Asset Class Returns - 4/30/2019

by Kirk Kreikemeier on
Categories
Markets
YTD returns of 3.54%, 5.71% and 8.78%. One would think pretty impressive for equities. These are actually bond asset classes of TIPS, Inv Grade and High Yield. 4 months of US equity... close to 20%. Check out the blog post other asset classes and 1-year graphs for context.

Decoder Ring for New Tax Forms

by Kirk A. Kreikemeier on
Categories
Planning
I recommend looking at your completed return and pay special attention to particular lines to help with future tax planning. This year I will also add the “tax decoder ring” to show where this information was found on past returns. Hopefully when done using, you will be more excited than Ralphie was in “A Christmas Story” with his message. Spoiler alert! This message is S-A-V-E-M-O-R-E-T-A-X-E-S.

Asset Class Returns - 3/31/2019

by Kirk A. Kreikemeier on
Categories
Markets
Falling interest rates were the big driver of the markets this month. Check out the blog post for monthly returns including the large move in the 30-year treasury bonds.

Dividend Payers in an IRA? Not Always.

by Kirk A. Kreikemeier on
Categories
Planning
Some experts recommend holding dividend paying stocks in a Traditional IRA rather than a taxable account. The ability to defer paying taxes on a high stream of income of which you have no control on the timing is the main reason cited. As a general statement, I disagree without looking at the investor's tax situation.

$10.99 for Almonds - What?! … An MRI at the Hospital – OK.

by Kirk A. Kreikemeier on
Categories
Planning
Many people like to shop and find bargains. Some may check which grocery store has meat on sale or buy certain items at a discount grocer or large box store. Others check features and prices of TVs online to find the best deal. But when it comes to medical services – not so much.

Asset Class Returns - 1/31/2019

by Kirk A. Kreikemeier on
Categories
Markets
After a negative 2018, markets rebounded nicely in January. Recent volatility is also getting back to more normal long-term averages.

Robust Jobs Report: A look at 3 Key Measures

by Kirk Kreikemeier on
Categories
Economy
A key barometer for the health of the economy can be found in the jobs report. If jobs are being created and wages are rising, more money is in consumers’ hands which fuels economic activity as they spend. The latest jobs report (typically released the first Friday of the month) showed a very solid jobs picture.

Asset Class Returns - 12/31/2018

by Kirk Kreikemeier on
Categories
Markets
Should auld "indices" be forgot, And never brought to mind? ... That may have been the song many investors wanted to sing this New Year's Eve. US equity markets saved the worst month for last as December saw significant losses in the major indices. The same concerns persisted into the month, with global economic slowdown, trade negotiations with China and political issues on investors' minds.
iPhone May Be Under Tree, But I Bond May Belong In Reserve Toolbox

iPhone May Be Under Tree, But I Bond May Belong In Reserve Toolbox

by Kirk Kreikemeier on
Categories
Planning

iPhone, iPad… and I Bonds?  No, not Apple bonds; rather the inflation-linked savings bonds from US Treasury.  You may be familiar with treasury bills, bonds, or EE bonds from Treasury Direct, but inflation-linked bonds – called I Bonds – are also offered.  The real coupon rate has been very low...

Asset Class Returns

Asset Class Returns - 11/30/2018

by Kirk Kreikemeier on
Categories
Markets

US equity markets recovered a bit after the rough October returns, though still down over the past two months.  For the year, US large caps are holding a solid gain but small caps are roughly flat.  At the sector level, the monthly return range was about 9%, with Health Care having a positive 7% and...

Medicare Premiums for 2019

Medicare Premiums for 2019 – Small Increase Except for Highest Earners

by Kirk Kreikemeier on
Categories
Planning

The 2019 Medicare Part B premiums have been set. There is a small increase of 1.1% or $1.50/month for the standard premium up to $135.50/month.  Those with a higher income that are impacted by income related adjustments (IRMAA) have the same % increase but will see a slightly higher dollar increase...