by Julie A. Welch, CPA, CFP^®, PFS; and Cara L. Smith, CPA, CFP^®
Julie A. Welch, CPA, CFP^®, PFS, is the director of tax services and a shareholder with Meara Welch Browne P.C. in Leawood, Kansas.
Cara Smith, CPA, CFP^®, is a senior tax manager with Meara Welch Browne P.C. in Leawood, Kansas.

In this world of technology and constant connectivity, working remotely has become more common. 

This month's Planet Money podcast: The Cost of Life in America. 

FYI, great summary of a little known aspect of tax reform which allows investors to defer gains (and receive a 15% step up in basis) by rolling all or a portion of the gains into low income community funds, eg Qualified Opportunity Zones.

The word "goals" seems to generate a certain sort of emotional weight, for many, it's a roll-your-eyes-sort-of-dread ... “Not this again.” But we've found the following ideas to be helpful as we enter the annual season of goal setting.

 To prevent/minimize the impact of data breaches and identity theft:

Political issues shouldn’t play a large role in long-term strategy

Based on Russell Investments 2017 study

Bonds sink as investors bet on an improving economy and value priced stocks.

Portfolio Insights: Index and Factor Investing

The Election and what it might Mean

In July, the stock market continued to rebound from the Brexit correction and experienced a rotation back toward large and medium capitalization growth stocks.

Stocks continue rebound from January funk, but bonds flat in May. Return expectations flat lining after post crisis run.

This is an unbiased comparison of the proposed tax plans for individuals released by Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump. In many ways, their tax policy aligns broadly with the platform of their political party — Clinton wants high-income earners to pay a larger percentage of their income in taxes, while Trump wants to cut taxes for all income levels. 

Midsummer Night’s Market

The good old days, when politicians were civil and worked together, market risk was null, and stock market volatility was low

June 24, 2016

I have no doubt the markets will process Brexit over ensuing days and weeks, and there will be additional volatility related to the announcement. But it will take years for Britain to actually exit the EU, plenty of time for businesses and markets to adapt.

June 24, 2016

I have no doubt the markets will process Brexit over ensuing days and weeks, and there will be additional volatility related to the announcement. But it will take years for Britain to actually exit the EU, plenty of time for businesses and markets to adapt.

Stocks continue rebound from January funk, but bonds flat in May. Our view on market valuations and likely returns. The important dimension of inflation.

Take this to the bank. If indeed we are in a moderate return environment, then the margin for error is smaller, and it is more important than ever to invest in index funds, keep costs low, and to avoid both inertia and opportunity costs associated with active management.

The trade deficit has become a political football leaving many with the perhaps misguided notion that our trade deficit with countries like China and Mexico makes us a loser. As with many things economic, it ain't that simple. Arm yourself with the facts: