Gilbert Wealth Articles

How Social Security Benefits are Taxed

After years of hard work and seeing that large deduction from your income called FICA (or SECA if you're self employed), you've finally made it to begin collecting your Social Security benefits. The checks start rolling in but then you notice something when you file your taxes. Your Social Security benefits are taxable! Is that right? Unfortunately, yes. A lesser-known aspect to those yet to claim is their potential taxability. Understanding how Social Security benefits are taxed can help beneficiaries manage their finances more effectively and avoid unexpected tax liabilities. This article will delve into the specifics of Social Security taxation, including…
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The Future of Social Security

Social Security benefits are one of the key sources of retirement income for most Americans so it can be quite disturbing to reach news headlines like:"Americans will lose full Social Security benefits in 11 years" - Business Insider"Social Security benefits may be cut by at least 20% in the next decade" - CNBCWhether you're currently claiming Social Security, are within striking distance of claiming, or have a few decades or more (that's me 🙋‍♂️) before claiming, it is important to understand what is happening with Social Security, why the alarm bells are being raised, what can be done about it,…
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Understanding Tax Implications for Investment Accounts

Understanding the different types of retirement accounts and their respective tax statuses is fundamental for effective financial planning and tax planning. This article offers a comprehensive overview of the four primary tax categories for different accounts each having distinct implications for investment growth and withdrawals.The reason understanding these terms is important as they impact how contributions, distributions, and earnings are taxed as well as other important considerations regarding the account.The four primary account tax categories are:Taxable AccountsTax Deferred AccountsTax-Free AccountsAfter-Tax Accounts  Taxable Accounts Contributions = Not Deductible Tax Deferred Growth = Depends Withdrawal Taxation = Gains Withdrawal Flexibility = Most…
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How Bond Returns Work – Part 1

Investing in bonds can be a stable and reliable way to protect your wealth over time while earning enough along the way to offset inflation. However, the intricacies of bond returns, particularly how interest rate changes affect bond prices and the dynamics of bond funds, can be confusing for many investors. This article aims to demystify these concepts, providing a clear understanding of how bond returns work and what to expect when holding individual bonds or investing in bond funds. What is a Bond? At their core, bonds are debt securities issued by governments, municipalities, or corporations to raise capital…
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Withholding Taxes from IRA’s and 401k’s

In my role as an advisor and financial educator, I take time to explain financial concepts that people do not often think about or know to think about. While there are some very easily understood concepts out there, sometimes I am reminded that not all topics make sense at first blush.  Taxes on My Taxes!?! An often confusing aspect of withholding for taxes from an IRA or 401k is that the tax withholding itself is also subject to income taxes. That's right, if you withhold taxes from your IRA or 401k, the withholding itself will be taxes. Taxes on a…
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Should You Use a Debit Card or Credit Card?

Debit Cards and Credit Cards are two easy ways to pay for everyday expenses. Nearly all businesses accept both in similar fashion but is there one that shines above the other? This article will explore the reasons why credit cards often provide more advantages than debit cards, making them a preferable choice for many consumers. Fraud Protection Debit Cards A fraudster who gets access to your debit card has access to spend all of the money in your checking account. While banks will typically reverse these charges, it can take some time to do so leaving you low or out…
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What is the IRA Aggregation Rule

The IRA aggregation rule is an IRS rule that stipulates that all traditional, SEP, and SIMPLE IRAs owned by an individual to be treated as one for tax purposes when calculating the taxable amount of an IRA distribution or conversion to a Roth IRA. This rule becomes particularly important during the Roth conversion process, as it dictates how the pre-tax and after-tax amounts in your IRAs are considered.The IRA Aggregation Rule has two primary implications:All Traditional, SEP, and SIMPLE IRA's are totaled for the purposes of distributions.Each distribution is a pro-rata distribution of pre-tax funds and basis. Cream in the…
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How to Pay Estimated Taxes

Paying estimated taxes is a crucial responsibility for self-employed individuals, freelancers, and those with income not subject to withholding taxes. Estimated taxes are typically paid quarterly to the IRS (Internal Revenue Service) and, in some cases, to state tax authorities to cover income tax and self-employment tax liabilities. Here's a guide on how to pay estimated taxes:  Who Must Pay Quarterly Taxes In most cases, you must pay estimated tax if both of the following apply. 1. You expect to owe at least $1,000 in tax (for 2024), after subtracting your withholding and refundable credits. 2. You expect your withholding and refundable…
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Charitable Lead Trust Basics

Charitable Lead Trusts (CLTs) are sophisticated financial instruments that serve dual purposes: supporting philanthropic endeavors and managing estate or gift taxes. As an estate planning tool, CLTs are particularly appealing to financially affluent individuals who are also committed to making significant charitable contributions.This article reviews the common uses, considerations, and pros and cons of implementing Charitable Lead Trust strategies. CLT strategies are complex and should involve a trusted attorney, accountant, and financial advisor. What is a Charitable Lead Trust? A Charitable Lead Trust is an irrevocable trust where the grantor (the person or persons who created the trust) donates assets…
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7 Reasons Your Group Disability Benefit Might Be Less Valuable Than It Seems

Disability insurance is a critical component of a comprehensive financial safety net, providing income protection in the event of an illness or injury that prevents one from working. Group disability insurance policies are a common benefit offered by employers, particularly larger employers.However, these policies often contain limitations and shortfalls that may not fully meet the needs of higher earners or those in upper management. Here, we explore key issues such as benefit caps, tax implications, occupation-specific coverage limitations, income covered, and portability concerns. 1) Benefit Caps Group disability insurance is typically structured as percent of income with the most often…
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