Dear Garden State Trust: I’m 74 and my wife turns 70 this year. I’ve been taking required minimum distributions (RMDs) from my IRA, and she should begin hers this year. However, we hate to sell our stocks at low prices. Any suggestions? —Comfortably Retired Dear Comfortably: If you have not yet taken your RMD for…
Author: gstc
Charitable Giving During a Crisis
Americans have been noted to be the most generous on the planet in terms of charitable giving, and that generous nature has inspired us many times over when we face and overcome crises as a community. The Federal government is also trying to promote charitable giving, and has added incentives beyond what is generally provided…
Stock Prices
Dear Garden State Trust: The drop is stock prices has really hammered my portfolio. How much lower can prices go? —Terrified Investor Dear Terrified: No one knows. No one can know with any certainty at this time. I can only provide some context. The question for all investors will be, are stocks a good investment…
Thinking Creatively In a Crisis
The safety of our people is extremely important, and we urge all necessary precautions be taken to protect against the threat of the coronavirus. The difficulties from the pandemic goes across all creeds and wealth levels. It has shown us some of the best of humanity through the extraordinary efforts of first responders and charities.…
Fed Rate Cuts
Dear Garden State Trust: The Federal Reserve cut interest rates by half a percentage point on March 3. What does that mean for my portfolio? —Skittish Investor Dear Skittish: Normally the Federal Reserve makes interest rate adjustments at its regularly scheduled policy meeting. The rate cut on March 3 was between meetings, which is the…
Myth or Reality – What Affects Your Credit Score?
Even the most responsible person in the world who has never missed a payment could be missing a good credit score. Why? Because it takes time to build a reputation, which is based on what you’ve done. The general guidance for creating a good reputation and credit score aligns with what one would expect: Live…
RMDs After the SECURE Act
Dear Garden State Trust: My wife and I each have IRAs. I was born May 1, 1949, she was born September 1, 1949, so we will both be 71 this year. I’ve heard that required minimum distributions from IRAs are no longer required until age 72, is that right? —Confused Retiree Dear Confused: You are…