April 2010 Trendline Financial Monthly

April 13, 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

Refer a friend
Trendline Financial Monthly 

  April 2010

Hi Everyone and happy Spring
So far this year I have been receiving a lot of inquiries about the My Financial Planner 24/7 Program. I developed this program based on the theory that most people do not need full Financial Planning services but rather having someone to turn to with financial questions involving everyday issues. That theory appears to be correct with clients asking questions about their bank’s procedures, should they buy a certain mutual fund, how to invest their “cash” safely,  how to create a realistic budget, etc. Due to this interest, I am reprinting the description of My Financial Planner 24/7 Program in the article below for those who have not seen it. 
As always, please feel free to call if you need help in any financial matter.
Peter Owen
 

My Financial Planner 24/7 Program
My Financial Planner 24/7 Program is designed to a low cost way of answering your financial questions. This may be recent divorcees who need to develop a budget, invest their assets or simply how to deal with their financial institutions. Or, it could be your parents are now coming to live with you, welcoming a new baby, pondering retirement, or any major life change.
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Back to Basics: Reviewing Your Budget
Do you ever wonder where your money goes each month? Does it seem like you’ve gotten sidetracked when it comes to reaching your financial goals? If so, you may want to review and perhaps revise your budget. Doing so can help you determine how you’re spending your money, and that might show you what you need to do to get back on track.
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Got Stock? The Long and Short of Capital Gains
If you buy or sell shares of stock, you need to be familiar with the rules that govern the way capital gains are taxed. That’s because the amount you owe in tax can depend on a number of factors, including the length of time you hold the shares and the federal income tax bracket you’re in. Here are the basics.
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Ask the Experts: Can I buy gold and silver in my IRA?
Yes, but you’ll need to establish a self-directed IRA with a trustee/custodian who has experience with precious metals and is able to take physical possession of the assets.
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Ask the Experts: Frequently asked questions about 2010 Roth IRA conversions
Numerous questions have been raised about Roth conversions in 2010. Here are the answers to several of those most frequently asked.
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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.

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, Manhassett, Roslyn

Prepared by Forefield Inc. Copyright 2010.
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March 2010 Trendline Financial Monthly

March 8, 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

Refer a friend
Trendline Financial Monthly
  March 2010
 Hi Everyone
By now you should have filed that tax return and are thinking what to do with the refund. Answer – PAY DOWN DEBT. Check the current interest rates you are paying on those credit cards – they are staggering, 16% – 24%.
Interest rates are going to rise, just a question of when. The Federal Reserve has been giving advance notice that it will happen, though maybe not until later this year. Most disturbing are reports I read showing people are piling their money into Bond Funds, presumably for safety. Remember, bond funds get hurt during periods of rising interest rates. Time to again review your asset allocation. We are here to assist if want help in your review.
 Peter Owen
 

How to Double the Power of Your Tax Refund
Filing your taxes may be a dreaded chore, but receiving your refund is a wonderful reward. What you do with a refund is up to you, but here are some ideas that may make your tax refund twice as valuable.
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529 College Savings Plans vs. Roth IRAs
After the 2008/2009 market collapse, some parents have opted to trade the tax benefits of 529 plans for savings vehicles that don’t have a “must-be-used-for-college” restriction. Just how does a favorite of the college savings world, a 529 college savings plan, stack up to a favorite of the retirement savings world, a Roth IRA, as an education-funding vehicle?
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10 Financial Terms Everyone Should Know
Understanding financial matters can be difficult because of the jargon used. Becoming familiar with these ten financial terms may help make your financial picture clearer.
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Ask the Experts: What is the premature distribution tax?
Taxable distributions you receive from an IRA, 403(b), 401(k), or qualified employer plan before age 59½ are generally referred to as premature distributions, or early withdrawals.
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Ask the Experts: What is the “SEPP” exception to the premature distribution tax?
Taxable distributions you receive from an IRA or 401(k) plan before age 59½ are subject to a 10% early withdrawal penalty unless an exception applies. One important, but sometimes overlooked, exception is for SEPPs–substantially equal periodic payments.
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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.

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, Manhassett, Roslyn

 

February 2010 Trendline Financial Monthly

February 6, 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
Refer a friend
Trendline Financial Monthly
  February 2010
 

Hi Everyone
I am already getting sick of Winter and the Ground Hog projection did not bode well last week. On the positive side, did you notice how much later sundown is each day?
The Markets are quite interesting right now. Good economic reports vs. high unemployment and exacerbating this is Washington’s spending, controlling and blaming. This is the time for maintaining discipline in your investments and trying to keep emotions out of the process.
It is Tax time, so read up on all the 2009 tax changes and look for those deductions.
This month I will be starting to teach Adult Education financial courses at various school districts on Long Island. Hope to see you there. Let me know if you want my teaching schedule.
Peter Owen
 


Four Money Mistakes You Can Learn From
It’s hard to know when the economy will truly recover, although there are signs that things are headed in the right direction. But if you want your own finances to stabilize over the long term, you’ll need to evaluate what you’ve been doing right … and wrong.
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College Debt: How Much Is Too Much?
According to a recent survey, the confidence of parents in their ability to save for college dropped significantly over the past year. That’s not entirely surprising, considering the economic climate. The trend of not saving enough makes families heavily dependent on borrowing to fund college.
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Hardship Withdrawals from 401(k) Plans
In these challenging economic times, you may be considering taking a hardship withdrawal from your 401(k) plan. Here are some points to think about before you pull the trigger.
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Ask the Experts: What’s an exchange-traded fund?
Like a mutual fund, an exchange-traded fund (ETF) pools money from investors to buy a group of securities.
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Ask the Experts: How can I use exchange-traded funds?
There are many ways an exchange-traded fund (ETF) can be used to help round out or supplement an existing investment portfolio.
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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.

January 2010 Trendline Financial Monthly

January 13, 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
Refer a friend
Trendline Financial Monthly
  January 2010
 

Hi Everyone
I hope you had a pleasant holiday season and are looking forward to 2010 with optimism and personal resolve to achieve your goals.
Hopefully, you have you taken some time to review your investment allocations for the coming months, and especially resisted the temptation to keep all your investable assets in money market accounts or bond funds. While this is a natural temptation given the markets in 2008 and half of 2009, it is not the right course of action for the long term investor.
Also, take note of the 2010 opportunity to convert Traditional IRAs to Roth IRAs – see “Retirement Issues to watch in 2010″ article. While each situation is different, this year is the time to consider the move given the elimination in Income Limits.
As always, give us a call if you need help with any financial issue. Also consider signing up for our My Financial Planner program.
Peter Owen
 


Moving Forward Financially After Divorce
After a divorce, you have a unique opportunity to revisit your financial plan. Making sure your finances are on track will help you put the past behind you, and provide a foundation for the future.
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ARMed and Dangerous?
Remember how adjustable rate mortgages (ARMs) were all the rage when the housing market was a boom town? Well, now that the housing market looks more like a ghost town, are ARMs still a good idea, or is being ARMed a dangerous place to be?
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Retirement Issues to Watch in 2010
Recent years have seen a flurry of legislation impacting retirement plans. Here are some of the more significant changes that take effect in 2010.
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Ask the Experts: What can affect the cost of homeowners insurance?
There are many factors that can affect the cost of homeowners insurance. Here’s a description of some of the more common factors.
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Ask the Experts: How can I reduce the cost of my homeowners insurance?
You may not have control over all of the factors that affect the cost of your homeowners insurance. But there may be some things you can do to save some money.
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December Trendline Financial Monthly

December 13, 2009

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
Refer a friend
Trendline Financial Monthly
  December 2009
Hi Everyone,We wish you a very happy and safe holdiay season to you and your loved ones.

Financially speaking, December (not April) is the time to review your 2009 tax situation and your investment portfolios for possible adjustments. Take a moment to concentrate on this NOW while you have time to act. Remember, December is your yearly Final Exam, April 15th is your Report Card.

We are pleased to see that our My Financial Planner 24/7 Program is generating a lot of interest (see November Newsletter). If you need information on this program, drop us an email or visit our website at www.TrendlineFinancialSolutions.com – article is filed under Article Categories, Trendline Company News.

Peter Owen


Time to Consider Year-End Investment Moves
Taking time to make some strategic decisions before December 31 can help keep your portfolio on track and potentially minimize your April income tax bill.
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Retirement: Does Your Withdrawal Strategy Need a Second Look?
In its simplest terms, a withdrawal rate is the percentage you withdraw from an investment portfolio in any particular year. However, in retirement income planning, what’s important is not just your withdrawal rate, but your sustainable withdrawal rate.
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2009 Year-End Tax Planning Considerations
Here are some things to consider as you weigh potential moves between now and the end of the year.
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Ask the Experts: What is a short sale?
A short sale occurs when a mortgage lender allows a borrower (the short seller) to accept a sale offer that is less than (“short”) the balance due on the outstanding loan.
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Ask the Experts: What is a deed-in-lieu of foreclosure?
In a deed-in-lieu of foreclosure (often referred to as a DIL), a mortgage lender allows a borrower to sign the deed over to the lender in exchange for relief from the obligation to repay the mortgage.
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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.

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

November – Trendline Financial Monthly

November 24, 2009

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
Refer a friend
Trendline Financial Monthly •

November 2009
Hi Everyone,

As we come into Holiday season, this is the time to give some thought to any financial items
that need addressing before year end. This could be rebalancing your portfolio, making the
benefit elections thru your company, considering what actions I can take to get additional tax
deductions.Also consider signing up for our My Financial Planner 24/7 program which
is an easy and cheap way to always have finnancial advice close by whenever you need it.

Peter Owen


My Financial Planner 24 -7 Program
Do you consider yourself: An average family, have some kids or plan to AND may have a house or hope to AND get the bills paid but nothing left to go to savings And credit cards piling up AND I get most of my financial advice by asking family members, friends or coworkers AND ESPECIALLY, I honestly have nowhere to turn when I have a financial issue or question
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What to Do When Layoffs Loom
Getting laid off sometimes seems to be inevitable, but short of going out of business, employers usually keep employees who are most valuable and productive. Here are some things you can do to increase your value to your employer and enhance your prospects of avoiding that next round of layoffs.
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Health Insurance Options After a Job Loss
It’s hard enough facing the financial and emotional trauma of losing your job. One of the issues you may confront is the loss of your employer-provided health insurance as well. While there may not be a simple solution to your health insurance dilemma, you should understand your options.
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Ask the Experts: Can I change investments in my 529 plan account?
The short answer is yes. But the rules for doing so depend on whether the change is for future contributions or existing contributions.
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Ask the Experts: I am a conservative investor. Is a 529 plan a good way to save for college?
With the market turmoil of the past year, many states have expanded the conservative investment options in their 529 college savings plans as more families look to protect their college savings from financial risk.
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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.

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