Key Tax and Financial Data for 2015 Fact Sheet – Free Download

Successful Portfolios is pleased to offer our Key Financial Data for 2015 Fact Sheet, available here as a free download pdf.  This handy fact sheet includes tax tables and retirement account contribution limits. Be sure to check back for updates as they become available. Please call Successful Portfolios at (727) 744-3614 if you have any questions Or […]

How to Find a Financial Advisor You Can Trust

CBS News online recently published a provocative online article titled “How to find a financial advisor you can trust”. The article written Larry Swedroe is available here. My comments on Swedroes’ five salient points follow:

Advisor Credentials and the CFA Exam Pass Rate

Did you know the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation is widely regarded as the global “gold standard” of investment advisor credentials? The CFA program ”is truly a meritocracy and if you can’t demonstrate you are capable, it doesn’t matter who you are, whose son or daughter.” That’s something you should think about if you are searching for an investment advisor.

What are REITs and are they a good investment?

Over the years publicly traded REITs have proven to be rewarding investments. REIT investors benefit from returns generated through ownership of commercial real estate but without the drawback of illiquidity or the hassle of being a landlord. Many REITs pay attractive dividends with the potential for growth of capital.

IRA Required Minimum Distribution (RMD)

The Financial Rules Regulatory Authority (FINRA) provides a free, easy-to-use calculator for determining the annual Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) from your Individual Retirement Arrangement (IRA).  The calculator is based on life expectancy tables and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) regulations. FINRA, RMD, IRA, IRS, how is that for alphabet soup?             […]

Roth IRA Conversion: Is It Right For You?

The Roth Individual Retirement Arrangement (IRA) allows non-deductible contributions and tax-free accumulation and withdrawals.  Beginning in tax year 2010, you may regardless of your income, convert a (tax-deferred) Traditional IRA to a Roth IRA. However, should you?  Roth IRA conversions can be complicated but here are three simple rules of thumb: If you expect to […]