Who Wins the ‘Passive vs. Active’ Institutional Debate? Part 4: US Mid-Small-Cap Blends

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In my first three articles, we hit on the broad U.S. Large-Cap arena—Blend, Growth and Value. All three provided some interesting findings on the hugely debated subject matter relative to the institutional investment space. In this article, we’re going to round out the U.S. core equity investing space by analyzing both the Mid-Cap Blend and Small-Cap Blend. Again—keep in mind, …

Help Your Clients Avoid Paying Taxes They Don’t Really Owe

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While the federal government probably doesn’t collect all lawfully owed tax dollars due to its own inability to fully validate every taxpayer’s claimed write-offs, it also collects a lot of tax revenue to which it’s legally/factually not entitled. I know what you’re thinking; how does the IRS actually collect and retain tax revenue that isn’t actually owed? The answer is …

The Four Traits of “The Perfect Advisor”

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All investors are looking for the “Perfect Advisor”, but for some reason, many never find them.  And It’s no wonder, if even some of what I’ve heard investors want in their “perfect advisor” is true!  Allow me to elaborate. To these investors, the perfect advisor is: 1)  Smart: They expect their perfect advisor to be highly educated, have years of …

Are You a Crummey Advisor or Just a Crummy Advisor?

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Crummy is defined as dirty, run-down, tacky, worthless or just plain lousy.  On the other hand, if you’re a “Crummey” advisor, that’s a good thing – especially if you’re making “Crummey” recommendations to your high-net-worth (HNW) clients.  Let me explain what I mean about making “Crummey” recommendations. A “Crummey Trust” is used when a parent wants to make lifetime gifts …

2 Tax-Efficient Savings Strategies for Right Now: Tax Season Lesson, Pt. 2

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Because every client’s needs are unique, a canned approach to tax-efficient savings of Roth IRAs, traditional IRAs, 401(k), 403(b), NQ annuities, NQ accounts, etc., is not necessarily the most flexible or tax efficient option for every client. As advisors, we know that the words “tax-free” don’t always mean there’s no tax ever paid, just like the term “pre-tax” doesn’t mean …

Why I Don’t Like Roth IRAs: Tax Season Lesson, Part 1

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Tax planning for clients during tax season always generates new strategies and ideas, as unique situations tend to get my analytical wheels turning. From a risk/reward wealth management perspective, I like to look at tax planning with the actual cost to the client in mind, including what is the best cash flow option, because the most tax efficient savings strategy …