The springtime tradition of getting your house shipshape applies to your financial house, as well.
The birds singing and flowers blooming are a cue – it’s time for heavy duty cleaning and organizing. That includes cleaning out your financial to-do list and discussing any outstanding items with your advisor. It’s also a good idea to check your credit report and consider consolidating your retirement accounts.
Spring 2019 Market Closures
Friday, April 19: Good Friday
Monday, May 27: Memorial Day
Mark Your Calendar
Monday, April 1: Final day to take 2019 required minimum distributions if you turned 70½ in 2018.
Monday, April 15: Tax day – the deadline to file your taxes or request a tax filing extension.
Monday, April 15: Last day to contribute to traditional and Roth IRAs or Coverdell education savings accounts for 2018.
Planning To-Do’s
Don’t delay distributions: If over 70½, take required minimum distributions (RMDs) from your IRAs and qualified plans. You must begin RMDs by April 1 the year after you turn 70½. After the first distribution, IRA holders must take distributions by December 31 each year. That means if you reached 70½ during 2018, and you delayed your 2018 initial RMD until April 1, 2019, your 2019 RMD would still be due before December 31, 2019. For more information, go to irs.gov/rmd.
Home in on a housing plan: It’s homebuying season. If you’re considering buying or refinancing a home, check your finances and pay close attention to interest rates.
Weigh an extension: If applicable – particularly if you hold securities subject to income reallocation – ask your tax advisor if filing an extension with the IRS would be beneficial.
Unify and simplify: If you have retirement accounts with former employers, talk to your advisor about your options.
Pull your credit report: Obtain a free copy of your credit report and conduct a midyear review.
Dream of graduation: Talk to your advisor about education savings plan alternatives for your child or grandchild.
Have a teachable moment: Start a conversation about finances and budgeting with a student or recent graduate in your life. Consider introducing him or her to your financial advisor to learn the basics of saving and investing.
Talk to your advisor to make sure you don’t miss any important financial planning dates this spring season.
There is no assurance any investment strategy will be successful. Investing involves risk including the possible loss of capital. Withdrawals from tax-deferred accounts may be subject to income taxes, and prior to age 59½ a 10% federal penalty tax may apply. Investment products are: not deposits, not FDIC/NCUA insured, not insured by any government agency, not bank guaranteed, subject to risk and may lose value. Raymond James financial advisors do not render legal or tax advice. Please consult a qualified professional regarding legal or tax advice.
