Financial Tips for October 2012
Asset Allocation Adjustments
Review the asset allocation of your portfolio. Increases and decreases in the value of your portfolio can upset the asset allocation you consider optimal. Should you shift some stock investments into or out of bond investments? Should you shift some funds into tax-free investments?
Health Spending Checkup
If your employer has a flexible spending arrangement (FSA), determine the balance left in the plan. Your plan may allow you to carry over a year-end balance for use early in the following year.
If your plan doesn’t allow unspent money to be carried over, then you may want to incur discretionary medical, dental, or optical costs prior to year-end. If you do not participate in such a plan, find out if one is available at your company. Also, find out if you are eligible for a Health Savings Account.
Review Budget vs. Actuals
Compare September income and expenditures with your budget. Make adjustments as appropriate to your October expenditures. Make sure you have invested your planned savings amount for September.
Estimate Your 2012 Tax Liability
Total up your taxable income, capital gains, and deductions through this date. Estimate the amounts expected through year-end. Determine where you stand, and what steps, if any, you should take prior to year-end to minimize your tax liability. Please feel free to call our office if you need help figuring this out.
By Leon Clinton