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In recent months there has been much debate about whether the U.S. economy is heading for a recession. While there is no denying a slowdown is taking place, we believe the U.S. economy remains healthy and the probability of a recession is low. Our assessment is based on a review of the factors affecting the…
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Given the equity market volatility over the last several months, emotions are running high and there is a sense of panic in the air. After reaching all-time highs this year, the major U.S. equity market indexes have done an about face and have declined by double digit percentages from those peaks. The causes of the…
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At Raskob Kambourian, one of our goals is to help people anticipate life’s changes. One important life change we all have in common is aging. The question is – Can we realistically plan on staying in our own home as our medical and physical abilities decline? When asked, many express a strong desire to “Age…
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No More Personal and Dependent Exemption Deductions: For 2018-2025, the new tax law eliminates personal and dependent exemption deductions, which would have been $4,150 each for 2018. More Generous Child Tax Credit Rules: The new tax law increases the maximum child credit to $2,000 per qualifying child under the age of 17. Up to $1,400…
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Many people don’t really think about taxes once the tax season is over…but people promoting scams do. Each year, the IRS releases the top 12 scams, known as the Dirty Dozen. The schemes range from simple refund inflation to technical tax shelter deals. Here’s a review of this year’s Dirty Dozen: Phishing: Taxpayers should watch…
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An interesting feature of the 2018 tax bill is the 21% excise tax to be imposed on salaries and “parachute payments” (severance payments) in excess of $1 million paid by tax exempt organizations. This currently applies to charities, universities, churches etc. – all tax exempt organizations. For example, the University of Alabama which pays football…
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Every year, millions of lives are financially destroyed due to identity theft. Watch for warning signs that it might be happening to you. Even though you have good credit, your loan or credit card application is rejected or if you lose out on a new job at the last minute, check your credit rating. Your…
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Inflation has been pretty benign over the last 20 years, right? The U.S. Consumer Price Index has ranged from negative 0.4% in 2009 to a high of 3.8% in the awful 2008 economic year. In 13 of those 20 years, the CPI was below 2.5%, which is hardly comparable to the double-digit inflation rates that…
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To provide the highest level of service to our clients, we utilize powerful analysis and data management software. According to independent studies that RKFA participates in, we spend more on our software technology than other financial institutions of our size. We have always had the goal to do the best for our clients with the…
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Bull markets climb a “wall of worry.” The “wall of worry” consists of various fears and challenges that either alone or in conjunction with each other would seemingly bring an end to a bull market. After a relatively tranquil 2017, this year has been characterized by numerous fears and challenges. Fears surrounding trade and tariffs,…