http://snapinvesting.com Personal Finance Fri, 30 Jul 2010 03:15:41 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=abc http://snapinvesting.com/2010/07/learn-the-basics-of-uk-annuity-rates-to-obtain-maximum-benefit-2/ http://snapinvesting.com/2010/07/learn-the-basics-of-uk-annuity-rates-to-obtain-maximum-benefit-2/#comments Thu, 29 Jul 2010 15:04:51 +0000 Admin-Eric http://thoughtsearch.com/Learn-The-Basics-Of-UK-Annuity-Rates-To-Obtain-Maximum-Benefit/148832/952.html Title: Learn The Basics Of UK Annuity Rates To Obtain Maximum Benefit

Article: Annuity rates are the rates that you will be receiving from your pension annuities. Such annuity rates are normally based on index-linked gilts and securities that provide a regular index-linked income, apart from offering you a fixed redemption value at a particular time in future. Normally, the annuity rates will decline with time due to lower inflation levels and expectancy of longer life. Further, the inflation will also erode the actual value of the money and the exact buying of power of the annuities being held by you from your pension benefit would invariably be lesser. However, the effects of inflation could be countered by adding open market options that contain escalation features. This would help the holder of the pension annuities to obtain best annuity rates and increase the income over time. Still, the initial income in opting for such a scheme will be significantly lower than the conventional annuity schemes. Similarly, the annuity rates will be adversely affected by the inclusion of other benefits, such as adding the income of the spouse or a specific guaranteed payment period to protect against the risk of early death of the annuity holder. An individual can buy an annuity through a personal or a company money purchase fund. To obtain the highest pension annuity rates, the open market option is the ideal one. The additional features mentioned above can be added at the time of purchase but they cannot be added later. Moreover, to obtain the best annuity rates, you should compare the annuity rates offered by different pension annuity providers by asking for quotes from several such providers. You should select only the pension annuity scheme that offers guaranteed annuity rates and accurate income forecasts. Annuity rates are paid every month as gross income before tax deduction. Level annuity rates will fetch you the same income every month as long as you are alive. Level annuity rates and 50% spouse rate schemes will pay the stipulated income every month throughout your life and after your death, your spouse will be eligible for 50% of the stipulated income until the death of the spouse. In the United Kingdom, annuity rates are applicable to single males and females between the ages of 50 and 74. The pension annuity rates do not include any medical benefits or enhancements. All the annuity rates assume that the female will survive for a longer period than a male and hence, the monthly annuity payments will be higher for a female than for a male. The income payable to a person who had retired in September 2008 and opted for a pension annuity scheme had been significantly higher than the income assured to a person retiring in September 2009 and purchasing an annuity. The decrease in the income was in the range between 6% and 9.4% for single males and single females between the ages of 50 and 74. This clearly reveals that the economic downturn had an appreciable impact in the pension annuity rates offered by the pension annuity service providers in the UK. Based in the UK, BestAnnuityRates provide independent specialist advice on how to get the best annuity rates. With nationwide coverage we help our clients to find the best annuity rates available from the whole market.

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Article: There's a lot of talk these days about the stock market and how the ups and downs affect personal finance. Unfortunately, this may scare a lot of people from making investment plans or contributing to their current investment choices. The sad fact is that many individuals are reaching retirement age without enough money to support themselves throughout their golden years. Do not let market fluctuations deter you from investing. Take some time to review your investment choices to make sure you're comfortable with the risk/benefit ratio. One great way to invest for retirement is an IRA, or an Individual Retirement Account. Tax Advantages An IRA, just like a 401K does provide current tax advantages. Any contributions up to a specific percentage of your income are not taxed the year you contribute. Taxation is deferred until you withdraw the money, which usually occurs when you are no longer working full time. The advantage of deferred taxes shows up because most individuals are in a lower tax bracket during their retirement years. Investment choices Again just like a 401K plan, an IRA usually offers a lot of investment choices. These choices usually involve many different types of funds. Some funds could be riskier, but may offer a higher rate of return. Other funds will be safer and will probably offer a lower rate of return. No matter which choice you start off with, you can always move your investments around to meet your current needs. As people grow older, their investments usually become safer. The amount of time needed to recover from a riskier investment just isn't there as one approaches retirement age. An IRA allows you an abundance of choices in your investments. Protection from Creditors In many states, an IRA is a protected asset. Even if you have to file bankruptcy, the state may not allow your creditors to withdraw funds from an IRA to meet your debts. This helps to ensure you are safer financially than if you just stick your money in a savings account or other asset. Meeting Retirement Costs The fact of the matter is that social security just doesn't cover basic costs. And if some news reports are to be believed, social security may be fully depleted sometime in the 2030s. Unless you have plans to move in with your children and expect them to start giving you an allowance, you have to plan for your retirement. The rules of an IRA will usually let you withdraw the money as you need it or set up a periodic payment, so you can customize the use of your IRA to meet your lifestyle. In conclusion, an IRA is a perfect way to ensure that you are financially cared for during your retirement years. By taking advantage of current tax breaks and creditor protection, you can even help yourself today. Caterina Christakos is an experienced investor and instructor with World Capital Institute. Concerned about your retirement and paying for a good assisted living facility? Check out this alternative payment option:http://worldcapitalbenefits.com

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Article: Personal pensions are among the highly recommended investment options for you to stay happy and comfortable even during your days of retirement. In simple terms, these are nothing but savings done by the people in their youth so they can live happily when they retire. However, there is more to it than meets the eye? Your next question would obviously be why would I need to save through pension plans when I already hold a savings account? Well, let me help you with the answer. Personal pensions work differently from your savings bank account. When you opt to go in for personal pension plans, you have to pay a certain pre-decided amount of money each month towards this account to the personal pension provider who will invest this money for you. The most common personal pension providers are organisations like banks, building societies, unit trusts and insurance companies. The bank is the highly recommended and preferred option though, thanks to the stability they offer. A good thing is that, any of your friends or family members can also contribute towards your personal pensions so you may lead a comfortable and happy life post retirement. Okay, the next question running in your mind may be if you are the right person to opt for personal pensions. The pensions are for anyone and everyone who dreams of a financially hassle free life in the twilight years of their life when they will not be in a position to earn well. There are various types of people who can definitely benefit from personal pensions. People who are not employed but can get enough money each month to pay for these programs should opt for it. Individuals who run a business or those whose companies do not offer a good company pension program can benefit greatly from these plans. Even people who have a good company pension plan, but want to invest more for the years when they cannot earn much can also do so through personal pensions. Just like with any other type of investment, there has to be a certain amount of thought and consideration given to personal pensions before investing in them. Investing in these pensions is a financially critical decision that should not be done in haste. You will have to find out a few important details before you sign up for it. First of all, find out from the organization if they have any special rules on the amount being contributed. Next, understand the process of signing up for it and find out if there are any charges involved for it. Finally, find out how much you will be able to save and the amount that will actually be invested on your behalf. In addition to this, also request the organisation offering you personal pensions to send you a yearly forecast so you may know how much has been accumulated and a rough figure of how much to expect at the end of the program. It is also important to find out when you will be able to withdraw the funds you save through personal pensions. While most people withdraw just as they turn 55, there are many others who put it off till they are 75. Remember, though these funds are primarily for use post retirement, you can withdraw them even before you retire. Based in the UK, Pension Solutions act as introducers to Independent Financial Advisers (IFA) who give specialist advice on Personal Pensions and SIPP Pensions - For Specialist Pensions Advice call 0800 043 6701

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Article: If you're running out of bake sale ideas for your next preschool fund raiser, it may be time you think outside the cookie box. Partner with local businesses so that they run the fundraiser and your preschool gets to keep part of the profits. Book Sale Many national book publishers have local organizers and consultants who are always on the lookout for another place to have a book party and what better place to showcase books for young kids than at a preschool fundraiser? You practically have a captive market; parents with kids nagging for books and few, if any reasons for them to say no. If it were toys or candy that you were selling, the outcome may not be that positive. But who can say no to a child who wants a book? Look for local representatives of Scholastic or Usborne books; you never know it may happen to be the parent of a student who could offer even more generous incentives like free books for the teachers to choose for their classrooms based on the number of books sold. Many preschool fundraisers are cleverly tied to a school function like a concert or open house; that way the parents are sure to be there, they need not make a special trip to attend the book sale. Portraits Everyone likes school portraits and preschoolers with their separation anxiety jitters and 'first' moments are even more precious to record. Arrange for a portrait studio to come and take pictures of the kids individually as well as in a group and sell the portrait sheets to the parents. If you let them know that part of the proceeds go to the preschool, they might just order a bigger package and send extras off to Granma. Gym Sale An indoor version of a garage sale can be a gym sale where parents rent a table (or two) as part of the preschool fundraiser and then get to sell kids stuff just like at a garage sale. This can be a successful idea because the sellers and buyers have a lot in common - young kids. So if one is fed up with Buzz Light Year and would rather have Mr. Incredible, he can sell that off and look for a bargain on the other. Some preschool fundraisers discourage selling clothes because of health and safety issues; others do not mind. It is a win-win situation either way; the preschool makes money from the table rent and the parents get to dispose off some unwanted stuff without having to spend a day in the garage! Eddie Lamb publishes an abundance of information on a range of topical subjects. This article 3 Useful Preschool Fund Raiser Ideas, is just one of a host of useful articles about Preschooling listed on our site map at Preschooling.

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Article: You school team may need some support to help them participate in the big league. And as a coach, you wish to grant them that opportunity. The most important thing during such a juncture is to raise the required amount of money so that the dreams of your young players can be fulfilled. The best possible way to do this is to organize a fundraiser. Through a successful fundraiser, you can garner monetary support for the team while making it a fun, profitable learning experience. However, when it comes to working towards hosting a school fundraiser, the problem that most people face is where to start. Let me therefore tell you at the outset that if you can get your fundraising efforts off to a proper start, the rest of the road is a lot smoother. A school fundraiser is an occasion where children are allowed by their parents to buy snacks. The proceeds from the sale contribute to the cause for which the fundraiser is being held. In the earlier days, the choice of snacks for a fundraiser was quite simple. It most often consisted of chocolates followed by fried and high calorie snacks. Since children always love these unhealthy snacks, such fundraisers became the norm. But with changing times and obesity and diabetes concerns, the picture has been altered drastically. Nowadays, legislation in many states such as California SB-12 place a ban on school fundraisers which sell unhealthy snacks. And with a growing population of concerned parents as well, this is definitely not the way to go if you want a successful school fundraiser. When starting out, it is important to remember two things. Let the children participate and go healthy. Once you have these two ideas in place, organizing a school fundraiser isn't difficult at all. Tell your team and their friends to help out in making arrangements for the fundraising function. Ask them to convey news of the same to their parents and friends, stressing on the fact that only healthy snacks will be sold. Encourage them to be creative, put up banners and signs so that the school fundraiser is properly publicized. Once you start out with the above-mentioned steps most of your work is done. You may be thinking now "What about the snacks?" Truth is, it is extremely easy to get healthy and tasty fundraising snack solutions that can turn your school fundraiser into a surefire success. This should be the least painful step of all. You just call and order. Proper, pre-sorted snack boxes will be delivered to your school or team in time for your fundraiser. What's more, you don't have to spend anything up front! Once the school fundraiser you are hosting concludes successfully, all you have to do is pay a portion of your sales proceeds as payments for the snacks and keep up to 50% as your fundraising profit. Easy availability of quality healthy fundraising solutions has meant that procuring the snacks are no problem at all. Hence the hardest step when you set out to organize a school fundraiser is actually the first. Alec Moreland promotes wellness, nutrition and healthy snacks in fundraising to reduce obesity and Type 2 Diabetes in schools. "America"s #1 Healthy Snack Fundraiser" is The Chocolate Alternative. Healthy_Fundraising_Solutions Contact Alec at alec@healthyfundraisingsolutions.com

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Article: Are you in charge of the sports team's fundraiser? Then you are in for some tough times ahead. Organizing a fundraiser is no easy feat as it requires a good deal of planning. It is just like working on an important corporate project where you have to assign the right task to the right candidate. Most elementary school fundraisers are organized by the PTA and therefore its members are the ones who are most adept at doing the job. However, things can go horribly wrong if some aspects of the event are ignored or not paid attention to. Therefore one should be aware of things that are a strict no-no while organizing a fundraiser. At times a lot of work goes into planning a fundraiser. Everything is organized and the proceedings planned in a meticulous way. But what is ignored in this entire business of planning is the promotion aspect of a fundraiser. A high visibility factor corresponds to the eventual success of the event. It is important to make everyone aware of such an event for greater participation. A healthy fundraising event may go unnoticed due to lack of proper marketing. Most schools in the country have taken to healthy fundraising solutions. This comes as a break from the usual chocolate fundraisers that proved to detrimental to the health of kids and young adults. If you are opting for healthy snacks that would be put up for sale in the event, then you need to ensure that these are tasty enough. Healthy snacks do not mean that they would be bland. Otherwise you will not find any takers for them and your fundraiser would end up being a real disappointment especially for the children. It is important to keep a tab on the healthy snacks that are being sold and see to the fact that they conform to the nutritional guidelines and wellness policies of the state. For example, if you are organizing a school fundraiser in California, you have to keep in mind the health laws like California SB 12. It is important not to have excessive expectations out of a fundraiser. Be it the money that you look forward to raise or the kind of response that you expect, set realistic and achievable targets for yourself and your team of volunteers. Also it is important to make the participants and volunteers aware of the purpose that you look forward to fulfill with the money raised from the fundraiser. This would help them in passing on the message of the fundraiser better. Do not take the entire responsibility of organizing a fundraiser all by your self. It is a tough job and it is impossible to make the event a success without help from efficient volunteers. Divide them into groups and make each group work on a particular aspect of the fundraiser. However, keep a close watch on the proceedings as at the end of the day you are going to be responsible for the success or failure of the event. Alec Moreland promotes wellness, nutrition and healthy snacks in fundraising to reduce obesity and Type 2 Diabetes in schools. "America"s #1 Healthy Snack Fundraiser" is The Chocolate Alternative. Healthy_Fundraising_Solutions Contact Alec at alec@healthyfundraisingsolutions.com

Syndication Source: ThoughtSearch.com]]> http://snapinvesting.com/2010/07/mistakes-to-avoid-in-a-healthy-fundraiser/feed/ 0 http://snapinvesting.com/2010/07/no-contest-clauses-in-wills-are-they-enforceable/ http://snapinvesting.com/2010/07/no-contest-clauses-in-wills-are-they-enforceable/#comments Wed, 28 Jul 2010 08:48:30 +0000 Admin-Eric http://thoughtsearch.com/No-Contest-Clauses-in-Wills-Are-They-Enforceable/59783/513.html Title: No Contest Clauses in Wills - Are They Enforceable?

Article: When creating a California will, many testators seek to include legal language within it to deter any future disputes relating to the provisions of the document. A carefully drafted no contest clause serves this exact purpose, and states the testator's direct and explicit wishes that his or her estate be divided exactly as instructed within the framework of the will. If any of the beneficiaries fail to follow the demands of a no contest clause, they could face the risk of complete disinheritance from the will. In a perfect world, such a clause would truly serve its purpose, and divert any wasteful legal battles that might ensue after the testator is deceased. However, we regrettably do not live in a perfect world, as families and beneficiaries often seek to legally dispute the extent of their inheritance for various reasons. So the question remains: just how enforceable are no contest clauses in California wills, and if they are rarely enforceable, what is the point of having them at all? This question has haunted California legislators as well--so much so that new legislation will be passed in 2010, stating that no contest clauses are not legally enforceable in California except in rare circumstances. However, many Californians still wish to include no contest clauses within their wills to ensure that their wishes for their estate are carried out in the event of their death. Until 2010, the effective date of the new legislation, properly drafted no contest clauses still hold weight in California courts. Creating risk of disinheritance is still useful method of deterring heirs from attempting to extort a larger share of an estate. Still, even before the new law goes into effect, there are ways around the risk of a loss of inheritance, and contesters may still file a dispute to the will under exclusionary circumstances that are not covered by the no contest clause. If you have questions concerning estate planning, or the inclusion of a no contest clause in your California will, a highly qualified estate planning attorney with experience drawing up California wills may be able to help clarify your concerns. As estate law in California is changing, so are your options for planning the distribution for your own estate. A California estate planning lawyer with years of experience in the litigation of wills and trusts will be able to guide you in the right direction for your own estate planning solutions. Kevin Von Tungeln is the Managing Partner of EstatePlanningSpecialists.com and Thompson Von Tungeln, P.C. Kevin practices in the areas of estate planning, probate, wills, and trust administration. Visit www.EstatePlanningSpecialists.com or www.linkedin.com/in/kevintungeln.

Syndication Source: ThoughtSearch.com]]> http://snapinvesting.com/2010/07/no-contest-clauses-in-wills-are-they-enforceable/feed/ 0 http://snapinvesting.com/2010/07/farm-succession-involves-setting-critically-important-goals/ http://snapinvesting.com/2010/07/farm-succession-involves-setting-critically-important-goals/#comments Wed, 28 Jul 2010 08:48:30 +0000 Admin-Eric http://thoughtsearch.com/Farm-Succession-Involves-Setting-Critically-Important-Goals/133343/513.html Title: Farm Succession Involves Setting Critically Important Goals

Article: If there is one reason why farm succession planning should start sooner rather than later it's because the decisions made early on can have a dramatic impact on everyone involved. One effect is psychic, it makes us all feel better, more assured, and confident when we know as much as possible about what's in store for us. The other reason is financial, remember the concept of compound interest and the "rule of 72" - well they come into play in a big way when you're considering how to effectively develop a succession strategy for your farm. For example if you could make the decision, based on serious conversations with your family, on who is absolutely not going to be part of the farm's operation and management in the future - it would make other critical planning decisions more effective. Let's say that one of your children moves across the country and establishes a life and family there with no intention of returning to the farm. Wouldn't it make sense to include the fact that they are gone in the planning, training, hiring, and all other aspects of your farm's succession plan? Don't kid yourself, nobody living and raising a family in Santa Barbara is moving back to Mechanicsburg in order to milk cows twice or three times a day for the rest of their life. Wouldn't it be better for them and for you if you gave them their "inheritance" today? They could buy that bigger home now and benefit from its growth in value over time making their legacy from you even more valuable than if they waited decades to receive it. They could start a business or feather their own retirement nest egg. Or set the money aside for their kids' college tuition. Wouldn't that be great? They would be getting their inheritance while you are here to see how it works out for them, rather than receiving after the worst day of their lives - when the people they care about more than anyone on earth are not around for them to thank. And if these non-farm heirs already believe that their siblings who have stayed on the farm already have their inheritance they wouldn't they feel they are being treated more fairly? Then there's the financial aspect to consider. Any money you give to those non-farm heirs today, even if it represents a hefty percentage of your farm's current worth is a lot less than the same percent of your estate twenty, thirty, or more years from now. And if you are like most people, your will - in order to take advantage of current laws, probably says something like, "all to mom when dad dies, and then divided equally among the kids" - meaning that the non-farm heirs will most likely be at or near retirement age before they inherit anything. That probably also means that your successors on the farm will have to start buying their interest at the time they too are nearing retirement, in order for their kids to have a chance to farm. What's the point of all this? If you sincerely want to treat your non-farm heirs fairly, give your successors a real chance to grow the business for their children and all the while keeping the existing farm intact - you need to think outside the box a little. You need to have honest discussions with your grown children now. Let your children be part of the conversation, discuss this with your peer group to see how others are thinking about it and light a fire under your advisors' feet until they come up with ideas that work for everybody. When Wayne Messick decided it was time to create a version of Passing Down the Farm for the new millennium, he first had to ask and answer three important questions. "In two decades, what"s changed, what"s stayed the same, and what should we do?" If you are serious about farm succession or if you are a professional involved in farm succession planning, visit Passing Down the Farm and claim your free copy today - while they last.

Syndication Source: ThoughtSearch.com]]> http://snapinvesting.com/2010/07/farm-succession-involves-setting-critically-important-goals/feed/ 0 http://snapinvesting.com/2010/07/estate-planning-is-worth-the-effort/ http://snapinvesting.com/2010/07/estate-planning-is-worth-the-effort/#comments Wed, 28 Jul 2010 08:48:30 +0000 Admin-Eric http://thoughtsearch.com/Estate-Planning-Is-Worth-The-Effort/60828/513.html Title: Estate Planning Is Worth The Effort

Article: People seldom want to think about the repercussions of their own deaths, but it's a grim fact that we will all go that direction some day. It's important to be prepared for any eventuality, and to have our affairs in order to prevent problems amongst our loved ones after we are gone. Whether we die young or live to a ripe old age, the issues for heirs remain the same. The best idea is to retain an attorney to determine which documents you need, and to ensure they are drawn up properly. -- Wills: A will is the most basic of all estate documents; it delineates which persons or entities may receive your property, money, and other assets at the time of your death. A will is especially essential for people with minor children, since it often specifies who should become the young ones' legal guardian. A will also names an executor of the estate who will oversee all matters pertaining to the proper carrying out of the document's directives. -- Advance health care directive: This document is essential for people of all ages in that it gives directions concerning your medical care should you not be in a position to do so. For example, if you become a comatose accident victim, a directive would state whether or not you wanted medical professionals to take extreme measures to keep you alive. -- Power of attorney: In this document, one person (called an "agent") is given authority to act on behalf of and make decisions for you. Under a "durable" power of attorney, the agent is in charge as soon as you become incapacitated. As there are several types of powers of attorney, each with their own rules or limitations, it's important to consult with a lawyer to decide which kind may be best for your circumstances. Any power of attorney ends at time of death, however. -- Insurance: Will your loved ones be able to get by financially in the event of your death? Getting a life insurance policy is one way to ensure that they will be able to stay in their home, pay for college, and meet other pressing financial obligations. Two other types of insurance to consider are long-term disability and long-term care. The first will help pay expenses should income be cut off due to an inability to work. The second will help pay for long term care in a nursing home or assisted care facility should the need arise. Having a will, advance health care directive, power of attorney document, and the right amount and type of insurance will give you greater peace of mind as you go about the busy ins and outs of daily living. Your dependents can also rest assured that their needs will be seen to should the unthinkable happen. To make sure everything is done correctly, it's best to obtain the advice and services of a well-qualified attorney. If you are looking for a quality law firm in San Diego whose attorneys can help you with your estate planning needs, contact Spencer Busby A Professional Law Corporation (http://spencerbusby.com/). Art Gib is a freelance writer.

Syndication Source: ThoughtSearch.com]]> http://snapinvesting.com/2010/07/estate-planning-is-worth-the-effort/feed/ 0 http://snapinvesting.com/2010/07/retirement-importance-of-long-term-planning-2/ http://snapinvesting.com/2010/07/retirement-importance-of-long-term-planning-2/#comments Tue, 27 Jul 2010 20:46:18 +0000 Admin-Eric http://thoughtsearch.com/Retirement-Importance-of-Long-Term-Planning/32379/952.html Title: Retirement - Importance of Long Term Planning

Article: We all know that sooner is much better than later when it comes to planning your retirement. The more money you sock away and the longer that money has to grow and work for you, the better the position you are in to enjoy your retirement to its fullest. With this in mind, you need to approach all of your retirement investments as long-term rather than quick turnover investments. It is often tempting to risk it all for the promise of a high return on your investment but you must remember that with great reward comes great risk and most of the time your security is simply not worth that particular risk. There are several different types of long-term investments that you may find to be reasonable and even attractive investments. Bonds are a popular long-term investment. These are very much like bank issued CDs with the minor exception that bonds are issued by the government. There are many kinds of bonds and you should research them all before committing to one over another. If you select the right bond you might find that given enough time your bond will double in value over time. Mutual funds are another popular investment for long-term investors. These are pools of money that are combined in order to invest in stocks, bonds, and other short-term investment ventures including securities. These funds are handled by the fund manager who decides where and how the money will be invested. This leaves you to reap the rewards that his or her experience will bring in for you over time. Stocks are another popular option for those interested in long-term investing. It should be noted that investing in stocks is much riskier than investing in mutual funds though the payouts when things go well are often much more substantial. If you decide to delve into the realm of stock market investment you should be aware that every transaction costs money, that you need to thoroughly research the ins and outs of this type of investing, and that you are taking a substantial risk with your retirement investment. You should also be absolutely certain that you thoroughly research the companies in which you plan to invest and only invest in companies that are well established and showing strong potential for future growth. With any major financial decision you should consult your financial advisor for guidance and advice. His or her job is to help you turn your limited investments into as much money as possible in order to secure your future and your retirement. The guidance that a good financial advisor can provide when it comes to long term investing is invaluable and should not be discounted or taken for granted any more than the advice you would receive from a doctor or an attorney. My favorite type of long-term investment is real estate. While there are those that will argue that the return on this investment is too minimal to save for retirement I would argue that the fact that properly maintained and rented units will pay for themselves over time making them pure profit when the time comes to sell or simply to maintain a monthly income throughout your retirement. The more rental properties you own the better your financial position and the more options you have when the time comes to sell those properties. Real estate is one field in which fortunes are made and lost on a regular basis. Rental property is the safest bet for most when it comes to long-term investment and the most significant return on investment. There are options that go well beyond buy and hold when it comes to real estate. If this doesn't excite you perhaps rehabbing property or the even more speculative field of pre-construction investing will offer more appeal. Long-term investments will be the primary fuel for your financial retirement funds and plans. You need to carefully consider the best possible option for your needs and work towards you financial goals. 1000s of Equity,Forex,Investment and Fundraising Services - WorldEquityPages.com, WorldForexPages.com, WorldInvestmentPages.com and WorldFundraisingPages.com

Syndication Source: ThoughtSearch.com]]> http://snapinvesting.com/2010/07/retirement-importance-of-long-term-planning-2/feed/ 0 http://snapinvesting.com/2010/07/need-a-solo-401k-asset-valuation-2/ http://snapinvesting.com/2010/07/need-a-solo-401k-asset-valuation-2/#comments Tue, 27 Jul 2010 20:46:18 +0000 Admin-Eric http://thoughtsearch.com/Need-a-Solo-401k-Asset-Valuation/124370/952.html Title: Need a Solo 401k Asset Valuation !!

Article: Many of the brightest and hardest-working investment and brokerage people in the country are obsessed with getting you to invest in stocks,bonds and mutual funds. Absolutely all the brokerage firms that reach out to you every day are designed to get you to invest where they benefit. To survive in this environment, you will need determination to withstand the constant pressures to invest in only stocks and bonds. It's time to take back control of your investments. Look into Real Estate, Gold, Private Investments, LLC's, Life Settlements and other alternatives. Just remember to have the assets correctly valued. Valuation Requirement The fair market valuation of 401k assets is essential to compliance with the Internal Revenue Code requirements. The valuation of 401k assets must be accurately determined to ascertain (1) Prohibited transactions; (2) Exclusive benefit violations under IRC 401(a); (3) Violations of the limitation on benefits and contributions under IRC 415; (4) Excess deductions under IRC 404; (5) Violations of the minimum funding requirements under IRC 412; or (6) Discrimination violations under IRC 401(a)(4). In a profit sharing or 401k the valuation of 401k assets will determine the value of a participant account, and ultimately, a participant distribution. Solo-k Asset Valuation Formality (1) Whether a formal valuation is required will depend on the transactions that occur with the plan and the form of the plan. a. For example, the valuation in a single participant plan, a self-directed account, or frozen plan can be less formal in a year in which the plan or self-directed account receives no contribution and makes no distribution or change in investment. (2) The reasonableness of the method for valuing plan assets is based on the surrounding facts and circumstances. Except for certain employer securities held by an ESOP, there is no absolute requirement the annual valuation be based on an independent appraisal. Timing of Solo 401k Asset Valuation Rev. Rul.80-155 requires that a defined contribution plan assets be revalued at least annually. If the requirements of Rev. Rul.80-155 are not met, the plan is not qualified. (1) In a defined contribution plan, Rev. Rul. 80-155 1980 80-155 C.B. 84, provides that since amounts allocated or distributed to a participant must be ascertainable, the plans must value their trust investments (1) at least once a year, (2) on a specified date, (3) in accordance with a method consistently followed and uniformly applied. When employer securities are acquired or sold, the securities must be valued at the time of the transaction. Determining Solo 401k Asset Values Factors for Consideration in Determining Value (1) There are a number of factors to consider when determining the value of anasset, for example: a. Nature and history of the business issuing the security b. General economic outlook and the outlook for the specific industry c. Book value of the securities and the financial condition of the business d. Company earning capacity e. Company dividend paying capacity f. Goodwill value g. Recent stock sales (2) ERISA 3(18) applies for purposes of some prohibited transaction exemptions under both ERISA and the Code. (3) ERISA 3(18) defines the term adequate consideration for assets other than a security for which there is a generally recognized market as the fair market value of the asset as determined in good faith by the trustee or named fiduciary pursuant to the terms of the plan (4) DOL Reg. 2510.3 defines fair market value as the price at which an asset would change hands between a willing buyer and a willing seller when either party is not under any compulsion to enter into the transaction. (5) Rev. Rul. 59-60, 1959-1 C.B. 237, provides guidance for determining thevalue of plan assets. Although Rev. Rul. 59-60 provides methods for valuing shares of stock of closely held corporations for estate and gift tax purposes,the factors may be used to determine values of assets in qualified plans. a. The factors in Rev. Rul. 59-60 are not an restricted list of factors for valuing closely-held employer securities. Other factors may be included where appropriate. Also, not all of the listed factors will be relevant to all companies and transactions. (6) The detail of the assets valuation is examined in light of the plan assets involved. a. As example, the valuation should contain extensive detail if it values a limited partnership interest or a closely held corporation. (7) If appropriate, stock values should be discounted due to a lack of marketability and, where appropriate, a control premium should be added to the stock value. Types of Plan Assets (1) Plans may invest a portion of their assets in limited partnerships and invest directly in real property, or in mortgages on real property. (2) Plans may also invest in life insurance contracts. Described below is a safe harbor that may be used when such contracts are distributed. Partnerships (1) The partnership itself can invest in virtually any type of asset. (2) Generally, limited partnership interests are not listed on national securities exchanges. (3) The valuation of a plans interest in a partnership is especially important in a year in which the plan is making a distribution. Real Estate (1) Mortgages valued at cost may be incorrectly valued if based solely on the purchase price of the real estate. (2) Under special circumstances, the mortgage valuation should reflect the current value of the real property. a. For example, if the fair market value of property held for investment by the plan is lower than the indebtedness secured by the property, the value of the mortgage should be marked down. Also, the value of the mortgage is based on the loan balance. (3) Although a contribution of property to a plan may be a prohibited transaction if it is not subject to an exemption, a contribution need not be paid in cash to be deductible under IRC 404. If overvalued property is contributed to the plan, the employer may have deducted an amount in excess of that allowed under IRC 404. Life Insurance Contracts (1) Section 1.402(a)-1(a)(1)(iii) of the Income Tax Regulations provides, in general,that a distribution of property by a qualified plan is taken into account by the distributee at its fair market value a. In the case of a non-variable life insurance contract, compare the premiums paid with the value of the contract. Generally, the value of a non-variable life insurance contract should be close to the premiums paid under the contract accumulated at a reasonable rate of interest (at least 2 or 3 percent) less reasonable cost of insurance charges (generally, except for very high ages, less than $5,000 per $1 million of death benefit) less reasonable policy expenses (generally, less than $1,000 per $1 million of death benefit). b. In the case of a variable life insurance contract, the actual investment return should be considered. Generally the value of a variable life insurance contract should be close to the premiums paid under the contract accumulated at the actual investment return rate earned by the contact (which can vary widely because the premiums paid under such contracts are generally invested in mutual fund like instruments) less reasonable cost of insurance charges (generally, except for very high ages, of less than 5,000 per $1 million of death benefit) less reasonable policy expenses (generally, less than $2,000 per $1 million of death benefit). (2) If assets are valued more frequently than annually in a way that favors distributions to highly compensated employees, prohibited discrimination could occur. (3) An improper valuation of qualified plan assets can cause a plan to exceed the limitations on benefits and contributions . a.This could occur, for example, if there was an exempt contribution of undervalued property to a plan and the resulting annual additions to participant accounts based on the improper valuation are within the limits of IRC 415,but the annual additions based on fair market value of the contributed property would exceed the IRC 415 limits. b. Similarly, there could be excess annual additions if property were sold by the plan for more than fair market value. (4) In extreme cases, an exclusive benefit violation under IRC 401(a)(2) may occur if a qualified plan engages in a prohibited transaction in which it acquires property for more than fair market value. Prohibited Transactions (1) Under IRC 4975(d)(13) and ERISA 408(e), a plan may acquire and hold qualifying employer securities and qualifying employer real property. (2) The acquisition of qualifying employer securities or qualifying employer real property is exempt under IRC 4975(d)(13), only if the securities or real property is sold or acquired for adequate consideration as defined under ERISA 3(18). This requires a proper valuation. Want to retire with a richer lifestyle? Visit Solo 401k Retirement or Solo 401-k Center Call 866-915-4015

Syndication Source: ThoughtSearch.com]]> http://snapinvesting.com/2010/07/need-a-solo-401k-asset-valuation-2/feed/ 0 http://snapinvesting.com/2010/07/introduction-to-social-security-3/ http://snapinvesting.com/2010/07/introduction-to-social-security-3/#comments Tue, 27 Jul 2010 20:46:18 +0000 Admin-Eric http://thoughtsearch.com/Introduction-To-Social-Security/71316/952.html Title: Introduction To Social Security

Article: In order to address the routine concerns of many, regarding the payment of bills post-retirement or disability, a federal benefits program was designed in the United States, in 1935, known as the Social Securities Act. The program known as the social security program provides disability, retirement, unemployment and survivor benefits and Medicare. The benefits offered aim at providing financial support to the citizens of the U.S., who fall under the categories specified within the paradigms of the program. The Social Security Act of 1935 introduced the social security system in the US. The system caters to the financial needs of the retired citizens, who have contributed to the social security trust fund for at least 10 years. It also provides benefits to the survivors, in event of the employee's death. The other benefits offered cover disability and unemployment. It is essential for the person to make the regular required contribution to the Social Security Trust Funds through the payroll taxes, to be eligible. By virtue of the provisions of the Federal Insurance Contributions Act or FICA, every worker's income is subject to a tax payment of 12.4% on the first $94,200 earned during the year. Half of this amount or 6.2% is paid by the employer, while the other 6.2% is deducted from the salary of the employee. The amount is given to the government. Self-employed people are responsible for paying the full 12.4%. This amount is used fund the social security system. The system has been designed to benefit those who make the necessary contributions for a period of ten years. There is a credit system incorporated in the scheme and you can earn a maximum of four credits per year. This means that irrespective of the higher limit of your actual earnings and consequently the quantum of your contribution to the fund, your earnings would entitle you to receive four credits. The amount of the monthly social security check that you would receive after retirement would be calculated on the basis of your 35 highest income-generating years. You need to apply, to start receiving you social security benefits. The best time to do this would be a few months before your actual retirement date. The social security program attempts to pay the retired citizens a pre-determined sum of money, to cover their basic needs. It works as a kind of insurance for the retired people, helping them to cope with financial difficulties, post-retirement. It is a form of insurance that covers the surviving spouse and children, in case of the employee's death. If the spouse is between 62 to 65 years, 70 to 99 percent of the benefits are payable. Dependent parents and unmarried children under 18 years are entitled to receive the benefits too. Disability that prevents employment opportunity is also considered for benefits under the social security system. Physical and mental disabilities are also covered and the payment starts five months after proving the disability to the authorities. Under the social security system, unemployment benefits are available to those whose unemployment is due to circumstances beyond their control. The program is designed to provide financial relief to the citizens of the U.S. at crucial times. Joseph Kenny writes for CardGuide.co.uk, offering the latest offers on credit cards in the UK, visit them today for their top 10 credit cards.
Visit today: http://www.cardguide.co.uk

Syndication Source: ThoughtSearch.com]]> http://snapinvesting.com/2010/07/introduction-to-social-security-3/feed/ 0 http://snapinvesting.com/2010/07/fund-raising-made-easy-part-1-know-the-basics/ http://snapinvesting.com/2010/07/fund-raising-made-easy-part-1-know-the-basics/#comments Mon, 26 Jul 2010 20:37:45 +0000 Admin-Eric http://thoughtsearch.com/Fund-Raising-Made-Easy-Part-1-Know-The-Basics/57394/997.html Title: Fund Raising Made Easy - Part 1 - Know The Basics

Article: Whether it is the bane of your organization, the reason for your professional career or somewhere in between, fundraising has become a very necessary part of our daily lives. Think about it. The kids come home from primary school with their latest fundraising flyer because the PTA needs funds for various school necessities that our tax dollars can't or don't cover, the band is trying to raise money for their next trip, the scouts are selling cookies or first aid kits for summer camp, the church needs funds for a new addition, organ, robes, missions, etc. The fire department needs a new truck or rescue vehicle, the Chamber needs decorations for Christmas light-up night, the Historical society for a new building or artifact that needs preservation, etc. The list can go on and on. Everyone is clamoring for, what seems like, far fewer donation dollars. Although it appears there are fewer dollars being donated, there are actually more donations being made today than ever before. With the U.S. increase in population there are however, more organizations going after those donations than ever before as well. What you will need to do is give that larger population a reason to donate to YOUR organization over the other groups scrambling for their attention. The purpose of this article is not to cure everyone's needs, but to give those seeking a more effective method, some tools that they can use right away. This specialized knowledge that I will give you, if you are willing to accept it, is based on my nearly thirty five years of experience in raising many millions of dollars for organizations of all types from coast to coast. Warning - You will probably not like everything you are told to do here. There are indeed many ways to quickly and easily raise many thousands of dollars. However, success ultimately requires effort. Your reward should be equal to or greater than the effort put forth. This article is designed to help you obtain the best possible return for your efforts. These Article is not designed to be the answer to all your fund raising questions. They were created to give you an easy to use "intro guide" for setting up and conducting successful product/merchandise fund raising campaigns. What I have tried to do is get you thinking about the very basics of conducting a well run, profitable, project. Wholesale Distributor of Imprinted, engraved and non-imprinted merchandise for business use or non-profit fund raising. Individual client services rep assigned to each client. For More Information: www.KeystoneSpecialties.com

Syndication Source: ThoughtSearch.com]]> http://snapinvesting.com/2010/07/fund-raising-made-easy-part-1-know-the-basics/feed/ 0 http://snapinvesting.com/2010/07/plan-a-successful-california-high-school-fundraiser/ http://snapinvesting.com/2010/07/plan-a-successful-california-high-school-fundraiser/#comments Mon, 26 Jul 2010 20:37:45 +0000 Admin-Eric http://thoughtsearch.com/Plan-a-Successful-California-High-School-Fundraiser/139421/997.html Title: Plan a Successful California High School Fundraiser

Article: The state of California has been a trendsetter as far as its implementation of the health laws concerning children are concerned. With more and more children and young adults being affected by obesity and Type 2 Diabetes, the government has enforced a law like California SB-12 that clearly sets out the portion of sugar, fats and saturated fats content in an individual snack. Therefore if you are associated with a school in California, you need to keep in mind the clauses of California SB-12 as you plan a successful California High School Fundraiser. Obesity occurs as a result of an imbalance in the amount of calories consumed and the amount spent. Therefore it is necessary to look what you eat. All these point towards one thing: it is time to give up chocolate fundraising. When it comes to planning a successful California Fundraiser, these are a bit different from the fundraisers organized in other parts of the country. The teacher, club leader or the coach, whoever is assigned the task of organizing the fundraiser has to do so by complying with the guidelines set by the wellness policy of the school which in turn has to adhere by the California SB-12. The person in charge therefore has to look for healthy fundraising solutions to make the event a success with the children and at the same time keep a tab on the fact their health is not compromised with. Therefore the coach or teacher has to work to find healthy fundraising solutions to this challenge. A search for providers of healthy snacks can be made on the web, browsing through the lists of what they have on offer and then placing the order. One can place an order online or over the phone. The healthy snacks that are ordered are then delivered through FedEx ground. Once these are delivered, then the person at the helm of the fundraiser passes on these snack boxes to the students who volunteer for the fundraising event. The students are then asked to sell these to their peers and the money from the sales is handed in to the Coach or Teacher in charge. At the end of the event, the part of the money is given to providers of the healthy snacks and the remaining part of the proceeds is kept for the cause for which it had been raised. The best thing about these fundraisers is the fact that each snack in these events has less than 35% sugar content, less than 10% saturated fats and less than 35% fat. There is a whole range of healthy snacks on offer and the kids can choose their favorites. California fundraising snacks include Rice Krispies Treats and several delectable items. Initially, right after the implementation of the California SB 12 in July 2007, fundraiser organizers might have thought that planning for the same would not be as easy as it was before. But the truth is that with the easy availability of healthy fundraising solutions, it is much the same. Alec Moreland promotes wellness, nutrition and healthy snacks in fundraising to reduce obesity and Type 2 Diabetes in schools. "America"s #1 Healthy Snack Fundraiser" is The Chocolate Alternative. Healthy_Fundraising_Solutions Contact Alec at alec@healthyfundraisingsolutions.com

Syndication Source: ThoughtSearch.com]]> http://snapinvesting.com/2010/07/plan-a-successful-california-high-school-fundraiser/feed/ 0 http://snapinvesting.com/2010/07/fundraising-with-wellness-in-mind/ http://snapinvesting.com/2010/07/fundraising-with-wellness-in-mind/#comments Mon, 26 Jul 2010 20:37:45 +0000 Admin-Eric http://thoughtsearch.com/Fundraising-With-Wellness-In-Mind/139477/997.html Title: Fundraising With Wellness In Mind

Article: Of all the wisdom that we pass on to our kids, a leaf from the book definitely says "health is wealth." So as we teach them to take care of their most precious asset, the onus lies with the parents and the teachers to initiate the process. This holds true even when you, as a member of the PTA or as a teacher is working on organizing a fundraiser. The purpose of a fundraiser is clear but it should not be the focus of it all. There are other things that need equal attention and healthy fundraising is something that has caught the attention of one and all in the current times. The reasons for this are many. Obesity has emerged as a threat to children and young adults of the country. It has attained endemic proportions and you can come across worried parents at every educational institution. The state legislature also recognizes the seriousness of the situation and hence its wellness policies to counter the increasing cases of obesity. The schools should have a wellness policy in place so that the fundraisers are organized in accordance to the rules and regulations laid out in the same. The laws should be in tandem with Section 204 of the Child Nutrition and WIC Reauthorization Act of 2004. In fact the concern of the authorities is apparent from the fact that some of the states have a much stricter wellness policy in place that outscores even federal policy. Though the policy may vary slightly from one school to another, from one region to another, the basic guidelines remain the same. The task of formulating a wellness policy is left to the local authorities as they are the ones who are fully aware of the nutritional requirements of their respective communities. California has led the way for other states to follow its implementation of the California SB-12. California fundraising snacks thereby have to abide by the norms set by the health department of the state. According to the law, each snack should have less than 10% of the calories from the saturated fats, less than 35% sugar by weight and less than 35% sugar by weight. Now the wellness policies of all California schools include this clause. The rules for elementary school fundraisers are different. After the introduction of the law in 2007, it has become compulsory for all California schools to follow these norms while organizing a fundraiser. A chocolate fundraiser is a strict no-no in all schools of the state. Though it may appear that these wellness policies have hardly left any room for organizing a successful fundraiser, on the contrary, it has opened the gates for healthy fundraising solutions. There are healthy alternatives to all the junk food and the candies that the children gorged on as their parents almost freaked out. Fundraising Rice Krispies Treats and various other low calorie healthy snacks have taken the place of all the fatty and sugary stuff. Without compromising on the taste, these snacks are sure to be a runaway success with kids. Alec Moreland promotes wellness, nutrition and healthy snacks in fundraising to reduce obesity and Type 2 Diabetes in schools. "America"s #1 Healthy Snack Fundraiser" is The Chocolate Alternative. Healthy_Fundraising_Solutions Contact Alec at alec@healthyfundraisingsolutions.com

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