December, 2017 SMART TIP: Short on time and need to prepare frozen-solid meat quickly? Thaw it in the microwave using the automatic “defrost” setting, but plan to cook it immediately afterward to decrease the risk of foodborne pathogen growth. Even less time? Meat can be cooked from frozen, but plan to heat it at least [...]
A look back at 2017 thus far Presented by Carla Merlak The year in brief. Investors have had much to celebrate in 2017. Halfway through November, the S&P 500 had gained more than 15% since the start of the year; the Dow Jones Industrial Average was up more than 18% year-to-date; the Nasdaq Composite, more [...]
Enjoy the Rally, But Prepare for the Retreat Investors may be lulled into a false sense of security by this market. Provided by Carla Merlak Will the current bull market run for another year? How about another two or three years? Some investors will confidently say “yes” to both questions. Optimism abounds on Wall Street: [...]
The tax code is complicated especially for retirees. Taxes could be your biggest expense in retirement. Would it make sense to know what this expense truly is and how you may be able to reduce it? Complimentary reviews through December. Schedule your power session today! Click LITH or ELM to set a time. READ MORE: https://www.fool.com/taxes/2017/07/09/how-to-minimize-taxes-in-retirement.aspx
SMART TIP: Grilling burgers? To make your patty juicier, try dunking it in very cold water for about 20-30 seconds before placing it on the grill. WHO SAID IT? “Avoiding danger is no safer in the long run than outright exposure. The fearful are caught as often as the bold.” (The answer below) TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE: [...]
MONTHLY NEWS AND INFORMATION FOR CURRENT AND FUTURE RETIREES September 2017 “If you find serenity and happiness, some people may be jealous. Be happy anyway.” - Mother Teresa GOLF TIP Putt with a sand wedge? If your ball is just off the edge of the green in light rough or backed up on the [...]
Retirement In Sight Presented by Carla J. Merlak AUGUST 2017 “If grass can grow through cement, love can find you at every time in your life.” - Cher TRAVEL TIP Road trip? Take an emergency kit If you plan on driving a few hundred miles (or more), make [...]
Divorce or Separation May Affect Taxes Taxpayers who are divorcing or recently divorced need to consider the impact divorce or separation may have on their taxes. Alimony payments paid under a divorce or separation instrument are deductible by the payer, and the recipient must include it in income. Name or address changes and individual retirement [...]
I cannot believe it has been one year since I joined Brookstone Capital Management as an investment advisor representative. This relationship has assisted me tremendously in achieving my primary goal, to best serve your investment needs. Brookstone is a leading wealth management firm with an impressive track record in helping clients to preserve and build [...]
Miscellaneous deductions are tax breaks that generally don’t fit into a particular tax category. They can help reduce taxable income and the amount of taxes owed. For example, some employees can deduct certain work expenses like uniforms as miscellaneous deductions. To do that, they must itemize their deductions instead of taking the standard deduction on [...]
