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Unforeseen Consequences of the Roth IRA Conversion

This is another guest post from JoeTaxpayer.  On my blog, I’ve shared several articles that discussed the Roth IRA conversion event of 2010 in great length and detail.  While this is can be a great opportunity for many, there are several instances that a conversion does not.  I looked to JoeTaxpayer to share some pros [...]

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Made In America

by Jeff Rose on March 17, 2010

in LPL Financial, Market Update

Last Thursday, the U.S. trade data was reported for the month of January reflecting a brief pause in an improving trend of export growth. On the same day, the stock market, measured by the S&P 500, moved up to a new 17-month high. The market reaction was fitting since export growth is a key driver of the economy and profits for S&P 500 companies. In fact, exports accounted for 2.3 percentage points of the 5.9 percent fourth quarter Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth rate, this marked the biggest contribution to U.S. GDP in 13 years. Exports of American-made goods now matter more than ever to investors.

Also, last week, President Obama took action to support his goal of doubling U.S. exports within five years by signing an executive order to ‘’marshal the full resources of the United States government behind American businesses that sell their goods and services abroad’’ under his National Export Initiative.
[…]

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What to Look For When Hiring an Accountant

March 16, 2010 Tax Planning
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This guest post is contributed by Raine Parker.
It’s that time of year again, when millions of workers nationwide grit their teeth and prepare to file income taxes. As a result, a lot of people are considering hiring an accountant to handle the financial work for them. Whether you’re an individual seeking assistance, a small-business owner [...]

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Custodial Accounts For Minors: UGMA and UTMA

March 14, 2010 Kids/College Planning
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When it comes to saving money for your child, you have several options to choose from.   Depending on what you are trying to accomplish will help you decide what option is the best for you.

Do you want it to be solely used for college?
Do you want the child to assume right to the money then [...]

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Building Real Wealth: Small Company Equity

March 12, 2010 Entrepreneurship
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This is fantastic guest post by Omie Ismall who shares his experience as successful entrepreneur. Looking to create your own start-up company from scratch? If so, read this and take notes.

photo credit: Infusionsoft
Some years ago, I sat down with one of my Board members to discuss my next year’s compensation.  He said something that [...]

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Happy Anniversary? Stock Market Rebound

March 10, 2010 LPL Financial

One year ago, on March 9, 2009, the stock market began a rally that has led to a total return of 72% for the S&P 500, through the end of last week. As we reach this anniversary it is worth taking a look back at the powerful rally that has unfolded and seek clues as [...]

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Rules and Limits to Open a SEP IRA

March 9, 2010 Business Owner
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Are you a self-employed business owner that is looking for a cost effective to lower your taxes and help you save for retirement?  If that fits your profile then opening a SEP (Simplified Employee Pension) IRA might be a good retirement account to start for your business.

photo credit: khowaga1
When I was researching what would [...]

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How to Save Money When Moving Your House

March 8, 2010 Dollars and Cents
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With the completion of our new home, the realization of how much “stuff” we had to move to our new house sent chills down our spine. We’ve been in our first home for just under five years and I’m amazed on how much junk we accumulated over the years. My wife and I [...]

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A Family Photo Shoot With The Rose’s

March 5, 2010 Quick Notes
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I have many reasons in my life to be thankful, but for the purpose of this post I have two major reasons to be blessed:

I have an awesome family.
I have a truly talented best friend who takes great pictures of my awesome family.

My best friend, Jason York of Jason York Photography, paid a recent [...]

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How To Make Quarterly Estimated Tax Payments

March 4, 2010 Tax Planning
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This is a another guest contribution by Miranda Marquit.
If you are self-employed, it can be a good idea to make quarterly estimated tax payments. Making regular tax payments can help you avoid paying interest penalties, and it can shield you from the hardships associated with a large tax bill once a year. Others who should [...]

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Groundhog Day Comes Late

March 3, 2010 Market Update
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Groundhog Day came late in February for the stock market. Last Thursday’s worsening weekly unemployment claims data spooked stock market investors worried about job growth as February winter storms negatively impacted the data. In that labor report, the stock market saw its shadow and it appears that investors are in for six more weeks of [...]

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How to Become a Successful Financial Advisor

March 2, 2010 Career
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How do you define success?  Success can come from many aspects: life, career, family.  Often I get asked how I became a financial advisor and what has led to my success. When someone views me as successful, I’m always flattered.  While I do consider myself to be successful, I’m also very humble.
By industry standards, I’m [...]

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What Happens When a Life Insurance Policy Lapses

March 1, 2010 Insurance Planning
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We all get busy and let the “little things” slip through the crack sometimes. This, however, wasn’t a little thing.  In the hustle and bustle of the holidays, building a new home, a second child on the way (and now here) a “little” bill was overlooked and wasn’t paid.  This wasn’t my Direct TV bill [...]

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Return of the “Quiet” Municipal Market

February 26, 2010 Bond Commentary
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The municipal bond market, as measured by the Barclays Municipal Bond Index, has moved along at a slow and steady pace this year in contrast to the gyrations in the taxable market. Recent market action harkens back to years gone by when the municipal bond market was known as the “quiet” bond market. Taxable bonds [...]

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How To Get Health Insurance When You are Self Employed

February 25, 2010 Business Owner
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The jump from W-2 employee to self-employed is one that many don’t dare cross.  There are many risks and challenges as a business owner and at top of the list is having to provide your own health insurance coverage.  I was fortunate (somewhat) in that when I started my investment firm, my parent company LPL [...]

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