Is it possible to completely inflation-proof your money and assets? Inflation is the “silent tax” that affects everyone’s money in some capacity. Because inflation represents the purchasing power of money, it’s an economic phenomenon that doesn’t discriminate. By this, we mean that there’s no way to come out unaffected. It is, however, possible to run (or even outpace) inflation. What does this mean? If you want your dollars to have more impact, you have to have more dollars. The answer to the problem of inflation is simply to earn more
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Can Clients Actually Benefit from Inflation?
Merriam-Webster defines inflation as the continuing rise in prices, usually caused by an increasing volume of money in the economy. This means that purchasing power decreases over time. Gas and groceries are time-tested examples. In the 1950s, a gallon of gas or a loaf of bread cost under a dollar. Now, a dollar simply does not buy the same volume of goods as it used to. Inflation can, unfortunately, be considered an inevitable part of the economy. This is one reason that as financial advisors it’s crucial to look at
Read MoreSection 7702 Changes: Is Whole Life Insurance Still A Good Savings Vehicle?
By now, advisors in the industry are well aware that the life insurance industry is going through changes. The end of 2020 introduced recent changes to Section 7702 of the tax code, which hasn’t been touched in decades. While we’ve read mixed interpretations, we’re looking at the whole truth. The truth is, first and foremost, that whole life insurance is an incredibly certain asset. Insurance companies have always met guarantees and have a more than century-long track record of paying non-guaranteed dividends. Even through world wars, recessions, and the Great
Read MoreHow to Demonstrate the Laffer Curve in Cash Flow
Is it possible to reduce taxes by lowering the tax rate? Let’s talk about the Laffer Curve. This theory, posited by Alfred Laffer during the Reagan Era of tax reduction, may hold more water than you’d think. This is a great exercise for webinars where you’re helping clients understand taxes better (and why they should seek to save on that tax bill as much as possible). What is the Laffer Curve? The Laffer Curve theory, as Investopedia explains, is the theory that as tax rates increase, people become dis-incentivized to
Read MoreHow-To: Monte Carlo Simulations in Accumulation
The Accumulation calculator has always been particularly useful in depicting how the stock market can affect your assets, but now it’s even better. A few updates ago, Todd introduced a feature that can reverse or randomize the S&P rates, so that you can more effectively show “Monte Carlo” scenarios. If you haven’t tried it yet, I’ll show you how. The benefits? Not only can you back up your knowledge with how the market has performed in the past—you can demonstrate how slippery it can be to rely on chance. Because
Read MoreTackling Fear (And Taxes): 4 Steps to Controlling Your Mindset
There’s a lot going on this season that can feel overwhelming—not only is there fear and anxiety surrounding COVID-19, but we’re seeing a tumultuous stock market. AND it’s tax season. With fear on the minds of many, it’s important to assuage that fear wherever possible. We’ll use tax season as an example since it hits close to home: The home office deduction. To this day, there are still accountants that will encourage entrepreneurs not to take the home office deduction—usually because they’re worried that it will raise red flags. The
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