Artie Green newsletter CFP and investment pro

December 2012 Newsletter Question of the Month The term "fiscal cliff" has been prominently featured throughout the various news media ever since the presidential election.  Do you believe that the government spending cuts and increased taxes that will go into effect unless Congress acts will cause a massive economic collapse as the term implies or do you think this represents over-dramatized media hype?  Please let us know your thoughts -- e-mail us at info@cognizantwealth.com.    Tips and insights from last month’s blogs How to Get the IRS to Pay You to Save! Were you aware of a little-known tax credit called the Saver’s Credit?  Low income workers who save for retirement using a 401(k), IRA, or Roth can earn a tax credit worth up to $1,000 for individuals and up to $2,000 for couples. READ MORE >>> Does Tax Gain Harvesting Make Sense for 2012? You may be familiar with the term “tax loss harvesting.” Towards the end of each year, many investors routinely sell assets such as stocks or mutual funds with embedded losses in order to offset the current taxes they will have to pay on gains from other assets.  This year we are facing multiple tax increases for 2013.  Under these circumstances, tax loss harvesting probably doesn’t make sense.  But you can do the reverse (tax gain harvesting), and it’s completely acceptable to the IRS. READ MORE >>>  Is Creating a Self-Directed Retirement Plan a Good Idea? You may not be aware that you can utilize a retirement plan for investments other than stocks, bonds, and mutual funds.  There are numerous custodians that will help you take the money in your retirement plan and buy land, paintings, unregistered securities, or even self-finance a new franchise or business start-up.  The big question, though, is whether or not it’s a good idea to be using your retirement savings for any of those purposes. READ MORE >>> Whatever Happened to “Compromise?” I never thought I’d find myself writing about politics, but a recent 60 Minutes interview highlighted the need for someone to speak out. The results of our politicians’ actions (or inaction) could have a significant impact on the performance of our capital markets, even our future standard of living.  Is there any hope for creative, thoughtful solutions from our elected leaders? READ MORE >>>

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