Equity Investment Selection

Henssler Financial follows a strict investment philosophy for all investors. When it comes to equity investments, we suggest only investing money you will not need within the next 10 years in high quality, individual common stocks that fall within a strict investment criteria. For more details on how we choose individual common stocks, read this Financial Tip.

The Investment Interest Deduction: Will You Get Your Deduction This Year? Margin Account Holders May Be In For a Surprise

The Internal Revenue Code allows investors to borrow money to make an investment, and to deduct that interest to the extent of their net investment income. However, many investors find that their investment income is treated as Qualified Dividend Income, which receives preferential tax treatment. For more information on why these investors cannot take an investment interest deduction, read this C.P.A. Insight.

Trips That Mix Business with Pleasure

You traveled to Aspen to sign a contract with a client on Thursday, but you stayed until Sunday to enjoy some time on the ski slopes to celebrate the deal. Before you write the entire trip off as a business expense, there are a few circumstances that need to be examined before determining deductibility. For more information on trips that mix business with pleasure, read this C.P.A. Insight.

Donating Usage of Your Rental Property

If you won a week at a vacation property in Florida in your church’s silent auction, you are allowed to enjoy your vacation, but you are not allowed to consider your bid as a charitable donation on your taxes. For more information on how the IRS views charitable use of vacation homes, read this C.P.A. Insight.

Discuss Retirement Changes Now

Recent surveys show that while couples agree investment and retirement plans need adjustment because of the the market’s downturn, they do not agree on how their plans should be adjusted. For more information on what you and your spouse should consider when evaluating your financial future, read this Financial Strategy.

Naming an Executor

Executors of a Will are required to administer an estate with the highest degree of trust and honesty. It can be a daunting task, depending on the complexity of the estate. For more information on some of the duties/requirements of an executor, read this Financial Strategy.

Tax Issues with Inherited IRAs

If you are a non-spouse beneficiary of an IRA, the IRS has very specific rules as to how the IRA must be treated to avoid immediate taxation. Tax planning is a must as once mistakes have been made, they cannot be undone, which could result in loosing thousands of dollars to taxes. For more information on how an inherited IRA should be treated, read this C.P.A. Insight.

Planning for Inflation

It is no surprise that investors are worried about inflation in the current economic environment, as many of the moves by the U.S. Treasury and Federal Reserve could lead to above average inflation if left in place too long. For information on how to protect your portfolio against the prospects of future inflation, read this Financial Tip of the Week.

§1031—Tax Deferred Exchanges of Like-Kind Property

Remember your childhood when you traded one baseball card for another? That was OK, but if you traded your bicycle for a baseball card there were consequences? This experience is similar to how the IRS treats like-kind exchanges, except now your trade is brokered by lawyers, C.P.A.s and intermediaries. For more information on Section 1031 like-kind exchanges, read this C.P.A. Insight.