College Savings – 529 Plans and UTMAs

In previous posts we’ve discussed considerations for college planning. In this post we are going to discuss saving for college and, specifically, two of the more common accounts for college savings: Uniform Transfer to Minor Account (UTMA) and Section 529 Plans.

The Uniform Transfer to Minor Account (UTMA) was an early popular choice for many families to save for college education as it offered a few advantages over traditional savings accounts. First, the transfer of assets was treated as a completed gift which removed the assets from the donor’s gross estate. As a gift, it was subject to the current annual gift exclusion ($14,000 in 2014). Second, any unearned income received favorable tax treatment, albeit lessened with the advent of the “kiddie tax.” Unearned income is generally investment income including interest, dividends and capital gains. Under the current tax code, the first $1,000 of unearned income is exempt using the standard deduction for dependents; and the next $1,000 of unearned income is taxed at the child’s income tax rate. However, any unearned income in excess of $2,000 is taxed at the parent’s marginal tax rate. One drawback to the UTMA is it is considered an irrevocable gift. When the recipient reached the age of maturity – 21 in Pennsylvania and most other states – the custodianship ends, meaning the recipient now has full control and can dispense with the assets however they choose.

Social Security - Survivor Benefits

Social Security remains a hot topic - both with the national media as well as within our practice.  As we continue to discuss Social Security with clients, there is one area receiving increased attention - Survivor Benefits.

And with good reason: statistics indicate that the poverty rate for elderly widows is three to four times higher than that of their married counterparts.  Without a doubt, widowhood typically causes a decline in economic well-being for the surviving spouse.

Social Security Spousal Benefits Part 3: Restrict the Scope Strategy

As we continue our series on Social Security, we'll next look at a strategy referred to as "Restrict the Scope."  It is recommended you first read our posts on Social Security, Spousal Benefits and File and Suspend before continuing.

As with File and Suspend, Restrict the Scope refers to a filing strategy used by married couples to maximize their Social Security benefits.  It is often mentioned when both spouses have similar earnings records, but has many more practical applications.  In fact, Restrict the Scope is generally much more utilized than File and Suspend.

To review, briefly, everyone is entitled to a Social Security benefit based on their own earnings record.  As a spouse, you are also entitled to benefits based on your partner's earnings record equal to a maximum of 50% of their Primary Insurance Amount (PIA).  Simply put, you receive the greater of your benefit or the Spousal Benefit, but not both.  Your spouse must file for Social Security themselves in order for you to receive Spousal Benefits.

Social Security Spousal Benefits Part 2: File & Suspend Strategy

In our recent posts, we've provided some basics on Social Security and Spousal Benefits.  Armed with that information, let's start taking a simple look at some strategies that may allow married couples to more effectively maximize their lifetime Social Security benefits.  We'll begin with a strategy often called "File and Suspend." (If you haven't read the previous posts, you are encouraged to do so first before reading on.)

As we’ve already noted, you are always entitled to a Social Security benefit based on your own earnings record. As a spouse, you are also entitled to a benefit based on your partner’s earnings record, up to half of their Primary Insurance Amount (PIA), called a Spousal Benefit. (You receive the greater of your own benefit or half of your spouse’s, but not both.) However, in order for you to receive a Spousal Benefit, your spouse must have filed for Social Security benefits themselves. (Note: This is not the case when claiming on an ex-Spouse, but that’s a topic for another post.)

Credit Reports and Credit Scores – What You Need to Know

We all know the importance of a good credit score.  Many people consider their credit report to be their financial report card.  Whether you’re buying a new car, sending your child to college or applying for a credit card, your lender has a responsibility to evaluate the risk they’re taking by lending to you.  But what exactly does that mean and how can you find your credit report and credit score? 

Your credit report is a detailed description of how you have managed your credit in the past 7-10 years.  The better your credit report, the more likely your credit requests will be approved and you’ll receive lower interest rates.  Organizations known as credit bureaus or credit agencies, gather information from employers, landlords, public records and creditors in order to generate these reports.  The major credit bureaus in the U.S. include Equifax, Experian and TransUnion.  After compiling this information, these credit bureaus then sell your credit information to anyone who has a legitimate need to access the information (prospective creditor, landlord, employer, insurer, etc.).