Sight|Lines

Sight|Lines is a weekly note, meant to help clients and colleagues focus on a key insight amid the roar of market noise. Available as a written document, recap video, and a podcast.

Podcast

Market Pulse by Michael O'Keeffe and the Investment Strategy Group

Market Pulse is a publication sent when the market moves about +/- 2% on a given day. It is meant to educate clients on what has moved the market that day, what we believe will move the market for the duration of the quarter and our investment outlook.

Whitepaper

Investment Strategy Brief

Hosted by Michael O’Keeffe, Stifel Chief Investment Officer, the Investment Strategy Brief is a monthly market update from Stifel’s Investment Strategy team.

Video

Dog Determines Domicile

Although relocating is relatively easy, determining domicile can be tricky.

Article

Important Guidelines for Claiming Social Security Benefits

If you are receiving Social Security benefits or planning to claim benefits in the near future, you should be aware of the following guidelines for claiming strategies, which were enacted as part of the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015.

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Mother and Adult Daughter Sitting on Porch

The Importance of Keeping Beneficiaries Up To Date

When was the last time you checked to see who was listed as the beneficiary of your individual retirement account (IRA) or retirement plan? Many of us name beneficiaries when establishing an account, but we often forget to review them.

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Who Needs Insurance?

This article covers which type of insurance could be needed for several types of individuals in different scenarios.

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Market Volatility

Investing for retirement is a long-term journey. Whether your retirement is 40 years away or right around the corner, it’s important to remember that retiring from your career is just the beginning.

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Should You Consolidate Your IRAs?

Do you own multiple IRAs at various institutions? Over the years, many investors make annual IRA contributions or complete qualified plan rollovers to different accounts at numerous financial institutions and now find it costly and confusing to keep track of all the accounts.

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Three Senior Women with Cameras in Garden

Strategic Planning for the SECURE Act's 10-Year Rule

One of the major changes under the SECURE Act is the elimination of the “stretch” distribution strategy for inherited IRAs and retirement plans.

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Which Type of Long-Term Care Insurance Is Right for You?

The long-term care (LTC) insurance marketplace is changing quickly, and you have more options to choose from than ever before. Read on for the pros and cons of the three main types of coverage.

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Woman on cell phone and working on laptop in office

Benefits of Offering Retirement Plans

An employer-sponsored retirement plan offers many benefits to your employees and your company as well. There are many different retirement plan options available.

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The Importance of Tax Diversification in Retirement Accounts

When planning for retirement, it is important to create a savings strategy in an effort to optimize asset growth in a tax-efficient manner. Understanding which account types offer tax deferral and tax-free distributions may help you save significant chunks of your wealth for retirement years.

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Couple sitting at table with Financial Advisor

Stifel Wealth Strategist Report®

Why would you embark on your financial journey without planning and forethought? Just as with travel, there is more than one route to take toward achieving your financial goals.

Brochure

Digital Bull and Bear over charts and graphs

Buffered Annuities – A Strategy in Volatile Markets

Volatility – it’s a term we’ve heard a lot in the media and felt in the markets recently.

If you’re in the accumulation phase, you may view volatility as opportunity. But as you get closer to retirement, this viewpoint may shift more to uncertainty. Volatile times like these are when it can be most valuable to work with a Financial Advisor.

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Multi-Generational Family Eating at Table Outside

An Introduction to Cost Basis

When creating your estate plan, it is important to consider how income taxes may impact your beneficiaries. In order to do this, you need to have a basic understanding of cost basis rules.

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Birthday Milestones

Reaching a certain age means being able to save even more and new financial opportunities to get ready for your retirement years.

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IRA Distribution Penalty Exceptions

IRA rules are designed to discourage early distributions, and a 10% penalty is imposed on distributions taken prior to the IRA holder reaching age 59½. However, the law provides several exceptions to the penalty.

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Multiple Generations of Family Sitting on Retaining Wall

Freezing an Estate With an IDGT

One of the primary goals of estate planning is to maximize the assets that will pass to your heirs while minimizing the tax liability of your estate. One particularly effective strategy for working toward that goal is referred to as an estate freeze technique.

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Summary of the Tax Consequences of Incentive Stock Options (ISOs)

ISOs can have a number of tax consequences. Read on to learn more.

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Are You in Your Confidence Zone?

Everyone wants to feel confident in where they are in life, and in where they are going. Everyone achieves confidence in their own way. Retirement is no different.

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Annuity Tips for Retirement

Your retirement is not something to gamble with or leave to chance. You worked hard to save for retirement and deserve to retire knowing that you and your loved ones are taken care of.

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You Received a Windfall. Now What?

Whether your windfall came from an inheritance, a lucky scratch-off ticket, or an unexpected bonus, it provides you with a great opportunity to improve your overall financial situation. Here are some things to consider to help you maximize the opportunity at hand.

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The Value of Financial Planning

Financial planning is a crucial step in managing your financial future. Not only does it help you see your financial situation today, it also helps you think about those things you would like to do in the next five years, ten years, and throughout retirement.

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Pre-IPO and Pre-M&A Checklist

As an entrepreneur preparing to expand or sell your business interests, there are common estate and income tax issues that should be addressed. Use this checklist as a starting point.

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Roth 401(k) Contributions/Distributions

Participants have the option of designating some or all of their salary deferral as a Roth contribution to their 401(k) and 403(b) plans.

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Selecting a Trustee

A trust often serves as the centerpiece of a comprehensive estate plan. A properly funded trust protects the privacy of your estate and ensures that assets in the trust avoid probate. Typically, a trust will hold all or the majority of your assets.

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The Backdoor Roth IRA

Roth IRAs are a unique and great way for individuals to save for retirement. You make non-deductible contributions to a Roth IRA, and after five years and attaining age 59½, all withdrawals of principal and earnings from the Roth IRA are tax-free.

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The Basic Documents for Estate Planning

Learn about some of the basic documents used for estate planning.

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Social Security – Claim Early and Invest Versus Delaying Receipt for Increased Benefits

As your Stifel Financial Advisors, we are occasionally asked to provide an analysis of the potential results of claiming Social Security early and investing the proceeds versus delaying receipt for increased benefits, which can be claimed as late as age 70.

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Male advisor showing female client information on a tablet

Is An Irrevocable Trust Really Irrevocable? Part 1

Maya Angelou once said, “If you don’t like something, change it.” Unfortunately, this sage advice does not apply to irrevocable trusts. Or does it?

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Senior Couple Meeting with Female Advisor

Is An Irrevocable Trust Really Irrevocable? Part 2

That article is helpful if you are creating an irrevocable trust, but what if you already have an existing irrevocable trust that needs modification?

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Lost and Found

Have you ever reached into your pocket to discover a $20 bill you thought you lost? While this may be a pleasant surprise, it may spark another thought: “Do I have any other property waiting to be found?”

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The Cliff Notes on Going Into Debt for Millennials

For a generation that will be leaving college with more student loan debt than any before it, the notion that a certain amount of debt can be good may be difficult to grasp.

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Estate & Tax Planning Services

At Stifel, we recognize that proper estate and tax planning are crucial to pursuing financial success. We also recognize that the estate and tax planning processes can seem complicated and overwhelming.

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Investment Strategy Brief

Hosted by Michael O’Keeffe, Stifel Chief Investment Officer, the Investment Strategy Brief is a monthly market update from Stifel’s Investment Strategy team.

Podcast

Conversations with Michael O'Keeffe

Stifel’s Chief Investment Officer, Michael O’Keeffe, sits down with leaders at Stifel and in the finance industry to have thought provoking conversations related to the finance industry. Episodes are released monthly.

Podcast

Sight|Lines Video

Sight|Lines is a weekly note, meant to help clients and colleagues focus on a key insight amid the roar of market noise.

Video

Hands holding stone that is shaped like a heart

Gifting Appreciated Stock to Charity

The end of the year is rapidly approaching, and with it comes charitable giving season. It’s a good time to meet with your CPA to project your taxable income and look for opportunities to reduce your tax liability.

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The Executor's Guide to Estate Administration

An executor's guide to estate administration after death of a decedent.

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Granddaughter laughing with grandparents at phone

Taking the Mystery Out of Inherited IRAs

When establishing an IRA (including traditional, Roth, SEP, and SIMPLE) or qualified plan account, it’s important to designate beneficiaries to inherit your assets when you pass away. In addition, when life events such as marriage, divorce, or birth of a child occur, this is typically a good time to review and update your beneficiaries accordingly.

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Spousal IRA Contributions

Funding a traditional or Roth IRA each year can be an integral part of planning for retirement. However, you must generally have earned income from employment to contribute to either a traditional or Roth IRA. An exception to this rule is the spousal IRA contribution.

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Two women working at their small business

SEP/SIMPLE Comparison Chart

Take a look at this chart to compare SEP IRAs and SIMPLE IRAs.

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Taking the Mystery Out of Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs)

Over the years, the assets in your IRA are shielded from taxation, allowing you the opportunity to save more for retirement. However, the IRS won’t let tax deferral continue forever. Eventually, you will have to start taking annual minimum withdrawals called required minimum distributions (RMDs) from your traditional, SEP, and SIMPLE IRA (but not Roth IRA), as well as Qualified Plans.

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Senior woman re-potting yellow flowers outside

Retirement Plan/IRA Limits for 2021

This piece goes over the limits for various retirement plans and IRAs.

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Long-Term Care Riders Versus Chronic Illness Riders

Understand the differences between long-term care riders and chronic illness riders.

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Man looking at phone while walking with bike

The Pension Option: The Lump Sum or Income Stream

If you are fortunate enough to have a pension, you will likely be forced to choose one of two payout options: a lump-sum distribution or a guaranteed lifetime income stream. Making the right decision in this scenario could ultimately determine whether you are able to reach your financial goals.

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Traditional, SEP, and SIMPLE IRA Distributions

Traditional, SEP, and SIMPLE IRAs are generally funded with pre-tax money, and therefore distributions are taxable as ordinary income in the year of distribution. A penalty may apply, in addition to ordinary income tax, for distributions from these IRAs if the IRA owner has not reached age 59½ or does not have an IRS-approved penalty exception.

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Wealth Planning Department

At Stifel, we understand that each of our clients has a unique set of circumstances that shapes his or her financial goals and objectives. These goals and objectives cannot be addressed through cookie-cutter solutions. That's why our Wealth Planning department provides personalized strategies through holistic planning.

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Annuities – Get the Facts Straight

When researching annuities, you are sure to encounter various articles and opinions that are critical of what may be a perfectly appropriate insurance and investment product for your situation.

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Child's hands holding a red metal lantern with a heart shaped cut out

Donor-Advised Funds Versus Private Foundations

If you are considering a private foundation, there is an alternative through Stifel Charitable Inc. The Stifel Donor-Advised Fund has all the elements of a private foundation but with greater tax benefits and without the administrative hassles.

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Multi-Generational Family Smiling and Laughing on Couch

Annuity Beneficiaries: What You Need to Know

In order to understand the options available to you as a beneficiary, you must have the death claim forms from the insurance carrier. These forms describe the options that are available on that specific annuity contract.

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Asset Allocation and Periodic Rebalancing

A one-two punch to help minimize volatility.

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Man with question mark over head looking at wall with arrows going in different directions

Does Tax Season Leave You With More Questions Than Answers?

As tax season draws to a close, you are probably ready to simply forget about 1040s, W-2s, 1099s, and CPAs altogether, at least until next year. However, you may not want to dismiss this tax season so readily.

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Helpful Time-Saving Hints Before Meeting With Your Attorney

This article covers things you should think about prior to meeting with your attorney to discuss your estate plan.

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Senior Couple Smiling and Hugging at Kitchen Table

How to Address Your Greatest Retirement Risk

When it comes to retirement, there are a variety of risks that threaten to derail the goals that you have worked so hard to achieve.

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I Own an Annuity – Now What?

If you own an annuity, you may be approached about exchanging or replacing it with a new and “better” product. Because annuities can be complex, you may struggle to distinguish legitimate opportunities from unsuitable pitfalls.

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Incorporating Annuities Into Your Retirement Income Strategy

If you're nearing retirement, deciding when to officially exit the workforce can be a difficult, yet important, decision. Assuming you are able to retire on your own terms, rather than being forced to retire, there are two primary questions you should answer in advance.

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Father and daughter taking selfie in eye glass store

iPlanning: Estate Planning in the Digital World

With society firmly entrenched in the digital world, just about everyone has digital assets. What happens to all of these digital assets when the owner dies?

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Optional Annuity Riders Fact Sheet

Annuity Optional Riders and Features

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Cash Versus Security Distributions

IRA owners may take distributions of assets in cash or as securities in kind. Let’s review considerations for both options.

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Social Security's Benefit Calculation

What You Need to Know

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young couple on couch looking at laptop computer

Two Lifetimes, Breadwinners, and Social Security

Household breadwinners must realize that their Social Security benefits will be paid out over two lifetimes – theirs and their spouse’s. Upon the death of either spouse in a married household, the surviving spouse either maintains or switches to the higher benefit for the rest of his or her life.

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Watch Out for Tax-Related Identity Theft

Identity theft is of particular concern during tax season, when thieves use stolen Social Security numbers to file fraudulent tax
returns and claim refunds.

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Roth Conversions

A Roth IRA conversion is the movement of cash or securities from a traditional, SEP, or SIMPLE IRA (over two years from the first SIMPLE IRA contribution date) or Qualified Retirement Plan (QRP) to a Roth IRA. The following information will outline eligibility, taxation, benefits, and considerations when executing a Roth conversion strategy.

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The Mega-Backdoor Roth

Due to the Tax Cuts & Jobs Act of 2017, tax rates for most Americans have decreased. As a result, there is generally less of a need for upfront tax deductions, making Roth assets more beneficial than ever.

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Senior couple on porch looking at tablet

Recharacterizations

A recharacterization allows IRA owners to “fix” or “move” a contribution to another type of IRA. This strategy not only allows IRA owners increased flexibility, but also can often reduce or eliminate an unwanted tax bill or future IRS penalties.

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Make Tax and Estate Planning a Priority

Now that we are off and running in 2023, it is important to not lose sight of our New Year’s resolutions. For many, those resolutions focus on physical fitness, but financial fitness can be just as vital.

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The SECURE Act 2.0 – Retirement Plans

The Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancements (SECURE) Act encourages workplace retirement plan adoption and increases saving opportunities for Americans. SECURE Act 2.0 was recently passed and contains roughly 90 additional provisions, many of which became effective January 1, 2023.

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Sun shining through trees onto path in forest

The SECURE Act 2.0 - Individual Investor

The Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancements (SECURE) Act increases saving opportunities for Americans. SECURE Act 2.0 was recently passed and contains roughly 90 separate provisions, many of which became effective January 1, 2023.

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Qualified Plan Distribution Penalty Exceptions

Distributions from a qualified retirement plan prior to the participant reaching age 59½, that are not rolled over, are subject to taxation and a 10% penalty. However, the law allows several exceptions to the penalty.

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Mature couple sitting on beach chairs looking at ocean

Social Security Fact Sheet

Check out this article for important Social Security facts.

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401(k) Versus Safe Harbor 401(k) Comparison

Compare a traditional 401(k) to a Safe Harbor 401(k) for 2021.

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What Triggers an IRS Audit?

Have you ever wondered what your chances are of being audited by the IRS? Once you file your taxes, the last thing you want is the IRS knocking at your door. The IRS conducts tax audits to ensure financial information is reported properly according to the tax laws.

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Medicare: Means Testing, and What Now?

If you are a high earner you are likely well aware that Medicare applies a high-income surcharge to your Medicare Part B and Part D premiums.

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Business Tax Incentives

With the passing of the Secure Act, there are now even more reasons why starting a retirement plan may make sense for your small business.

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Where to Save – Have You Considered an HSA?

Have you ever wondered what the best method for tax-advantaged savings is? Some industry experts suggest maxing out your health savings account (HSA) before funding your 401(k) or IRA.

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Is a Rollover to an IRA the Right Move for You?

When you are leaving your job or considering a career change, you may find yourself with a sizable sum of money saved in your 401(k) or other type of retirement plan. Because this money could play such an important part in your financial future, it is important for you to understand your options.

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Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation Plan

NQDC plans allow employers to offer a benefit to high-income earners and other key employees through a contractual arrangement. These plans can be used to support retirement goals and serve as a tool to recruit, reward, and retain top talent.

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Rollover Chart

A rollover is the process of moving retirement plan or IRA assets to another qualified plan or IRA. Rolling over allows a qualified plan participant to continue to save tax-deferred assets (or possibly tax-free assets with a Roth conversion). Individuals may choose a rollover in order to consolidate their IRA holdings into one account.

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Senior Couple Sitting on Couch with Feet in Air

Do you have assets earmarked for this retirement expense?

Long-term care costs can be unpredictable. Hybrid long-term care annuities can be part of the solution. Read on to learn more.

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mother and daughter smiling in kitchen with turkey

Taking Loans From Employer-Sponsored Retirement Plans

Most employer-sponsored retirement plans allow participants to take loans from their accounts. If your plan does allow loans, you can borrow up to 50% of your vested balance or $50,000, whichever is less.

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Consider Roth Conversions in a Down Market

While the recent downturn in the stock market due to COVID-19 has had serious consequences on Americans’ retirement savings, there is a silver lining: Roth Conversions have become less costly.

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Rollover Considerations

Participants of qualified employer-sponsored retirement plans (e.g., 40l(k), profit sharing, 403(b), etc.) typically have several options when deciding what to do with their retirement plan assets upon termination of service with the sponsoring employer.

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Roth IRA Versus Roth 401(k)/403(b): Which Option Should You Choose?

If your employer offers a Roth 401(k) or 403(b), should you invest via your employer-sponsored plan, contribute to a Roth IRA, or contribute to both? The answer: it depends! The decision will be personal, based on your unique needs and goals.

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Elder Financial Abuse Awareness

The effects of aging coupled with their accumulated wealth can make seniors a prime target for financial exploitation. Currently, Americans age 50-plus account for 77% of all financial assets in the U.S. And as the elderly population continues to rise, so does the number of financial scams. When it comes to preventing these crimes, education and awareness are critical.

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Traditional Long-Term Care Insurance Premium Increases

Find out what you need to know about traditional long-term care insurance premium increases.

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Group of young professionals meeting at table

You Are Never Too Young to Think About Retirement

It is never too early to start planning for retirement. Investing in a retirement plan early may offer significant advantages to waiting until a later age.

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Group of Business People Meeting at Table in Office Lobby

Cross-Purchase Buy-Sell Arrangements

A buy-sell agreement identifies a buyer for a business in the event of an owner’s death. In a cross-purchase arrangement, surviving owners are obligated to purchase the interest of a deceased owner.

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Entity-Purchase Buy-Sell Arrangements

A buy-sell agreement identifies a buyer for a business in the event of an owner’s death. In an entity-purchase arrangement, the business is obligated to purchase the interest of a departing owner.

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Key Person Life Insurance

Key person life insurance provides a business with protection against economic loss suffered from the death of a key employee.

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Unilateral Buy-Sell Arrangements

A buy-sell agreement identifies a buyer for a business in the event of an owner’s death. In a unilateral arrangement, a third party (typically a key person and/or family member working in the business) is obligated to purchase the interest of the departing owner.

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Funding a Buy-Sell Agreement

A buy-sell agreement obligates surviving owners, the business, or a third party to purchase the business interest of an owner upon that owner’s death.

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Health Savings Account Fact Sheet 2021

A Health Savings Account (HSA) is a tax-exempt custodial account set up with a qualified trustee to pay or reimburse certain medical expenses.

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Charitable Giving Made Easy

There are a variety of charitable giving strategies available, including donor-advised funds, pooled income funds, charitable remainder trusts, and private foundations. Although they all provide both income tax and estate tax benefits, each of these strategies is unique.

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Mother and Daughter Meeting with Advisor

Variable Annuity Fact Sheet

A variable annuity (VA) is a tax-deferred retirement savings vehicle sold by an insurance company.

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Required Minimum Distributions – IRAs Versus Qualified Plans

A required minimum distribution (RMD) is the amount of money that must be withdrawn from a qualified retirement account, such as a 401(k) or 403(b), or an IRA, including traditional, SEP, and SIMPLE IRAs. The Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement Act (SECURE Act) made major changes to RMD rules. Individuals must take their first RMD by April 1 of the year after they reach age 73 (SECURE Act 2.0).

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Funding Education – Where to Begin

Are you considering funding some, if not all, of your child’s or grandchild’s future education costs and unsure where to start? With the stress of funding your retirement, planning to fund future education costs can easily be pushed off and forgotten about.

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Young girl balancing school book on her head

A Parent's Guide to 529 Plans

Do you have children in grades K-12 who are enrolled in a private school? Is your child flying the nest this fall to pursue a post-secondary education? If so, you may be eager to tap into the 529 Plan you have been funding for years.

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Maximizing Roth IRA Savings

A Roth IRA is an individual retirement account funded with after-tax money. For those who qualify, a Roth IRA can be an integral part of not only an individual’s retirement savings, but also can be used to fund financial goals throughout his or her lifetime.

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Risk Tolerance Questionnaires – Why Bother?

Assessing tolerance for risk is one of the most important, and necessary, first steps to take in your relationship with your Stifel Financial Advisor. Beyond this first step, revisiting your risk tolerance at least annually is equally important.

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Should You Be Paying Medicare Part B Premiums?

Medicare Part B comes with a monthly premium of at least $144.60, and possibly more, depending on when you enroll and what your modified adjusted gross income was two years prior.

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The Inheritance Talk

Although it may be uncomfortable, discussing your well-thought-out estate plan with your heirs can alleviate future stress.

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Health Care Costs in Retirement

According to a recent AARP survey, only about one-third (36%) of older Americans have dedicated savings for future out-of-pocket health care costs, even though several studies have shown that these future costs can reach $250,000 or more for a married couple.

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Three adults meeting and signing documents

Fiduciary Outsourcing

A retirement plan fiduciary is defined by title or role. The Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) states that any individual who must act with care and prudence for the benefit of others with regard to the services provided to a plan and its participants is considered a named fiduciary.

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Qualified Charitable Distributions From IRAs

Certain IRA holders have the opportunity to make tax-free distributions from their IRAs to qualified charitable organizations.

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Phone Calculator Sitting on Tax Documents

Tax Form Preparation Checklist

Before you file your taxes, review the following list of items. This checklist will aid you in gathering important documents that are generally needed in order to file your tax return.

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Back-to-School: Education Tax Incentives Refresher

With school starting up for another semester, now is the perfect time to brush up on your knowledge of education tax incentives. The federal government offers three incentives: tax credits, deductions, and savings plans.

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Spring Cleaning for Your Spending

Spring is more than just a great time to clean out your closet. It is also a great time to clean up your spending and improve your finances.

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Don't Gamble With Document Retention

Today, these same statements are delivered electronically. Although the way we receive financial information has drastically changed over the past 40 years, the financial wisdom imparted by “The Gambler” remains the same. When it comes to financial spring cleaning, “the secret to survivin’ is knowin’ what to throw away and knowin’ what to keep.”

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Tax-Saving Strategy for Business Owners

Combining a cash balance plan with a safe harbor 401(k) allows business owners to make large deductible contributions for themselves (up to $150,000 or more annually) while controlling employee benefit costs.

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SIMPLE IRA Versus Safe Harbor 401(k)

SIMPLE IRAs and safe harbor 401(k)s are employer-sponsored retirement plans that allow participants to defer salary into the plan and receive either a non-elective or matching contribution from the business owner. Let’s examine how each plan type may benefit the business owner and his or her employees.

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Spring Free From Mortgage Debt?

If you own a home, chances are you have a mortgage. And if you have a mortgage, chances are you have thought about paying it off early. While this may seem like an attractive option, is it truly the best decision for your financial future?

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What Comes First, the Chicken or the Pig?

Tennis legend Martina Navratilova once said, “The difference between involvement and commitment is like ham and eggs. The chicken is involved; the pig is committed.” In many ways, your financial goals reflect the chicken and the pig.

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End of Summer Financial Checklist

This checklist covers some items that may be good to revisit at the end of the summer.

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Year-End Tax Planning Strategies

If you are not engaging in year-end tax planning, you could be leaving money on the table. Consider the following strategies to identify potential opportunities to lower your current year’s or next year’s tax bill.

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The Preferential Tax Treatment of Municipal Bonds

From an investor’s perspective, the primary benefit of municipal bonds is their preferential tax treatment. Below is a summary of the tax benefits associated with this type of bond.

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Understanding and Avoiding the Underpayment Penalty

Federal income taxes are “pay-as-you-go,” according to the IRS. This means you must pay most of your tax throughout the year as your income is received, rather than waiting until you file your tax return to make up for any shortfall.

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Social Security: Understanding Spousal Benefits – Divorced Spouses

Understanding Social Security divorced spouse benefits is important for all ex-spouses so that they can be sure to receive all of the Social Security benefits for which they may be entitled. This article focuses on ex-spouse benefits.

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Social Security: Understanding Spousal Benefits – Married Couples

Understanding Social Security spousal benefits is important for all spouses so that they can be sure to receive all the Social Security benefits for which they may be eligible. This article touches on spousal benefits for married couples.

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Social Security: Understanding Spousal Benefits – Surviving Spouses

Understanding Social Security survivor benefits is important for all widows and widowers so that they can be sure to receive all of the Social Security benefits for which they may be entitled. This article focuses on Social Security survivor benefits for surviving spouses.

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Women and Retiree Health Care Costs

When planning for health care costs during retirement, women should be aware that they face higher lifetime costs than men. The primary reason for this cost disparity is longevity.

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Managing Market Risk

Although you cannot control the economic forces that drive market volatility, you can control how you react when volatility occurs. A well-designed financial game plan will incorporate certain strategies to help defend against the pitfalls you may encounter when managing market risk.

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How to Save Your First Paycheck

You spent the last four years or more earning a degree, countless months sending out resumes, and finally, after your third (or fourth or sixth) interview, you landed your first job – congratulations! Once you’ve paid your bills, bought your groceries, and put gas in your car, you may be wondering what you should do with what’s left of your first paycheck.

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Don't Leave Them in the Dark

Recent studies suggest that many parents are reluctant to discuss their money matters with their children. It can be an uncomfortable topic to discuss, but if your children don’t have at least a basic understanding of your financial situation, you’re essentially leaving them in the dark.

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Woman Advisor Meeting with Clients in Their Home

It's Time to Update Your Financial Plan!

Most people do not know how to go about updating their financial plan. Here are a few steps you can take to help ensure a successful financial plan update.

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Advice for a Volatile Market

After a major run-up, the stock market has recently experienced some significant drops. Unfortunately, no one can predict with any certainty when such swings will occur. But in turbulent times like these, don’t panic. Instead, consider taking these steps to help you maintain perspective.

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IRA Maximization

After many years of hard work, you are finally getting ready to retire! Over the years, you contributed diligently to your IRA; however, now that you are approaching retirement, you realize that your retirement income needs have been over funded.

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Financial Planning for New and Expecting Parents

Regardless of your age, becoming a new parent is something no one can fully prepare for. Although sleepless nights and additional responsibilities are inevitable, having a new baby can wreak havoc on your finances if you’re not careful.

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Retirement Plans Comparison Chart

This chart compares the various types of retirement plans.

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Understanding Special Needs Trusts

If you have a loved one with special needs, you may wish to create a special needs trust for that person’s benefit. By transferring assets to an irrevocable special needs trust, you can provide support for your loved one in a manner that will not jeopardize his or her eligibility for government assistance.

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Forfeiture Account FAQs

Forfeitures most typically occur when a terminated participant who is not fully vested in the employer contribution portion of his or her account receives a plan distribution. The unvested portion is forfeited.

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The Retirement Savings Question

“Should I contribute to a traditional IRA or a Roth IRA?” If you are like most aspiring retirees, this question has plagued you for years.

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Coverdell Education Savings Accounts

A Coverdell Education Savings Account (ESA) is a trust or custodial account used to pay for the qualified education expenses of the designated beneficiary of the account.

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Medicare Fact Sheet

This article covers important information about Medicare.

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Retirement Income Workbook

This workbook helps you identify your needs, wants, and wishes for retirement and gives you a summary of your retirement income needs.

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Final Thoughts for Loved Ones

This worksheet will help you identify important information, wishes, and thoughts to share with your loved ones in the event of your death.

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Leaving a Legacy

Whether you want to make a charitable gift during your lifetime, or at your death, there are a variety of tools that you may consider incorporating into your financial plan that will allow you to benefit charitable organizations and leave a lasting legacy for future generations.

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Retirement Plans Quarterly

The Retirement Plans Quarterly is a quarterly newsletter that covers various topics related to retirement plans.

Newsletter

Wealth Planning Newsletter

The Wealth Planning Newsletter is a quarterly newsletter that covers topics related to wealth planning.

Newsletter

Financial Wellness Assessment

When was the last time you visited your Stifel Financial Advisor to assess your financial wellness? While most people diligently track other areas of personal wellness, they often neglect financial wellness.

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Accumulating, Preserving, and Passing Wealth

Anyone who has a home, a car, investments, real estate, a retirement plan, business interests, or personal property should have an estate plan. An estate plan allows you to provide for the management of your assets while you are alive.

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Start Planning for Your Future Today!

Ask your financial advisor about the Stifel Wealth Strategist Report^® today.

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State Estate & Inheritance Taxes

This map shows which states impose estate and inheritance taxes.

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What Are Your Retirement Goals?

This worksheet helps you identify some of the expenses related to retirement and helps you categorize them into needs, wants, and wishes.

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Top State Marginal Income Tax Rates

This map shows the top marginal income tax rate in each state.

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Choosing Between Traditional and Roth IRAs

Each year, individuals with earned income may decide to put up to $6,000 ($7,000 if age 50 or older) into an IRA to save for retirement.

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Moving Forward After the Death of a Spouse

Losing a spouse can be devastating. While coping with the emotional impact of his or her loss, a surviving spouse must somehow find the strength to move forward. Unfortunately, the grieving process can be disrupted by the financial demands placed on a surviving spouse.

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Caregiving: The Price You Pay

The American population is aging at an unprecedented rate. According to a 2016 Population Reference Bureau report, the number of Americans ages 65 and older will reach 98 million by 2060.

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Compensation Requirements by Entity

A business’s entity type determines what can be considered compensation when calculating the contribution amounts available for both defined contribution and defined benefit plans.

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Trust as IRA Beneficiary

Sometimes Individual Retirement Account (IRA) owners wish to name a trust as primary or contingent beneficiary of an IRA to ensure that the disposition of IRA assets is coordinated with the rest of their estate plan.

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Quick Tax Facts for Heads of Households & Married Filing Separate

This piece covers federal tax information for heads of households and married filing separately.

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Taxation of Capital Gains

Many taxpayers are confused when it comes to the taxation of capital gains, and for good reason!

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Taking the Mystery Out of Inherited Roth IRAs

When establishing a Roth IRA or Roth qualified plan account, it’s important to designate beneficiaries to inherit your assets when you pass away. In addition, when life events such as marriage, divorce, or birth of a child occur, this is typically a good time to review and update your beneficiaries accordingly.

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Cash Management Choices

As a valued client of Stifel, we offer a full suite of services not only to help you manage your long-term investments, but also the tools that you need to organize your day-to-day checking, saving, and even borrowing needs.

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SEP IRAs

A Stifel Simplified Employee Pension Plan Individual Retirement Account (SEP IRA) is easy to establish and cost efficient to maintain.

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Get to Know Stifel

Stifel brings deep expertise to providing diverse financial services to an array of clients, including individuals, public and private businesses, municipalities, and institutional and professional money managers.

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The SIMPLE IRA Plan

The SIMPLE Plan is designed to help small businesses meet today's challenges. Read on to learn more.

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The A, B, Cs of Mutual Fund Pricing

Mutual funds often represent an appropriate way to help investors pursue their long-term financial goals and objectives. This brochure covers commonly asked questions and the types of shares associated with mutual funds.

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Welcome to Stifel

For more than 130 years, meeting and exceeding the objectives of our clients has positioned our firm for success. Read on to learn more about Stifel.

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Covered Call Writing

Covered call writing is a conservative strategy used to realize additional return on the underlying stock and, at the same time, create a partial hedge against a decline in the stock price. Read on to learn more.

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Protective Put

Investors purchasing or holding stock for future appreciation can hedge the risk in the long stock position by purchasing put options. Read on to learn more about protective puts.

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The Alliance Program

Through the Stifel Alliance Program (Alliance), you have the opportunity to introduce your clients to fee-based investment management. This program is a strategic relationship between your firm and Stifel. Read on to learn more.

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Long-Term Care

When it comes to your health, and your finances, you want to be in control. The best time to plan for long-term care is long before you need it. Read on to learn more.

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Stifel Wealth Strategist Report® Checklist

We recommend that you assemble all of your financial information before you begin to complete the Wealth Planning Questionnaire. This checklist is a list of documents that may be necessary based upon which analyses you request.

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Introducing Stifel Trust Services

Administering a trust can be burdensome, difficult, or confusing. That’s why many people use professional trust companies like Stifel Trust.

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Introducing Stifel Trust Company Delaware, N.A.

Stifel Trust Company Delaware, N.A. (Stifel Delaware Trust) not only provides access to Delaware law, it also offers a world-class investment platform that can deliver solutions tailored to a client’s specific needs, through discretionary or directed-asset management.

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Quick Tax Facts for Individuals and Estates & Trusts

This piece covers federal tax information for individuals and estates & trusts.

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Life Insurance Calculator

This piece will help you estimate the amount of life insurance you may need.

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Income Gap Calculator

This piece will help you identify the assets needed to cover potential essential needs income gap at retirement.

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Cash Flow Worksheet

This piece will help you estimate your cash flow.

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Calculating Your Living Expenses

This piece will help you identify what your living expenses are on a monthly and yearly basis.

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Sight|Lines Document

Sight|Lines is a weekly note, meant to help clients and colleagues focus on a key insight amid the roar of market noise. Available as a written document, recap video, and a podcast.

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Market Perspectives Quarterly

Market Perspectives is a weekly, monthly, and quarterly publication whose purpose is to provide a snapshot of what has happened in the economy and markets over that time frame

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Market Perspectives Monthly

Market Perspectives is a weekly, monthly, and quarterly publication whose purpose is to provide a snapshot of what has happened in the economy and markets over that time frame.

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Market Perspectives Weekly

Market Perspectives is a weekly, monthly, and quarterly publication whose purpose is to provide a snapshot of what has happened in the economy and markets over that time frame.

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Favorite 15

Favorite 15 is a monthly collection of charts on the key topics impacting markets, in the view of Investment Strategy.

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Stifel's Approach to Asset Allocation

At Stifel, one way we help our clients is to work with them on their asset allocation – their mix of asset classes like stocks, bonds, and cash. Most often driven by financial goals, time horizon, and risk tolerance, asset allocation is among the most important decisions an investor makes when developing an investment strategy.

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Allocation Insights

Wealth management insights from Stifel’s CIO Office.

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IRAs – Investing In Your Future

This brochure will explain to you the advantages, choices, and eligibility requirements of today’s IRAs and help you identify ways to utilize these vehicles in pursuing your retirement goals.

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Using a Spousal Lifetime Access Trust for Flexible Estate Tax Planning

A spousal lifetime access trust (SLAT) may help couples achieve this objective without the loss of flexibility and access typically associated with estate tax planning strategies.

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Welcome to Stifel

CEO Ron Kruszewski introduces the investment firm financial advisors have been waiting for.

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About Stifel

Stifel is a firm built around YOU. Your interests come first. Click to learn more about Stifel.

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Contribute to Your IRA Today

Now that 2020 has come to a close, it’s a good time to look at your IRA contributions.

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Cybersecurity and Fraud Prevention

Our business is built on relationships, and relationships are built on trust. As a Stifel client, you trust us to make sound investment decisions on your behalf. You also trust us to make sound decisions in protecting your assets and data from cybercriminals.

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Banking & Trust Services for Advisors

We’re a wealth management firm that owns a bank…not one that is PART of a bank. For advisors like you, this represents a significant distinction between Stifel and the bank-owned firms.

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Choose Stifel: CIO Office

Day in and day out, Stifel's CIO Office works to support financial advisors. We provide assistance making sense of the markets, identifying the latest trends, and developing foundational guidance, as well as providing these insights to advisors and their clients in the most cutting-edge ways. Visit this page on choosestifel.com to learn more.

Digital Campaign

HTML: CIO Office

A formatted, ready to send e-mail you can share with recruits that details the ways that the CIO Office provides support and insight to Advisors and their teams. Includes a video featuring Stifel CIO, Michael O'Keeffe.

Video: CIO Office

Hear directly from Stifel's CIO Michael O'Keeffe on how the CIO Office provides superior support to advisors and clients alike. The CIO team was created to function as an extension of the advisors' teams, and gives them the ability to navigate market trends and answer clients' questions before they ask them. View video to learn more.

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Stifel Insights

Sight|Lines

Market Pulse

Investment Strategy Brief

Dog Determines Domicile

Important Guidelines for Claiming Social Security Benefits

The Importance of Keeping Beneficiaries Up To Date

Who Needs Insurance?

Market Volatility

Should You Consolidate Your IRAs?

Strategic Planning for the SECURE Act's 10-Year Rule

Which Type of Long-Term Care Insurance Is Right for You?

Benefits of Offering Retirement Plans

The Importance of Tax Diversification in Retirement Accounts

Stifel Wealth Strategist Report®

Buffered Annuities – A Strategy in Volatile Markets

An Introduction to Cost Basis

Birthday Milestones

IRA Distribution Penalty Exceptions

Freezing an Estate With an IDGT

Summary of the Tax Consequences of Incentive Stock Options (ISOs)

Are You in Your Confidence Zone?

Annuity Tips for Retirement

You Received a Windfall. Now What?

The Value of Financial Planning

Pre-IPO and Pre-M&A Checklist

Roth 401(k) Contributions/Distributions

Selecting a Trustee

The Backdoor Roth IRA

The Basic Documents for Estate Planning

Social Security – Claim Early and Invest Versus Delaying Receipt for Increased Benefits

Is An Irrevocable Trust Really Irrevocable? Part 1

Is An Irrevocable Trust Really Irrevocable? Part 2

Lost and Found

The Cliff Notes on Going Into Debt for Millennials

Estate & Tax Planning Services

Investment Strategy Brief

Conversations with Michael O'Keeffe

Sight|Lines Video

Gifting Appreciated Stock to Charity

The Executor's Guide to Estate Administration

Taking the Mystery Out of Inherited IRAs

Spousal IRA Contributions

SEP/SIMPLE Comparison Chart

Taking the Mystery Out of Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs)

Retirement Plan/IRA Limits for 2021

Long-Term Care Riders Versus Chronic Illness Riders

The Pension Option: The Lump Sum or Income Stream

Traditional, SEP, and SIMPLE IRA Distributions

Wealth Planning Department

Annuities – Get the Facts Straight

Donor-Advised Funds Versus Private Foundations

Annuity Beneficiaries: What You Need to Know

Asset Allocation and Periodic Rebalancing

Does Tax Season Leave You With More Questions Than Answers?

Helpful Time-Saving Hints Before Meeting With Your Attorney

How to Address Your Greatest Retirement Risk

I Own an Annuity – Now What?

Incorporating Annuities Into Your Retirement Income Strategy

iPlanning: Estate Planning in the Digital World

Optional Annuity Riders Fact Sheet

Cash Versus Security Distributions

Social Security's Benefit Calculation

Two Lifetimes, Breadwinners, and Social Security

Watch Out for Tax-Related Identity Theft

Roth Conversions

The Mega-Backdoor Roth

Recharacterizations

Make Tax and Estate Planning a Priority

The SECURE Act 2.0 – Retirement Plans

The SECURE Act 2.0 - Individual Investor

Qualified Plan Distribution Penalty Exceptions

Social Security Fact Sheet

401(k) Versus Safe Harbor 401(k) Comparison

What Triggers an IRS Audit?

Medicare: Means Testing, and What Now?

Business Tax Incentives

Where to Save – Have You Considered an HSA?

Is a Rollover to an IRA the Right Move for You?

Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation Plan