Market Perspectives, Tax Planning Insights, and Financial Planning Resources

Market Perspectives

Think Beyond the S&P 500

Big-name stocks get all the spotlight, but there’s a whole world of opportunity out there. This month’s commentary explores why adding small-cap and international stocks strengthen portfolio diversification. With more attractive valuations and different growth drivers, these asset classes add some much-needed balance to your portfolio. It is all about smart diversification for the long haul.

Tax Planning Insights

Estimated Federal Income Tax Payment Rules

The U.S. tax system is “pay-as-you-go,” which means you need to pay taxes throughout the year—either through withholding or estimated payments.

To help you avoid penalties and stay on track, the flowchart below will help you to see if estimated payments apply to you this year.

The decision points identify factors that may trigger a need to make or increase estimated payments, including:

• Self-employment, rental, and investment income
• Unexpected increases in income
• Multiple sources of income
• Underwithholding

Financial Planning Insights

Most people agree that having a well-established emergency fund is the cornerstone of any good financial plan. There is a lot more to an emergency fund than just 3–6 months of expenses.

The checklist below includes some ideas to consider when creating and maintaining an emergency fund.