmann’s Penguin Random House: anti-trust

 

Miracles:

PA mask makers LIVE in factory for 28 days straight when supplies were needed most

State Farm sending wire sensors to homes to prevent fires: cigarettes smoldering big fire

Democracy costs $14 Billions and over 1 year of fighting: voters need only 1 month fight

 

“It’s reality” Laura Ingram FoxNews finally insults Trump: “Biden will be inaugurated”

KS requires masks but keeps schools businesses open with emergency troops.

 

 

We can apply for Medicare online: https://blog.ssa.gov/apply-for-medicare-online

We can apply for Social Security online: https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/retirement/

We can apply for health care online: https://www.healthcare.gov/

 

 

IAN

41 Watchung Plaza, B242

MontclairNJ   07042

973.746.2014

www.InsuranceAdvisorsNetwork.com

Alerts available at http://dankeppel.blogspot.com/

 

Friday, November 20, 2020

Panic or calm strategy now?

 

Panic or calm strategy until US economy straightens out?

Whatever we expect to happen, history shows we will be wrong. So do we panic and sell as some of my readers have done. Or calmly wait for markets to find a new path? History is no predictor of the future but last time we had an upheaval, most investors who held on were rewarded. We had +31% and -32% recently. The story since 2000 is an annual return of 7.6%. Over most 10 year periods, we have earned more than investing in cash equivalents. Investing in a low-cost stock index fund returns 11% annually. American capitalism has consistently provided dividends and value gains. Fixed income and bond securities cannot match stocks for any 10 year period. So some of my readers have divided their pre-and post-retirement portfolio in HALF: 1/2 in a stock fund like Vanguard 500 Index to earn 11% for 10 to 30 years for future income. 1/2 in a balanced fund like Vanguard Wellesley Income to earn 5-6% for 1-9 years for current needs.  

2020        15% so far

2019        31.10

2018        -4.41

2017        21.94

2016        11.93

2015          1.31

2014        13.81

2013        32.43

2012        15.88

2011          2.07

2010        14.87

2009        27.11

2008        -37.22

2007          5.46

2006        15.74

2005          4.79

2004        10.82

2003        28.72

2002        -22.27

2001        -11.98

2000        -9.11

Low cost beats high cost for any period so no matter what happens, avoid fees.

Pay less; get more: https://www.amazon.com/Pay-less-Get-more-investment/dp/1500598321

 

What is financial freedom?

The last 9 months has shown us what real financial freedom means. With 30 million of our fellow Americans out of work or in reduced-earnings work, we see why many are angry. Since real wages have lagged way behind the economic growth of the past 40 years, fewer of us have experienced “financial freedom”—the ability to weather a job loss or health care crisis. Those who had an emergency fund, a large retirement fund or a home equity line of credit are near the maximum withdrawal point. Many of the social security network programs created in the Big Depression are ripping apart. According to many who study the history of wealth creation, those who used “compound interest” have been able to survive this test of financial health.

Help your child get started: https://www.amazon.com/Give-your-child-leg-manage/dp/1096505355

 

Hate paying taxes? Cut taxes with a deductible IRA

The year we turn 72, we must begin paying tax on our tax-deferred accounts like IRA and pensions. We are told how much to take out in the form of the IRS table of required minimum distributions (RMD). When we are earning wages and pulling out RMDs, the tax consequences can result in higher tax rates and an increased percentage of our Social Security benefits being subjected to taxes. Now we can make deductible IRA contributions after age 70½. In the past, RMDs began at age 70½, but following the passage of the SECURE Act in 2019, it was raised to age 72. Similarly, the law used to put the lid on traditional IRA contributions after age 70½, but the new law does not have an age cutoff and allows additional contributions as long as you are still working. Even a part-time or self-employment job like Lyft Uber will qualify. We can deduct up to $7,000 each depending on income. On the other hand, if we would rather create a tax-FREE retirement, we can contribute to a Roth IRA from our wages. If we have a smaller tax bill this year, we may choose to convert over $7,000 to the Roth from our traditional IRA. Many readers are planning on having tax-FREE and taxable income in retirement. They feel this is a good time to take advantage of an expanding stock market and save more.

Make a plan: https://www.amazon.com/What-your-RMD-much-spend/dp/1718946716

 

 

 

Are the new ETF risks worth it?

Today securities regulator approved a controversial new rule that will allow ETFs’ to double their use of leverage and derivatives, while ignoring sales practices constraints that had originally been proposed. Leveraged and inverse ETFs appeal to investors and have brought in more fees, but not without significant risks and sometimes losses to investors. The SEC removed new sales practices regulation from the proposal that would have created higher standards of care and disclosure for reps and advisors who sell geared funds, or exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and mutual funds that track a variety of benchmarks. “Evidence suggests that retail investors buy these products without understanding risk and or objectives,” SEC Crenshaw said. “Just this morning, [SEC] Chairman [Jay] Clayton issued a statement that said Reg Best Interest will do nothing to protect these investors who buy these products through self-directed brokerage accounts." Most disappointing is the SEC’s failure to advance proposed sales practice rules that were designed to address the investor harm rising from sales of leverage and inverse ETFs. Enforcement cases from the SEC and Finra show that even investment professionals often lack a basic understanding of these complex products, member Lee added. “Indeed, other types of complex products not addressed by rule may cause similar harm to unsophisticated retail investors," Lee said. "But that does not justify why we fail to act now to protect retail investors in inverse and leveraged ETFs.” A new Fiduciary Rule will protect investors and Manhattan’s former top prosecutor may lead SEC.

https://www.amazon.com/Fiduciary-Rule-BEST-dont-anymore/dp/1530980275

 

Which retirement strategy is best for you?

Many young investors are choosing to take their tax free earnings later rather than immediately. With a 401k or other deferred compensation retirement plan we pay no income tax on our contributions from our pay check. We pay later. With a Roth 401k or Roth IRA we set up at one of the low-cost mutual fund firms (Vanguard, Fidelity, Schwab), we pay taxes now on our contributions but pay nothing on the gains during our lifetime. For example, we invest $250 a month in a low-cost stock fund at work for 35 years: result is $1.1 million. If we pay taxes on the $105,000 contributions, we pay nothing on the $1 million when we take it out. If we use a regular 401k with deductible contributions, we pay taxes on $1 million when we take it out (future tax rates may increase). If we are lucky, our employer matches our contributions. But fees charged by some small employer plans make the 401k/403b choice a bad one. Imagine investing in a mutual fund with stocks and bonds paying about 4-6% and having to pay 2% to the plan administrator plus surrender charges of 10% if you change jobs or move your money. This is what some of my readers had to contend with. They switched to a Roth IRA.

Consider paying less later: https://www.amazon.com/Pay-No-Taxes-Retirement-legally/dp/1507527977/

 

American socialism in action: vaccines for some; cost for all

Pfizer’s vaccine for the pandemic should be available by mid ’21. But did the capitalists at Pfizer really take a financial risk that must be rewarded with huge profits? A vaccine for some Americas requires a big company with the capacity to produce it. However, without a guaranteed $1.95 billion “advance purchase” agreement with our government, ensuring it would be well compensated for delivering 100 million doses of vaccine, it would never have happened. Capitalism simply can’t take risks without some form of framework that assures it of success. As many wealthy people have said: “I don’t bet unless it is a sure thing.” Drug companies and capitalist don’t take risks, unless there is a framework for profit. We, our government, are always the backstop. The 2007-8 Wall Street bailout costs us over $12 Trillion—perp never went to jail. We have been buying the bonds of businesses (giving loans) since March’s pandemic. We have been paying money (unemployment) to those who were dismissed by businesses even when the business got money to keep them employed. Many profitable businesses pay workers so little, we must pay Medicaid/SNAP too. We have been paying money to some businesses (subsidies) for 50 years even though they are profitable. ($3.8B Exxon alone) Even some of our representatives get paid twice: salary plus farm subsidies. Some businesses get away with tax avoidance. Of course the rich don’t consider their business “subsidies” or tax avoidance to be socialism and so our reps keep supporting this socialism (gov subsidies). And our representatives are rewarded for helping to the winners win.

Time to ask for the subsidies back: https://www.amazon.com/Americas-Socialism-Rich-little-people/dp/1535218584

 

Did your new vehicle lose 50% of value?

Do you consider the trade-in value when you bought your new car or SUV? Probably not. What about when you bought a used version of the model you like? The loss in value is called depreciation. That is what determines the amount you would receive if your vehicle was “totaled” in a collision. Some of the most expensive wheels top the list of lost value: BMW, Mercedes, Maserati lose over 60% (up to $80,000) in 5 years. I suppose the well-heeled don’t care about that since they can afford it. But if you care about getting your money’s worth at trade-in time, then Toyota is your best bet. One exception: Porsche 911 loses only $56,000 (36%) over 5 years. For the truly thrifty—least money lost over time--it is a Honda or Toyota. Yes there is some correlation with the JD Power dependability study: Porsche and Toyota least problems. Ten cheapest 2020 model cars to insure based on costs to repair.

Get a good deal on insurance too: https://www.amazon.com/Vehicle-Insurance-Beware-Double-Coverage/dp/1480027634

 

 

 

**********ACCOUNTABILITY**************

 

Like 1776, this period is a test of democracy—NO, we don’t want a Dictator?

 

Trump’s war: 250,000 KIA

Trump defies Supreme’s decision

 

Can we ever trust our government again?

 

Our ‘Truth and Reconciliation Commission’ 

One GOP Gov moving OH to overcome crisis

GOP wants to “un-elect” Biden despite final score

 

Biden displays conversations with world leaders like previous presidents so we know what is going on in the world. Transition posts its ongoing work to get ready.

 

 

 

 

How Govt wastes our money: Our Representatives gave 3.7 Trillion to the wealthy! 

Trump sickens 130 Secret Service: his rallies made people sick—too close, few masks

Seat-belt wearing law saves lives: masks save lives and personal freedom to live!

Medicare Part B premium $148.50 up 2.7%; taking some of the SS benefit rise of 1.3%.

 

After gov pays to develop vaccines, we will personally pay up to $250 per dose

Trump considers starting war with Iran: nuclear danger 12 times the ‘15 Obama deal.

Trump hurries to sell Alaska Wildlife Refuge to friends: bull(y) in china shop

 

Trump’s lawyer says it’s a “national conspiracy” by states: 80 million fake votes?

Will Trump shutdown government in final revenge act on Americans? Revenge

Trump country ND leads the world in deaths: 1 in ever 1000 dead: real not hoax

 

 

SCAMS/SPINS:

Trump installs his donors to run military: ‘It’s ‘The Twilight Zone,’’ the official said. Trump installs his meteorologist who says “carbon dioxide in atmosphere is good thing.”

Could Trump give up our gov secrets to foreign powers to cancel his debts?

 

Power of ideology/money to change us: Trump’s lawyer Jenna Ellis: ‘idiot’ to POTUS

Trumpism: ‘They know it’s real and they don’t care.’ ‘People are not being cautious at all.’

“If someone can choose abortion and end human life, then I can choose to wear a mask or not.”

 

Could Don Trump replace Alex Trebek on Jeopardy: learning the truth 1 question at a time?

 

GOP: No masks; more deaths proved ‘correct’ strategy for winning IA, WI, ND, MT locals

Emergency nurse: patients deny virus that kills them, still: drank the Kool-Aide

Medical leaders to Trump: work with Biden or “more people may die”: blood on hands

 

Voter fraud ‘proofs’ being faked to mislead us: GOP states have reported no fraud

Trump fires voter fraud watchdog for doing his job: https://www.cisa.gov/rumorcontrol

Trump lawyers giving up voter fraud suits: Giuliani, not practice in years, is it! $20K/day

Graham pressured GA official: find ways to exclude ballots from count. GOP fraud

Judge to Trump: “You are not entitled to manufacture your own law

 

Lobbyists infiltrate Biden government early. Former gov employees rotate in/out.

Conservative lawyer hired as Biden WH Counsel: protection from GOP critics?

 

Catholic officials sexually abuse children: why are they exempt from jail? Citizens jailed

Pope cop out: “who am I to judge” McCarrick & officials who hurt little children for life

Boy Scouts face at least 88,500 claims of sexual abuse: Institutions hide bad guys

UCLA sex abuse of students in clinic hidden by officials: $73 million; no jail

President accused of rape; 25 sexual assault; Biden: “no indictments”; no jail; pay offs?

 

Does Hate Sell? Facebook caught NOT removing anti-Harris posts by hate groups

Scam: $1,000 payments for bogus covid clinical studies: “help scientists; make cash”

Debt collector Afni caught giving bad info to credit bureaus; fail correct bad data; dispute

 

Joseph Ashton United Auto Workers caught kickbacks on union watches jail postponed

PIMCO exec CA caught sex discrimination bias in pay promotions report-retaliation

 

Some advisors see gold in them there oil fields: Oil funds down 35%; Energy funds a bargain?

Keith Ashley TX caught stealing $750,000 Ponzi then killed client: B-D terminated him Oct 20

Wells John Stumpf-Carrie Tolstedt caught misleading re: mass "cross sell" unauthorized accounts

 

James Booth caught defrauding clients $5 million Ponzi promised high returns; jail 4 yrs

Five investment firm caught selling unsuitable exchange-traded funds linked to market volatility

Matthew Piercey CA caught misleading investors multiple schemes, fraud, Ponzi, steal $35 mil

 

Amazon recalling 350,000 Ring Video Doorbell (2nd Generation) starts fires 

NRA caught misleading members on criminal defense insurance; keeping some premium

Movie theaters eclipsed: Warner Bros releases Wonder Woman to HBO same day: 12/25

 

Covid cures/treatment bracelets, drugs, fitness class, ozone, stem cell, lights, injections SCAMS

 

GM recalling 68,677 Bolt electric cars worldwide that pose a fire risk: full charge fire

Ford recalling 2020 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator SUVs to replace the driveshaft

Ford recalling 15,587 2014-16 Ford Edge, Explorer, Taurus tranny fails

Car prices shown on Carfax do not include dealer “fees”: “great value” may not be.

 

Lawsuit Trump has doomed us to hell is thrown out: “misleading people, deceiving them to sin

 

Scam vid seen by thousands was joke: voter official destroying a ballot for Trump faked.

10 internet scam techniques: “just exit screen” don’t click on anything or else

737 Max: Same guys who approved the first time approve it again: none have flown in it

 

IRS: Easy Steps to Protect Your Computer and Phone and Avoid Phishing Emails.

 

Is it a scam?  Check AARP scamline 877.908.3360.

 

Check IRS: https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/dirty-dozen-part-1-taxpayers-should-be-on-the-lookout-for-these-scams

https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/dirty-dozen-part-2-thieves-work-all-year-to-scam-taxpayers

Check Social Security: https://blog.ssa.gov/

Safeguard data: ConsumerReports help: https://securityplanner.consumerreports.org/

 

Jobs

Florida passes $15 minimum wage—but you have to wait: 2026 in fight for fair wages. 

Most unemployed can find a health plan for $10 a month or less on HealthCare.gov.

Get ready for unusual tax year: steps-to-take-now-to-get-a-jump-on-next-years-taxes

 

Women financial advisors: women with money prefer working with women advisors

 

Who owns your account now?

Bank America Merrill Lynch advisors now offer Vanguard, American funds to customers

Top Medicare Advantage plans: JD Power customer satisfaction rating: Highmark,Kaiser

Amazon pharmacy: Most insurance accepted; Prime buy generic or brand discounted.

 

IRS offers extra time to delay paying taxes: help-those-financially-affected-by-covid-19

First Time Penalty Abatement: you may qualify for relief from penalties

Refinance VA loan with special rates: still pay bank fees, closing costs

 

Miracles:

Turkish immigrants made vaccine Pfizer is making to help us get past virus: Scientists!

North/South Dakota leading the nation in new cases: GOP resists mask mandates 250K

Our immune system works if we let it grow: antibiotics early in life hurts later life health

Covid vaccine 95% effective but how long are we protected from getting Covid again ???

 

30 min Covid-19 self-testing kit $50 at-home diagnosis: accuracy 94%: costs vary.

Experience really foul smells of 16th century people who never bathed, relieved in street

Make diamonds in minutes: finally you don’t have to wait for that big ring.

 

We can apply for Medicare online: https://blog.ssa.gov/apply-for-medicare-online

We can apply for Social Security online: https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/retirement/

We can apply for health care online: https://www.healthcare.gov/

 

 

IAN

41 Watchung Plaza, B242

MontclairNJ   07042

973.746.2014

www.InsuranceAdvisorsNetwork.com

Alerts available at http://dankeppel.blogspot.com/

 

 

Friday, November 13, 2020

Are high fees still right for you?

 

Are 401k fees still right for you?

Our current system favors costly middle people who are superfluous today with computers. The average fees levied on 401(k) savings cost us 0.5% to 2% annually (small employers). Compare that to today’s index and ETF funds which cost 0.04% or less. The overcharges we pay do NOT guarantee superior long-term success. In fact, most studies show we lose up to 63% of our total accumulations. Given today’s average earnings of 6% with 4% for us and 2% for Wall Street, we are the Big-time losers. No matter our portfolio—conservative or aggressive—we cannot help but do better with a new system for tax-advantaged investing. Fees are no longer deductible so even in a taxable account; the new system gives you more. Such a system is easily available to any working person without costly trusts, foreign tax havens or tax-avoidance schemes used by the wealthy.

Even if you have only 10 years to retirement, this system can benefit you. The longer your NEW retirement system runs, the more tax-FREE money you have to spend.

Go tax-FREE: https://www.amazon.com/New-American-Retirement-System-ReserveTM/dp/1461030072/

 

Which is better for investments—Dem or GOP president?

Wall Street gurus are currently going through their eternal talk about which party president is better for investors. As you might expect, this is not the right question. There are so many factors in the success of any particular investor that we should not even read these advice statements. Unless we know when exactly we will need our money or when the markets will fail, these pronouncements are just B-D propaganda. Most of us have learned that the stock market advances about 11% per year nominally over time. We know that in any given period, there are times when the market or our portfolio will rise and fall. This is why Warren Buffett, surely a wise investor, bet a million dollars on the S&P 500 stock index run by low-cost Vanguard to beat 5 guru hedge funds. Buffett gave the $1 million to his charity. The gurus are still in business so some of us still want to pay excessive fees to feel they own a superior strategy or portfolio. Unless we have insider information like our representatives in Washington, we are rewarded for just following the wise investor’s proven way. Lose 18.6% or gain 11.09%, your choice.

https://www.amazon.com/Building-Wealth-Like-Brushing-Teeth/dp/1470141469

 

What fuels the market climb?

Fixed income market provides low yields so investors poor into junk bonds. Our government is buying the bonds of private enterprises so the wealthy receive special treatment from the national deficit spending. The working person has no wage improvement power. The wealth gap gets wider so the rich can afford to stay in the bull market. They don’t have to worry about their company or investments going broke like the local mom and pop business so they can afford to keep putting money in the stock market to increase their wealth. Pension funds must stay in the market since many are under funded for their future liabilities. Wall Street no longer has to worry about a political meltdown so future growth looks promising. GOP Senate control will assure wealthy investors of no significant tax increases on non-wage income or wealth. Most wealthy people are not taxed on income and a wealth tax is very unlikely. Even Romney knows his offshore wealth is not in danger. Despite his protest, Warren Buffett, with $86 billions does not expect his tax rate to go up. Which is better: earning 1% or 12%?

https://www.amazon.com/You-Beat-Wall-Street-professionals/dp/1986031373

 

Wealthy finding ways to avoid new taxes

With clearer future, the wealthy are scrambling to get their money hidden from the new tax proposals sitting in Dem inbox. Because the tax rates are probably going to be higher in the future, they can move their IRA balances into Roth tax free accounts now. They know the budget deficit has reached $3.3 trillion, a level not seen since the end of World War II. Since they already got the benefits of overspending, they will want McConnell to kill any stimulus for working people. The wealthy can use QCDs. They are the most tax-efficient way to reduce taxable IRA balances which have remained high with the government support in 2020. Gifts can reduce tax now and lower estate taxes later. Use Trump’s example of a $21 million deduction by giving away the right to build on your forest that never would have been developed anyway. Wealthy tax avoidance loopholes may be closing with the new regime in 2021. They need to act soon to keep the wealth gap growing. We working people can avoid paying the taxes avoided by the wealthy.

Use it or lose it: https://www.amazon.com/Trump-Tax-Shelter-Avoid-taxes/dp/1985448300

 

Biden’s new regulation: brokers must disclose conflicts of interest

Biden will need to return to the regulations that Obama instituted just before he lost to Trump. Obama’s Fiduciary Rule required that product sellers help us buy the best product available, ignoring seller commissions and fees. On April 6, 2016 the government limited the billions of dollars the financial industry could take from our retirement-savings products and advice. The final Fiduciary Rule was weakened by product sellers so they could take some of our transfer money out of 401(k)s. Trump reversed Obama’s rule and helped product pushers hide fees. Brokerage firms have hidden their bad acts. In the future, advisors will act like accountants not like used car salesmen. Some sellers have already lowered fees due to competition. We will still have to learn and shop in order to get the BEST for our particular situation but at least the industry will need to be more transparent in its offerings. Now we can get the BEST available for us because sellers will need to disclose conflicts of interest more fully. Under Trump, sellers are NOT telling us the whole truth about their bad acts and hidden fees. Now they will have to.

https://www.amazon.com/Fiduciary-Rule-BEST-dont-anymore/dp/1530980275

 

Is a Robo right for you?

The use of automated advice platform, or so-called robo advisors, is continuing to rise, with about 8% of U.S. households having money invested with a robo. Robo advisors are popular with millennials that have significant investable assets; nearly half of millennials with more than $500,000 to invest use a robo, according to the survey. But for mass affluent millennial households with between $50,000 and $500,000 in investable assets, only 20% reported they used a robo, along with 15% of Generation X families and 5% of baby boomer families in the same sphere. Not to lose market share, Fidelity, Schwab and Bank of America, offer new applications or features. By offering such options, the big firms were succeeding at creating a “natural funnel from a free service to their trading or managed account platforms.” But robos are not free, just lower costs than full service brokers. And so robos don’t provide higher returns necessarily. Robos offer some hand holding compared to flying solo. Vanguard is owned by us shareholders so fees/charges are at cost—profits go back to us investors, like a co-op.

https://www.amazon.com/Best-Robo-Advisor-Ultimate-Automatic-Management/dp/1537111957

 

Deduct $300 from income in 2020

Here’s how the CARES Act changes deducting charitable contributions made in 2020:

Previously, charitable contributions could only be deducted if taxpayers itemized their deductions. However, taxpayers who don’t itemize deductions may take a charitable deduction of up to $300 for cash contributions made in 2020 to qualifying organizations. For the purposes of this deduction, qualifying organizations are those that are religious, charitable, educational, scientific or literary in purpose. The law changed in this area due to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act. The CARES Act also suspends limits on charitable contributions and temporarily increases limits on contributions of food inventory. More information about these changes is available on IRS.gov.

Use all your credits: https://www.amazon.com/Tax-Credit-Class-your-credits-ZERO/dp/1539462382

  

**********ACCOUNTABILITY**************

 

Like 1776, this period is a test of democracy—NO we don’t want a Dictator?

 

GOP 6-3 Supremes primed to reverse US back in time

Yes, courts used to put women in jail for wearing slacks

Supreme Alito: rights only for likes

 

Dictator: It’s going away.” (No you are)

Dictator’s staff: “It’s out of control:” 244,000+ dead

why everyone wears seat belts now

 

Dictator’s Sunday 11/8 at his Church

 

Dictator’s armed terrorists standing by

Biden has to run the country from Delaware

 

 

How Govt wastes our money: Our Representatives gave 3.7 Trillion to the wealthy! 

Trump, defeated, holds election rallies from AirForce1: costs us $77,000/hour: He lost!

Trump Plaza Casino Atlantic City blown up for Biden inaugural: Trump tax deduction?

Trump put his anti-racial justice, anti-climate change ideology into our retirement funds.

 

Trump’s ‘voter fraud’ proof: Philly, NY, PO DeJoy, NJ, LI, PA, PA, NC, which fraud?

World dictators still back ours: USSR, Brazil, Mexico, Turkey, Hungary, Philippines, Saudis

Trump tells Justice to find the ‘voter-fraud’ smoking gun: DoJ Investigator quits

Trump lawyers: “will we get paid for challenge work”?: Trump notorious for not paying

 

Mel hired movers already: Baron to military school? FL removes heliport from Marlago

Congress needs “eviction” marshal for tenant in our White House: Germany shows how

How much?: Trump may give up top secrets: he did it before: beat Impeachment once too

 

SCAMS/SPINS:

Trump’s mail slowdown delivers 40,000 more ballots after judge orders PO come clean

Trump orders legal military ballots to be thrown out: absentee overseas votes legal

Qanon terrorists caught w/ fake ballots, AR 15 storming Philly counting center

 

Only 1 Republican offered hand to new president: Biden has 200 exec orders ready

GOP still afraid of Trump’s tweets will not speak to Biden: no reconciliation in US

Trumpers angry with FoxNews for NOT airing fake “voter fraud” news & calling AZ

TX will pay $1 million: find 1 voter fraud case:  a bribe for gov official is legal in TX?

 

Doe GOP exist with “Trump is the GOP” lost presidency? “Let’s give him a chance

 

Ex Prez fires Pentagon chief: apology for Bible walk: military used against citizens bad

 

Can Trump’s Supremes reverse the will of the voters? GOP courts make up ‘justice’

 

PA voting outcome shows how much the color line still decides America’s path

Most of the military leaders sighed in relief: the “stable genius” almost gone

GOP still rules state legislatures; religious right; Trump cult: Dem work just starting

 

AR police to Trumpers: “death to all Marxist Democrats” “leave no survivors

 

Trump refuses to start transition process: McConnell: “peaceful transfer of power”??

 

How a cult dies: Jim Jones took his ‘world’ with him: couldn’t face ‘the music’ real life

Trump refuses to reduce environmental pollution killing corona virus patients

 

 

Cheryl Broussard FL caught defrauding sorority investors; fake statements: 2 years jail

Robert Morgan caught running Ponzi in real estate; promised high returns, fake docs,

Local papers/websites turned into PR production for politicos/corporations. ‘news’?.

Gummies Promise to Decrease Stress: Martha Stewart leads the pitch for bad teeth

 

Census takers told to enter false info: Trump closed census early: change future Congress

Beam Financial caught blocking bank withdrawals: yes some banks fail

Kraig Gier Security Planning caught stealing $1 million from elderly fake docs: 5 yrs jail

 

HD Graham, DL Howard LL Matyas caught taking $920,000 fees no license: defrocked no jail

Ransomware thugs failing to delete stolen data after a victim pays a ransom: Thieves 2X

How easily we fall for misleading videos: ballot stuffing in USSR, burning sample ballots

 

Trump’s Financial ‘Protection’ lets debt collectors hound us: call, email, text, 24/7

FL court allows Prevagen promising improved memory to keep claiming and sales

Robo “collector” from 608-371-6666:  https://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-608-371-6666

 

 

Vatican silent child/adult sex abuser slept w/ boys: not sorry, no jail, no confession

Religionist with popular power support Trump: move state governments to extreme right

 

Is it a scam?  Check AARP scamline 877.908.3360.

 

Check IRS: https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/dirty-dozen-part-1-taxpayers-should-be-on-the-lookout-for-these-scams

https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/dirty-dozen-part-2-thieves-work-all-year-to-scam-taxpayers

Check Social Security: https://blog.ssa.gov/

Safeguard data: ConsumerReports help: https://securityplanner.consumerreports.org/

 

Jobs

Trump hires hundreds to overturn election: then defend him from many indictments

Biden hires scientists pandemic team: Trump plays golf & does more campaigning

Health care lost with job: Supremes may increase health emergency for 30 million

 

This is where our raises have gone: “matching pair” Porsche and Embraer Phenom 300E

Fidelity Investments To Hire 4,000 People In Next Six Months

Florida passes $15 minimum wage—but only by 2026 in fight for fair wages. 

 

 

Who owns your account now?

J.C. Penney's defined benefit plan to Pension Benefit Guaranty Corp: fewer benefits

Safe hotel list: travel is hard enough so check before check-in

 

Miracles:

Despite all the bad news we hear now, we have a democracy; we can vote and change!

Vaccine maker: 90% effective: Trump military/vendors to ship around: side effects?

Un-scalable wall around our White House still blocks citizens: ‘say goodbye’ fence

 

Two members of Biden virus panel worked inside the Trump administration: experts

 

GOP 6-3 Supremes primed to reverse US back to 1950s: abortions illegal, dirty air, no wildlife reserves, no voting rights, 0 immigrants, no health care, red-lining housing, no interracial couples, Trump self-pardon, cancel IRS audit, no gays, discriminate by religion, decide our elections, dismiss suit Trump as rapist, etc

 

We can apply for Medicare online: https://blog.ssa.gov/apply-for-medicare-online

We can apply for Social Security online: https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/retirement/

 

Dem wish list: healthcare, infrastructure jobs, restore environment, unite 545 kids

 

IAN

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www.InsuranceAdvisorsNetwork.com

Alerts available at http://dankeppel.blogspot.com/