One of the most important benefits of the Social Security program is the spousal benefit. This payment is made at retirement to the spouse of the individual who paid into the Social Security system over time. The spousal benefit payment was originally intended to provide some income in retirement for the non-working spouse in a […]
Springwater’s Q1 2017 Market Commentary
Click here to read our first quarter market commentary.
A Market Update – March 28, 2017
The US stock market, as measured by the Dow Jones Industrial average, has now experienced six consecutive days of losses. This has not happened since 2011. The markets may be questioning whether the new administration will be able to execute on plans that include tax reform, reduced governmental regulation, better trade arrangements and fiscal stimulus. […]
Can I contribute to an HSA while on Medicare?
Many people are attracted to the tax benefits of health savings accounts (HSA’s) when these accounts are linked to a high deductible health insurance plan. HSA’s offer a triple tax break – contributions are tax-deductible, assets grow tax-free, and qualified distributions are also tax-free. Once an account holder turns 65 the monies in the HSA […]
What is the Required Minimum Distribution (RMD)?
If you’ve reached a certain age, you may have recently received a letter from your bank, brokerage firm or mutual fund company, informing you that you’ll have to take an RMD before year end – and they may have even told you what the amount is. So what is an RMD? Well, let’s start by […]
A Look Back at 2016
We’re pleased a present a look back at 2016 here, courtesy of the professionals at Dimensional Fund Advisors.
Springwater’s Q4 2016 Market Commentary
Click here to read our fourth quarter market commentary.
Springwater featured in the OSCPA journal “The Accountant”
The December 2016/January 2017 edition of “The Accountant”, published by the Oregon Society of CPA’s, included our article on Core Financial Planning Areas for Your Clients. The article highlights a number of areas where CPAs can assist their clients, including: – financial statements – risk management – tax management – education planning – investment management […]
The IRS has announced the 2017 retirement plan limits
The 2017 retirement plan limits have recently been announced by the IRS. These new limits are effective January 1, 2017. If you are an employee and a retirement plan participant, be sure to contact your employer as soon as possible if you wish to change your retirement plan salary deferrals for 2017. Of course, if […]
Modest Increase in Social Security Cost of Living Adjustment for Next Year
According to the Social Security Administration, benefits will receive a 0.3% increase in 2017, compared to the 0% increase they received this year. The average monthly benefit will increase to $1,360 from $1,355 starting in January. There was no automatic adjustment in 2016 because of low inflation. Next year will mark the fourth consecutive year […]