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☆ Money market funds yielding more than 5% won’t last. Where to deploy idle cash instead
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-09 | by ( Darla Mercado | Cfp | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +5 min

Money market funds' siren song has become a little louder: With the timing of Federal Reserve rate cuts shaky, yields on cash are still hot – for now. Here's how to decide where and when to redeploy some of your idle cash into fixed income. Taxes are also a key consideration as you build out your fixed income sleeve. Interest income from Treasurys, meanwhile, is subject to federal income tax but exempt from state and local taxes. A gradual entry toward fixed income You don't have to build out your fixed income allocation in one day.

Persons: Rob Williams, Charles Schwab, Ashton Lawrence, Lawrence, Williams Organizations: Mariner Wealth Advisors, Mutual Locations: Greenville , South Carolina, Treasurys, New York , New Jersey, California

☆ These strategies can help hedge portfolios against losses or generate income
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-02 | by ( Darla Mercado | Cfp | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +4 min

Trailing stop losses Investors who rode tech's ascent — consider that Nvidia is up more than 80% in 2024 — may be reluctant to part with those positions. However, trailing stop losses may permit them to hold on to those stocks and still protect against sharp declines. Put options give investors the right to sell a stock at a specified — or "strike" — price before an expiration date. However, you can also pair this strategy with a covered call, which may boost your income and offset losses. "Covered call options can be employed to generate income on existing stock holdings while potentially limiting upside potential," Lawrence said.

Persons: Ashton Lawrence, Lawrence, Cash Organizations: Mariner Wealth Advisors, Nvidia, Retail, Investors Locations: Greenville , South Carolina

☆ I'm a certified financial planner and tax reporter at CNBC. How I tackle my own retirement tax planning
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-04 | by ( Kate Dore | Cfp | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

Now, as a tax reporter for CNBC, I focus on tax strategy all year, including how retirement contribution decisions may affect long-term plans. Pretax vs. Roth retirement contributionsOne of the biggest questions from investors is whether to save money into a pretax or after-tax Roth account. Early in my career, I focused on Roth savings, which made sense with lower income and decades until retirement. I've prioritized my employer match with pretax and Roth 401(k) deferrals, while also making Roth individual retirement account contributions. There's also a small nest egg in my health savings account, which I added to during my years of self-employment.

Persons: Seksan, I've, Ashton Lawrence, Roth, you'll, pretax, There's, JoAnn May Organizations: CNBC, CFP, Mariner Wealth Advisors, Asset Management Locations: Greenville , South Carolina, Berwyn , Illinois

☆ This type of ETF offers portfolio income along with some complexity. How to determine if it’s right for you
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-15 | by ( Darla Mercado | Cfp | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +5 min

These so-called derivative income funds — which include popular covered-call offerings such as the JPMorgan Equity Premium Income ETF (JEPI) — gathered $22 billion in flows last year , according to Morningstar. "I don't see volatility drying up, especially with where inflation is and this being an election year," said Barry Martin, portfolio manager of the Shelton Equity Income Fund (EQTIX) . "Instead of owning a covered call fund, you can buy a dividend fund that's paying 3% in dividend income," said John Rekenthaler, vice president, research at Morningstar. Be tax conscious: Derivative income funds can bring tax complexity because they can spin out income that's subject to short-term capital gains treatment. Comparison shop: Morningstar labels covered call funds and their ilk as "derivative income funds," but each offering will have its quirks, and this could affect its risk-return profile.

Persons: —, Rob Schultz, JEPI, there's, Barry Martin, EQTIX, Martin, Schultz, Ashton Lawrence, Lawrence, John Rekenthaler Organizations: JPMorgan, Shelton, Income, CFP, Mariner Wealth Advisors, Investors, Morningstar Locations: Encino , California, Greenville , South Carolina

☆ Retirement account withdrawal rules are 'so complicated' for inherited IRAs, expert says. What to know
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-26 | by ( Kate Dore | Cfp | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

But the gift comes with mandatory withdrawals for heirs and following the rules can be difficult, experts say. According to the Secure Act of 2019, certain heirs now have less time to deplete inherited accounts due to a change in so-called "required minimum distributions." But there's now a 10-year withdrawal rule for certain heirs, meaning everything must be withdrawn by the 10th year after the original account owner's death. The rule applies to accounts inherited by so-called "non-eligible designated beneficiaries" on Jan. 1, 2020, or later. Ed Slott IRA expertNon-eligible designated beneficiaries are heirs who aren't a spouse, minor child, disabled, chronically ill or certain trusts.

Persons: Ed Slott, Ashton Lawrence, there's, Slott, RMDs Organizations: Istock, Getty, Secure, Mariner Wealth Advisors, IRS Locations: Greenville , South Carolina

☆ Here are 3 things to consider before making a Roth conversion to save on future taxes
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-15 | by ( Kate Dore | Cfp | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Prapass Pulsub | Moment | Getty ImagesAs year-end approaches, some investors may be weighing a Roth individual retirement account conversion to save on future taxes. The strategy transfers your pretax or non-deductible IRA funds to a Roth IRA, which kick-starts future tax-free growth. But you have to plan for the upfront tax bill. Here are some key factors to consider before making a Roth conversion, according to financial experts. Assess the short-term tax consequencesWhile a Roth conversion may offer long-term tax benefits, there's potential for shorter-term consequences, Lawrence warned.

Persons: Prapass, Roth, Ashton Lawrence, Lawrence, Jeremy Finger Organizations: Roth IRA, Mariner Wealth Advisors, Riverbend Wealth Management, Riverbend Wealth, Republicans Locations: Greenville , South Carolina, Myrtle Beach , South Carolina

☆ Your 401(k) could have these hidden risks, experts say. Here’s what employees need to know
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-14 | by ( Kate Dore | Cfp | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

mapodile / GettyAfter several interest rate hikes from the Federal Reserve, many have braced for stock market volatility in their 401(k) plans. But experts say some plans could face another risk: employer bankruptcy. The risks of guaranteed interest accountswatch nowGalli said there's also a hidden risk with "guaranteed interest accounts," a common 401(k) asset that provides interest for a set amount of time. When a 401(k) plan shuts down, employees may see "adjustments" to their guaranteed interest accounts, which reduce the assets' value. Consider rolling over old 401(k) accounts

Persons: Dan Galli, Daniel J, Galli, Ashton Lawrence, there's Organizations: Getty, Federal Reserve, Galli & Associates, Ashton, Mariner Wealth Advisors Locations: Norwell , Massachusetts, Greenville , South Carolina

☆ Trying to choose Pretax vs. Roth 401(k)? Why it's trickier than you think, experts say
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-10 | by ( Kate Dore | Cfp | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +4 min

While pretax 401(k) contributions reduce your adjusted gross income, you'll owe levies on growth upon withdrawal. By comparison, Roth 401(k) deposits won't provide an upfront tax break, but the money can grow tax-free. Experts say these expected changes may also factor into the pretax versus Roth contributions analysis. Plus, recent changes from Secure 2.0 have made Roth 401(k) contributions more appealing for some investors, she said. Consider your 'legacy goals'"Legacy goals" are also a factor when deciding between pretax and Roth contributions, said Lawrence from Mariner Wealth Advisors.

Persons: Roth, —, Ashton Lawrence, Lawrence, Lawrence Pon, There's, Catherine Valega, Valega, pretax Organizations: Mariner Wealth Advisors, Lawrence Pon CPA, Pon &, Green Bee, Green Locations: Greenville , South Carolina, Redwood City , California, Boston

☆ Some advisors are flocking to alternative investments, survey finds. What investors need to know
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-27 | by ( Kate Dore | Cfp | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

After a tough year for the stock and bond markets in 2022, some advisors are turning to alternative investments, according to a new survey from the Financial Planning Association. Nearly 30% of advisors are actively investing in or seeking alternative investments, or "alternatives," for clients, the findings show. These assets typically fall outside traditional investments in publicly traded stocks, bonds and cash. Some investors are drawn to alternatives for diversification, lowering portfolio risk and boosting returns, said certified financial planner Ashton Lawrence, director at Mariner Wealth Advisors in Greenville, South Carolina. It's not zeroHow jobless workers use side gigs to make ends meetIndeed, "diversification" and "risk mitigation" were top objectives among advisors who recommend alternatives, according to the FPA survey.

Persons: Ashton Lawrence, Lawrence Organizations: Financial, Association, Mariner Wealth Advisors, Finance Locations: Greenville , South Carolina

☆ How to shift your bond portfolio as the Fed pauses interest rate hikes
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-14 | by ( Kate Dore | Cfp | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

Couple talking to financial advisor at home Fg Trade | E+ | Getty ImagesConsider when to increase bond durationWhile it's difficult to predict future interest rate cuts, Kyle Newell, a certified financial planner and owner of Newell Wealth Management in Orlando, Florida, said he has started shifting bond allocations. When building a bond portfolio, advisors consider so-called duration, which measures a bond's sensitivity to interest rate changes. watch nowAs interest rates rose in 2022, many advisors opted for shorter-duration bonds to protect portfolios from interest rate risk. But allocations may shift, depending on future Fed policy. Look for 'areas of opportunity'As policy shifts, advisors are also looking for ways to optimize allocations amid continued economic uncertainty.

Persons: Kyle Newell, Newell, Ashton Lawrence Organizations: Newell Wealth Management, Mariner Wealth Advisors Locations: Orlando , Florida, Greenville , South Carolina

☆ IRS reveals 2024 health savings account limits. What to know about the 'significant increase,' says advisor
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-19 | by ( Kate Dore | Cfp | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: 1 min

The annual contribution limit for health savings accounts, or HSAs, will soon get a sizable boost due to inflation, the IRS announced this week. For 2024, the yearly limit for self-only HSA plans is rising to $4,150 from $3,850 in 2023, and the cap for family plans is jumping to $8,300 from $7,750. The catch-up contribution for savers age 55 and older remains at $1,000 each, bumping the total deposit limit for older savers to $10,300. It's a "significant increase" when compared to historic HSA inflation adjustments, according to Ashton Lawrence, a certified financial planner and director at Mariner Wealth Advisors in Greenville, South Carolina.

☆ Pre-tax vs. Roth 401(k): Deciding which to use for retirement is trickier than you think
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-11 | by ( Kate Dore | Cfp | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

Prathanchorruangsak | Istock | Getty ImagesWhether you're starting a new job or updating retirement savings goals, you may need to choose between pre-tax or Roth 401(k) contributions — and the choice may be more complex than you think. While pre-tax 401(k) deposits offer an upfront tax break, the funds grow tax-deferred, meaning you'll owe levies upon withdrawal. By contrast, Roth 401(k) contributions happen after taxes, but your future earnings grow tax-free. Experts say these expected changes may also factor into the pre-tax vs. Roth contributions analysis. Plus, recent changes from Secure 2.0 have made Roth 401(k) contributions more appealing for some investors, she said.

☆ Bond yields are hot, but be smart how you invest. Here’s where to begin
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-06 | by ( Darla Mercado | Cfp | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +6 min

Bond yields and prices move inversely to each other so, as rates rose, prices tumbled – and did so at an inopportune time since stocks were suffering, too. Thus, they have higher interest rate risk and greater price fluctuation. He likes short-term Treasury bond funds and ETFs. Another way to mitigate interest rate risk is to use a barbell: You hold equal amounts of shorter and longer-dated issues. "You don't have to reach too far in terms of credit risk and interest rate risk to capture healthy yield in today's environment."

☆ Interest rates are high. Here’s a relatively safe way to squeeze more from your cash
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-25 | by ( Darla Mercado | Cfp | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +5 min

Be aware that money market accounts offered by a bank are subject to protection from the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. This isn't the case with money market funds, which can't guarantee that you won't lose money. When shopping for a money market fund, look for offerings that hold high quality underlying investments, and be sure to keep an eye out for fees. Money market funds that Lawrence likes include the Federated Hermes Prime Cash Obligations Fund (PCOXX) and the Fidelity Tax-Exempt Money Market Fund Premium Class (FZEXX). Unless they're tax exempt, money market fund income is subject to federal, state and local taxes.

☆ Investors can boost income with this strategy, but should be aware of the risks
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-18 | by ( Carmen Reinicke | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +4 min

A foray into the world of options trading could give some investors a way to make money without deploying tons of cash in securities – but they should make sure they understand the risks first. A few important caveats While the strategy may sound simple – basically, it's betting on a stock going up – the process is a bit more complicated. First, such contracts require investors to promise to purchase 100 shares of a stock or ETF. While you get to keep the $500 premium, you've spent $9,000 on a stock that's fallen in value. Boneparth added that for most investors, options trading might not be a great idea because it might not add value and could instead be a distraction.

☆ Young, wealthy investors are flocking to alternative investments, study shows. What to know before adding to your portfolio
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-12 | by ( Kate Dore | Cfp | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Getty ImagesMore advisors are using alternative investmentsAlternative investments typically fall into four categories: hedge funds, private equity, "real assets" such as real estate or commodities and prepackaged investments known as "structured products." Amid double-digit losses in the stock and bond markets this year, there's been an uptick in advisors turning to alternative investments, as planners seek further diversification, according to a recent survey from Cerulli Associates. watch nowScott Bishop, a certified financial planner and executive director of wealth solutions at Houston-based Avidian Wealth Solutions, said some clients use a portion of their portfolios to educate their adult children about investing. 'Know what you own and why you own it'With more interest in alternative investments, experts say it's important to understand the risks — as well as the products themselves — before shifting portfolio allocations. There's a growing range of products falling under the umbrella of alternative investments, and it's critical to understand how an asset could perform through different market conditions, he said.

The strategy, which transfers pre-tax IRA funds to a Roth IRA for future tax-free growth, may pay off when the market drops because you can buy more shares for the same dollar amount. Here are three of the biggest Roth conversion errors — and the best ways to avoid them. You'll need to compare the break-even point of the upfront levy on pre-tax contributions and earnings to future tax-free growth, she said. But even if the tax-free growth won't exceed the upfront costs during your lifetime, a Roth conversion can still be used as a "wealth transfer tool," Collado said. Of course, this assumes there are heirs to enjoy the future tax savings.

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