Use Your FSA Dollars Before you Lose Them!

Contributed by: Nick Defenthaler, CFP®

With less than a month left in 2015, now is a good time to evaluate your Flex Savings Account (FSA) balance to see if there are any funds remaining from the year.  An FSA is an account that you, as an employee, contribute to on a pre-tax basis – like a traditional 401k. You can then use the contributions for medical or dependent care expenses, allowing you and your family to pay for these inevitable expenses in a tax-efficient manner.  The catch however, is that funds contributed to the FSA typically must be used by the end of the year or the money is forfeited.

Flex Plans Get More Flexible

As mentioned, FSAs are "use it or lose it plans" but in recent years, the rules have become slightly more flexible - no pun intended.  Employers now have the option to either:

1. Provide a “grace period” of up to 2 ½ extra months to use the remaining funds in the FSA or…

2. Allow you to carry over up to $500 to use in the following year

It’s important to note that your employer is NOT required to offer these options, but if they do, they are only permitted to choose one of the above options – not both.  This recent change to how the unused balances for FSAs are treated helps you and makes FSAs far more attractive than years past.    

How to Make the Most of Your Flex Spending Account

The most you can contribute to an FSA for 2016 is the same as 2015 - $2,550 or $5,000 as a family.  A medical FSA can be used for qualified medical expenses such as prescription drugs, co-pays, teeth cleanings, eye exams, etc.  Typically items such as over-the-counter drugs and elective medical procedures are not eligible to be paid from your FSA.  The dependent care FSAs are great for working parents who pay for childcare, but just like the health care FSAs, you should check out IRS.gov for a list of “approved” expenses.

This is a crazy busy time of year for all of us, but if you have an FSA through work, make it a priority over the next few weeks to check the balance and see what options you have for the unused balance (if there is one).  If you only have until 12/31/15 to use the money, now might be a good time to schedule that teeth cleaning or annual physical you’ve been putting off all year.  Chances are you’ve already gone through open enrollment at work but if you’ve yet to choose to participate in the FSA through your employer, take a look at potentially utilizing it.  When used properly, an FSA is a great tool to help pay for the expenses most of us cringe at in – all while lowering your year-end tax bill. 

If you have questions on how much you think you should contribute or if an FSA makes sense for you and your family – give us a call, we’d be happy to give you some guidance!

Nick Defenthaler, CFP® is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ at Center for Financial Planning, Inc. Nick is a member of The Center’s financial planning department and also works closely with Center clients. In addition, Nick is a frequent contributor to the firm’s blogs.

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This material is being provided for information purposes only and is not a complete description, nor is it a recommendation. Any opinions are those of Nick Defenthaler and not necessarily those of Raymond James. The information has been obtained from sources considered to be reliable, but Raymond James does not guarantee that the foregoing material is accurate or complete. You should discuss tax matters with the appropriate professional.

How Much is my Medicare Part B Premium Going Up in 2016?

Contributed by: Nick Defenthaler, CFP®

Several months ago we heard the news that Medicare part B premiums were increasing by a whopping 52% for many Americans currently enrolled and those who were set to begin benefits in 2016 (Click here to read Matt Trujillo’s blog describing the proposed increase in greater detail).  Obviously this created quite an uproar, which has since caused a significant scaling back of the increase. 

On November 2nd, when President Obama signed the “Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015” into law, most of the “press” was focused on the new Social Security changes that will occur in 2016 (Click here to see how the changes could impact your filing strategy).  However, the deal also included a revision to the increase in Medicare part B premiums many would face. The change effectively trimmed the hike to approximately 14% (from 52%) and included a $3 per month surcharge to premiums.  The majority of those impacted by the increase are those who are single with income over $85,000 and those who are married with income over $170,000 (approximately 30% of part B participants). 

Although no one is happy when a monthly expense goes up by 14%, I must say that it’s extremely refreshing to see both political parties come together and compromise on an issue that was set to have a dramatic impact on millions of Americans. 

If you or anyone you know has questions or concerns on how these changes could impact your personal situation, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us for guidance. We’d be happy to help!

Nick Defenthaler, CFP® is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ at Center for Financial Planning, Inc. Nick is a member of The Center’s financial planning department and also works closely with Center clients. In addition, Nick is a frequent contributor to the firm’s blogs.

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This material is being provided for information purposes only and is not a complete description, nor is it a recommendation. Any opinions are those of Nick Defenthaler and not necessarily those of Raymond James. The information has been obtained from sources considered to be reliable, but Raymond James does not guarantee that the foregoing material is accurate or complete.

The Ladder to Adulthood—What Millennials Need to Know

Contributed by: Clare Lilek

I graduated from college in 2014, and this year started the first salaried job of my professional career. These are big steps in what I call my “ladder to adulthood.” What is this ladder, you may ask? Well twenty-somethings (and thirty-somethings too) each have their own ladder to adulthood: the stepping blocks we accomplish little by little to become full adults. These steps can include becoming participating civil citizens, being financially independent, and having a sense of life and economic stability. Yeah, it’s a pretty important ladder.

When you turn eighteen, your ladder begins as you choose your next steps after graduating high school. Depending on how knowledgeable you are about the adult decisions that lie ahead and how ready you are to make said decisions, you could have a step ladder, or something reminiscent of a skyscraper.

Personally, I didn’t realize exactly how long my own ladder to adulthood was until I arrived at The Center. This is my first time working in the financial industry and my previous exposure to these topics were hushed whispers of the mysterious 401ks and the disappearance of pensions—what did that even mean?! After working here for a couple of months, not only did I figure out what a 401k is, but in general, my knowledge about financial topics has grown exponentially. But that got me thinking, if I didn’t work at The Center, when would I have learned all this? Would it have been too late? Well, not to worry, I have compiled a very basic list of what millennials entering the workforce fulltime should be (but aren’t necessarily) doing:

1. Think about your future. 401ks and IRAs are fancy terms for savings – savings that are dedicated to your retirement. The earlier you open one of these accounts, the more money you can accumulate and the more stable you’ll be when your retirement comes.

2. Understand the importance of the market. Investments are the way of the world and just saving money in a bank account is not going to accrue as much interest as investing does. 401ks and IRAs take your savings and invests it in the market which, in theory, will allow you to have more money than just by keeping your money in the bank.

3. Know the lingo. Stocks vs bonds, and the pros and cons of each. Understand diversified portfolios and what that means for stability.

4. Save, save, and save some more! Have a budget that includes savings, and stick to it. Don’t live beyond your means, an important life lesson! And when budgeting, save a portion of each monthly salary.

5. Have a plan. If investments and 401ks are mysteries to you, there is no shame in having a Certified Financial Planner™ help create a plan with you—actually, it’s a very “adult” thing to do. They can set up accounts, plan for your future, and make sure you’re in the know.

Hey Millennial, if you were to win the lottery today, would your first thought be, “I should probably invest that money and save for my future?” What about your second or third thought? I’m going to take a guess that, no, that’s probably not in your initial thought process. But shouldn’t it be? That’s my point. We’re not talking about these topics and no one is talking to us about them, yet they are crucial in securing our future.

We learn as preschoolers that the early bird gets the worm, and in this case, the early bird gets a more comfortable retirement and financial life. Just by learning about financial planning, investments and the like, you are stepping up that ladder to adulthood and ensuring that when you step off that ladder, you’re stepping onto a stable platform.

Clare Lilek is a Challenge Detroit Fellow / Client Service Associate at Center for Financial Planning, Inc.

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Any information is not a complete summary or statement of all available data necessary for making an investment decision and does not constitute a recommendation. Any opinions are those of Clare Lilek and not necessarily those of Raymond James. 401(k) plans are long-term retirement savings vehicles. Withdrawal of pre-tax contributions and/or earnings will be subject to ordinary income tax and, if taken prior to age 59 1/2, may be subject to a 10% federal tax penalty. Prior to making an investment decision, please consult with your financial advisor about your individual situation.

Year-End Financial Checklist: 7 Tips to End on High Note

Contributed by: Jaclyn Jackson

And just like that, we are already in the fourth quarter; the year has gone by quickly! Before it completely slips away...

Try these top tips to strengthen your finances and get things in order for the year ahead:  

1. Harvest your losses – Tax-loss harvesting generates losses that can be used to reduce current taxes while maintaining your asset allocation. Take advantage of this method by selling the investments that are trading at a significant loss and replacing them with a similar investment. 

2. Max out contributions – While you can wait until you file your tax return, it may be easier to take some of your end-of-year bonus to max out your annual retirement contribution.  Traditional and Roth IRAs allow you to contribute $5,500 each year (with an additional $1,000 if you’re over age 50).  You can contribute up to $18,000 for 401(k)s, 403(b)s, and 457 plans.

3. Take RMDs – Don’t forget to take the required minimum distribution (RMD) from your IRA.  The penalty for not taking your RMD on time is a 50% tax on what should have been distributed.  RMDs should be taken annually starting by April 1st of the year following the calendar year you reach 70 ½ years of age.

4. Rebalance your portfolio – It is important to rebalance your portfolio periodically to make sure you are not overweight in an asset class that has outperformed over the course of the year.  This helps maintain the investment allocation best suited for you.

5. Use up FSA money – If you haven’t depleted the money in your flexible spending account (FSA) for healthcare expenses, now is the time to squeeze in those annual check-ups.  Some plan sponsors allow employees to roll over up to $500 of unused amounts, but that is not always the case (check with your employer to see if that option is available to you). 

6. Donate to a charity – Instead of cash, consider donating highly appreciated securities to avoid paying capital gains tax.  Typically, there is no tax to you once the security is transferred and there is no tax to the charity once they sell the security.  If you’re not sure where you want to donate, a Donor Advised Fund is a great option.  By gifting to a Donor Advised Fund, you could get a tax deduction this year and distribute the funds to a charity later. 

7. Review your credit score – With all of the money transactions done during the holiday season, it makes sense to review your credit score at the end of the year.  You can go to annualcreditreport.com to request a free credit report from the three nationwide credit reporting agencies: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion.  Requesting one of the reports every four months will help you keep a pulse on your credit status throughout the year.

Bonus: 

If there have been changes to your family (new baby, marriage, divorce, or death), consider these bonus tips:

• Adjust your tax withholdings

• Review insurance coverage

• Update financial goals, emergency funds, and budget

• Review beneficiaries on estate planning documents, retirement accounts, and insurance policies

• Start a 529 plan

Jaclyn Jackson is a Research Associate at Center for Financial Planning, Inc.

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This material is being provided for information purposes only and is not a complete description, nor is it a recommendation. The information has been obtained from sources considered to be reliable, but we do not guarantee that the foregoing material is accurate or complete. Any opinions are those of Jaclyn Jackson and not necessarily those of Raymond James. Investing involves risk and you may incur a profit or loss regardless of strategy selected. RMD's are generally subject to federal income tax and may be subject to state taxes. Consult your tax advisor to assess your situation. Links are being provided for information purposes only. Raymond James is not affiliated with and does not endorse, authorize or sponsor any of the listed websites or their respective sponsors. Raymond James is not responsible for the content of any website or the collection or use of information regarding any website's users and/or members. Raymond James and its advisors do not offer tax or legal advice. You should discuss any tax or legal matters with the appropriate professional.

What the End of “File and Suspend” and “Restricted Application” Means for You

Contributed by: Nick Defenthaler, CFP®

On November 2nd, President Obama signed the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015 into law. It contained the first major change in Social Security since 2000, eliminating popular Social Security strategies “file and suspend” and “restricted application”.  The result of this legislation is less lifetime Social Security benefits for many who planned on delaying retirement benefits until age 70.

Let's take a look at an example of how the strategies were most widely utilized:

Mark and Carrie are 65 years old and recently both retired from Microsoft.  They were both highly compensated and paid the maximum into Social Security for several decades, thus creating a $30,000/yr benefit for Mark and a $32,000/yr benefit for Carrie upon reaching full retirement age (FRA) – in their case, age 66.  Because they are both in great health, have longevity in their family and have accumulated a $1.5M portfolio to supplement retirement income, they planned to delay filing until age 70 to both get the highest possible annual benefit for life (benefits increase 8% each year you delay until age 70).    

Mark and Carrie’s financial planner suggested one change to this plan.  If Carrie were to file and immediately suspend her benefit at her Full Retirement Age  of 66, this would allow Mark to file a “restricted application”.  Filing the “restricted application” would entitle Mark to 50% of Carrie’s FRA benefit, or $16,000/yr (50% of $32,000) from age 66 until age 70.  During this same time frame, Carrie would not be receiving any benefit because she “filed and suspended” in order to receive an 8% annual benefit increase until age 70. 

When Mark turns 70, he would switch from the “restricted application” benefit of $16,000/yr to his own maximized benefit of approximately $41,000/yr (compared to $30,000/yr at age 66). At 70, Carrie would finally start to collect on her own benefit that has now grown to approximately $43,000/yr (compared to $32,000/yr at age 66) after receiving no benefits from age 66 – 70. 

It made perfect sense for Mark and Carrie to both delay benefits until age 70 because of the reasons mentioned earlier, however, by taking advantage of the “file and suspend” and “restricted application” strategies, they were able to bring home another $64,000 in total lifetime benefits ($16,000 x 4 years)! 

So why are these strategies going away? 

Lawmakers saw “file and suspend” and “restricted application” as unintended loopholes that emerged from legislation in 2000.  An additional $64,000 in total lifetime benefits really adds up, especially as more and more retirees are maximizing their benefits using this strategy.  The reforms in this year’s budget bill are projected to save Social Security an estimated $168 billion over 75 years – WOW!

Some important things to consider:

What if I’m currently receiving benefits from the “file and suspend” or “restricted application” strategies?

Don’t panic!  You are “grandfathered” in and your benefits will not change or be interrupted whatsoever.

When will the “file and suspend” strategy be eliminated and is there an age requirement?

If you attain age 66 (full retirement age for those born between 1943 and 1954) by April 29, 2016 you are eligible to still take advantage of the strategy but you must also apply for this benefit strategy by the same date.  If you wait beyond April 29, 2016 or attain age 66 after this date, you will not be able to “file and suspend”.  

When will the “restricted application” strategy be eliminated and is there an age requirement?

If you attain age 62 by the end of 2015, you are “grandfathered” in and are able to take advantage of this filing strategy if it makes sense for your situation.  Those who will not be 62 by year-end will unfortunately not be able to employ this filing strategy.

Obviously with this being a very new piece of legislation, there are still questions that need to be answered and details that need to be shaken out.  Keep your eyes open for additional communication regarding this important change in Social Security and as always, don’t hesitate to reach out to us directly if you have questions about your own personal situation!

If you are interested in more on this topic, register for our April 7th webinar here.   

Nick Defenthaler, CFP® is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ at Center for Financial Planning, Inc. Nick is a member of The Center’s financial planning department and also works closely with Center clients. In addition, Nick is a frequent contributor to the firm’s blogs.

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The information has been obtained from sources considered to be reliable, but we do not guarantee that the foregoing material is accurate or complete. Any opinions are those of Nick Defenthaler and not necessarily those of Raymond James

An Innovative Approach to your Emergency Fund

Contributed by: Timothy Wyman, CFP®, JD

Innovation isn’t a word you generally hear from financial planners. I have to admit my DNA is more about consistency and research-based practices.  However, at times new thinking and methods might just be what the (financial) doctor calls for.

Traditional Emergency Fund Approach

Take the old Emergency Fund – Financial Planning 101.  You’ve heard the advice; place 6-12 months of living expenses in a safe and liquid vehicle (think savings account or Certificate of Deposit) so funds are available should there be an emergency such as a leaky roof, need for a new hot water heater, kids medical bills, etc.  My sense is that this is a good strategy especially for younger folks starting their careers and families.  This strategy provides discipline and limits the chances of abusing credit, which hampers many young families today.

Innovative Emergency Fund Strategy

However, for more seasoned folks like me, perhaps a change in strategy is in order.  Partly due to very low interest rates (that may even become negative soon) as well as hopefully more financial discipline from years making mistakes, you might consider using a ROTH IRA, Home Equity Line of Credit (“HELOC”), or Securities Based Line of Credit (“SBL”) for your emergency fund needs. Here’s a closer look at all three.

Roth IRA in an Emergency

While the ROTH is intended for retirement savings, they do offer some flexibility in that contributions (but not earnings) may be withdrawn penalty and income tax free at any time.  Hopefully the money is not needed and your so called emergency money can grow tax free.  The downside is that not everyone qualifies due to income limitations - that is, of course, unless your financial advisor is not innovative enough to know about the “Back Door Roth”…we do! If you haven’t yet, read this blog on Back Door Roth IRA Conversions.

Home Equity Line of Credit (“HELOC”) in an Emergency

A HELOC can provide flexibility or access to immediate cash if needed, thus perhaps eliminating or reducing the amount you need to set aside in an emergency fund earning close to zero.  If you are required to use the line of credit, make plans to pay it down or off with other assets over time.

Securities Based Line of Credit (“SBL”) in an Emergency

A SBL is a line of credit secured by a taxable investment account.  In many respects it is very much like a HELOC except that it is secured by an investment account rather than your home equity.  Like a HELOC, the rates are very competitive currently; however they are normally variable rate products.

In the great words of Forrest Gump “IT happens”. The key is to be prepared prior to a crisis by having an emergency fund established, whether it be a traditional savings account, Roth IRA, HELOC, SBL or combination of all three. We’re always here to help you be ready to deal with IT.  

Timothy Wyman, CFP®, JD is the Managing Partner and Financial Planner at Center for Financial Planning, Inc. and is a contributor to national media and publications such as Forbes and The Wall Street Journal and has appeared on Good Morning America Weekend Edition and WDIV Channel 4. A leader in his profession, Tim served on the National Board of Directors for the 28,000 member Financial Planning Association™ (FPA®), mentored many CFP® practitioners and is a frequent speaker to organizations and businesses on various financial planning topics.

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The foregoing information has been obtained from sources considered to be reliable, but we do not guarantee that it is accurate or complete, it is not a statement of all available data necessary for making an investment or financial decision, and it does not constitute a recommendation. Any opinions are those of Center of Financial Planning and are not necessarily those of Raymond James.

Five Financial Tips for New Graduates

Contributed by: James Smiertka

It hasn’t been too incredibly long since I trekked the campus of Western Michigan University and I’m not alone. The Center has more recent graduates, including Clare Lilek and Nicholas Boguth, who are now gracing our office with their mental gifts and unmatched wittiness. Even Matthew Trujillo himself, isn’t yet a full decade removed from marching across the stage to lay hands on his college degree. At some point in our lives, many of us have traded textbooks, studying, homework, and a lucrative job as a barista for a career, pantsuits, ties, and taxes. If we could offer financial advice to our excited yet somewhat horrified, newly graduated former selves, what would we say? I’m sure we would all have a lot of good advice, financial and otherwise, to offer. To help avoid unsavvy decisions during your first steps into the great financial unknown, here are a handful of good financial tips for new graduates.

Tip #1: Don’t upgrade your lifestyle too quickly.

So you have just graduated and found your first job, which hopefully is a great first step in your career path. Congratulations! Now it’s time to make a plan, and then, as Tim Wyman likes to say, “Live your plan”. But don’t try to upgrade too quickly! It can be easy to get carried away moving into the nicest apartment, buying expensive furnishings, and purchasing a new car right away. You may believe that your new income will keep up with your increased spending, which may or may not be the case. Removing uncertainty, it’s a lot easier to take some time and lay the groundwork for a good spending plan than it is to scale back spending dramatically after you realize you’re living beyond your means. The best choice is to slowly increase your spending as your earnings increase. One of the best tips that I’ve heard, is to keep your “broke college student lifestyle” as long as possible. Keep a modest apartment and your old beat up car, or ride your bike to work if possible. This will allow you to save more now towards things like emergencies, a first home, and becoming financially independent in the future. Every little bit saved now can make a great impact in 30 to 40 years thanks to the compounding interest.

Tip #2: Start saving.

Aim to save around 10% of your income right away. It’s a great starting point. If your employer has a retirement plan in place, it is important to contribute at least enough to take advantage of the full amount of savings that your employer will match. This is usually around 3-5%, and it’s free money that you would be foolish not to take advantage of – a great incentive to start saving for your future retirement.  No matter where you start, you should try to gradually increase your contribution rate every year by 1-2%. Some plans can even be set up to increase this amount automatically, and you won’t even notice the difference from year to year. You should also aim to build an emergency fund during your initial savings endeavor. This account should eventually contain 3-6 months or more of living expenses which will allow you to be prepared for unforeseen circumstances & also provide you with assurance. Some will even utilize this account, if needed, to allow for freedom as they establish their careers, using the money to help fund moving to a new location and the other costs associated with changing jobs.

Tip #3: Make a budget. And stick to it.

There are things that you need to pay for like medical and renter’s insurance, gas, and utility bills & then there are unessential, discretionary items like clothes, concerts, and going out for dinner & drinks. Track your spending, look for savings opportunities, and also for areas to cut back. For most young people, food is the largest expense after housing and transportation costs. Learn to cook, and you could find yourself potentially saving 50% or more on your food costs by doing something that could become a worthwhile hobby. This can easily save you $1,500-$2,000 per year. The time spent cooking will also keep you from wasting time perusing unessential Amazon Prime purchases (which I may absolutely be guilty of). Bottom line: Look at your net income. Subtract out your fixed/essential expenses. Then allocate the leftover money towards savings goals and discretionary spending. Consider an online budgeting tool/app to help you achieve this.

Tip #4: Understand your debt & credit.

Know the real cost of your credit cards, student loans, and other debts. Your credit score is a powerful tool, and it can be friend or foe for your lifetime. A bad credit score can make it more difficult to land your dream job or be approved for an apartment lease. A good credit score will allow you lower interest rates on credit cards and loans and a better chance for approval with those items. It is very easy to get carried away with credit cards, and credit card companies target young adults more than any other demographic. Remember: If you are consistently carrying a balance, the credit card company is the one being rewarded. Credit cards can frequently have annual interest rates of 15-25%, and higher, especially for many young borrowers who haven’t had time to build up their credit scores. Many credit card companies also reserve the right to increase your interest rate if you are late with your payments, heaping on additional debt on top of your existing unpaid balance. Bottom line: be smart & manage your debt.  If you already have credit cards, in addition to student loans and/or personal loans, try to pay off balances with higher interest rates to keep them from becoming unmanageable. Some people find it easier to completely pay off a smaller balance first as it gives them a sense of progress and accomplishment. This is a more than acceptable start to proper debt management.

Tip #5: Save more.

If you are able to make the maximum contribution to your employer’s plan – amazing! If you want to save more early in your career, consider a Roth IRA. It’s a great savings vehicle for tax-deferred growth and tax-free withdrawals in retirement. You contribute dollars that are taxed at your current marginal rate which will, with any luck, be lower than your future marginal tax rate. This will allow you to avoid the taxes later in life in addition to taking advantage of tax deferral. Many employer 401(k) plans will allow for after-tax contributions, as well as the more common pre-tax contribution. Obtain information on your specific plan to find out.

Now is the time to build a great foundation in the journey towards financial independence. By making smart decisions now, you are positioning yourself for future success. Use these helpful tips, and keep progressing toward the ultimate goal of a worry-free financial future and retirement. Feel free to contact your team here at The Center with any questions. Take control now, and you will rule your finances – not the other way around.

James Smiertka is a Client Service Associate at Center for Financial Planning, Inc.

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The information has been obtained from sources considered to be reliable, but we do not guarantee that the foregoing material is accurate or complete. Any opinions are those of Jim Smiertka and not necessarily those of Raymond James. 401(k) plans are long-term retirement savings vehicles. Withdrawal of pre-tax contributions and/or earnings will be subject to ordinary income tax and, if taken prior to age 59 1/2, may be subject to a 10% federal tax penalty. Roth IRA owners must be 59½ or older and have held the IRA for five years before tax-free withdrawals are permitted.

Tax Free Growth: A Webinar Targeting Fiat Chrysler Retirement Plans

Contributed by: Center for Financial Planning, Inc.

A couple of weeks ago, Nick Defenthaler, CFP®, hosted a webinar targeting Fiat Chrysler employees and how they could save thousands of dollars by contributing to the after-tax portion of their 401k plan. Although not all 401k retirement plans have these same capabilities, knowing about the possible tax deferred options that could be available for your retirement plan can be helpful for future saving.

In the webinar below, Nick explains the difference between traditional 401ks and Roth 401ks, and also includes insight into other retirement saving vehicles like IRAs. He explains what retirement plan could be best for you and your future, which can depend on your current tax bracket and your predicted future bracket. The webinar is filled with basic information about retirement plans and then delves into the specific plan as it relates to Fiat Chrysler employees. Take 30 minutes to review the information and if you have any questions, feel free to contact us.

For further information, Nick has already shared advice for thinking about Back Door Roth IRA Conversion and what Ford Employees should do regarding this same topic.

Passing on Wealth & Money Values to the Next Generation

Contributed by: Matthew E. Chope, CFP®

I work with a lot of moms and dads who want their kids to know what they think is important. Since I’m their financial planner, these values are often tied to money. In an ideal situation, parents want to give their children and grandchildren the freedom to choose for themselves when wealth is passed on to them. But oftentimes, I’ve seen an inheritance turn into guilt, bring out greed, or even sprout into remorse…when all the parents wanted was for their kids to be okay.

Discussing Inheritance + Values

I recently spoke at The Private Wealth Midwest Forum in Chicago to other professional advisors regarding multigenerational family wealth issues. I shared how to help families manage wealth across the generations, covering the successes and challenges I’ve witnessed with families. A major part of the equation is communicating across the generations. The conversation is different when you’re talking to a tween than a college grad. By taking maturity level into consideration, you can tailor the conversation to focus on what brings meaning to money for them. I generally try to have parents or grandparents lead this discussion and share their values, how their wealth was conceived, and their ongoing intentions. Involving children in the conversation and encouraging them to share fosters deeper understanding.

Are My Kids too Young for this Conversation?

I had a meeting with an 11 year old and his father recently – he’s my youngest new client! We started chatting about what money means and providing an early education about stocks vs. bonds, working for the family business, and his wages vs. the company’s profits.  I was amazed at how much the 11 year old could understand. He was quicker with all of the math in his head than I was! Parents often assume their children are too young for serious conversations about wealth and inheritance. I feel the time is right as soon as the parents are ready and I always encourage my clients not to wait until it’s too late!

Knowing How to Give and How to Receive

Once your family has the conversation and develops an understanding of what is sacred, there are other ways to link money with meaning. I hear from clients that, “Our tax guy said gifting money is a smart thing to do.” But simply dropping checks into a bank account can be like a meteor strike if your family hasn’t invested time and effort in the money and in a meaningful conversation. I encourage parents and grandparents to accompany monetary gifts with a note about the value and meaning of the gift. Your goal is likely to help your children on their journey, but not provide for entropy … so tell them that. The act of transferring wealth may not change, but the values associated with the inheritance can provide valuable perspective for both the givers and the receivers. Is it time for you to begin the family conversation? I’m here to help.

Matthew E. Chope, CFP ® is a Partner and Financial Planner at Center for Financial Planning, Inc. Matt has been quoted in various investment professional newspapers and magazines. He is active in the community and his profession and helps local corporations and nonprofits in the areas of strategic planning and money and business management decisions. In 2012 and 2013, Matt was named to the Five Star Wealth Managers list in Detroit Hour magazine.

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Five Star Award is based on advisor being credentialed as an investment advisory representative (IAR), a FINRA registered representative, a CPA or a licensed attorney, including education and professional designations, actively employed in the industry for five years, favorable regulatory and complaint history review, fulfillment of firm review based on internal firm standards, accepting new clients, one- and five-year client retention rates, non-institutional discretionary and/or non-discretionary client assets administered, number of client households served.

This material is being provided for information purposes only and is not a complete description, nor is it a recommendation. Any opinions are those of Matt Chope and not necessarily those of Raymond James.

10 Ways to Raise Money Smart Kids—A Webinar in Review

Contributed by: Center for Financial Planning, Inc.

For those busy parents out there who couldn’t attend the “10 Ways to Raise Money Smart Kids” webinar, presented by Melissa Joy, CFP ®, here is a quick recap on the different methods parents can use to teach their kids about financial responsibility.

First of all, we have to mention how important it is to start talking to children about money early. Lynsey Romo, an assistant professor of communication at North Carolina State University says, “Even now, parents talk more about sex with their children than they do about money.” Money can seem like a taboo or troublesome topic to broach with children of all ages, but your kids will observe money behavior and patterns from somewhere, and it’s better to teach your child what they should know before they get different information elsewhere. Be intentional and consistent with your teachings to reinforce desired habits.

Now let’s get to the tips!

1. Talk about money earlier than you might assume.

Research shows that preschoolers can understand basic money concepts like spending and saving, and by the age of 7 children can understand what it means to earn an income. By waiting, parents can miss out on opportunities to teach their children valuable money lessons during formative years. A quick tip is to bring money out of the theoretical and into the physical and practical world to elicit better comprehension through examples with physical money.

2. Start with the basics and then be specific.

Kids are a blank slate, whatever they know is through observation and your specific instruction. Don’t forget to teach the little things, like protecting your money, because to a child, it’s not an innate habit quite yet.

*You are your child’s money role model.* This isn’t a tip so much as a reminder. Modeling smart money behavior can help your child reflect that same behavior.

3. Get your children comfortable with numbers.

Shawn Cole of Harvard Business School says it best: “a lot of decisions in finance are just easier if you’re more comfortable with numbers and making numeric comparisons.”

4. Use the Bucket approach.

Physically separate whatever money your child earns into three different buckets labeled: Spend, Save, and Share. Not only will this help your child understand the principles of saving money and using money for charity, but the visual will give practical context to their learning.

5. Disconnect allowance and chores.

There are a couple schools of thought here. Ron Lieber, author of the book The Opposite of Spoiled, suggests that parents disconnect allowance and chores all together. The allowance has the purpose of teaching kids the value of money and the chores are family work that needs to be done regardless of a monetary reward.

6. Try a family 401(k).

Leverage a matching dollar-to-dollar system, or act like the “Family Bank” and give interest to every dollar you child has saved in order to teach and encourage money lessons about the importance of saving and long term planning.

7. Understand that education really pays off.

It’s always good to remind your children how the higher the education an employee has the higher their salary is. The data is astounding at how much of a difference a college degree can make.

8. Encourage mini-entrepreneurs.

Encouraging your kids to be mini-entrepreneurs can not only teach lessons of innovation or the correlation between hard work and money, but it can also encourage charitable giving, like using “start-up money” to create a business where the profits go to a local nonprofit. It’s never too early for your kids to learn good business practices or the power of giving.

9. Have up-front communication re: financial commitment.

Hold your children responsible and accountable…give them ideas of what you expect and how they should plan to take on financial responsibilities so there’s no guessing game.

10. Share your family stories.

Your story, the story of your parents, and the story of their parents are important. They hold valuable lessons and are the history that impacts your child’s future. Share with them past success as well as struggles.

Wondering how you and your parenting partner(s) can implement these strategies? Discuss and develop your parenting philosophy with your partner and anyone who helps raise your children and come to a consensus for how you’ll teach your children how to be smart with money, then write it down and sign it. This will help create a consistent plan with intention. Write down specific action items you would like to cover within the year, and/or goals you and your partner(s) would like to reach, then review and amend the “money contract” annually to track your progress and to revaluate your strategies.

Lastly, we understand that parents can spend more of their time worrying about their children and their relationship with money, and less time worrying about their own financial future. It’s important to keep a balance between your kids’ needs and planning for your own life. Here at Center for Financial Planning, we are available to discuss the hard topics involving money and want to plan for your financial future, as well as your children’s.

If you were intrigued by any of the tips and want to hear more, below is the full 30-minute webinar.

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Raymond James is not affiliated with and does not endorse the opinions of Melissa Joy or the Center for Financial Planning. Links are being provided for information purposes only. Raymond James is not affiliated with and does not endorse, authorize or sponsor any of the listed websites or their respective sponsors. Raymond James is not responsible for the content of any website or the collection or use of information regarding any website's users and/or members.