Starting Estate Planning Conversations With Family

Are you ready for a retirement income literacy quiz? It's time to put your financial literacy to the test in today’s episode. David recently took the quiz himself to see how he did and puts Walter on the spot for a few of the questions.

Thanks to healthier lifestyles and advances in modern medicine, the worldwide population over age 65 is growing. In the past decade, the population of Americans aged 65 and older has grown 38% and is expected to reach 82 million in 2050. As our nation ages, many Americans are turning their attention to caring for aging parents .1,2 For many people, one of the most difficult conversations to have involves talking with an aging parent about extended medical care. The shifting of roles can be challenging, and emotions often prevent important information from being exchanged and critical decisions from being made. When talking to a parent about future care, it’s best to have a strategy for structuring the conversation. Here are some key concepts to consider. Cover the Basics Knowing ahead of time what information you need to find out may help keep the conversation on track. Here is a checklist that can be a good starting point: Primary physician Specialists Medications and supplements Allergies to medication It is also important to know the location of medical and estate management paperwork, including: 3 Medicare card Insurance information Durable power of attorney for healthcare Will, living will, trusts, and other documents Be Thorough Remember that if you can collect all the critical information, you may be able to save your family time and avoid future emotional discussions. While checklists and scripts may help prepare you, remember that this conversation could signal a major change in your parent’s life. The transition from provider to dependent can be difficult for any parent and has the potential to unearth old issues. Be prepared for emotions and the unexpected. Be kind, but do your best to get all the information you need. Keep the Lines of Communication Open This conversation is probably not the only one you will have with your parent about their future healthcare needs. It may be the beginning of an ongoing dialogue. Consider involving other siblings in the discussions. Often one sibling takes a lead role when caring for parents, but all family members should be honest about their feelings, situations, and needs. Don't Procrastinate The earlier you begin to communicate about important issues, the more likely you will be to have all the information you need when a crisis arises. How will you know when a parent needs your help? Look for indicators like fluctuations in weight, failure to take medication, new health concerns, and diminished social interaction. These can all be warning signs that additional care may soon become necessary. Don’t avoid the topic of care just because you are uncomfortable. Chances are that waiting will only make you more so. Remember, whatever your relationship with your parent has been, this new phase of life will present challenges for both parties. By treating your parent with love and respect—and taking the necessary steps toward open communication—you will be able to provide the help needed during this new phase of life. 1. WashingtonPost.com, February 14, 2023 2. PRB.org, January 9, 2024 3. Note: Power of attorney laws can vary from state to state. An estate strategy that includes trusts may involve a complex web of tax rules and regulations. Consider working with a knowledgeable estate management professional before implementing such strategies. The content is developed from sources believed to be providing accurate information. The information in this material is not intended as tax or legal advice. It may not be used for the purpose of avoiding any federal tax penalties. Please consult legal or tax professionals for specific information regarding your individual situation. This material was developed and produced by FMG Suite to provide information on a topic that may be of interest. FMG Suite is not affiliated with the named broker-dealer, state- or SEC-registered investment advisory firm. The opinions expressed and material provided are for general information, and should not be considered a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security. Copyright FMG Suite.

How much should you really be saving or already have tucked away toward retirement? As a follow-up to our three-part series where we focused on the retirement questions of every generation, David gets down to percentages and dollar amounts you’ll need to answer this common question.

Most portfolios are constructed based on an individual's investment objective, risk tolerance, and time horizon. Using these inputs and sophisticated portfolio-optimization calculations, most investors can feel confident that they own a well-diversified portfolio, appropriately positioned to pursue their long-term goals. 1 However, as a retiree, how you choose to live in retirement may be an additional factor to consider when building your portfolio.  Starting a Business Using retirement funds to start a business entails significant risk. If you choose this path, you may want to consider reducing the risk level of your investment portfolio to help compensate for the risk you're assuming with a new business venture. Since a new business is unlikely to generate income right away, you may want to construct your portfolio with an income orientation in order to provide you with current income until the business can begin turning a profit. Traveling for Extended Periods of Time There are a number of good reasons to consider using a professional money manager for your retirement savings. Add a new one. If you are considering extended travel that may keep you disconnected from current events (even modern communication), investing in a portfolio of individual securities that requires constant attention may not be an ideal approach. For this lifestyle, professional management may suit your retirement best. 2 Rethink Retirement Income Market volatility can undermine your retirement-income strategy. While it may come at the expense of some opportunity cost, there are products and strategies that may protect you from drawing down on savings when your portfolio's value is falling—a major cause of failed income approaches. 1. Diversification and portfolio optimization calculations are approaches to help manage investment risk. They do not eliminate the risk of loss if security prices decline. 2. Keep in mind that the return and principal value of security prices will fluctuate as market conditions change. And securities, when sold, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Individuals cannot invest directly in an index. The content is developed from sources believed to be providing accurate information. The information in this material is not intended as tax or legal advice. It may not be used for the purpose of avoiding any federal tax penalties. Please consult legal or tax professionals for specific information regarding your individual situation. This material was developed and produced by FMG Suite to provide information on a topic that may be of interest. FMG Suite is not affiliated with the named broker-dealer, state- or SEC-registered investment advisory firm. The opinions expressed and material provided are for general information, and should not be considered a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security. Copyright 2024 FMG Suite.

For those in their mid-twenties to mid-forties, this episode is for you! In this final part of our three-part series, we look at the financial questions that millennials are asking. With plenty of working years ahead, the financial advice for millennials is very different than for retirees.

In part two of our three-part series, today we get into some really good information for Gen X as they begin to really buckle down and think about what retirement might look like and how to successfully prepare.

When you read about money matters, you may see the phrase, “getting your financial house in order.” What exactly does that mean? To some, when your financial “house is in order,” it means it is built on a solid foundation. It means that you have the “pillars” in place that are designed to support your long-term financial well-being. #1: A banking relationship. Having a relationship with a bank can play a role in many financial strategies. You have many different choices when deciding on which bank is right for you. Some banks are larger and nationally-based, while others are smaller and community-based. Different banks may have unique advantages and disadvantages, so it’s important to look around and see what each one can offer you. #2: An emergency fund. You know that label you see on fire extinguisher boxes – “break glass in case of emergency?” Only in a financial emergency should you “break into” your emergency account. What is a financial emergency? Everyone’s definition varies, but it can range from a broken water heater to major car repairs to unemployment help. #3: A workplace retirement strategy. At some point, you may want to consider when is the right time to start saving for retirement. Workplace retirement plans can offer you a convenient way to get started, if one is available. #4: An eye on Insurance. Like the other decisions you’ll need to make while building your financial foundation, choosing the appropriate insurance program is going to be influenced by your own individual life circumstances. For example, if you’re supporting a family, you may want to look into an insurance program that is designed to protect you in the event that something happens to you or prevents you from working for a period of time. #5: Estate Strategy. It’s never too early to start thinking about your legacy. For some, this can mean providing some financial support to your loved ones. For others, it might mean creating a program that supports charities and organizations. Whatever your aspirations, it’s important to ensure that your assets transition smoothly in accordance with your wishes. The content is developed from sources believed to be providing accurate information. The information in this material is not intended as tax or legal advice. It may not be used for the purpose of avoiding any federal tax penalties. Please consult legal or tax professionals for specific information regarding your individual situation. This material was developed and produced by FMG Suite to provide information on a topic that may be of interest. FMG Suite is not affiliated with the named broker-dealer, state- or SEC-registered investment advisory firm. The opinions expressed and material provided are for general information, and should not be considered a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security. Copyright FMG Suite.

Things You Can Do for Your Future as the Year Unfolds What financial, business, or life priorities do you need to address for the coming year? Now is an excellent time to think about the investing, saving, or budgeting methods you could employ toward specific objectives, from building your retirement fund to considering an estate strategy. You have plenty of choices. Remember that this article is for informational purposes only and not a replacement for real-life advice. The tax treatment of assets earmarked for retirement can change, and there is no guarantee that the tax landscape will remain the same in years ahead. A financial or tax professional can provide up-to-date guidance. Here are a few ideas to consider: Can you contribute more to your retirement plans this year? In 2024, the contribution limit for a Roth or traditional individual retirement account (IRA) remains at $7,000 ($8,000 for those making "catch-up" contributions). Your modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) may affect how much you can put into a Roth IRA. With a traditional IRA, you can contribute if you (or your spouse if filing jointly) have taxable compensation. Income limits are one factor in determining if a traditional IRA contribution is tax-deductible. 1 Once you reach age 73, you must take the required minimum distributions from a traditional IRA. The I.R.S. taxes withdrawals as ordinary income, and if taken before age 59½, they may be subject to a 10% federal income tax penalty. Roth 401(k)s offer their investors a tax-free and penalty-free withdrawal of earnings. Qualifying distributions must meet a five-year holding requirement and occur after age 59½. Such a withdrawal also qualifies under certain other circumstances, such as the owner's passing. Employer match is pretax and not distributed tax-free during retirement. The original Roth IRA owner is not required to take minimum annual withdrawals. Make a charitable gift. You may be able to claim the deduction on your tax return, provided you follow the Internal Review Service guidelines. The paper trail can be important here. If you give cash, you should consider documenting it. A bank record can demonstrate some contributions, payroll deduction records, credit card statements, or written communication from the charity with the date and amount. Incidentally, the IRS does not equate a pledge with a donation. If you pledge $2,000 to a charity this year but only end up gifting $500, you may be able to only deduct $500. 2 Consult your tax, legal, or accounting professional before modifying your record-keeping approach or strategy for making charitable gifts. See if you can take a home office deduction for your small business. You may want to investigate this if you are a small business owner. You might be able to write off expenses linked to the portion of your home used to conduct your business. Using your home office as a business expense involves complex tax rules and regulations. Before moving forward, consider working with a professional familiar with the tax rules related to home-based businesses. Open an HSA. A Health Savings Account (HSA) works like your workplace retirement account. There are also some HSA rules and limitations to consider. You are limited to a $4,150 contribution for 2024 if you are single; and $8,300 if you have a spouse or family. Those limits jump by a $1,000 "catch-up" limit for each person in the household over age 55. 3 If you spend your HSA funds for non-medical expenses before age 65, you may need to pay ordinary income tax and a 20% penalty. After age 65, you may need to pay ordinary income taxes on HSA funds used for non-medical expenses. HSA contributions are exempt from federal income tax; however, they are not exempt from state taxes in certain states. Pay attention to asset location. Asset location is one factor to consider when creating an investment strategy. Asset location is different from asset allocation, which is an approach to help manage investment risk. Asset allocation does not guarantee against investment loss. Review your withholding status. Should it be adjusted due to any of the following factors? ● You tend to pay the federal or state government at the end of each year. ● You tend to get a federal tax refund each year. ● You recently married or divorced. ● You have a new job with adjusted earnings. Consider consulting your tax, human resources, or accounting professional before modifying your withholding status. Did you get married in 2023? If so, it may be time to review the beneficiaries of your retirement accounts and other assets. The same goes for your insurance coverage. If you are preparing to have a new last name in 2024, you should get a new Social Security card. Additionally, retirement accounts may need to be revised or adjusted. Are you coming home from active duty? If so, go ahead and check on the status of your credit. Check on any other orders that you might have preempted, too. Consider the impact of any upcoming transactions. Are you preparing to sell any real estate this year? Are you starting a business? Might any commissions or bonuses come your way in 2024? Do you anticipate selling an investment held outside of a tax-deferred account? Vow to focus on your overall health and practice sound financial habits in 2024. And don't be afraid to ask for guidance from a professional who understands your situation. Sources: 1. TheFinanceBuff.com, August 10, 2023 2. IRS.gov, June 5, 2023 3. IRS.gov, September 5, 2023

What financial questions are every generation asking? Over the course of this three-part series, there will be something for everyone! Today, we’ll focus on six common financial questions Baby Boomers are asking.