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2025 September
Issue #162 |
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“The individual investor should act consistently as an investor and not as a speculator.” |
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In this month’s edition Nick makes the observation that the five years ending this December will almost certainly be the worst period for stocks versus bonds since the stagflationary Seventies.
And that the tragedy of a fixed income is that the most unfixed element in retirees’ lives is their cost of living, which never goes down, but only rises further. Inflation is the potentially fatal disease; dividend growth is the serum. I don’t think this message has ever been more timely. |
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MICHAEL'S ARTICLE OF THE MONTH |
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Barron's Article on Annuities |
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This is an interesting article by Barron's regarding annuities. When use correctly they are one of the most useful retirement-planning tools. You can read my opinion on variable annuities by clicking the box below. Here are a few quick thoughts:
- Only use variable annuities; not fixed nor indexed.
- Invest 100% equity mutual funds inside of the variable annuities, not bonds or other fixed instruments.
- In the article, ignore the company ratings, just read the text.
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2025 Retirement Limits
Roth Max Income Limits
⯎ Single: $150,000
⯎ Joint: $236,000
IRA/Roth Contribution Limits
⯎ Age <50: $7,000
⯎ Over 50+: $8,000 |
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401k Contribution Limits
⯎ Age <50: $23,500
⯎ Age: 50-59: $31,000
⯎ Age 60-63: $34,750
SEP IRA Contribution Limit
⯎ 25% of employee's compensation, or $70,000, whichever is less |
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The Millionaire Next Door
by Thomas Stanley
The Surprising Secrets of America's Wealthy. One of the best books I've ever read on personal financial success.
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Investing in AI for the long term: A tech investor’s view |
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Youtube - August 14, 2025 - 29 minutes |
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As companies rush to invest in artificial intelligence, how do you differentiate disruptors from the disrupted?
Equity portfolio manager Tomoko Fortune, who got her start as a tech investor after the dot-com bubble, brings her global perspective to Capital Group to help discern which companies may thrive in the AI revolution – and which may get left behind. She sits down with Mike Gitlin to discuss the challenge facing companies in the AI race, how her international upbringing and optimistic nature teach her to be bold and tune out noise, and how she found a home at Capital Group thanks to its embrace of long-term investing. |
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August 12, 2025
18 minutes |
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Finding the ‘DeepSeek moments’ across Asia |
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Equity investment analysts Celia Huey outlines current investment opportunities in China, innovation in the technology and healthcare sectors and the benefits of local fundamental research. |
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If a client is Married but Filing Separately what are the income limits to qualify for a Roth IRA? |
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- Same as if filing single.
- Same as if filing joint.
- Must earn less than $10,000 to have a Roth.
- They cannot contribute to a Roth at all.
- Only the spouse with the highest incomes can have Roth IRA.
- Only the spouse with the lowest incomes can have Roth IRA.
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Answer = #3. Must earn less than $10,000 to have a Roth.
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MONEY MEMES AND A LITTLE HUMOR |
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I started my financial planning practice 36 years ago with the goal of serving a finite number of families with a focus on goal-focused, long-term, equity investing. I'm happy to tell you that this process is now well along. I can begin to see the day approaching when I will need to stop accepting new clients.
Between now and then, I would much prefer to establish relationships with colleagues and friends of my existing clients. I enjoy working with you and I'm sure I'd enjoy working with people whom you like and admire. If, and only if, I'm servicing you as you'd hoped I ask you to introduce us.
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Michael Paulding Thomas
Financial Advisor, Registered Representative, Securities Principal. Series 6, 26, 63, 65, Life
Since 1989 I’ve been helping families make smart choices about building a guaranteed income during retirement.
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Retirement Planning • IRAs • 401k's • Rollovers • Mutual Funds • Variable Annuities • College Planning • Term Life Insurance • Living Trusts |
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