See this Amp at http://bit.ly/gMpjXo
Jumat, 31 Desember 2010
(1 gm) .9999+ Fine APMEX Gold Bars | Burn Down the Freaking Mission
keep a portion of your savings in gold - http://live-free-in-an-unfree-world.com
See this Amp at http://bit.ly/dPYXRY
Kamis, 30 Desember 2010
Rabu, 29 Desember 2010
pointsofhype.mp - Do Tel - YourBrand dot tel
pointsofhype.mp - Mini Blog
get a free blog/website/profile at chi.mp - I had forgotten how good this platform is - http://live-free-in-an-unfree-world.com
See this Amp at http://bit.ly/f8phZ3
Selasa, 28 Desember 2010
The Best Low-Carb Fruits (and the Worst) | Mark's Daily Apple
the tree is loaded with grapefruit this year - if the cold doesn't get them - http://live-free-in-an-unfree-world.com
See this Amp at http://bit.ly/fQwXPb
Senin, 27 Desember 2010
How to Defend the Free Market Gold Coin Standard: Stop Defending the Government Counterfeits by Gary North
our governments will never voluntarily go back to a gold standard - http://burndownthefreakingmission.com
See this Amp at http://bit.ly/hjEkm5
What Can We Do About Terrorism? by Harry Browne
Harry Browne's passing a few years back was a huge loss. http://burndownthefreakingmission.com
See this Amp at http://bit.ly/h4CG3N
Minggu, 26 Desember 2010
Sabtu, 25 Desember 2010
Jumat, 24 Desember 2010
Kamis, 23 Desember 2010
Rabu, 22 Desember 2010
How the new tax law may affect you - Fidelity Investments
How the new tax law may affect you - Fidelity InvestmentsWhat it means for your take-home pay, investments, and more.
How the new tax laws may affect you
After weeks of heated Congressional negotiations on Capitol Hill, President Obama has signed the tax bill into law. The new law temporarily extends the 2001 and 2003 federal income tax rate cuts, extends unemployment insurance for 13 months, provides new payroll tax breaks, reinstates the estate tax, and more.
The good news: The new law will give taxpayers a bit of clarity—and an opportunity to plan with relative confidence knowing that the playing field won’t change dramatically, at least for two years. But beyond that, an increase in the Medicare tax for upper-income Americans is slated for 2013. And more changes are likely in the future, given the pressure to raise revenues to reduce the deficit, and talk of sweeping tax reform.
“Passage of this tax law ensures that individuals at all income levels won’t face an automatic tax increase in January,” says Shahira Knight, Fidelity’s vice president of government relations. “The law provides taxpayers with some certainty, but Congress will be back at the table having the same debate in two years”
So what can you do now? Let’s take a look at how the new law may impact you in four key areas: your take-home pay, your investments, your estate and gifting plans, and, if you’re over age 70½, qualified charitable distributions from your IRA. We’ll summarize what’s changed, and what you should be thinking about for both year-end and longer-term tax planning.
One important caveat: An extension of the minimum required distribution (MRD) suspension is not part of the new tax law, so retirees must take applicable MRDs for 2010 or face a hefty penalty.
New tax law
How it affects your take-home pay
NEW—Payroll tax relief: There is now a 2 percentage point reduction in an employee’s share of the Social Security portion of the FICA tax, from 6.2% to 4.2%, in 2011. So, if you make $80,000 a year, you could take home an additional $1,600 a year in 2011.
What to consider now:
* Increase any tax-advantaged retirement account contributions: If you are not already maximizing pretax contributions to your 401(k) plan, 403(b) plan, or other workplace savings plan, consider increasing your payroll deduction by 2%, or at least enough to garner the full company match. In 2010 and 2011 you can contribute up to $16,500 to 401(k) plans (up to $22,000 if you’re 50 or older), and $5,000 to IRAs ($6,000 for ages 50 and older). Fidelity believes this is a smart plan of action, unless you have high interest-rate credit card debt. If so, consider using the extra money from the payroll tax relief to pay down your plastic first.
What to consider going forward:
* Automatic increases in your workplace savings plan: If you are still not maximizing your workplace savings contributions, consider increasing automatic payroll deductions in 2011.
* If you have a 401(k) or 403(b) with Fidelity, you can review and increase you contribution rate, or sign up for automatic increases, on NetBenefits (log in required).
Extended—2001 and 2003 income tax cuts: The new tax law provides a two-year extension of the 2001 and 2003 Bush-era income tax cuts (through 2012), regardless of a person’s income level. This means there will be no change in the income tax rates for the next two years although the alternative minimum tax (AMT) patch extends only through 2011 and is not indexed for inflation in 2011.
What to consider now:
* A Roth IRA conversion: You may want to consider converting a traditional IRA or other eligible retirement balance to a Roth IRA1 before December 31, 2010. For conversions made in 2010, because of a special one-time tax rule, you can elect to either pay the entire tax bill on your 2010 return or pay it over the next two years by splitting the taxable income generated evenly between your 2011 and 2012 tax returns. The extension of the current tax rates may make the latter a better option. However, although spreading out the tax bill from your conversion over two years may sound appealing, there are other considerations to take into account, so you should carefully weigh the pros and cons. Read: Two-year tax window on Roth conversions.
* Your income and deductions: Tax advisers often suggest that those who itemize deductions should defer income into future tax years while accelerating deductions into the current tax year. While you may end up with virtually the same tax bill, you would pay it at a later date. In the meantime, you may be able to benefit from the use of that money. Since tax rates will stay the same next year, this popular year-end tax move may be helpful in 2010 and 2011 as well, with one important exception. If you are or may be subject to the AMT, you may be better off doing the opposite. As always, you should consult your tax adviser. And don’t dally: You only have until December 31, 2010, to make these moves.
Extended—AMT relief: There is now a two-year extension (through 2011) of the AMT "patch".
How it affects your investments
Extended—Capital gains tax: The top rate on long-term capital gains will remain at 15% for the next two years.
Extended—Qualified dividends tax: The top rate for qualified dividends—those on certain stocks held longer than 60 days—will remain at 15% for the next two years.
What to consider now:
* Employ an effective tax-loss harvesting strategy: Tax-loss harvesting is the practice of selling investments that have lost value to offset current-and future-year capital gains. Unlike one-time or occasional-loss sales, however, a systematic tax-loss harvesting strategy requires diligent investment tracking and detailed tax accounting. Read: Reduce the tax hit on your investments.
* Exploit the 0% capital gains rate: You also may have the opportunity to eliminate taxes on the capital gains you realize from taxable accounts. In 2010, taxpayers in the 10% and 15% federal income tax brackets can realize long-term capital gains (and qualified dividends) without triggering capital gains taxes. (In 2010, the 15% bracket tops out at $68,000 of taxable income for married couples filing jointly.) The result: If your taxable income falls into the two lowest tax brackets, selling stocks held longer than a year may be a highly tax-efficient way to generate cash flow. If you’re retired, this strategy may be most advantageous if you have a relatively high proportion of your retirement assets in taxable accounts.
What to consider going forward:
* Plan ahead for future tax increases: No one can predict how or when tax rates might rise or what form proposed tax reforms may take. But at least one new tax is already slated to hit the net investment income of upper-income taxpayers in 2013: an additional 3.8% Medicare tax, which will affect married couples filing jointly with a modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) of more than $250,000 ($200,000 for single filers). The tax will apply to the lesser of net investment income or MAGI over the threshold. Investment income would include income from interest, dividends, capital gains, annuities, rents, and royalties.
It’s not too soon to begin preparing for this 2013 tax change. You’ll want to consider maximizing savings in tax-advantaged accounts such as IRAs and 401(k)s, because withdrawals from them will not be included when determining investment income for the new Medicare tax. Further, qualifying Roth IRA withdrawals aren’t considered investment income or an addition to your MAGI under current law—possibly making conversions and contributions to Roth-type accounts more relevant for the near term. If you don’t have a Roth IRA, you may want to consider converting to one. Get the details in Viewpoints: Tax-savvy Roth IRA conversions.
How it affects small businesses and the self-employed
NEW—Business Expensing: The new law provides for 100% expensing of qualified capital investments in 2011 and 50% expensing in 2012.
How it affects estate planning and gifting
NEW—Estate tax rate and exclusion: The new law reinstates the estate tax in 2011 and 2012 at a maximum rate of 35% with a $5 million exemption per person. This compares to a 45% maximum rate and $3.5 million exclusion in 2009. The new rules will sunset after 2012. Beginning in 2013, there will be a $1 million per person exclusion with a 55% estate and gift tax rate unless further legislation is enacted.
Here are some additional estate tax changes you should know about:
* Portability. New portability rules allow any unused exemption to be passed to a surviving spouse, so a married couple can exempt up to $10 million.
* Estates of decedents who died in 2010. The new law gives executors of these estates a choice: distribute assets to heirs estate-tax-free but with a carryover basis (generally the original purchase price), or step up the basis to the market value (generally at time of death) and pay the 35% rate on anything above the $5 million exemption. A step-up in basis means the value of an appreciated asset is readjusted at a higher market value for tax purposes upon inheritance versus what the value of the asset was when it was originally purchased.
* Gift Tax exemption. The new law reunifies the federal estate tax exemption and the federal gift tax exemption. This means that the new lifetime gift tax exemption is $5 million per person ($10 million per couple) beginning in 2011. Taxable gifts made in 2011 and 2012 will be taxed at the rate of 35%.
* Generation Skipping Transfer Tax (GSTT). Beginning in 2011, the generation skipping transfer tax exemption will also be $5 million per person ($10 million per couple) with a 35% tax rate. Note: The GSTT is not portable.
* Extension of time for certain filings. The new law extends the time to file certain estate and gift tax returns to nine months after the enactment of the new law.
What to consider now:
* Make tax-smart charitable year-end contributions if you haven’t already. For this year, given the stock market’s gains, donating long-term appreciated securities may be a particularly tax-savvy strategy. As a general rule, donations of long-term appreciated securities (either stock or mutual funds) directly to a qualified charity are deductible at their fair market value on the date of contribution, and you don’t pay capital gains taxes on the donated security. For those considering a major gift in 2010 (or 2011), combining a charitable gift with a Roth IRA conversion may help offset the tax cost of the conversion and perhaps allow you to convert a larger amount at a lower tax cost. Read: Tax-savvy Roth IRA Conversions.
* Consider generation skipping transfers. The generation skipping transfer tax remains repealed for 2010. Individuals thinking of making gifts to grandchildren, gifts that would otherwise be subject to GST tax, have until December, 31, 2010, to complete these gifts.
* Weigh the tax elections for 2010 estates. Executors of 2010 estates over $5 million with highly appreciated assets should consider whether it may be better to subject the estate to the new law or choose the zero estate tax law of 2010. If you choose the former, the first $5 million of estate assets will be exempt from federal estate taxes, but any amount above $5 million may be subject to estate tax. However, the entire estate will receive a full step up in basis. If the latter is chosen, no federal estate tax will be assessed on the estate, but all of the estate assets may not receive a step-up in basis. In this case, the executor can allocate $3 million in basis adjustments for assets passing to a surviving spouse, and another $1.3 million in basis adjustments to property passing to a non-spouse. This is a complex decision. Contact your attorney, tax adviser, or your Fidelity Representative to understand your options.
What to consider going forward:
* Set up a meeting with your tax adviser or estate planning attorney to review your estate plan and make any necessary changes.
* Consider a Grantor Retained Annuity Trust (GRAT): A Grantor Retained Annuity Trust (GRAT) is an irrevocable trust that pays a fixed annuity to the grantor for a defined period, then pays the remainder to a non-charitable beneficiary. Contrary to expectations, the new law did not restrict GRATs. And, with the increased gift tax exemption, a grantor can now potentially put even more money into a GRAT without having to pay gift taxes. Current low interest rates are also beneficial to GRATs, because they help increase the value of the annuity while lowering the value of the remainder interest. So, the grantor may potentially use even less of the new gift tax exemption. As always, consult your Fidelity representative or speak with your attorney or tax adviser before making any decisions.
How it affects retirees
Extended—qualified charitable distributions (QCDs) from IRAs: The new tax law extends provisions of the Pension Protection Act of 2006 that allow investors age 70½ or older to make a qualified distribution of up to $100,000 from an IRA directly to a qualified charity for both 2010 and 2011.
Not extended—Minimum Required Distribution (MRD) suspension: The new tax law does not extend the 2009 suspension of MRDs. Retirees are generally required to take MRDs from their retirement accounts for the year in which they turn 70½, and all subsequent years, by December 31. Failure to comply with this IRS regulation could result in a 50% penalty on the amount that should have been distributed.
What to consider now:
* Make sure you take an MRD in 2010. If you’re 70½ or over, take a moment to ensure you’ve met your MRD obligation for 2010. If you were born before July 1, 1939, your 2010 MRD deadline is December 31, 2010. If you were born between July 1, 1939, and June 30, 1940, your deadline is April 1, 2011. Just remember, you’ll have to take two MRDs in 2011 (one for 2010 and one for 2011).
* Think about QCDs and MRDs together. Qualified charitable distributions from IRAs made directly to qualifying charities count toward any MRD. For example, if you have a $75,000 MRD for 2010, you can make an IRA distribution of up to $100,000 directly to a qualifying charity and $75,000 of that $100,000 is counted as your MRD.
* One other important note: Any QCDs made through January 2011 can count towards your 2010 MRD, but if you already took your MRD in 2010, it appears you cannot take advantage of the QCD this year. However, if you still have to take your 2010 RMD, you may make a 2010 QCD and have it count toward your MRD even if you don’t complete it until next year.
What to consider going forward:
* QCDs will count as MRDs in 2011, so you may want to consider making two QCDs: one in 2010 and one in 2011.
* Talk to your tax adviser about IRA strategies for 2011. If you are a high-net-worth investor with high IRA balances, next year may be a tax-efficient time to give away some of that money.
Next steps
* Learn more about tax-advantaged retirement accounts and charitable giving options for year-end.
* Make a plan to attend a tax-smart investing seminar in the New Year to help you plan for future taxes.
* Review tax-savings strategies in our Tax Center.
* If you have a 401(k) or 403(b) with Fidelity, you can review and increase you contribution rate, or sign up for automatic increases, on NetBenefits (log in required).
* Speak to a Fidelity representative at 1-800-343-3548.
Views expressed are as of 12/17/2010 and may change based on market and other conditions. Unless otherwise noted, the opinions provided are not necessarily those of Fidelity Investments.
The tax and estate planning information contained herein is general in nature, is provided for informational purposes only, and should not be construed as legal or tax advice. Fidelity does not provide legal or tax advice. Fidelity cannot guarantee that such information is accurate, complete, or timely. Laws of a particular state or laws that may be applicable to a particular situation may have an impact on the applicability, accuracy, or completeness of such information. Federal and state laws and regulations are complex and are subject to change. Changes in such laws and regulations may have a material impact on pre- and/or after-tax investment results. Fidelity makes no warranties with regard to such information or results obtained by its use. Fidelity disclaims any liability arising out of your use of, or any tax position taken in reliance on, such information. Always consult an attorney or tax professional regarding your specific legal or tax situation.
1. A distribution from a Roth IRA is tax free and penalty free provided that the five-year aging requirement has been satisfied and at least one of the following conditions is met: you reach age 59½, die, become disabled, or make a qualified first-time home purchase.
How the new tax laws may affect you
After weeks of heated Congressional negotiations on Capitol Hill, President Obama has signed the tax bill into law. The new law temporarily extends the 2001 and 2003 federal income tax rate cuts, extends unemployment insurance for 13 months, provides new payroll tax breaks, reinstates the estate tax, and more.
The good news: The new law will give taxpayers a bit of clarity—and an opportunity to plan with relative confidence knowing that the playing field won’t change dramatically, at least for two years. But beyond that, an increase in the Medicare tax for upper-income Americans is slated for 2013. And more changes are likely in the future, given the pressure to raise revenues to reduce the deficit, and talk of sweeping tax reform.
“Passage of this tax law ensures that individuals at all income levels won’t face an automatic tax increase in January,” says Shahira Knight, Fidelity’s vice president of government relations. “The law provides taxpayers with some certainty, but Congress will be back at the table having the same debate in two years”
So what can you do now? Let’s take a look at how the new law may impact you in four key areas: your take-home pay, your investments, your estate and gifting plans, and, if you’re over age 70½, qualified charitable distributions from your IRA. We’ll summarize what’s changed, and what you should be thinking about for both year-end and longer-term tax planning.
One important caveat: An extension of the minimum required distribution (MRD) suspension is not part of the new tax law, so retirees must take applicable MRDs for 2010 or face a hefty penalty.
New tax law
How it affects your take-home pay
NEW—Payroll tax relief: There is now a 2 percentage point reduction in an employee’s share of the Social Security portion of the FICA tax, from 6.2% to 4.2%, in 2011. So, if you make $80,000 a year, you could take home an additional $1,600 a year in 2011.
What to consider now:
* Increase any tax-advantaged retirement account contributions: If you are not already maximizing pretax contributions to your 401(k) plan, 403(b) plan, or other workplace savings plan, consider increasing your payroll deduction by 2%, or at least enough to garner the full company match. In 2010 and 2011 you can contribute up to $16,500 to 401(k) plans (up to $22,000 if you’re 50 or older), and $5,000 to IRAs ($6,000 for ages 50 and older). Fidelity believes this is a smart plan of action, unless you have high interest-rate credit card debt. If so, consider using the extra money from the payroll tax relief to pay down your plastic first.
What to consider going forward:
* Automatic increases in your workplace savings plan: If you are still not maximizing your workplace savings contributions, consider increasing automatic payroll deductions in 2011.
* If you have a 401(k) or 403(b) with Fidelity, you can review and increase you contribution rate, or sign up for automatic increases, on NetBenefits (log in required).
Extended—2001 and 2003 income tax cuts: The new tax law provides a two-year extension of the 2001 and 2003 Bush-era income tax cuts (through 2012), regardless of a person’s income level. This means there will be no change in the income tax rates for the next two years although the alternative minimum tax (AMT) patch extends only through 2011 and is not indexed for inflation in 2011.
What to consider now:
* A Roth IRA conversion: You may want to consider converting a traditional IRA or other eligible retirement balance to a Roth IRA1 before December 31, 2010. For conversions made in 2010, because of a special one-time tax rule, you can elect to either pay the entire tax bill on your 2010 return or pay it over the next two years by splitting the taxable income generated evenly between your 2011 and 2012 tax returns. The extension of the current tax rates may make the latter a better option. However, although spreading out the tax bill from your conversion over two years may sound appealing, there are other considerations to take into account, so you should carefully weigh the pros and cons. Read: Two-year tax window on Roth conversions.
* Your income and deductions: Tax advisers often suggest that those who itemize deductions should defer income into future tax years while accelerating deductions into the current tax year. While you may end up with virtually the same tax bill, you would pay it at a later date. In the meantime, you may be able to benefit from the use of that money. Since tax rates will stay the same next year, this popular year-end tax move may be helpful in 2010 and 2011 as well, with one important exception. If you are or may be subject to the AMT, you may be better off doing the opposite. As always, you should consult your tax adviser. And don’t dally: You only have until December 31, 2010, to make these moves.
Extended—AMT relief: There is now a two-year extension (through 2011) of the AMT "patch".
How it affects your investments
Extended—Capital gains tax: The top rate on long-term capital gains will remain at 15% for the next two years.
Extended—Qualified dividends tax: The top rate for qualified dividends—those on certain stocks held longer than 60 days—will remain at 15% for the next two years.
What to consider now:
* Employ an effective tax-loss harvesting strategy: Tax-loss harvesting is the practice of selling investments that have lost value to offset current-and future-year capital gains. Unlike one-time or occasional-loss sales, however, a systematic tax-loss harvesting strategy requires diligent investment tracking and detailed tax accounting. Read: Reduce the tax hit on your investments.
* Exploit the 0% capital gains rate: You also may have the opportunity to eliminate taxes on the capital gains you realize from taxable accounts. In 2010, taxpayers in the 10% and 15% federal income tax brackets can realize long-term capital gains (and qualified dividends) without triggering capital gains taxes. (In 2010, the 15% bracket tops out at $68,000 of taxable income for married couples filing jointly.) The result: If your taxable income falls into the two lowest tax brackets, selling stocks held longer than a year may be a highly tax-efficient way to generate cash flow. If you’re retired, this strategy may be most advantageous if you have a relatively high proportion of your retirement assets in taxable accounts.
What to consider going forward:
* Plan ahead for future tax increases: No one can predict how or when tax rates might rise or what form proposed tax reforms may take. But at least one new tax is already slated to hit the net investment income of upper-income taxpayers in 2013: an additional 3.8% Medicare tax, which will affect married couples filing jointly with a modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) of more than $250,000 ($200,000 for single filers). The tax will apply to the lesser of net investment income or MAGI over the threshold. Investment income would include income from interest, dividends, capital gains, annuities, rents, and royalties.
It’s not too soon to begin preparing for this 2013 tax change. You’ll want to consider maximizing savings in tax-advantaged accounts such as IRAs and 401(k)s, because withdrawals from them will not be included when determining investment income for the new Medicare tax. Further, qualifying Roth IRA withdrawals aren’t considered investment income or an addition to your MAGI under current law—possibly making conversions and contributions to Roth-type accounts more relevant for the near term. If you don’t have a Roth IRA, you may want to consider converting to one. Get the details in Viewpoints: Tax-savvy Roth IRA conversions.
How it affects small businesses and the self-employed
NEW—Business Expensing: The new law provides for 100% expensing of qualified capital investments in 2011 and 50% expensing in 2012.
How it affects estate planning and gifting
NEW—Estate tax rate and exclusion: The new law reinstates the estate tax in 2011 and 2012 at a maximum rate of 35% with a $5 million exemption per person. This compares to a 45% maximum rate and $3.5 million exclusion in 2009. The new rules will sunset after 2012. Beginning in 2013, there will be a $1 million per person exclusion with a 55% estate and gift tax rate unless further legislation is enacted.
Here are some additional estate tax changes you should know about:
* Portability. New portability rules allow any unused exemption to be passed to a surviving spouse, so a married couple can exempt up to $10 million.
* Estates of decedents who died in 2010. The new law gives executors of these estates a choice: distribute assets to heirs estate-tax-free but with a carryover basis (generally the original purchase price), or step up the basis to the market value (generally at time of death) and pay the 35% rate on anything above the $5 million exemption. A step-up in basis means the value of an appreciated asset is readjusted at a higher market value for tax purposes upon inheritance versus what the value of the asset was when it was originally purchased.
* Gift Tax exemption. The new law reunifies the federal estate tax exemption and the federal gift tax exemption. This means that the new lifetime gift tax exemption is $5 million per person ($10 million per couple) beginning in 2011. Taxable gifts made in 2011 and 2012 will be taxed at the rate of 35%.
* Generation Skipping Transfer Tax (GSTT). Beginning in 2011, the generation skipping transfer tax exemption will also be $5 million per person ($10 million per couple) with a 35% tax rate. Note: The GSTT is not portable.
* Extension of time for certain filings. The new law extends the time to file certain estate and gift tax returns to nine months after the enactment of the new law.
What to consider now:
* Make tax-smart charitable year-end contributions if you haven’t already. For this year, given the stock market’s gains, donating long-term appreciated securities may be a particularly tax-savvy strategy. As a general rule, donations of long-term appreciated securities (either stock or mutual funds) directly to a qualified charity are deductible at their fair market value on the date of contribution, and you don’t pay capital gains taxes on the donated security. For those considering a major gift in 2010 (or 2011), combining a charitable gift with a Roth IRA conversion may help offset the tax cost of the conversion and perhaps allow you to convert a larger amount at a lower tax cost. Read: Tax-savvy Roth IRA Conversions.
* Consider generation skipping transfers. The generation skipping transfer tax remains repealed for 2010. Individuals thinking of making gifts to grandchildren, gifts that would otherwise be subject to GST tax, have until December, 31, 2010, to complete these gifts.
* Weigh the tax elections for 2010 estates. Executors of 2010 estates over $5 million with highly appreciated assets should consider whether it may be better to subject the estate to the new law or choose the zero estate tax law of 2010. If you choose the former, the first $5 million of estate assets will be exempt from federal estate taxes, but any amount above $5 million may be subject to estate tax. However, the entire estate will receive a full step up in basis. If the latter is chosen, no federal estate tax will be assessed on the estate, but all of the estate assets may not receive a step-up in basis. In this case, the executor can allocate $3 million in basis adjustments for assets passing to a surviving spouse, and another $1.3 million in basis adjustments to property passing to a non-spouse. This is a complex decision. Contact your attorney, tax adviser, or your Fidelity Representative to understand your options.
What to consider going forward:
* Set up a meeting with your tax adviser or estate planning attorney to review your estate plan and make any necessary changes.
* Consider a Grantor Retained Annuity Trust (GRAT): A Grantor Retained Annuity Trust (GRAT) is an irrevocable trust that pays a fixed annuity to the grantor for a defined period, then pays the remainder to a non-charitable beneficiary. Contrary to expectations, the new law did not restrict GRATs. And, with the increased gift tax exemption, a grantor can now potentially put even more money into a GRAT without having to pay gift taxes. Current low interest rates are also beneficial to GRATs, because they help increase the value of the annuity while lowering the value of the remainder interest. So, the grantor may potentially use even less of the new gift tax exemption. As always, consult your Fidelity representative or speak with your attorney or tax adviser before making any decisions.
How it affects retirees
Extended—qualified charitable distributions (QCDs) from IRAs: The new tax law extends provisions of the Pension Protection Act of 2006 that allow investors age 70½ or older to make a qualified distribution of up to $100,000 from an IRA directly to a qualified charity for both 2010 and 2011.
Not extended—Minimum Required Distribution (MRD) suspension: The new tax law does not extend the 2009 suspension of MRDs. Retirees are generally required to take MRDs from their retirement accounts for the year in which they turn 70½, and all subsequent years, by December 31. Failure to comply with this IRS regulation could result in a 50% penalty on the amount that should have been distributed.
What to consider now:
* Make sure you take an MRD in 2010. If you’re 70½ or over, take a moment to ensure you’ve met your MRD obligation for 2010. If you were born before July 1, 1939, your 2010 MRD deadline is December 31, 2010. If you were born between July 1, 1939, and June 30, 1940, your deadline is April 1, 2011. Just remember, you’ll have to take two MRDs in 2011 (one for 2010 and one for 2011).
* Think about QCDs and MRDs together. Qualified charitable distributions from IRAs made directly to qualifying charities count toward any MRD. For example, if you have a $75,000 MRD for 2010, you can make an IRA distribution of up to $100,000 directly to a qualifying charity and $75,000 of that $100,000 is counted as your MRD.
* One other important note: Any QCDs made through January 2011 can count towards your 2010 MRD, but if you already took your MRD in 2010, it appears you cannot take advantage of the QCD this year. However, if you still have to take your 2010 RMD, you may make a 2010 QCD and have it count toward your MRD even if you don’t complete it until next year.
What to consider going forward:
* QCDs will count as MRDs in 2011, so you may want to consider making two QCDs: one in 2010 and one in 2011.
* Talk to your tax adviser about IRA strategies for 2011. If you are a high-net-worth investor with high IRA balances, next year may be a tax-efficient time to give away some of that money.
Next steps
* Learn more about tax-advantaged retirement accounts and charitable giving options for year-end.
* Make a plan to attend a tax-smart investing seminar in the New Year to help you plan for future taxes.
* Review tax-savings strategies in our Tax Center.
* If you have a 401(k) or 403(b) with Fidelity, you can review and increase you contribution rate, or sign up for automatic increases, on NetBenefits (log in required).
* Speak to a Fidelity representative at 1-800-343-3548.
Views expressed are as of 12/17/2010 and may change based on market and other conditions. Unless otherwise noted, the opinions provided are not necessarily those of Fidelity Investments.
The tax and estate planning information contained herein is general in nature, is provided for informational purposes only, and should not be construed as legal or tax advice. Fidelity does not provide legal or tax advice. Fidelity cannot guarantee that such information is accurate, complete, or timely. Laws of a particular state or laws that may be applicable to a particular situation may have an impact on the applicability, accuracy, or completeness of such information. Federal and state laws and regulations are complex and are subject to change. Changes in such laws and regulations may have a material impact on pre- and/or after-tax investment results. Fidelity makes no warranties with regard to such information or results obtained by its use. Fidelity disclaims any liability arising out of your use of, or any tax position taken in reliance on, such information. Always consult an attorney or tax professional regarding your specific legal or tax situation.
1. A distribution from a Roth IRA is tax free and penalty free provided that the five-year aging requirement has been satisfied and at least one of the following conditions is met: you reach age 59½, die, become disabled, or make a qualified first-time home purchase.
Down Argentine Way by Ron Holland
this is where I have always wanted to retire - http://burndownthefreakingmission.com
See this Amp at http://bit.ly/faGK3g
Selasa, 21 Desember 2010
Jefferies: Amazing shale economics 'unlike anything ever seen'
Jefferies: Amazing shale economics 'unlike anything ever seen': "Dec 20, 2010
Jefferies: Amazing shale economics 'unlike anything ever seen'"
Jefferies: Amazing shale economics 'unlike anything ever seen'"
Jefferies: Amazing shale economics 'unlike anything ever seen'
Jefferies: Amazing shale economics 'unlike anything ever seen': "Dec 20, 2010
Jefferies: Amazing shale economics 'unlike anything ever seen'"
Jefferies: Amazing shale economics 'unlike anything ever seen'"
Senin, 20 Desember 2010
Public Divorce Records For Name Verification | Burn Down the Freaking Mission
Minggu, 19 Desember 2010
Local Internet Marketing Services
IMM makes your business findable on the Internet for your local customers.
Amplify’d from pointsofhype.bravejournal.com
See this Amp at http://bit.ly/eEJsCX
Local Internet Marketing Services
on a blogtext blog - We specialize in making your business website findable to potential customers searching the Internet for your specific product or service.
See this Amp at http://bit.ly/hzKGQd
Local Internet Marketing Services | Internet Mad Men
Sabtu, 18 Desember 2010
Local Internet Marketing Services
Making your local, small business findable is vital. People search online for deals and buy locally. Internet marketing for local businesses is now critical.
To catch the attention of local customers and clients who want your products and services, you may need to turn to a local internet marketing specialist for non-traditional SEO like online yellow pages listings, digital business cards, and mobile friendly websites.
Search habits are changing. Individuals who use yellow pages, newspapers, print classifieds, and local cable television to find a product or service at a local business are disappearing every day. Even my 83 year-old mother can print out map directions and coupons online.
Why does your company need local search marketing?
To begin, it's different from conventional Search Engine Optimization (SEO). Conventional SEO techniques help make your website visible, which is entirely well and good. No harm done. On occasion, it even helps raise your other business listings.
Stats:
73% of all online action is related to local content
85% of web visitors rely on search engines and perform over 16 billion searches a month
90% of those searches are for community vendors
66% of Americans exploit the Internet to find local businesses
54% of Americans have replaced their phone books/printed yellow pages with search - and nearly 100% for those less than 50 years old
82% of local searchers follow up their search with a phone call or walk-in
53% of U.S. online consumers research products online then buy at a local store or over the phone
43% of search engine users investigate or shop online then buy locally
Google's share of local search - 72% (May 2010)
* Yahoo! - 14%
* Bing - 9%
* Ask.com - 2%
Unfortunately, most agencies or individuals who offer local search or local seo are “geek-centric”. They will overwhelm you with tech speak like SEO, SERPs, and PPC campaigns. If I am a small business owner, I want leads and customers. I want my phone to ring.
* Push me past my competition on Google, but most importantly, send customers to my door instead of to my competitors.
* I need a local internet marketing specialist who can get the job done without calling me six times a day. Prove you are the expert I need.
* I want to tend to my core business and crush my competition. Help me now.
===
Internet Mad Men - http://internetmadmen.com - makes your business findable on the Internet for your local customers.
We specialize in making your business website findable to potential customers searching the Internet for your specific product or service.
In addition, we specialize in making your site mobile friendly for the many millions of Internet users who use smartphones to access the web.
Charles Lamm provides Local Internet Marketing Services for small businesses throughout the United States.
===
My blog: Cures for Bad Breath
 | Latest tweet: Charles Lamm's Blog at BIGADDA >> Local Internet Marketing Services - Making Your Business Findable *http://bit.ly/hSbhrK |
…You Might Be a Gold Bug. The Reformed Broker
…You Might Be a Gold Bug. The Reformed Broker * If you consider Diversification to mean a portfolio consisting of gold bullion, gold coins, gold bars and gold futures contracts...you might be a gold bug.
* If you've been growing your beard out since Obama was elected...you might be a gold bug.
* If the family dog's name is Hyperinflation ...you might be a gold bug.
* If you have a poster of a shirtless Peter Schiff hanging over your bed...you might be a gold bug.
* If you spent the summer up at the cabin storing your own urine for it's nutrients...you might be a gold bug.
* If every single stock in your brokerage account contains the word "mining" in it's name...you might be a gold bug.
* If you get your financial advice from the Glenn Beck show...you might be a gold bug.
* If you start off many sentences with the phrase "Once gold breaks 1000," ...you might be a gold bug.
* If your IRA jingles when it hits the floor...you might be a gold bug.
* If the name of your investment club is AU Guys...you might be a gold bug.
* If the panic room you've just installed has it's own panic room...you might be a gold bug.
* If the birthday cards you send to friends and relatives include warnings about the danger of fiat currencies...you might be a gold bug.
Buffett who said he had only two rules: 1) Never lose money and 2) see rule number 1!
* If you've been growing your beard out since Obama was elected...you might be a gold bug.
* If the family dog's name is Hyperinflation ...you might be a gold bug.
* If you have a poster of a shirtless Peter Schiff hanging over your bed...you might be a gold bug.
* If you spent the summer up at the cabin storing your own urine for it's nutrients...you might be a gold bug.
* If every single stock in your brokerage account contains the word "mining" in it's name...you might be a gold bug.
* If you get your financial advice from the Glenn Beck show...you might be a gold bug.
* If you start off many sentences with the phrase "Once gold breaks 1000," ...you might be a gold bug.
* If your IRA jingles when it hits the floor...you might be a gold bug.
* If the name of your investment club is AU Guys...you might be a gold bug.
* If the panic room you've just installed has it's own panic room...you might be a gold bug.
* If the birthday cards you send to friends and relatives include warnings about the danger of fiat currencies...you might be a gold bug.
Buffett who said he had only two rules: 1) Never lose money and 2) see rule number 1!
Seek Out Less Traveled Roads : Marketing :: American Express OPEN Forum
Seek Out Less Traveled Roads : Marketing :: American Express OPEN ForumMy favorite place to fish is in the past. I’m a student of Napolean Hill, of David Ogilvy, of Albert Lasker. I just downloaded a book about Vanderbilt and several of the other tycoons of their time, and found it stuffed full of ideas that I can move into a new venue and suddenly have them seem fresh and useful.
10 Trends for 2011 by Gerald Celente
ignore at your own peril - http://burndownthefreakingmission.com
See this Amp at http://bit.ly/fVsvVj
pointsofhype - Local Internet Marketing Services
We specialize in making your business website findable to potential customers searching the Internet for your specific product or service.
See this Amp at http://bit.ly/gRMZL7
Local Internet Marketing Services - Making Your Business Findable
Making your local, small business findable is essential. People search on the net for deals and purchase locally. Internet marketing for local businesses is now required.
To attract local customers and clients who want your products and services, you may need to go to a local internet marketing specialist for non-traditional SEO such as online yellow pages listings, digital business cards, and mobile friendly websites.
Internet search routines are evolving. Individuals who use yellow pages, newspapers, print classifieds, and local cable TV to find a product or service at a local business are dying out every day. Even my 83 year-old mother can shop local specials and print out coupons before going shopping.
Why does your company need Internet marketing at all?
For one, it's distinct from usual Search Engine Optimization (SEO). Established SEO strategies help make your website visible, which is all well and good. It doesn't hurt. Traditional SEO can elevate your local business listings - if those listings are in place.
Stats:
73% of all online action is related to local content
85% of web visitors depend on search engines and perform in excess of 16 billion searches a month
90% of those searches are for local vendors
66% of Americans make use of the Internet to locate local businesses
54% of Americans have replaced their phone books/printed yellow pages with search - and just about 100% for those less than 50 years old
82% of local searchers follow up their search with a phone call or walk-in
53% of U.S. online consumers research products online then buy at a local store or over the phone
43% of search engine users research or shop online then purchase locally
Google's share of local search - 72% (May 2010)
* Yahoo! - 14%
* Bing - 9%
* Ask.com - 2%
Regrettably, nearly all firms or people who offer local search or local seo are “geek-centric”. They will overwhelm you with geek speak such as SEO, SERPs, and PPC campaigns. As a small business owner, I want customers or clients, not campaigns, branding, or useless hits to my website. How they do it does not concern me as long as their methods are white hat.
* I don't care about the details any more than I want to know how my mechanic fixed my transmission.
* I want a marketing specialist. I want the phone to ring off the hook. I want my competition to wonder why I am hiring new staff in a recession.
* Show me how local internet marketing will help me dominate Google and my area market. Help me quick.
===
Internet Mad Men - http://internetmadmen.com - makes your business findable on the Internet for your local customers.
We specialize in making your business website findable to potential customers searching the Internet for your specific product or service.
In addition, we specialize in making your site mobile friendly for the many millions of Internet users who use smartphones to access the web.
Charles Lamm provides Local Internet Marketing Services for small businesses throughout the United States.
To attract local customers and clients who want your products and services, you may need to go to a local internet marketing specialist for non-traditional SEO such as online yellow pages listings, digital business cards, and mobile friendly websites.
Internet search routines are evolving. Individuals who use yellow pages, newspapers, print classifieds, and local cable TV to find a product or service at a local business are dying out every day. Even my 83 year-old mother can shop local specials and print out coupons before going shopping.
Why does your company need Internet marketing at all?
For one, it's distinct from usual Search Engine Optimization (SEO). Established SEO strategies help make your website visible, which is all well and good. It doesn't hurt. Traditional SEO can elevate your local business listings - if those listings are in place.
Stats:
73% of all online action is related to local content
85% of web visitors depend on search engines and perform in excess of 16 billion searches a month
90% of those searches are for local vendors
66% of Americans make use of the Internet to locate local businesses
54% of Americans have replaced their phone books/printed yellow pages with search - and just about 100% for those less than 50 years old
82% of local searchers follow up their search with a phone call or walk-in
53% of U.S. online consumers research products online then buy at a local store or over the phone
43% of search engine users research or shop online then purchase locally
Google's share of local search - 72% (May 2010)
* Yahoo! - 14%
* Bing - 9%
* Ask.com - 2%
Regrettably, nearly all firms or people who offer local search or local seo are “geek-centric”. They will overwhelm you with geek speak such as SEO, SERPs, and PPC campaigns. As a small business owner, I want customers or clients, not campaigns, branding, or useless hits to my website. How they do it does not concern me as long as their methods are white hat.
* I don't care about the details any more than I want to know how my mechanic fixed my transmission.
* I want a marketing specialist. I want the phone to ring off the hook. I want my competition to wonder why I am hiring new staff in a recession.
* Show me how local internet marketing will help me dominate Google and my area market. Help me quick.
===
Internet Mad Men - http://internetmadmen.com - makes your business findable on the Internet for your local customers.
We specialize in making your business website findable to potential customers searching the Internet for your specific product or service.
In addition, we specialize in making your site mobile friendly for the many millions of Internet users who use smartphones to access the web.
Charles Lamm provides Local Internet Marketing Services for small businesses throughout the United States.
Internet Mad Men | Blog | Local Internet Marketing Services - Does Your Local Business Show Up
IMM makes your business findable on the Internet for your local customers.
See this Amp at http://bit.ly/e2focL
Jumat, 17 Desember 2010
Warnings from Doug Casey
Amplify’d from www.lewrockwell.com
Doug:
Right. I keep coming back to basics; to accumulate wealth, you have
to produce more than you consume and save the difference. In time,
that savings can be invested in new ventures and new technologies
that create prosperity. You simply cannot spend and consume your
way into prosperity, either as an individual or as a society. Worse,
all the debt in the world is an indication that many people are,
in effect, living out of future production. This is why I keep saying
that what they are doing is not only the wrong thing, but the exact
opposite of the right thing. I'm not just being rhetorical – it's
the literal truth. Real, sustainable economic recovery and growth
depends on abandoning the old, uneconomic patterns of production
and consumption that punish saving.
See this Amp at http://bit.ly/dO08eo
Kamis, 16 Desember 2010
Seven Great Lies of Network Marketing – Hidden Lies Revealed | Burn Down the Freaking Mission
Internet Mad Men | Subscribe
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Internet Mad Men | Disclaimers
Internet Mad Men | Contact Us
Just testing out all of the pages and links on a new site. BuddyPress compatible theme. Try it on your mobile phone to see how it looks with a theme switcher.
See this Amp at http://bit.ly/dIDUWQ
Internet Mad Men | Info
We specialize in making your business website findable to potential customers searching the Internet for your specific product or service.
See this Amp at http://bit.ly/hWntVH
Rabu, 15 Desember 2010
Sabtu, 11 Desember 2010
Kamis, 09 Desember 2010
Lostaglia House: Francesco's Money Speech--Atlas Shrugged
Lostaglia House: Francesco's Money Speech--Atlas Shrugged: "excerpt from Atlas Shrugged,"
Sabtu, 04 Desember 2010
Home on the Range
Home on the Range: "You are as young as your faith,
as old as your doubt;
as young as your self-confidence,
as old as your fear;
as young as your hope,
as old as your despair."
Quotes quotation
as old as your doubt;
as young as your self-confidence,
as old as your fear;
as young as your hope,
as old as your despair."
Quotes quotation
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