Investment & Special Commentary

September 2016: Money Market Fund Reform: Much Ado About Nothing?
By T. Ben Rose CFP^®

The Securities Exchange Commission (SEC) issued new rules governing money market funds that will become effective next month (October 2016). Perhaps you have heard or read about these changes. This article explains the history behind this change and answers questions you may have about the impact on your accounts. Read more

2nd Quarter 2016: First Aid Kit

June 2016: President Trump and the Stock Market

June 2016: What's Driving the Decline in Corporate Earnings?

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Financial Planning Commentary

A ZERO-Percent Tax Rate?
Are you missing out on the 0% tax rate on dividends and capital gains?
September 2016
by Phillips M. Bragg, CFP^®, AEP^®

Even individuals with significant assets may qualify for the zero percent federal tax rate on capital gains and dividends. Many retirees encounter a window of years where, in spite of having significant wealth, they're able to keep their taxable income low while generating cash flow from their portfolio. Read more

One Last Gift
A Planning Guide for Survivors
September 2016
by Debbie Taylor

For two and a half years I cared for my father after he moved to Charlotte to live in a retirement community. He was finally convinced to move to Charlotte after his companion of eleven years passed away. The two of them met in 2002 and for seven years they traveled the globe. Then in 2009, my dad's companion suffered a stroke and over the next four years, my dad drove to see her in a nursing home nearly every day. Read more

Empty Nest: Kids Out, Tuition Bills In!
How to Use your 529 Plan to pay for College
August 2016
by Mary Lou Daly, CFP^®, CPA

The nest is empty! My youngest headed off for his freshman year of college recently. I find I am alternatively a sad emotional mess or an eager beaver, ready for the next chapter of life. My husband and I are still trying to figure out what to do with ourselves. If you have children, perhaps you've been there or will be soon. Read more

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