{"id":1148,"date":"2014-11-03T16:40:11","date_gmt":"2014-11-03T16:40:11","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/vhfinancialmanagement.com\/?p=1148"},"modified":"2014-11-03T21:23:09","modified_gmt":"2014-11-03T21:23:09","slug":"five-year-end-moves-for-2014","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/vhfinancialmanagement.com\/2014\/11\/03\/five-year-end-moves-for-2014","title":{"rendered":"Five Year End Moves for 2014"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Wow, it seems like we were just completing our taxes, and yet here we are staring at the end of the year. With only a couple months left in this calendar year, there are a few things we should all look to accomplish to make sure we are maximizing our financial growth.<\/p>\n

Here are five items that are time sensitive and should be addressed before we ring in 2015.<\/p>\n

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  1. Take full advantage of open enrollment<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    It\u2019s important to take the time necessary to review your benefit elections for 2015. Choosing the right options can be crucial for financial success.\u00a0 Comparing the use of benefits in 2014 and projecting for 2015 may be a helpful exercise. Also, because flex spending plans have \u201cuse it or loss it\u201d benefits, you must pick your contribution amounts carefully.\u00a0 Also, remember many plans allow for a grace period or a small carry over amount, but strive to choose the correct number.<\/p>\n

    Take advantage of what is offered to you, but make sure you understand the benefits and options you are choosing. I recently blogged about open enrollment.\u00a0 You can read the full article here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

    For those of you who purchase individual health insurance policies, now is the time to review your policy renewal.\u00a0 With health insurance costs projected to rise this year, it\u2019s worth your time to read the fine print and make sure you are properly covered\u2026..as well as, to make sure you are purchasing the plan that\u2019s right for you and your family.<\/p>\n

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    1. Maximize health, dental, and eye benefits<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

      Most health insurance plans operate on a calendar year basis, so don\u2019t let benefits go unused.\u00a0 If you have pierced your out of pocket maximum and require an elective procedure, talk to your doctor about knocking it out prior to year end.\u00a0 Often, a quick call to your provider is helpful. For example, flu shots and other vaccines are good examples of benefits that often go unused.<\/p>\n

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      1. Tax projections and planning<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

        I must sound like a broken record, but I cannot stress enough the importance of tax planning.\u00a0 With taxes being the single largest recurring expense that we pay, it\u2019s imperative that we strive to manage our tax liability. A pro-active projection will allow for adjustments to be made while we still have time before year end.\u00a0 Remember, most folks simply handle their taxes reactively, which can be costly.<\/p>\n

        By performing\u00a0 projections, the taxpayer can manipulate tax withholding, as well as, implement tax-saving strategies to work hand and glove based on current year income\u2026..not based simply on last tax-year\u2019s numbers.\u00a0 This is critical for small business owners who either have variable income or in a growth phase.\u00a0 But, remember tax planning is not just for business owners.<\/p>\n

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        1. Maximize retirement contributions<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

          Dovetailing nicely with number 3, retirement contributions deliver a one-two punch to grow wealth. First, making a contribution into a retirement account is an investment in your future, and you\u2019ll be happy you made that contribution when you reach retirement age. Second, contributing into a tax-deferred retirement account (401k, 403b, SEP, IRA,\u2026etc) will reduce your current tax bill.\u00a0 For example, an employee under the age of 50 and in the 28% tax bracket who contributes the max amount of $17,500 into their 401k will save at least $4900 in taxes.\u00a0 Think of it this way: that\u2019s a 28% return on your investment!!!! Where else can you get that type of return that is guaranteed?<\/p>\n

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          1. Evaluate your portfolio for wise tax moves<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

            While I subscribe to the theory of \u201ctime in the market is more important than market timing,\u201d it doesn\u2019t mean that we should simply sit on our portfolio and hope for the best.\u00a0 Here are a couple proactive strategies that can improve efficiency.<\/p>\n

            A. Harvest capital losses<\/p>\n

            Harvesting a capital loss can save tax dollars, and, if done correctly, can keep you in the market to capture additional growth. Simply sell the asset with the loss and repurchase another asset that covers the same asset class. Please note that any harvesting of losses should be done while staying in compliance of the \u201cWash Sale Rules\u201d as stated by the IRS.<\/p>\n

            B. Utilize the benefits of the 15% tax bracket<\/p>\n

            For those in the 15% tax bracket, there is a gift the tax code provides.\u00a0 You can fill up the remaining portion of the 15% tax bracket with long term capital gains and not pay tax on those gains. Here again, tax planning is essential to understand how much room is available for these gains.<\/p>\n

            This tool can be used to create tax-free retirement income, or, if the income is not needed from the sale of an asset, resetting the cost basis can be valuable down the road. A good use of this strategy is when a job loss or illness causes someone to temporarily drop into the 15% tax bracket.<\/p>\n

            Your financial success is dependent on your efforts to create efficiencies. While many of you who read my posts are clients, some are not.\u00a0 My clients and I work year round to seek efficiency and grow wealth. If you are a do-it-yourselfer, these five items can help you to improve your financial situation. A word of caution: as with any financial decision, proper implementation is key.\u00a0 If you have any questions, ask your tax preparer or fee-only financial advisor.<\/p>\n

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