Folks, We’re not accountants or tax specialists. However, we have been getting tons of questions about the new federal tax legislation (Tax Cuts and Jobs Act) which takes effect on Jan 1, 2018. So, with all appropriate caveats and qualifications, here are only some of the highlights that we get asked about the most, in…
11/18/2014 Brian from Bethesda, MD: My company Pension is being terminated and I need to make a decision about how to receive my benefit. Should I choose to take the lump sum or the annuity? Friedenthal Financial: Brian, That’s a great question, and one that we hear frequently. You may…
10/9/2013 Michelle from Minneapolis: What is the Debt Ceiling and what is the big deal about reaching it? Friedenthal Financial: Michelle, Certainly a popular question these days! The debt ceiling is simply the maximum amount that the US can borrow at one time (currently $16.7 Trillion). In each fiscal year,…
9/18/2013 Douglas from Detroit, MI: Why does the Federal Reserve target 2% inflation? Why not target zero inflation? Friedenthal Financial: Douglas, That’s a great question, without a purely objective and scientific answer. However, the most elegant explanation of which we are aware is as follows. Historical evidence suggests that…
November 20, 2012 Nelson from Newton, MA: What exactly is the so called “Fiscal Cliff” and what are the impacts if we go over it? Friedenthal Financial: The Fiscal Cliff is really a combination of tax increases and budget cuts all set to become effective simultaneously on Jan 1, 2013, if no other…
Thomas from Ticonderoga, NY: I am a 54 year old pilot still flying for American Airlines. One consequence of our bankruptcy is that our B-Fund (Defined Contribution Pension) is being frozen as of November 1. Subsequently we will have three options, as the plan will no longer be maintained. 1) Take a lump sum…
July 12, 2012 Marjorie from Manalapan, NJ: How will my taxes be affected by the Affordable Care Act (“Obamacare”)? Friedenthal Financial: Great question…..and we’ll preface by saying that this bill was far too long for us to read verbatim! That said, here are a few highlights that we’ve gleaned from our…
June 7, 2012 Stacy from Sedona, AZ: What is the difference between an ETF and a Mutual Fund? Friedenthal Financial: There are a number of similarities, as well as some pronounced differences. We’ll highlight both below, as well as differences to ETNs (Exchange Traded Notes). The primary similarity, which makes all…
March, 29 2012 Bradley from Biloxi, MS: I recently inherited an IRA, but I’m under 70 ½. Do I still need to take distributions? Friedenthal Financial: It’s a good question that contains some potential tax consequences. We remind you that we are not accountants and don’t provide tax advice. It is…
March 1, 2012 Wesley from Williamsburg, VA: I’m 61 years old, but still planning on working another 5 years. Should I roll my current 401k into an IRA or leave it where it is? Friedenthal Financial: It’s a very good question. As usual, the answer depends on a few factors, which…