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Tips for 2019 Financial Planning

Turbo Charge Your Retirement Savings Contributions

You may be able to make the most of higher catch-up and contribution limits. It is possible to invest as much as $18,500 in a 401(k), 403(b), or 457. If you’re 50 or older you can now add an additional $6,000.

You should speak with your financial adviser or wealth manager about how you can best ensure that your actions serve your plans. For example, you can set up an automatic monthly payment into your IRA so that you meet the yearly limit of $5,500 ($6,500 if you’re 50 or older). Remember, if your spouse does not work but you do, you can contribute into an IRA in their name.

Education Planning

Is there any more meaningful way to plan for the future than to invest in the education of children or grandchildren? If you gift to a 529 Plan, or, in the case of loved ones abroad, other education savings vehicles – for example an offshore or onshore regular savings plan – you can make a real difference to the futures of those who mean the most to you.

529 plans allow for tax excludable individual gifts of up $15,000 or, in the case of gifts made by couples, up to $30,000. Your tax adviser or wealth manager can discuss all these options with you, as well as any possible state-specific tax deductions or cross-border tax issues you might encounter.

Review Your Investments

Although the ideal situation is to remain committed to your long-term strategy in pursuit of your ultimate financial and retirement goals, it is always a good idea to make a yearly review of your investment portfolio. This is especially true for those with cross-border financial interests who may face multiple taxation and asset structuring challenges. For example, if you have recently moved from the UK to the United States, you may find that certain accounts such as your UK ISA are no longer efficient or viable.

You may also decide that now is the time to think about a UK pension transfer to maximise and consolidate your investment. And with certain economic and political changes on the horizon (yes, we’re talking Brexit) diversification and a change of geographical investment could be key to making 2019 a beneficial year.

Blacktower in the United States

Blacktower can help you make sense of your financial and retirement plans for the year and decades ahead.

We take a holistic approach to your wealth management and can help you consider all the important factors, including cross-border restrictions and opportunities.

For more information about how we may be able to help you effectively manage your wealth and retirement planning in the US, contact us today.

This communication is for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute, and should not be construed as, investment advice, investment recommendations or investment research. You should seek advice from a professional adviser before embarking on any financial planning activity. Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the information contained in this communication is correct, we are not responsible for any errors or omissions.

Investment advice and investment advisory services offered and provided through Blacktower Financial Management US, LLC. This communication is for informational purposes only based on our understanding of current legislation and practices which are subject to change and are not intended to constitute, and should not be construed as, investment advice, tax advice, tax recommendations, investment recommendations or investment research. You should seek advice from a professional before embarking on any financial planning activity. Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the information contained in this communication is correct, we are not responsible for any errors or omissions.

Other News

NEWS WRAP – Too Much of a Good Thing Could Signal a Melt-up

Commentators have expressed concern that stocks could be getting too expensive, with some predicting that if the trend continues it could lead to an unwelcome and “nasty” correction*. This follows both the Nasdaq and the S&P 500 recently hitting historic highs, while the Dow is only a half-percentage point rise from the same.

Edward Yardeni, a respected analyst of many years’ experience, recently released his market brief for November 2019 and warned that if the S&P forward earnings multiple reaches 19 or 20 – it is currently at 17, while a figure of 15 to 16 is more typical – it could be a sign that equities are significantly overvalued.

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Coming to Terms with Risk in your Retirement Planning

An independent financial advisor and wealth manager can help you decide upon an investment strategy and asset allocation that aligns with your time horizon, retirement goals and risk tolerance wherever you are in the world and wherever your assets are situated. Blacktower (US) LLC brings together the management of UK and US retirement assets in one holistic provision.

Here we examine the nature of risk, particularly in relation to “conservative” investments and shorter time horizons when planning for your retirement.

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