If you own investment real estate, you've probably heard depreciation described as one of the great perks of the asset class — a "phantom" deduction that shelters income without costing you a dime out of pocket. That's true, as far as it goes. But depreciation isn't free. It's a loan from the IRS, and eventually the bill comes due. Most investors understand depreciation as a line item that lowers taxable income each year. Far fewer understand how it's calculated, how it needs

If you own investment real estate, you've probably had this thought at some point: "I could never get a rate like this again — I should just hold on." It's one of the most common reasons investors give for keeping a property. It's also one of the least examined. A low rate feels like a reason on its own. But a rate is just one input into a much bigger equation, and when it's the only input you're looking at, it's easy to miss what your equity is actually doing for you. Here's

It’s common for those who are nearing retirement to assume their taxes get simpler in retirement. They often get more complex – and more expensive – because of what gets overlooked. Before we get started, I am a flat-fee financial advisor who helps people retire in Alabama, Georgia, and across the country. Check out my blog for more financial insights for retirees and near retirees. And now, on to the blog! Here are three of the most common (and costly) misses I see: 1.

Having a 401(k) plan is a great benefit, but as a participant, it's not always clear how to make the most of it. Here's everything you need to know to begin maximizing your participation in KIA Georgia 401(k). Before we get started, I am a flat fee financial advisor in Georgia and Alabama, serving employees of local companies in those states and across the country. Click here to join my Substack and receive updates when I publish other blogs about KIA Georgia retirement ben

February 19 isn’t that memorable of a day for most people. And why should it be? This month has already brought us Valentine’s Day, Ash Wednesday, President’s Day, and the month includes many other celebratory dates. And while February 19 isn’t a day to be celebrated, at least for long-term investors, it should be a day that we consider on a regular basis if for no other reason than to remember what we’ve been through. On February 19, 2020, the S&P 500 Index closed at 3,386.1

At the start of the year, the retired real estate investor is rarely thinking in terms of “big moves”. Instead, they’re more likely to be thinking in terms of control, predictability, and optionality. With the prior year still fresh in their minds, questions surface such as: · What repairs came out of nowhere? · How much tax did I actually pay? · Which properties felt like assets – and which felt like obligations? · How much effort did the por

Roth conversions are often an end-of-the-year exercise because the decision hinges so much on knowing your actual marginal tax rate – and that’s something you may not be able to accurately estimate until most of the year has played out. However, it may be surprising to learn that early-year conversions may be more beneficial in the long-run. This has to do with the fact that markets go up over time although there’s no guarantee of this in any given year. For example, if you

On the 4 th of July, in between the hot dogs and fireworks, there may be a few history buffs out there who pull out their copy of The...

The evidence is all around; more out-of-towners are taking up full-time residence and retiring in Auburn, Alabama. On the verge of...