Current Financial Planning Articles

Please Review Important Disclosure Information

Release Date: February 2008

When Recession Fears Surface

Investing Smart in a Health Savings Account

Planning Surgery in a Foreign Country

You May Love Each Other, But Should You Invest Together?

Release Date: January 2008

Getting Today’s Best Returns from a Home Renovation

It’s Time to Start Thinking About the Estate Tax Again

Pay Close Attention to So-Called “Default” Investments

Release Date: December 2007

Homeowners in Trouble Need to be Proactive

Say Goodbye to 2007 with Some Smart Tax Moves

Thinking About a New Career Direction in ’08? Here’s How to Prepare for Your Own Business

Try to Avoid These Stupid IRA Mistakes

Release Date: November 2007

A Family Mission Statement Can Keep Family Goals First and Money Squabbles at Bay

Afraid of the AMT? Now’s the Time to Get Some Help

Business Not So Good? Here’s How to Protect Against Job Loss in a Financial Plan

Will Your Kid’s Inheritance Make Her a Monster? Not If You Plan Carefully

Release Date: October 2007

Couplepreneurs: Starting a Business with Your Better Half Can Reap Huge Rewards – And Unique Problems

Thinking About Borrowing from Family or Friends? Do It The Right Way.

What You Can Do Before the Kiddie Tax Loophole Closes

Think The Subprime Debacle Is All About Housing?  It Hurts Small Businesspeople Too.

Release Date: September 2007

The Ins and Outs of Audits

When Real Estate’s in Trouble, Spruce up Your Home and Finances

How Your Personality Affects Your Financial Decision-making

Is Pet Health Insurance Worth It?

Release Date: August 2007

Make Sure Your Travel Insurance Actually Insures Your Trip

Thinking About Going Back to College? Make a Plan First

Think it’s Time to Tap Your HELOC for an Investment? Get Some Advice First

Should You Consider an HSA?

Release Date: July 2007

The Best Time for a Business Disaster Plan?  Before the Disaster Happens

Divorce Can Sink Your Health Coverage – What To Do First

An All-Weather Strategy to Real Estate Investing

Reverse Mortgages Require a Close Look

Release Date: June 2007

An Annual Insurance Checkup Can Save You Money Without Hurting Your Coverage

Lenders May Give You a Break on Debt, But Uncle Sam Might Not Be So Forgiving

Thinking About Private School for Your Kids? The Earlier You Start the Better

Release Date: May 2007

Adopting a Child Requires a Specific Financial Plan

Making Your Employer a Partner In Your Financial Planning

Market Volatility Shouldn’t Rattle a Good Financial Plan

Release Date: April 2007

What Are Exchange-traded Funds and How Do They Work?

Losing Your Inheritance to Uncle Sam – or Others

Getting the Kids Involved in Saving for College

Release Date: March 2007

How Bunching Can Preserve Your Right to Itemize

Most Americans Need to Prepare for Financial Impact of Disability

Now Is the Time to Pick Up Low-Cost Life Insurance

Release Date: February 2007

Creating an Ethical Will

Tis the Season – Things to Know Before Filing Your Taxes

Using Universal Life Insurance with Secondary Guarantees for Estate Taxes

Release Date: January 2007

Medicare Provides Preventive Services

Getting Fiscally Fit In 2007

More Tax Changes: The Tax Relief and Health Care Act of 2006

Release Date: December 2006

The Ins and Outs of Mortgages and Refinancing

The Ins and Outs of Roth IRA Conversions

A Primer on Hedge Funds

Release Date: November 2006

Is Conventional Planning Right for You?

New law allows IRA owners over 70˝ to donate RMD to charity

Year-End Personal Finance Checklist

Release Date: October 2006

A guide to withdrawing retirement assets

A Time and Place for Life Settlements

Taxpayers should get a head start on tax planning for 2007

Release Date: September 2006

Conserving Client Portfolios

Making A Home Senior Friendly

The New Pension Protection Act of 2006 Promotes Savings, Protects Pensions

Release Date: August 2006

College Planning in the Wake of New Tax Laws

Navigating Interest Rates, Inflation and the Economy

The Correct Way to Use Lifecycle Mutual Funds

Release Date: July 2006

Gearing Up for Life on the RV Road

ILITS Remain a Popular Estate Planning Tool and Technique

A Primer on the Tax Increase Prevention and Reconciliation Act of 2005

Release Date: June 2006

Taking Responsibility for Retirement: How Today's Scary Headlines Can Help Your Retirement Plan

About That Vacation Home...

Getting Started with ETFs

Release Date: May 2006

Financial Education for Minorities

The Importance of an Annual Financial Checkup

The Truth About Small-Business Succession Planning

Release Date: April 2006

A New Approach to Selecting a Financial Planner

Alternatives to Traditional Investments

A Brave New Financial World for Baby Boomers

Release Date: March 2006

The Trials and Tribulations of Measuring and Comparing Investment Performance

The Return of Uncle Sam's 30-Year Bond

The Perplexing World of Social Security and Earnings in Retirement

Release Date: February 2006

Changes in Store for Medicare and Medicaid

Taking Time to Understand the 2006 Tax Changes

Figuring Out the Financial Aid Formula

Release Date: January 2006

Caring for Elderly Loved Ones From Afar

Evaluating the Need for Insurance in Retirement

Navigating the Federal and State Estate Tax Maze

Release Date:  December 2005

Financial Planning for Life

Release Date:  November 2005

A Primer on Charitable Donations

Rules for Hiring Family Members

Year-End Tax Planning Tips

Release Date:  October 2005

A Primer on the National Savings Rate

Preparing for the New Medicare Drug Benefit

Tips on Filing Homeowner's Insurance Claims

Release Date: September 2005

Year-End Tax Planning Tips

A Primer on Charitable Donations

Financial Planning for Life

Release Date:  August 2005:

Investment Policy Statement for Trusts

Preparing Financially for Disaster

Pros and Cons of Prepaying your Funeral

Release Date: July 2005

Add Prenuptial Agreements to Your Wedding Plans

New Bankruptcy Law Protects IRAs

Should You Consider a Health Savings Account?       

Release Date: June 2005

Time For a Midyear Financial Checkup 

Large IRAs Not Fully Protected from Bankruptcy or Lawsuit Seizure

Financial Mistakes to Avoid in a Divorce Settlement

Release Date: May 2005

Do You Know Where Your IRA Beneficiary Forms Are?

Family Meetings Can Help Pass On Family Assets

Climb a 'Bond Ladder" as Interest Rates Rise

Release Date April  2005

Are Your Old Savings Bonds Still Earning Interest? 

Pros and Cons of Combining Long-Term Care Policies

Tips for Financially Helping Your Children...Even When They're Adults

Release Date:  March 2005

Do You Know What Your CPI is ?

How to Avoid a Medical Financial Disaster

Go Easy on Home Equity Loans

Release Date:  February 2005

403(B) Plans Wave of Future for Many Workers 

Insurance for Early Retirees 

IRS Eases Retirement Account Rollover Nightmares But Taxpayers Need to Remain Cautious

Release Date:  January 2005

Financing Alternatives for Small Business

Will Your Future Social Security Payments Be Smaller than Expected ?

Release Date:  December 2004

Term Life Insurance That May Pay Back Your Premiums

FLPs with Business Purpose More Likely to Pass IRS Muster

Bank Loan Funds A Hedge Amid Rising Interest Rates

Release Date:  November 2004

Myths Deter Students from Applying for Financial Aid

Important to Read IRA Custodial Agreement

Letters of Instruction Benefit Heirs...And You

Release Date:  October 2004

Preplanning Your Funeral Saves Loved Ones Stress and Money

Insurance for Young Adults

Should You Stay In Your Old 401(k) or Roll it over into an IRA

Release Date:  September 2004

Bank Loan Funds a Hedge Amid Rising Interest Rates

How to Cut Your Insurance Costs

Investment Options for Funding College Education

Release Date: August 2004   

Inheriting IRAS: A Tricky Process

Should You Consider Investing in Commodities?

Winning the Lottery or a Pension: One Lump or Many?

Release Date: July 2004

Start Planning Now To Avoid Dreaded Alternative Tax

Five Key Cost Factors To Consider When Buying a Long-Term Care Insurance Policy

Choosing Best Small Business Structure: Tougher Choice These Days

Release Date:  June 2004

Small-Business Owners Should be Cautious About Putting Life Insurance into Retirement Plans

Should You Go Private with an Annuity? 

6 Ways to Avoid the Financial Potholes of Life

Release Date:  May 2004

How Grandparents Can Help Pay for Grandchildren's College Education

Treasury Bonds for Inflationary Times

Use Caution if Exchanging Variable Annuities

 Release Date: April 2004

 Key Factors to Look For When Leasing a Vehicle 

 8 Ways to Protect Your IRA Plans

Should You be Investing Overseas?                                              

Release Date: March 2004

How to Make the Most of Your 401(k) Plan

Is Franchising Right for You? 

Why You Need a Durable Power of Attorney?

Release Date:  February 2004

New Real Estate Exchange Vehicle for Small Investors

How the Falling Dollar May Fall on Your Finances

Release Date:  January 2004

Have You Learned Your Investment Lessons?

How to Handle the Challenges of Being an Estate Executor

Making Your Own Health Care Decisions When You Can't

Release Date:  December 2003

Are Your Dividends Really Eligible for Lower Tax Rates?

Charitable Trusts You Should Know

Time to get Flexible with Flexible Spending Accounts

Release Date:  November 2003               

Insuring a New Marriage

Should You Change Your Retirement 

Release Date:  October 2003

9 Business Succession-Planning Mistakes to Avoid

Financial Planning for Life's Surprises

Should You Rethink College Savings in Light of Tax Act

Release Date: September 2003

Private Colleges Now offer Prepaid Tuition Plan

Review Charitable Giving in light of New Tax Act

What to do if your Pension Plan is in Trouble

Release Date: August 2003

New Tax Act Aids Small Businesses

Don't Overlook These Lesser-Known Features for Long-Term Care Policies

Release Date: July 2003 

Children Not Prepared for Financial World 

Do You Know Where Your Universal Life Premiums are?

Should You Name a Trust as Beneficiary of Your Retirement Plan?

Release Date: June 2003

Older Women Must Prepare Better for Retirement Years

Should You Buy or Lease a Vehicle?

What to do with Leftover 529 Plan Funds

Release Date:  May 2003

13 Estate Planning Terms You Should Know

Pros and Cons of Employer-Sponsored Long-Term Care Insurance

Release Date:  April 2003

Planning for a Retirement "Paycheck"

Should You Consider Equity-Indexed Annuities ?

Unmarried Couples Should Consider Living Together Documents

Release Date:  March 2003

College Saving Strategies for Retirees

Long-Term Care Insurance Policies Cover More Than Nursing Home 

Should You Consider a Medical Savings Account? 

Release Date:  February 2003

How Much Disability Insurance Coverage Do You Need ?

IRS Issues Home Sweet Home - Sale Rules 

What Not to do When Inheriting Wealth 

Release Date:  January 2003

Are You Psychologically Ready to Retire Early ? 

New 401(K) Blackout Rules Not the Entire Answer to 401(k) Investing Problems

Those Nearing Retirement Still Have Time to 'Catch Up'

Release Date:  December 2002

Early Roth IRA Owners Can Start Taking Tax-Free Earning Withdrawals Soon

Is Your Insurance Company Financially Secure?

One Lump or Many? Consider Pension Payout Options Carefully

Release Date:  November 2002

Tax Ruling May Help Early Retirees Preserve Battered Retirement Accounts

Year-End Tax Strategies For Making Estimated Payments 

Release Date:  October 2002

8 Year-end Tax-saving Strategies 

Going Solo With a 401(k) 

Tax Issues To Consider When Buying a Long-Term-Care Policy 

Release Date:  September 2002

Businesses Receive Temporary Depreciation Bonus

Is Your 401(k) Plan a Failure?

Release Date:  August 2002

Countdown to Retirement

Prepaid Tuition Plans

Starting a Business

Release Date:  July 2002

How to Minimize the Increasing Cost of Homeowner's Insurance

IRS Again Splits on Split-Dollar Arrangements

The Benefits of Planned Charitable Giving

Release Date:  June 2002

Graduating with a Diploma...and Debt 

Should you be preparing a 'War' Portfolio?

Should you Loan Money to Family Members?

Release Date:  May 2002

Business Interruption Insurance often a must for Small Businesses

Do you have Realistic Market Expectations ?

Donor-Advised Funds Allow Personal Control yet Provide Tax Breaks 

Release Date:  April 2002

Money Grounded-ness by Paul Lemon

Choosing the Right Investment Benchmarks

8 Estate Planning Strategies You Should Know

Diving for Dividends

Release Date:  March 2002

Financial Planning For Foreign Residents Is Tricky

Why Do You Need A Financial Planner?

Will You Be "Shocked" By The Cost Of Retirement?

Release Date:  February 2002

Keys To A Comprehensive Will

Private Equity Increasingly Popular Alternative to Mutual Funds and Stocks

Serps Boost Executive Retirement Income

Should you Prepay Mortgage In A Down Market?

Successfully Managing Money In a Relationship During Tough Times

Where To Find Higher-Earning Cash Alternatives

Release Date:  January 2002

Convertible Securities:  Investing For The Wary

How To Avoid Overloading Retirement Plan in Company Stock

Working At Retirement

Release Date:  December 2001

Diversifying Your Portfolio with Real Estate

Immediate Fixed Annuities in  Trouble Times

Ladder Bonds to Prop Up Sagging Interest Income

Release Date:  October 2001

Finding The Right Medigap Policy

Investing Should Remain Focused On the Long Term

New Tax Act Demands Careful Scrutiny of Wills

Release Date:  September 2001

AMT Likely to Hit More Taxpayers Under The New Tax Act

New Rules Affect Executives' Use of Split-Dollar Arrangements

Use Reverse Mortgages with Caution

Release Date:  August 2001

Mutual Fund Labels; What's In a Name?

Prepare Now for "New" 2010 Tax on Inherited Property

New Tax Act Affects Planning for Small-Business Owners

Release Date:  July 2001

Estate Tax Changes Require Careful Planning

Deciding Whether to Accept an Early-Retirement Offer

Is The Bear As Bad As He Appears?

Release Date:  June 2001

New SEC Insider Trading Rules Ease Portfolio Diversification

Planning for Financial Hard Times

What To Do If Declining Market has Altered Your Retirement Plan

Release Date:  May 2001

Everyone - Even The Affluent - Needs to Budget

Planning For The Extra Long Retirement

Knowing Net Worth is Key to Managing Your Money

Release Date:  March 2001

Going your Separate Way with A Separate Account

Using Charitable Gift Annuities for Retirement Income

IRA Dramatically Simplifies Minimum Distribution Rules

Release Date: February 2001

The Fact and Fiction of Trusts

Keeping the Peace Among Your Heirs

Investing in Real Estate Through REITS

Understanding the "Odds" of Financial Success

How to Hold Down Rising Health Insurance Costs

Avoid Making These 7 Financial Assumptions

New IRA Required Distribution Regs

Should You Invest in Individual Bonds or Bond Mutual Funds?

Financially Educated Employees Make Better Employees

Tax-Deduction Rules for Donating Property are Tricky

Staying On Course With a Personal Investment Policy Statement

Choosing an Executor for Your Estate a Critical Task

Stop:  Look Before Rolling Company Stock intoan IRA

Planning for an Unplanned Retirement

Don't Overlook Estate Planning Benefits of Roth IRA

Financial Planning Issues for People Living in Two States

Fannie and Ginnie Maes Offer Alternatives to Treasury Securities

How Much Money Should You Pass on to Your Kids?

Is the Alternative Minimum Tax in Your Future?

New Capital Gains Tax Rules Go Into Effect Soon

Financial Planning Tools for Disabled Adults

Choosing the Right Type of Real Estate Agent

The Pros and Cons of Incentive Trusts

Release Date:  November 2000

Retirement Decisions for Those Reaching Age 70 1/2

5 Secrets to Building Wealth in the 21st Century

How Much Money Should You Pass On To Your Kids?

At What Age Should You Buy Long Term Care Insurance?

Release Date for Articles:  August 99

Benefits of a Charitable Lead Trust

Release Date for Articles:  June 99

Bonds - Riskier than you many think!

Credit Shelter Trust Saves Estate Taxes

Stocks or Mutual Funds - Which should you buy?

Issues to Consider in Selecting Investments for Taxable vs. Tax Deferred Accounts

 

Please Review Important Disclosure Information

Return to Home Page for Integrated Financial Planning, PC