After years of saving and planning for their golden years, many people nearing retirement fail to consider the tax burden they may face on income they receive after they stop working. While you will likely see a reduction in the amount of taxes you owe after the age of 65, you still need to plan ahead if you want to minimize your tax bill from the IRS. Social Security Benefits Depending upon your total income and marital status, a portion of your Social Security benefits may be taxable. For a rough estimate of your potential tax liability, add half of your Social Security benefits to your projected income from all other sources. This figure is your adjusted gross income (AGI), plus any tax-free interest income from municipal bonds or foreign-earned income. Up to half of Social Security benefits are taxable if this sum, which is called your provisional income, exceeds $25,000 for singles or $32,000 for married couples filing jointly. However, up to 85% of Social Security benefits are taxable if your provisional income is above $34,000 for single filers or $44,000 for married couples filing jointly. Use the Social Security Benefits Worksheet in the instructions for IRS Form 1040 to calculate the exact amount of taxes owed. Rather than writing a large check once a year, you can arrange to have taxes withheld from your Social Security benefits checks by completing Form W-4V and filing it with the Social Security Administration. Other Income Sources In addition to collecting Social Security benefits, most retirees receive their income from a variety of sources, including distributions from 401(k) accounts and individual retirement accounts (IRAs); payouts from company pensions and annuities; and earnings from investments. Contributions and earnings growth are tax deferred on 401(k)s and traditional IRAs; however, distributions from these accounts are fully taxable, but have no penalties if withdrawals are made after age 59½. If you have savings in 401(k) accounts or traditional IRAs, you must begin making withdrawals from these accounts—and paying taxes on the distributions—by April 1 of the year following the year in which you reach age 72. If you are at least 59½ years old and have owned a Roth IRA or Roth 401(k) for at least five years, withdrawals are completely tax free. There are no minimum distribution requirements for Roth accounts. Strategies to Minimize Taxes Most retirees with nest eggs or pension income of any size will pay at least some taxes on their retirement income, but there are strategies to reduce the amount owed. While it usually makes sense to delay taking taxable distributions from retirement accounts until the funds are needed, or until distributions are required, you may want to withdraw more funds in tax years when claiming a large number of deductions temporarily lowers your tax rate. You may, for example, choose to take advantage of itemized deductions, such as the breaks for medical expenses or charitable gifts, in certain years, while taking the standard deduction in other years. A desire to leave a portion of your assets to your family may also influence how you handle withdrawals from tax-deferred accounts. Keep in mind that, if you leave behind funds in a traditional IRA, the rules for inheritance can be complex. To avoid these issues and make it easier to pass on your estate to family members, consider converting traditional IRAs to Roth IRAs. While you will have to pay taxes on the funds converted, moving to a Roth IRA eliminates future tax liabilities, regardless of whether you use the funds in retirement or pass the money on to your heirs. Alternatively, you may wish to consider cashing in your traditional IRAs and using the funds to purchase tax-free bonds or a life insurance policy that will provide your heirs with a tax-free inheritance. If you are planning to retire soon, consider the tax implications of your income to avoid an unexpected bill from the IRS. For more information, consult your tax professional. Important Disclosures The opinions voiced in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual security or insurance product. To determine which investment(s) or product(s) may be appropriate for you, consult your financial professional prior to investing or purchasing. Contributions to a traditional IRA may be tax deductible in the contribution year, with current income tax due at withdrawal. Withdrawals prior to age 59 ½ may result in a 10% IRS penalty tax in addition to current income tax. The Roth IRA offers tax deferral on any earnings in the account. Withdrawals from the account may be tax free, as long as they are considered qualified. Limitations and restrictions may apply. Withdrawals prior to age 59 ½ or prior to the account being opened for 5 years, whichever is later, may result in a 10% IRS penalty tax. Future tax laws can change at any time and may impact the benefits of Roth IRAs. Their tax treatment may change. Traditional IRA account owners should consider the tax ramifications, age and income restrictions in regards to executing a conversion from a Traditional IRA to a Roth IRA. The converted amount is generally subject to income taxation. Bonds are subject to market and interest rate risk if sold prior to maturity. Bond values will decline as interest rates rise and bonds are subject to availability and change in price. Please keep in mind that insurance companies alone determine insurability and some people may be deemed uninsurable because of health reasons, occupation, and lifestyle choices. Guarantees are based on the claims paying ability of the issuing company. This information is not intended to be a substitute for specific individualized tax advice. We suggest that you discuss your specific tax issues with a qualified tax advisor. All information is believed to be from reliable sources; however LPL Financial makes no representation as to its completeness or accuracy. This article was prepared by Liberty Publishing, Inc. LPL Tracking #1-05338165

If you struggle to find a gift for the person who has everything—or want to do your holiday shopping without having to leave the house—consider giving stock as a gift. Doing so is easier than you think, and it may offer a few benefits for you as well. Here is some information on giving stock as gifts and the benefits of doing so.

What Are the Benefits of Gifting Stock?

When it comes to giving stock as gifts, there is one key benefit for both the giver and the recipient.

1.     Stepped-Up Cost Basis

If you held a stock until it increased in value, selling it could mean paying capital gains taxes. But giving the stock to someone else means transferring these gains to the recipient, allowing them to take possession of the stock at its appreciated price.¹ For example, if you purchased 100 shares of a stock and each share is now trading for more than the purchase price, cashing the stock might mean paying capital gains taxes on the amount the investment increased. If you give this stock to someone else, this person begins with a stepped-up-per-share cost basis. If they later sell the stock once it goes up more, they may only owe taxes on the profits-per-share difference.

2.     Transfer of Wealth

Giving stock as gifts may also be a good way to begin passing down wealth to the next generation while minimizing your tax obligation. Cashing out stock and passing along the cash may mean paying capital gains taxes. The proceeds may also be subject to income taxes. This tax may depend on the type of account holding the stock and how long the investment was in the account. Transferring stock to your children, grandchildren, or other loved ones may help them learn about investing in the stock market while reducing the assets you may eventually want to pass down through the inheritance process.

How To Get Started Gifting Stock

There are a few different ways to give stock as gifts, but the simplest ones involve setting up a brokerage account. If you plan to give stock as gifts to your children, a custodial brokerage account allows you to transfer shares and buy and sell stock on your child's behalf. Your child may take control of the account once they are a certain age, usually 18 or 21. If you want to give stock to an adult with no strings attached, you may transfer them to that person's existing brokerage account—or open and fund a brokerage account for them yourself. Talk to your financial professional for more information on giving stock as gifts this holiday season.   Important Disclosures: The opinions voiced in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual security. To determine which investment(s) may be appropriate for you, consult your financial professional prior to investing. Stock investing includes risks, including fluctuating prices and loss of principal. This information is not intended to be a substitute for specific individualized tax advice. We suggest that you discuss your specific tax issues with a qualified tax advisor. All information is believed to be from reliable sources; however LPL Financial makes no representation as to its completeness or accuracy. This article was prepared by WriterAccess. LPL Tracking #1-05337702.  

Footnote

¹ How to Give Stock as a Gift (And Why Tax Pros Like the Idea), Nerdwallet, https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/investing/gifting-stock#

As we approach the end of the year, you may want to review areas that may impact your wealth and estate planning next year. In this year-end planning guide, we examine four critical areas to consider that may affect your finances:

1. Generational wealth transfer- Generational wealth transfer may become more important when an event occurs, such as a death, a marriage, or the birth of a new family member. However, it's essential to plan for generational wealth transfer by ensuring all these crucial actions have been completed:

• Established a Trust document- If you don't have a trust document, your family may need to go through probate, a tedious court process to transfer your assets retroactively, which can be expensive and public.
• Updated beneficiary information- Consistently check the beneficiaries listed on your legal documents, retirement savings, and insurance plans, as these designations can outweigh what is in a will. Life transitions that may impact a change in beneficiaries include divorce, the birth of a new child, the loss of a loved one, a marriage, etc.
• Established directives- Review all legal directives such as power of attorney documents, medical care directives, and your trust document to ensure all information is up to date in case the relationship with the named individual(s) changes.
• Completed an inventory of assets- Periodically update inventory assets listed in your trust documents, such as real estate, collectibles, vehicles, etc., and intangible assets, such as savings accounts, life insurance policies, retirement plans, ownership in a company, and more.
• Drafted, reviewed, or updated a last will- It is important that your last will details your wishes regarding the distribution of your property, money, and assets that aren't in your trust document. Remember to update your will as your financial and family situation changes.

2. Minimizing taxes- Building wealth and planning for taxes are essential and often require the help of financial, tax, and legal professionals. For some, tax policies can impact how much taxes to pay domestically and abroad when living or working in a foreign country, or if they own companies in a foreign country. Consider these taxes that may impact your tax situation:

• Income tax- Income tax is a source of revenue that governments impose on businesses and individuals within their jurisdiction. If you work or own a business in a foreign country, you may need to file taxes in more than one country. For this reason, you must consult a tax professional in each country for the latest tax laws
• Estate tax and gift tax- The IRS limits the valuation of assets that can pass to heirs' estate tax-free, and states set their own gift tax thresholds that are impacted by where the deceased resided and heirs live. As you plan for who pays taxes when your assets pass to your heirs, work with your financial and tax professionals to determine which tax-advantaged strategies are appropriate for your situation.
• Generation-skipping tax- The generation-skipping transfer tax is a federal tax that results when a property is transferred by gift or inheritance to a beneficiary who is at least 37½ years younger than the donor. Consult your tax professional on how transferring assets to a grandchild or other heir may impact their tax situation if inheriting from you.

3. Legacy planning- Legacy planning is leaving a legacy for others, which often includes protecting others when you pass on your values and financial dreams. Some individuals give their wealth to benefit their children and their children's children. If the wealth is great enough, endowments may be created to help many people over time. Legacy wealth transfer may become complex due to the types of assets you own, changes in tax legislation, economics, and political environments. You must consult financial, tax, and legal professionals to pass assets without economic consequences to heirs.
4. Succession planning- Succession planning generally involves trusts, private trust companies, and foundations offered in various jurisdictions to ensure your wealth transfers to the next generation as efficiently as possible. There are two types of succession planning for individuals to consider:

• Generational succession planning- Planning to help ensure your wealth passes to the next generation and is comprehensively managed and passed to the next generation.
• Business succession planning- If you own a business, business succession planning may cover selling your business and retiring, selling but staying on part-time, and passing ownership to another family member or key employee.

Here are some other things you may want to consider in your succession planning:

• Investment strategies
• Involving the successors
• Clarify your values and purpose
• Work with professionals who will help monitor your situation across generations.

Estate planning can be challenging for some due to the complexities of their situation but manageable when done over time. Now is a great time to use this planning guide as you work with your financial professional to plan for the start of the New Year. Important Disclosures The opinions voiced in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. This information is not intended to be a substitute for specific individualized tax or legal advice. We suggest that you discuss your specific situation with a qualified tax or legal advisor. LPL Financial Representatives offer access to Trust Services through The Private Trust Company N.A., an affiliate of LPL Financial. All information is believed to be from reliable sources; however LPL Financial makes no representation as to its completeness or accuracy. This article was prepared by Fresh Finance. LPL Tracking #1-05326016   Sources: https://www.investopedia.com/terms/g/generation-skipping-transfer-tax.asp https://www.investopedia.com/articles/personal-finance/070715/quick-guide-highnetworth-estate-planning.asp https://www.investopedia.com/terms/g/generation-skipping-transfer-tax.asp    

More consumers are conducting financial transactions online and may become vulnerable to tracking, hacking, identity theft, phishing scams, and other cyberspace risks. While nothing can guarantee complete safety on the Internet, understanding how to protect your privacy can help mitigate your exposure to risk.   Here are some ways to help you safeguard your information:   Read privacy policies. Before conducting any financial transactions online, carefully read the privacy policies of each institution that you plan to do business with to find out how secure your financial information is. If you do not understand the legal jargon, email or call customer service to request a simplified explanation of the privacy policy.   Avoid using weak PINS and passwords. When deciding PINS, passwords, and other log-in information, avoid using your mother’s maiden name, your birth date, the last four digits of your Social Security number, or your phone number. Avoid other obvious choices, like a series of consecutive numbers or your home town. Also, do not use the same PINS and passwords on multiple sites.   Look for secured web pages. Use only secure browsers when shopping online to help safeguard your transactions during transmission. There are two general indicators of a secured web page. First, check that the web page url begins with “https.” Most urls begin with “http;” the “s” at the end indicates that the site password will be encrypted before being sent to a third-party server. Second, look for a “lock” icon in the window of the browser. (It will not be in the web page display area.) You can double-click on this icon to read details of the site’s security policy. Be cautious about providing your financial information to websites that are unfamiliar. Larger companies and well-known websites have developed policies to protect the rights and financial information of their customers. So, resist the temptation of providing personal information to unknown companies. Keep your operating system up-to-date. High-priority updates can be critical to the security and reliability of your computer, and may offer the latest protection against malicious online activities. When your computer prompts you to conduct an update, do it as soon as possible. Update antivirus software and spyware. Keep both your antivirus and your spyware programs updated regularly. Keep your firewall turned on. A firewall helps protect your computer from hackers who might try to delete information, crash your computer, or steal your passwords or credit card numbers. Make sure your firewall is always on. Do your homework. To learn more tips that may help you secure your computer and protect your private information when conducting financial transactions online, visit www.getnetwise.org, www.onguardonline.gov, or www.wiredsafety.org. In addition, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) works on behalf of consumers to prevent fraudulent, deceptive, and unfair practices in the marketplace. To file a complaint or to obtain more information, visit www.ftc.gov or call 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357). As the Internet continues to evolve, new risks, along with additional protective measures, will be revealed. However, it is up to you to work on safeguarding your financial information online through education and awareness.     This article was prepared by Liberty Publishing, Inc.     LPL Tracking #1-05174395  

Through all the challenges, newfound opportunities, and every high and low we’ve experienced during the last couple of years, it’s no surprise why we might be striving for more balance. Whether it’s about the markets and global economy or what’s happening in our local communities, the news we’re hearing on a daily basis has the potential to disrupt the balance of our lives. But with resilience, perspective, and the support of close connections, we can navigate through it all and regain our sense of equilibrium. Even after another dizzying year, as 2022 proved to be. LPL Research's Outlook 2023: Finding Balance is our guide to how the readjustments in the economy and markets may impact you in the coming year. The disruptions may not be fully resolved and there may be more challenges to come, but progress toward finding balance is well underway. And when those disruptions hit the market, it can be hard to find our footing and stay the course. Those are the times when sound financial advice is more valuable than ever, as it helps us find our center, remember our plan, and stay focused on our goals.

View the digital version: https://view.ceros.com/lpl/outlook2023/p/1

    This material is for general information only and is not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. The economic forecasts may not develop as predicted. Please read the full OUTLOOK 2023: Finding Balance publication for additional description and disclosure. This research material has been prepared by LPL Financial LLC. Tracking # 1-05345338 (Exp. 12/23)

Just as every snowflake is unique, so is every person's retirement plan. Though there are some general strategies that can be helpful—contribute at least 10% of your salary; have at least one year's salary saved for retirement by age 30; split contributions between pre-tax and post-tax accounts—they don't apply equally to everyone. For many, it's important to periodically seek advice from a financial professional to work toward being on track. With this in mind, here we discuss a few broad rules that can help you forge your own path toward retirement security.

Consider Retirement Expenses

If you've ever used an online calculator to try to assess your retirement readiness, you may wonder how these calculators can determine how much monthly or annual income you'll need. Most of these calculators operate on a "replacement-of-income" basis—assuming you'll need a certain percentage of your current income (usually 80%). But depending on your current income, current spending, and long-term plans, you may need substantially more (or less) income than these calculators suggest.

Expenses Eliminated

Leaving the workforce can mean leaving many of the following expenses behind (or significantly reducing them):

• Dry cleaning
• Commuting costs
• Professional or union dues
• Business clothing or uniforms
• A second vehicle
• Office space

You may also be able to downsize your home or move to a lower cost of living area in retirement, further padding your retirement accounts.

Expenses Gained

Leaving the workforce can also add expenses that were previously covered by your employer. The biggest of these is health insurance. If you don't yet qualify for Medicare when you retire, you'll either take on your employer-paid medical premiums under COBRA (for up to 18 months) or purchase private health insurance on your state's marketplace.¹ Both these options can often add some costs when compared to employer-subsidized health insurance. You may also spend more money on travel, especially in the first few years of retirement. However, if funds are tight, travel and other leisure expenses are often the simplest to cut.

Assess Retirement Readiness

Once you've taken account of your likely expenses in retirement, you'll be better able to determine whether the replacement-of-income calculators are accurate. For example, if you currently save 30% of your income and are planning to downsize to a cheaper part of the country during retirement, it's unlikely that you'll require 100% of your current income after you retire. On the other hand, if you're living paycheck-to-paycheck and your retirement expenses aren't projected to decrease, it may be safer to plan for a retirement budget that relies on 80 to 100% of your current income. It's also important to think about taxes. What state do you plan to live in during retirement? How does this state tax income? Is there a high sales tax? How are your investments allocated among post-tax and pre-tax accounts? There are a handful of states that have no state income tax, including Florida—these states are popular among retirees, who can take withdrawals from a 401(k) or IRA and pay only federal income tax on them.² On the other hand, those whose retirement savings are already in post-tax accounts (like a Roth IRA) won't realize any additional benefit by living in a low-tax state. While the tax treatment of retirement income doesn't need to be the only consideration in deciding where to settle, for some, it can be a major factor. Important Disclosures: The opinions voiced in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual security. To determine which investment(s) options may be appropriate for you, consult your financial professional prior to investing or withdrawing. This information is not intended to be a substitute for specific individualized tax advice. We suggest that you discuss your specific tax issues with a qualified tax advisor. Contributions to a traditional IRA may be tax deductible in the contribution year, with current income tax due at withdrawal.  Withdrawals prior to age 59 ½ may result in a 10% IRS penalty tax in addition to current income tax. The Roth IRA offers tax deferral on any earnings in the account. Withdrawals from the account may be tax free, as long as they are considered qualified. Limitations and restrictions may apply. Withdrawals prior to age 59 ½ or prior to the account being opened for 5 years, whichever is later, may result in a 10% IRS penalty tax. Future tax laws can change at any time and may impact the benefits of Roth IRAs. Their tax treatment may change. All information is believed to be from reliable sources; however LPL Financial makes no representation as to its completeness or accuracy. This article was prepared by WriterAccess. LPL Tracking #1-05337702.

Footnotes

¹  FAQs on COBRA Continuation Health Coverage for Workers,” U.S. Department of Labor, https://www.dol.gov/sites/dolgov/files/ebsa/about-ebsa/our-activities/resource-center/faqs/cobra-continuation-health-coverage-consumer.pdf ² Florida Tax Guide, State of Florida, https://www.stateofflorida.com/taxes/  

What are appropriate checklists for year-end tax planning?

Tax planners often develop checklists to guide taxpayers toward year-end strategies that might help reduce taxes. Typically, suggestions are grouped into several different categories, such as "Filing Status" or "Employee Matters," for ease of reading. When year-end approaches, it might be wise to review each suggestion under the categories that may apply to you.

Filing status and dependents

• If you're married (or will be married by the end of the year), you should compare the tax liability for yourself and your spouse based on all filing statuses that you might select. Compare the results when you file jointly and when you file married separately. Determine which results in lower overall taxation.
• If you and several other people financially support someone but none of you individually qualifies to claim the individual as a dependent, you should consider making an agreement with all of the other parties to ensure that at least one of you can claim the individual as a dependent. Certain tax benefits may be available if you can claim an individual as a dependent.

Family tax planning

• Determine whether you can shift income to family members who are in lower tax brackets in order to minimize overall taxes. However, under the kiddie tax rules, the unearned income of a child in excess of $2,300 (in 2022) is taxed at the parents' tax rates. The kiddie tax rules apply to: (1) those under age 18, (2) those age 18 whose earned income doesn't exceed one-half of their support, and (3) those age 19 to 23 who are full-time students and whose earned income doesn't exceed one-half of their support.
• Consider making gifts of up to $16,000 (in 2022) per person federal gift tax free under the annual gift tax exclusion. Use assets that are likely to appreciate significantly for optimum income tax savings.
• Take advantage of tax credits for higher education costs if you're eligible to do so. These may include the American Opportunity (Hope) credit and the Lifetime Learning credit. Note that these credits are based on the tax year rather than the academic year. Therefore, you should try to bunch expenses to maximize the education credits.

Tip: If you have qualified student loans (and meet all necessary requirements), you may be entitled to take a deduction for the interest you paid during the year. The maximum amount you can deduct is $2,500.

Employee matters

• Self-employed individuals (who generally use the cash method of accounting) can defer income by delaying the billing of clients until next year. You may also be able to defer a bonus until the following year.
• Use installment sale agreements to spread out any potential capital gains among future taxable periods. However, the gain on the sale of publicly traded stock or securities cannot be spread out.

Business income and expenses

• Accelerate expenses (such as repair work and the purchase of supplies and equipment) in the current year to lower your tax bill.
• Increase your employer's withholding of state and federal taxes to help you avoid exposure to estimated tax underpayment penalties.
• Pay last-quarter taxes before December 31 rather than waiting until January 15.
• In certain circumstances, it may be possible for the full cost of last-minute purchases of equipment to be deducted currently by taking advantage of Section 179 deductions or additional first-year depreciation deductions.
• Generally, you are able to make a contribution to your employer retirement plan at any time up to the end of the year.

Financial investments

• Pay attention to the capital gains tax rates for individuals and try to sell only assets held for more than 12 months.
• Consider selling stock if you have capital losses this year that you want to offset with capital gain income.
• If you plan to sell some of your investments this year, consider selling the investments that produce the smallest gain.

Personal residence and other real estate

• Make your early January mortgage payment (i.e., payment due no later than January 15 of next year) in December so that you can deduct the accrued interest for the current year that is paid in the current year.
• If you want to sell your principal residence, make sure you qualify to exclude all or part of the capital gain from the sale from federal income tax. If you meet the requirements, you can exclude up to $250,000 ($500,000 for married couples filing jointly). Generally, you can exclude the gain only if you used the home as your principal residence for at least two out of the five years preceding the sale. In addition, you can generally use this exemption only once every two years. However, even if you don't meet these tests, you may still be able to qualify for a reduced exclusion if you meet the relevant conditions.
• Consider structuring the sale of investment property as an installment sale in order to defer gains to later years. (However, the gain on the sale of publicly traded stock or securities cannot be deferred.)
• Maximize the tax benefits you derive from your second home by modifying your personal use of the property in accordance with applicable tax guidelines.

Retirement contributions

• Make the maximum deductible contribution to your IRA. Try to avoid premature IRA payouts to avoid the 10 percent early withdrawal penalty (unless you meet an exception). Contribute the full amount to a spousal IRA, if possible. If you meet all of the requirements, in 2021 and 2022 you may be able to deduct annual contributions of $6,000 to your traditional IRA and $6,000 to your spouse's IRA. You may be able to contribute and deduct $1,000 more if you're at least age 50. Contributions to an IRA can generally be made at any time up to the due date (not including extensions) for filing a given year's tax return.
• You may also be able to make nondeductible contributions to a Roth IRA. The same dollar limit applies to all contributions to your traditional and Roth IRAs combined. Qualified distributions from a Roth IRA can be received tax-free.
• Set up a retirement plan for yourself, if you are a self-employed taxpayer.
• Set up an IRA for each of your children who have earned income.
• Minimize the income tax on Social Security benefits by lowering your income below the applicable threshold.

Charitable donations

• Make a charitable donation (cash or even old clothes) before the end of the year. Remember to keep all of your receipts from the recipient charity.
• Use appreciated stock rather than cash when contributing to charities. This may help you avoid income tax on the built-in gain in the stock, while at the same time maximizing your charitable deduction.
• Use a credit card to make contributions in order to ensure that they can be deducted in the current year.

Adoption and medical expenses

• Take advantage of the adoption tax credit for any qualified adoption expenses you paid. In 2022, you may be able to claim up to $14,890 (up from $14,440 in 2021) per eligible child (including children with special needs) as a tax credit. The credit begins to phase out once your modified AGI exceeds $223,410 (up from $216,660 in 2021), and it's completely eliminated when your modified AGI reaches $263,410 (up from $256,660 in 2021).
• Maximize the use of itemized medical expenses by bunching such expenses in the same year, to the extent possible, in order to meet the 7.5% threshold percentage of your AGI.

  This article was prepared by Broadridge. LPL Tracking #1-05094147

For many investors, 2022 was a wild ride—with interest rate increases, a crypto implosion, and whipsawing values in the major market indices. It might be tough to catch one's breath and look ahead to next year. But the beginning of the year is the perfect time to take stock of your investments, evaluating what worked, what didn’t, and what you might do better next year. Here are four key opportunities to consider that may recharge and reset your finances as you enter the new year.

Review and Refresh Your Financial Plan

If you set goals for the past year, evaluate your progress. Did you spend more than expected? Save less than expected? Or did you manage your goals easily—suggesting a bigger challenge may be appropriate for next year? While setting financial goals for next year, you might also consider the long-term. When do you plan to retire? What do you need to see before getting there—a specific number in your 401(k), a paid-off balance sheet, or something else? Should you stay in your home or downsize? The answers to these questions may help you formulate a more solid plan.

Assess Your Retirement Readiness

Are you on schedule to retire? Are you contributing enough to your 401(k) or IRA? Though the answers to those questions depend on each person's circumstances, some patterns are emerging in savings habits among those in their 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s, and beyond. Check these numbers to see whether you are on track.¹

Age 20 to 29

Average 401(k) balance of $10,500 while contributing 7% of income

Age 30 to 39

Average 401(k) balance of $38,400 while contributing 8% of income

Age 40 to 49

Average 401(k) balance of $93,400 while contributing 8% of income

Age 50 to 59

Average 401(k) balance of $160,000 while contributing 10% of income

Age 60 to 69

Average 401(k) balance of $182,100 while contributing 11% of income

Age 70 to 79

Average 401(k) balance of $171,400 while contributing 12% of income These numbers are simply averages—they do not account for income, sector, or cost of living. They also do not include assets in individual retirement accounts (IRAs), taxable accounts, or other savings accounts. But knowing what those in your general age bracket save, on average, might give you a better idea of your progress toward retirement savings. You should notice that as workers grow older, they tend to contribute a greater percentage of their total income to retirement.

Pay Down High-Interest Debts

With interest rates continuing to rise, credit cards, home equity lines of credit, and other variable-rate loans are likely to grow more expensive.² If you have any adjustable-rate loans, now is a good time to begin paying them off more aggressively.

Calculate Your Cash Reserves

It is a good idea to have some cash held for emergencies during turbulent times. From an unexpected medical bill to a new appliance, having cash on hand may help avoid the stress of paying for sudden expenses. Assessing your cash reserves at the beginning of the new year may give you a good baseline for setting cash accumulation goals. Important Disclosures: The opinions voiced in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. All information is believed to be from reliable sources; however LPL Financial makes no representation as to its completeness or accuracy. This article was prepared by WriterAccess. LPL Tracking # 1-05337697. Footnotes: ¹ The Average 401(k) Balance by Age, Investopedia, https://www.investopedia.com/articles/personal-finance/010616/whats-average-401k-balance-age.asp ² What Rising Interest Rates Mean For You, CNN, https://www.cnn.com/2022/09/21/success/what-rising-interest-rates-mean-credit-mortgage/index.html

A list of things to consider as you think about year-end charitable donations

With its family traditions and festive celebrations, the holiday season is the most wonderful time of the year. And according to GivingTuesday.org, the giving in the U.S. alone totaled $2.7 billion to nonprofits and community organizations on #GivingTuesday in 2021, a 6% increase from 2020. Unfortunately, despite the greatest of intentions, many will inevitably make mistakes in how they give, especially if they wait until the last minute. So, here is a list of things for you to think about as you consider your year-end charitable donations.

Make a Plan

Ideally, at the beginning of every year – with your financial professional – you would map out a plan to maximize the tax benefits of your giving. Really think through what is important to you and what you want to support. Is it an organization that supports literacy? Or provides food? Or shelter for families? Creating a plan will help you be less reactive and feel less boxed in when friends ask for your charitable support.

Research Your Charity

It’s easy to get fooled by a charity’s name so you need to do your homework. And beware of scam artists pretending to represent an organization that doesn’t exist. Read a charity’s financial statements to see how they spend their (your) money. Even better, volunteer before you write a check.

Donating Stock

If you have owned stock for more than a year and it has appreciated, then don’t sell it first and then give the cash to charity. Those appreciated assets can be donated directly to charity without you or the charity incurring capital gains taxes (consult your tax professional to be sure).

Selling Your Personal Info

Quite a few charities will rent or sell the addresses, phone numbers, email addresses and detailed social media profiles of their donors, which means you might start getting a bunch of unwanted calls, emails and friend requests. Make sure you review a charity’s privacy policy before you give them your information. And many times, you have to actively “Opt Out” to ensure your personal information is not used.

Ask for A Receipt

Remember, for charitable contributions of $250 or more, you need a donor’s acknowledgement letter. And generally it’s a good idea to obtain receipts, especially when donating goods.

Don’t Delay

Shockingly, a whopping 12% of all giving occurs in the last 3 days of the year! But if you mail a check postmarked after December 31^st, then you might run into trouble. Make it easy on yourself and don’t wait until the last minute.

Money Can’t Buy Happiness, But Maybe Donating to Charity Can?

Consider research from Elizabeth Dunn of the University of British Columbia, Lara Aknin at Simon Fraser University and Michael Norton at Harvard Business School. Essentially what they found in their study is the following:

• Spending money on other people has a more positive impact on happiness than spending money on oneself
• Spending more of one’s income on others predicted greater happiness

Discuss with Your Financial Professional

If you have any questions or need help mapping out your Charitable Plan, set an appointment to discuss with your financial professional.   Important Disclosures The opinions voiced in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. All information is believed to be from reliable sources; however LPL Financial makes no representation as to its completeness or accuracy. This article was prepared by RSW Publishing. LPL Tracking #1-05318847    

When it comes to medical or legal advice, the value of getting a second opinion is fairly well established and defined. What about financial decisions? At what point does it make sense to get a second (or a third) opinion on money matters? Here we discuss some benefits of seeking a second financial opinion, including a few situations in which a gut check may not just be useful but downright necessary.

Many Eggs, Many Baskets

As the adage goes, you never want to put all your eggs into one basket—and jumping headlong into a financial strategy recommended by one person does just that. What if their advice is outdated or does not fit your particular financial situation? What if the person providing the advice may actually be receiving a commission based on the products you select? By getting a second opinion, you will have a stronger strategy and a way to confirm that the initial advice you received was either on target or not suitable for you. Another benefit of a second financial opinion is that it can encourage you to reevaluate and reassess your goals. If your personal, employment, or financial situation has changed since the last time you reviewed your portfolio, it is an excellent time to make sure these changes are taken into account in future decisions. You may also need to reevaluate your investments or rebalance your asset allocation. Finally, by getting a second opinion, you will also have a chance to compare the costs and fees charged by different financial professionals. You may discover that you are happy to pay a higher fee for more tailored advice; on the other hand, you may decide that your financial situation does not warrant advice from someone whose fees are more at the high end of the scale.

When You May Need a Second Opinion

Situations in which you could benefit from a second opinion include: 

• You are a DIY investor. If you have been managing your own investments, it is a good idea to bring in a professional to give your portfolio a top-to-bottom review. You may discover some opportunities you have missed.
• You have been using the same financial professional since you began investing. If the second opinion matches up with your original financial professional's advice, you may feel more confident that you are on track. If this advice is different, you will know there is a disconnect somewhere and can work to track it down.
• You do not have a relationship with a financial professional. If you have not yet partnered with a financial professional, you may not be aware of all the services and strategies available. It is important that any financial professional you choose is a good fit for your style and financial situation. An initial interview can help you assess their investment strategies, values, and principles before you become a client.

There are more circumstances in which a second opinion may be warranted, but these three situations cover a great deal of ground. If you're concerned about taking your next financial steps or just want a comprehensive review of your balance sheet, a financial professional can help. Important Disclosures The opinions voiced in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. Investing involves risks including possible loss of principal. No investment strategy or risk management technique can guarantee return or eliminate risk in all market environments. Rebalancing a portfolio may cause investors to incur tax liabilities and/or transaction costs and does not assure a profit or protect against a loss. Asset allocation does not ensure a profit or protect against a loss. This article was prepared by WriterAccess. LPL Tracking #1-05318847