April 2011 Trendline Financial Monthly

April 6, 2011

Trendline Financial Solutions

Peter Owen, ChFP, CLU, FLMI, CRSP, CISP
President
223 Parker Avenue
West Hempstead, NY 11552
(516) 317 – 2860
peter@trendlinefinancialsolutions.com
www.TrendlineFinancialSolutions.com

Trendline Financial Monthly
	April 2011

Hi Everyone
Two months ago I led off with an article on investing in bonds, and the worry that interest rates could rise this year. I am again including an article on the effect of rising interest rates on bonds and bond mutual funds. There is more talk of inflation going on in the marketplace, which is ususally accompanied by interest rates rising. Think about how much you are paying at the gas station and food store.
Please review your investment and 401k holdings to see if you are in long term(20-30 year) bond mutual funds. If so, you may want to start considering shorter term bond funds.
Hopefully by now you have filed your taxes and gotten your refund. If not, you have 9 days left to mail in your tax return.
Enjoy Spring.
Peter Owen

	Financial Tips for Twenty-Somethings You’re on your own now. You’ve finished school, are working your first real job, and maybe you’re even buying a home or getting married. Here are a few tips to help you start managing your finances.
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	Rising Interest Rates: The Downside of Economic Recovery Over the last several years, investors have grown accustomed to historically low interest rates. But what happens when the trend reverses?
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	Are There Gaps in Your Insurance Coverage? But often times, we think we’re covered for losses by insurance when, in fact, we’re not. So here are some common coverage gaps to think about when reviewing your own insurance coverage.
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	What health-care changes become effective in 2011? The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act makes significant changes to our health-care delivery system. Many of these changes take place in 2011.
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	Are some preventive care services free? Generally yes. Under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA), certain preventive care services are available to you and your family at no cost.
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The information in any newsletter or within the website should not be construed, in any manner whatsoever, as the receipt of or a substitue for personalized individual advice from Trendline Financial Solutions. Advice may only be given after client has received a copy of the Firm’s Form ADV on file with the New York State Dep’t of the Attorney General, appropriate Firm disclosures as required by Law, and entered into a Financial Planning agreement with the Firm.

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February 2011 Trendline Financial Monthly

February 5, 2011

Trendline Financial Solutions

Peter Owen, ChFP, CLU, FLMI, CRSP, CISP
President
223 Parker Avenue
West Hempstead NY 11552
(516) 317 – 2860
peter@trendlinefinancialsolutions.com
www.TrendlineFinancialSolutions.com

Trendline Financial Monthly
	February 2011

Hi Everyone
Getting pretty tired of shoveling snow, but on the bright side it gives us indoor time to sit down and get the taxes done early. Read up on new items that may give you some additional deductions this year. There are plenty of articles on the internet so just do a Google Search for 2010 Tax Deductions.
The markets continue to baffle the Pros in that stocks keep going steadily up. All of the Pros I follow have been advising caution for the past 6 months. Yet I would join them in advising caution. That does not mean getting out, rather it means being defensive and logical in your approach.
As always, I am here to help if you need me.
Cheer Up – Spring is coming!
Peter Owen

	Paying for Long-Term Care During Retirement You may have planned for a safe and secure financial retirement, but a prolonged illness or injury can quickly deplete your retirement savings and affect the qualify of life for you and your spouse.
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	Are We in a Bond Bubble? Investors have been pouring money into bonds in recent years. So does that mean we’re in the bond market’s answer to the late-1990s tech bubble? The answer may lie in the reasons behind the increased demand for bonds.
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	Retirement Plan and IRA Limits for 2011 Many retirement plan and IRA limits are indexed for inflation each year. Most of the limits for 2011 are unchanged from 2010.
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	Understanding the math of recovering from losses The math of recovering from a stock market loss isn’t symmetrical; you have to gain more than you lost to recoup all your losses.
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	Are you sabotaging your own portfolio? Many investors underperform the overall equity markets by buying and selling at the wrong times.
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Trendline Financial Solutions is a Financial Planner Firm offering Financial Planning and Investment Management with Offices in Southold, Great Neck and West Hempstead, NY, convenient to Garden City, Rockville Centre, Floral Park, Franklin Square, Long Beach, Malverne, Mineola, Manhasset, Roslyn, Port Washington, Mattituck, Cutchogue, Balwin, freeport, merrick, bellmore, wantaugh, massapequa, east meadow

Serving the Following communities in Nassau County on Long Island:

Atlantic Beach
Bellerose
Cedarhurst
East Rockaway
Floral Park
Freeport
Garden City
Hempstead
Hewlett Bay Park
Hewlett Harbor
Hewlett Neck
Island Park
Lawrence
Lynbrook
Malverne
New Hyde Park
Rockville Centre
South Floral Park
Stewart Manor
Valley Stream
Woodsburgh

Bayville
Brookville
Centre Island
Cove Neck
Farmingdale
Lattingtown
Laurel Hollow
Massapequa Park
Matinecock
Mill Neck
Muttontown
Oyster Bay Cove
Old Brookville
Sea Cliff
Upper Brookville

Baxter Estates
East Hills
East Williston
Flower Hill
Great Neck
Great Neck Estates
Great Neck Plaza
Kensingston
Kings Point
Lake Success
Manorhaven
Mineola
Munsey park
New Hyde Park
North Hills
Old Westbury
Plandome
Plandome Heights
Plandome Manor
Port Washington No.
Roslyn
Roslyn Estates
Roslyn Harbor
Russel Gardens
Saddle Rock
Sands Point
Thomaston
Westbury
Williston Pk

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January 2011 Trendline Financial Monthly

January 27, 2011

Trendline Financial Solutions

Peter Owen, ChFP, CLU, FLMI, CRSP, CISP
President
223 Parker Avenue
West Hempstead NY 11552
(516) 317 – 2860
peter@trendlinefinancialsolutions.com
www.TrendlineFinancialSolutions.com

Trendline Financial Monthly
	January 2011

Hi Everyone, and a very Happy New Year to You All
I am very optimistic about the coming year. The Markets look like they will grow( with bumps of course), Family is healthy (I’m back in the gym), two vacations already planned for Spring and Summer, and business is growing as my company becomes known locally. I still see that many people continue to struggle financially due to the still slow job market. I am here to help you and your families whenever needed. Set your goals for the year, including much time for yourself and your family.
I started a new Blog unrelated to business about Long Island’s Wine Country. Visit the site to see if you like it. I would appreciate your Subscribing to the site by hitting the Button on the upper right side. click here North Fork Living
Peter Owen

	Five Hot Topics in 2011 Roth conversions, mortgages, and health-care reform were a few of the most talked about topics in 2010. Here’s a look at five topics you’re bound to hear about in 2011.
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Estate Tax Update
The Tax Relief, Unemployment Insurance Reauthorization, and Job Creation Act of 2010 dramatically changes the federal transfer tax landscape. The estate and generation-skipping transfer taxes have been reinstated for 2010. For 2010 through 2012, there is an estate tax exemption equivalent amount of $5 million (indexed for inflation in 2012), and the top estate tax rate is 35%.

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	First Milestones Mark Need for Financial Advice A financial professional can prove to be a valuable resource to those just starting out. And, while there’s never a bad time to seek professional advice, early life-changing events make it especially important to take stock of your financial situation.
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	Is buying a condo for my college student a good idea? Many parents like the idea of buying a condo for their college student when they estimate the amount of money they’ll be paying for dorm rooms and off-campus apartments over several years. But, assuming your child is responsible enough to take care of a property, whether it makes financial sense to buy one depends on several factors.
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	I plan to buy my child a condo for off-campus college housing. Is this purchase considered a qualified 529 plan expense? Unfortunately, the purchase price of your child’s condo is not a qualified higher education expense for 529 plans under IRS rules. But a room and board allowance may be.
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December 2010 Trendline Financial Monthly

December 14, 2010

Trendline Financial Solutions

Peter Owen, ChFP, CLU, FLMI, CRSP, CISP
President
223 Parker Avenue
West Hempstead NY 11552
(516) 317 – 2860
peter@trendlinefinancialsolutions.com
www.TrendlineFinancialSolutions.com

Trendline Financial Monthly
	December 2010

Hi Everyone -
I hope you enjoyed Thanksgiving and are looking forward to pleasant time with Family and Friends this holiday season. The lead non-financial article is written by a very qualified associate of mine, Debi Silber, concerning a problem I always had while at work – how to eat correctly.
There are only several weeks left to do any year end chores – investment trades for tax purposes, deciding whether to include or defer income in December, if possible. Give some thought to what your 2010 tax return will look like if you did it today.
Make time in your busy schedules to spend quality time with family and friends - it’s important. I wish you all a very happy holiday and a safe, healthy and rewarding new year.
Peter Owen

	How to Eat Healthy During Your Workday By Debi Silber, MS, RD, WHC The Mojo Coach
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	Cash-In Refinancing: Can You Benefit from This Growing Trend? Mortgage interest rates are at or near historic lows, but stricter lending standards and declining home values have made it harder to refinance. Enter cash-in refinancing.
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	Fixed Annuities vs. CDs: Is One Better Than the Other? While some features are similar, fixed annuities and bank certificates of deposit (CDs) also have characteristics that differ. What works for you may depend on which of these factors best fits your financial situation and investment objectives.
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	Can I buy collectibles in my IRA? While it’s often stated that IRAs are prohibited from purchasing collectibles, in fact, that is not the case. However, it may not make good tax sense to do so.
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	What is UBIT and does it apply to my IRA? UBIT stands for “unrelated business income tax.” While not common, it can apply to your traditional (and Roth) IRA.
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November 2010 Trendline Financial Monthly

November 5, 2010

Trendline Financial Solutions

Peter Owen, ChFP, CLU, FLMI, CRSP, CISP
President
223 Parker Avenue
West Hempstead NY 11552
(516) 317 – 2860
peter@trendlinefinancialsolutions.com
www.TrendlineFinancialSolutions.com

Trendline Financial Monthly
	November 2010

Hi Everyone
I gave into the pressure of people asking me to start an Investing Blog. It is only a week or so old and will evolve over time. If you would like to view it click on

http://peter-owen.blogspot.com

There is a button in the top right column to subscribe to the blog.I’ll continue to add more lengthly articles to my regular website.

As always, I welcome suggestions and comments.

Hope you are enjoying Fall, my favorite season.

Peter Owen

	New Peter Owen Investment Blog I have started a new Investment Blog after receiving a number of requests for daily or weekly market information and articles. Here is the link: http://peter-owen.blogspot.com/
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	Eight Financial Aid Myths If you have a child going off to college next fall, it’s important to understand as much as you can about financial aid eligibility. Here are some common myths.
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What You Can Learn from a Mutual Fund Prospectus
When you’re contemplating the purchase of a mutual fund, some of the factors you’ll need to consider carefully before buying are its investment objectives, risks, costs, and expenses. Information about all of these can be found in the prospectus available from the fund. Over the last year or so, fund companies have been implementing new Securities and Exchange Commission regulations that are intended to ensure that investors can get key information in a more efficient, user-friendly format.

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	Does homeowners insurance cover personal liability? Typical homeowners insurance provides limited coverage for personal injury or property damage for which you or members of your family living with you may be responsible.
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	Will my homeowners insurance cover tree damage? Your homeowners insurance may cover some types of property damage caused by trees, but it will depend on the circumstances.
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Trendline Financial Solutions is a Financial Planner Firm offering Financial Planning and Investment Management with offices in Southold, Great Neck and West Hempstead, NY, convenient to Garden City, Rockville Centre, Floral Park, Franklin Square, Manhassett, Roslyn

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October 2010 Trendline Financial Monthly

October 7, 2010

Trendline Financial Solutions

Peter Owen, ChFP, CLU, FLMI, CRSP, CISP
President
223 Parker Avenue
West Hempstead NY 11552
(516) 317 – 2860
peter@trendlinefinancialsolutions.com
www.TrendlineFinancialSolutions.com

Trendline Financial Monthly
	October 2010

Hi Everyone
I have been receiving requests for monthly articles on specific topics, such as Investing basics, My view of current market conditions, Where to find items… best CD rates or mortgage rates or insurance. Some people have asked for more lengthy articles on selected topics.
So I want to ask anyone interested to email me and let me know main areas of interest. My issue is that any article needs to be of interest to all people who receive this newsletter.
I would like to hear from you.
As always, I am here to help with any financial concern you might have.
Peter Owen

Medicare Annual Enrollment Season Is Here
The annual enrollment period for Medicare runs from November 15 through December 31. During this period, you can make changes to your Medicare coverage that will be effective on January 1, 2011. Even if you like the Medicare coverage you already have, it’s a good time to explore your options, especially if your health or financial circumstances have changed.

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They’re Baaack: RMDs for 2010
In response to deteriorating economic conditions in 2008, Congress waived required minimum distributions (RMDs) from IRAs and defined contribution employer plans for the 2009 calendar year. This allowed individuals to avoid having to deplete retirement plan assets while the value of those assets was suddenly depressed. But RMDs are back for 2010. Here’s how the rules apply.

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	Year-End Investment Planning Is More Challenging in 2010 Significant changes in the tax code scheduled to go into effect in 2011 could substantially alter the taxation of your portfolio. That could in turn affect whether your current investments will still be appropriate in the future.
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	What does a stronger dollar mean for my portfolio? A stronger dollar can have a profound impact on the value of your portfolio, even if you don’t think you own any international investments.
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	Why should I care about Europe’s debt problems? How is it possible for the debt of such a relatively small country as Greece to have such a profound impact on investments in a 401(k) plan a continent away?
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Trendline Financial Solutions is a Financial Planner Firm offering Financial Planning and Investment Management with offices in Southold, Great Neck and West Hempstead, NY – convenient to Garden City and Rockville Centre.

Servicing all Nassau County villages:

Bayville
Brookville
Centre Island
Cove Neck
Farmingdale
Lattingtown
Laurel Hollow
Massapequa Park
Matinecock
Mill Neck
Muttontown
Oyster Bay Cove
Old Brookville
Sea Cliff
Upper Brookville

Serving All of Suffolk County

Amagansett, Amityville, Aquebogue, Asharoken

Argyle Lake: A main attraction in the town of Babylon.

Babylon (town), Babylon (village), Baiting Hollow, Bay Shore, Bayport, Baywood, Belle Terre, Bellport, Blue Point, Bohemia, Brentwood, Bridgehampton, Brightwaters, Brookhaven (town), Brookhaven (hamlet)
Calverton, Center Moriches, Centereach, Centerport, Central Islip, Cherry Grove (a.k.a. Fire Island), Cold Spring Harbor, Commack, Copiague, Copiague Harbor, Coram, Cutchogue
Deer Park, Dering Harbor, Dix Hills
East Farmingdale, East Hampton (town), East Hampton (village), East Islip, East Marion, East Moriches, East Northport, East Patchogue, East Quogue, East Setauket, East Shoreham, Eastport, Eatons Neck, Elwood
Farmingville, Fire Island (a.k.a. Cherry Grove), Fire Island Pines, Fishers Island, Flanders, Fort Salonga
Gilgo-Oak Beach-Captree, Gordon Heights, Great River, Greenlawn, Greenport, Greenport West
Halesite, Hampton Bays, Hauppauge, Head of the Harbor, Holbrook, Holtsville, Huntington (town), Huntington (hamlet), Huntington Bay, Huntington Station
Islandia, Islip (town), Islip (hamlet), Islip Terrace
Jamesport
Kings Park
Lake Grove, Lake Ronkonkoma, Laurel, Lindenhurst, Lloyd Harbor
Manorville, Mastic, Mastic Beach, Mattituck, Medford, Melville, Middle Island, Miller Place, Montauk, Moriches, Mount Sinai
Napeague, Nesconset, New Suffolk, Nissequogue, North Amityville, North Babylon, North Bay Shore, North Bellport, North Great River, North Haven, North Lindenhurst, North Patchogue, North Sea, Northampton, Northport, Northville, Northwest Harbor, Noyack (Noyac)

Patchogue Bay

Oakdale, Ocean Beach, Old Field, Orient
Patchogue, Peconic, Poquott, Port Jefferson, Port Jefferson Station
Quioque (Quiogue), Quogue
Remsenburg, Ridge, Riverhead (town), Riverhead (hamlet), Riverside, Rocky Point, Ronkonkoma
Sag Harbor, Sagaponack, Saltaire, Sayville, Selden, Setauket, Shelter Island, Shelter Island Heights, Shinnecock Hills, Shirley, Shoreham, Smithtown (town), Smithtown (hamlet), Southampton (town), Southampton (village), Southampton (hamlet), Southold (town), Southold (hamlet), Sound Beach, South Huntington, Speonk, Springs, St. James, Stony Brook
Terryville, Tuckahoe
Village of the Branch
Wading River, Wainscott, Water Mill (Watermill), West Babylon, West Bay Shore, West Gilgo Beach, West Hampton Dunes (Westhampton Dunes), West Hills, West Islip, West Sayville, Westhampton, Westhampton Beach, Wheatley Heights, Wyandanch, North Wyandanch
Yaphank

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September 2010 Trendline Financial Monthly

September 22, 2010

Trendline Financial Solutions
Peter Owen, ChFP, CLU, FLMI, CRSP, CISP
President
223 Parker Avenue
West Hempstead NY 11552
(516) 317 – 2860
peter@trendlinefinancialsolutions.com
www.TrendlineFinancialSolutions.com

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Trendline Financial Monthly

September 2010

Hi Everyone
I hope you had a great summer – I know I did with getting married and going to Italy.
This month I am adding some articles on how the Financial Reform and Health Care Reform affect us. It is also not too early to start thinking of year-end tax planning. Remember that December is your final tax exam for the year – April is merely the report card. So give some thought now to to the tax impact of any major changes in your life and how to either increase deductions or minimize income by using tax deferred vehicles.
As always, call or write if you need help with any financial issue.
Peter Owen

Year-End Tax Planning–Special Concerns for 2010
Year-end tax planning is as much about 2011 as it is about 2010. Often, there’s a real opportunity for year-end tax savings when you can predict that you’ll be paying taxes at a lower rate in one year than in the other. Of course, to effectively plan, it helps to have a good idea of what next year’s tax rates will be. Unfortunately, as 2010 draws to a close, 2011 brings some uncertainty in that regard.

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	In-Service Withdrawals from 401(k) Plans You’re probably familiar with the rules for putting money into a 401(k) plan. But are you familiar with the rules for taking your money out?
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	How Will Financial Reform Affect You? Though the bulk of financial reform legislation is aimed at Wall Street, how will this legislation affect consumers?
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	Will the new health-care law affect my Medicare drug plan? Yes, it might. Many Medicare Part D beneficiaries have had to pay for prescriptions out-of-pocket after reaching a gap in their annual coverage, referred to as the “donut hole.”
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	Does the new health-care reform law affect health spending accounts? Yes. The new health-care reform legislation impacts flexible spending arrangements, health reimbursement arrangements, health savings accounts, and Archer Medical Savings Accounts.
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Trendline Financial Monthly August 2010

August 17, 2010

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Trendline Financial Monthly

August 2010

Hi Everyone
Well the summer crazyness is over with getting married and honeymooning in Italy.
It is August which means Back to School and the usual thinking of planning / saving for college expenses. Naturally, the key is to start early and not put off until the kids are in high school. There are a number of methods and programs to assist and we can help you understand the financial landscape.
I hope you are having a pleasant summer and looking forward to cooler weather.
Peter Owen

	Investing in Green Technology If you’re investing in green technology in the hope of making another kind of green–the folding kind–you’ll need to think through your strategy.
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	Ways to Trim College Costs How can students and parents avoid the “extreme borrowing” phenomenon that can lead to years of burdensome loan payments? They can start by looking for ways to trim college costs so they won’t have to borrow and/or pay as much in the first place. Here are some ideas.
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Avoiding Probate: Is It Worth It?
When you die, your estate goes through a process that manages, settles, and distributes your property according to the terms of your will. This process is governed by state law and is called probate. Usually, everything goes smoothly during the probate process as long as the executor does what needs to be done in a timely fashion and there are no family squabbles. Nevertheless, some people may want to avoid this process.

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	My child got a scholarship for college. Is it taxable? If a scholarship is used to pay for college tuition, fees, books, or required equipment, it’s not taxable. But if the scholarship is used to cover room and board, travel costs, or optional equipment, or if it’s awarded as payment for teaching, research, or some other required service, then it is taxable.
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How will a college scholarship affect my child’s 529 plan?
If your son or daughter gets a college scholarship, federal rules governing 529 plans allow you to withdraw from the account an amount equal to your child’s scholarship. You won’t owe the 10% penalty that typically applies to the earnings portion of any withdrawal not used to pay the beneficiary’s qualified education expenses. However, you’ll still owe income tax on the earnings portion of the withdrawal.

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Servicing all Nassau County villages:

Bayville
Brookville
Centre Island
Cove Neck
Farmingdale
Lattingtown
Laurel Hollow
Massapequa Park
Matinecock
Mill Neck
Muttontown
Oyster Bay Cove
Old Brookville
Sea Cliff
Upper Brookville

Serving All of Suffolk County

Amagansett, Amityville, Aquebogue, Asharoken

Argyle Lake: A main attraction in the town of Babylon.

Babylon (town), Babylon (village), Baiting Hollow, Bay Shore, Bayport, Baywood, Belle Terre, Bellport, Blue Point, Bohemia, Brentwood, Bridgehampton, Brightwaters, Brookhaven (town), Brookhaven (hamlet)
Calverton, Center Moriches, Centereach, Centerport, Central Islip, Cherry Grove (a.k.a. Fire Island), Cold Spring Harbor, Commack, Copiague, Copiague Harbor, Coram, Cutchogue
Deer Park, Dering Harbor, Dix Hills
East Farmingdale, East Hampton (town), East Hampton (village), East Islip, East Marion, East Moriches, East Northport, East Patchogue, East Quogue, East Setauket, East Shoreham, Eastport, Eatons Neck, Elwood
Farmingville, Fire Island (a.k.a. Cherry Grove), Fire Island Pines, Fishers Island, Flanders, Fort Salonga
Gilgo-Oak Beach-Captree, Gordon Heights, Great River, Greenlawn, Greenport, Greenport West
Halesite, Hampton Bays, Hauppauge, Head of the Harbor, Holbrook, Holtsville, Huntington (town), Huntington (hamlet), Huntington Bay, Huntington Station
Islandia, Islip (town), Islip (hamlet), Islip Terrace
Jamesport
Kings Park
Lake Grove, Lake Ronkonkoma, Laurel, Lindenhurst, Lloyd Harbor
Manorville, Mastic, Mastic Beach, Mattituck, Medford, Melville, Middle Island, Miller Place, Montauk, Moriches, Mount Sinai
Napeague, Nesconset, New Suffolk, Nissequogue, North Amityville, North Babylon, North Bay Shore, North Bellport, North Great River, North Haven, North Lindenhurst, North Patchogue, North Sea, Northampton, Northport, Northville, Northwest Harbor, Noyack (Noyac)

Patchogue Bay

Oakdale, Ocean Beach, Old Field, Orient
Patchogue, Peconic, Poquott, Port Jefferson, Port Jefferson Station
Quioque (Quiogue), Quogue
Remsenburg, Ridge, Riverhead (town), Riverhead (hamlet), Riverside, Rocky Point, Ronkonkoma
Sag Harbor, Sagaponack, Saltaire, Sayville, Selden, Setauket, Shelter Island, Shelter Island Heights, Shinnecock Hills, Shirley, Shoreham, Smithtown (town), Smithtown (hamlet), Southampton (town), Southampton (village), Southampton (hamlet), Southold (town), Southold (hamlet), Sound Beach, South Huntington, Speonk, Springs, St. James, Stony Brook
Terryville, Tuckahoe
Village of the Branch
Wading River, Wainscott, Water Mill (Watermill), West Babylon, West Bay Shore, West Gilgo Beach, West Hampton Dunes (Westhampton Dunes), West Hills, West Islip, West Sayville, Westhampton, Westhampton Beach, Wheatley Heights, Wyandanch, North Wyandanch
Yaphank

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Trendline Financial Monthly July 2010

July 2, 2010

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Trendline Financial Monthly

July 2010

Hi Everyone
I am sending the newsletter out early this month since I am getting married next week and will be busy doing all the last minute details.
Included are two articles on Social Security and effects of working after retirement. I have found that many people reach age 62 and file for benefits without realizing the effects of earned income after retirement. Some simple financial planning and research would prevent missteps at this important stage of a person’s financial life.
Enjoy the summer (and pray for nice weather next weekend).
Peter Owen

Will You See Higher Tax Rates in 2011?
The Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2001, followed two years later by the Jobs and Growth Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2003, reduced the top marginal tax rate to 35% and the top capital gains rate to
15%. But this tax relief was designed to be temporary. And now, in 2010, we’re only months away from seeing those provisions expire.

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	Social Security: File-and-Suspend for Higher Benefits If you’re married and looking for opportunities to increase retirement income, you may want to look closely at your Social Security benefits. One opportunity for maximizing Social Security income, called “file-and-suspend,” may enable a married couple to boost both their retirement and survivor’s benefits.
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	Returning to Work After You’ve Retired No matter how much you’ve looked forward to retirement, you might find yourself missing the social interaction and financial benefits you enjoyed when you were employed. Whether working during retirement is a choice–or a necessity–make sure you understand the financial implications.
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	My child got a scholarship for college. Is it taxable? If a scholarship is used to pay for college tuition, fees, books, or required equipment, it’s not taxable. But if the scholarship is used to cover room and board, travel costs, or optional equipment, or if it’s awarded as payment for teaching, research, or some other required service, then it is taxable.
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Servicing all Nassau County villages:

Bayville
Brookville
Centre Island
Cove Neck
Farmingdale
Lattingtown
Laurel Hollow
Massapequa Park
Matinecock
Mill Neck
Muttontown
Oyster Bay Cove
Old Brookville
Sea Cliff
Upper Brookville

Serving All of Suffolk County

Amagansett, Amityville, Aquebogue, Asharoken

Argyle Lake: A main attraction in the town of Babylon.

Babylon (town), Babylon (village), Baiting Hollow, Bay Shore, Bayport, Baywood, Belle Terre, Bellport, Blue Point, Bohemia, Brentwood, Bridgehampton, Brightwaters, Brookhaven (town), Brookhaven (hamlet)
Calverton, Center Moriches, Centereach, Centerport, Central Islip, Cherry Grove (a.k.a. Fire Island), Cold Spring Harbor, Commack, Copiague, Copiague Harbor, Coram, Cutchogue
Deer Park, Dering Harbor, Dix Hills
East Farmingdale, East Hampton (town), East Hampton (village), East Islip, East Marion, East Moriches, East Northport, East Patchogue, East Quogue, East Setauket, East Shoreham, Eastport, Eatons Neck, Elwood
Farmingville, Fire Island (a.k.a. Cherry Grove), Fire Island Pines, Fishers Island, Flanders, Fort Salonga
Gilgo-Oak Beach-Captree, Gordon Heights, Great River, Greenlawn, Greenport, Greenport West
Halesite, Hampton Bays, Hauppauge, Head of the Harbor, Holbrook, Holtsville, Huntington (town), Huntington (hamlet), Huntington Bay, Huntington Station
Islandia, Islip (town), Islip (hamlet), Islip Terrace
Jamesport
Kings Park
Lake Grove, Lake Ronkonkoma, Laurel, Lindenhurst, Lloyd Harbor
Manorville, Mastic, Mastic Beach, Mattituck, Medford, Melville, Middle Island, Miller Place, Montauk, Moriches, Mount Sinai
Napeague, Nesconset, New Suffolk, Nissequogue, North Amityville, North Babylon, North Bay Shore, North Bellport, North Great River, North Haven, North Lindenhurst, North Patchogue, North Sea, Northampton, Northport, Northville, Northwest Harbor, Noyack (Noyac)

Patchogue Bay

Oakdale, Ocean Beach, Old Field, Orient
Patchogue, Peconic, Poquott, Port Jefferson, Port Jefferson Station
Quioque (Quiogue), Quogue
Remsenburg, Ridge, Riverhead (town), Riverhead (hamlet), Riverside, Rocky Point, Ronkonkoma
Sag Harbor, Sagaponack, Saltaire, Sayville, Selden, Setauket, Shelter Island, Shelter Island Heights, Shinnecock Hills, Shirley, Shoreham, Smithtown (town), Smithtown (hamlet), Southampton (town), Southampton (village), Southampton (hamlet), Southold (town), Southold (hamlet), Sound Beach, South Huntington, Speonk, Springs, St. James, Stony Brook
Terryville, Tuckahoe
Village of the Branch
Wading River, Wainscott, Water Mill (Watermill), West Babylon, West Bay Shore, West Gilgo Beach, West Hampton Dunes (Westhampton Dunes), West Hills, West Islip, West Sayville, Westhampton, Westhampton Beach, Wheatley Heights, Wyandanch, North Wyandanch
Yaphank

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May 2010 Trendline Financial Monthly

May 7, 2010

Refer a friend

Trendline Financial Monthly

May 2010

Hi Everyone
The economy appears to be getting better, but peoples’ financial situations are not. The recurring theme of people I talk to centers on the amount of debt they have, their fear of going broke, and they want help in solving these problems while maintaining their current life style. Solving financial problems takes thought and planning, and a realistic assessment of the current situation and spending patterns. If you find yourself constantly thinking about your financial situation, it is time to review your own spending/saving patterns so that you know where your situation is going and you can enjoy the summer. Not knowing or ignoring the situation only serves to increase the amount of stomach pain you experience.
Peter Owen

	How Will the Health Care Bill Help You This Year? The health care bill that became law in March won’t be fully implemented for several years. However, by the end of this year, six important measures (detailed here) will take effect.
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	Evaluating Risk in Your Portfolio As we were all reminded in 2008, returns aren’t the only factor you should consider when determining whether your portfolio is allocated appropriately. Also important is the level of risk you take in pursuing those returns.
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	How Much Life Insurance Is Enough? Your life insurance needs often depend on a number of factors, including whether you’re married, the size of your family, the nature of your financial obligations, your career stage, and your goals.
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I started a business that lost money this year. Do I have a net operating loss (NOL)?
If you’re a sole proprietor and your business expenses exceed your business income, you have a reportable loss for income tax purposes. You’re generally able to apply this loss against any income that remains after taking your allowable nonbusiness deductions. If you still have a business loss remaining after offsetting all your income, you have a “net operating loss” for the year

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Servicing all Nassau County villages: