Our Deep Rooted Thoughts

 We all enjoyed the investment markets in 2017. The values of investments climbed gradually throughout the year with almost no declines. In fact, 2017 was a historically calm year in terms of stock market volatility. 2018 is shaping up to be a very different year. January delivered exceptionally good performance for stock markets around the world. Bonds, conversely, had negative performance to start the year due largely to the expectations of rising interest rates. After peaking on January 26, 2018, the stock markets around the world have now given up all of their gains from earlier this year. The reversal of the market direction has not been enjoyable for investors, but it is more no ...

 While we await the 1099s that report our taxable investment income and taxable IRA distributions for 2017, I wanted to share with you our 2018 Key Numbers document that highlights all the new tax rates and details alongside the rates and numbers for 2017.  Oak Wealth Advisors hopes this will be a valuable resource for you in understanding the new Tax Cuts and Jobs Act legislation and how it may impact your planning.  We look forward to answering any questions you may have and continuing to be a resource for you. Key Tax Numbers for 2018 ...

 In 2017, the investment markets delivered better than expected returns. As we begin 2018, the prospects remain good for another year of solid investment results. Corporate profits are growing, unemployment is near all-time lows, and the recent legislation provides additional corporate stimulus in the form of lower taxes and less regulation. We would be surprised if the global stock markets do not deliver double-digit returns again in 2018. That being said, when consumer confidence rises to high levels as it has recently, the corresponding complacency can lead investors to take excessive risks. When you take excess investment risks, you increase your exposure to bigger losses when the s ...

Ever ridden in a car with worn-out shock absorbers? Every bump is jarring, every corner stomach-churning, and every red light an excuse to assume the brace position. Owning an undiversified portfolio can trigger similar reactions. ...

We wanted to update you on the first 100 days of the year at Oak Wealth Advisors. It has been a momentous period that we feel has us well positioned to deliver the best possible client service in the future. The fortune cookies that we opened late in 2016 could not have been more insightful. ...

– Better than nothing, but just barely… Regardless of whom our next President is, for 2017, Social Security recipients will be getting a .3% increase in their monthly checks.  (That is less than one-third of one percent, not three percent.) Individuals receiving SSI benefits will receive $735/month up from $733 in 2016.  The amount of earnings an individual can make before reaching substantial gainful activity is being increased from $1,130/month to $1,170/month.  The earnings levels are slightly higher for the blind. While benefits will be rising by the smallest of margins, the amount of income subject to Social Security taxation is rising from $118,500 in 2016 to $127,200 in 2017 ...

 IRAs and qualified retirement plans like 401(k)s, 403(b)s, and 457(b)s are among the most tax-inefficient assets to leave your heirs.  Distributions from IRAs and qualified retirement accounts are taxed as ordinary income and can be taxed up to the highest marginal income tax rates.  For wealthy taxpayers, their IRA balances may be subject to the estate tax at 40%.  At their death, if the beneficiaries they have named are subject to the highest (39.6%) income tax bracket, the amount received by the next generation from the inherited IRA account may be only thirty-six cents on the dollar.  Fortunately, there is a strategy available that will help ta ...

The Senior Citizens Freedom to Work Act, passed in 2000, allowed seniors to continue working while receiving Social Security benefits.  This Act permitted Social Security benefits planning strategies that helped couples maximize their retirement income benefits.  These strategies were tied to the concept of a primary wage earner delaying the start of their benefits while a lower earning spouse or disabled child would begin receiving the spousal benefit or disabled adult child (DAC) benefit.  The advantage of delaying the start of benefits is that a higher monthly benefit is paid the later benefits are started. ...