Articles & White Papers
2020 Year-End Tax Planning for Aerospace & Defense Industry Executives
2020 has been anything but a normal year and fortunately there are also unique tax and retirement planning opportunities to be aware of for Executives in the Aerospace & Defense Industry.
“Sweet Spot” for Lockheed Martin Retirees to Maximize Roth IRA Conversions and Dramatically Increase Retirement Portfolio
With the recent market losses, current low tax rates and extended age for Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs), now maybe a “Sweet Spot” for Lockheed Martin retirees whose RMDs have not yet kicked in. By making systematic Roth IRA conversions, these retirees can minimize their taxable rollover IRAs and build substantial Roth IRAs with tax free distributions for them and their beneficiaries.
Where are We?
Welcome to the international version of Jumanji! First we had the Chinese Corona Virus, then Russia and Saudi Arabia’s spat that tanked oil prices and now Italy and Spain are in lockdown with tragic loss of life due to the virus. What’s next, worldwide plagues of locusts and hail? Probably not, but all these events are causing some wild gyrations in the market.
Lockheed Martin Stock in Your 401(k)? Want to Reduce Taxes?
In the ten years between January 29, 2010 and January 31, 2020, Lockheed Martin stock has appreciated $353.60/share for an amazing cumulative gain of 474.50% according to Morningstar. Anyone participating in the 401(k) plan over that time could be sitting on a hefty gain on the LMT stock contributed either by Lockheed Martin for the employer match portion or shares purchased by the employee. That’s the good news.
Why Couples Cannot Agree on Goals
Well, it is that time of year again where many people sit down to write their goals for the new year. And as hard as that maybe for individuals to do, it can be downright impossible for couples because now both must agree on and work together to accomplish meaningful and motivating goals?
Three Tax Reducing Strategies for Retiring Aerospace & Defense Industry Executives Who Want to Keep Working - Part 3
Nearly every one of the executives I work with that have retired from the Aerospace & Defense Industry in the last five years have continued to work as consultants either as an employee or self-employed. After spending the last 30+ years as an employee, retiring executives who want to keep working may not know about these three tax reducing strategies available to them as self-employed business owners.
Three Tax Reducing Strategies for Retiring Aerospace & Defense Industry Executives Who Want to Keep Working - Part 2
Nearly every one of the executives I work with that have retired from the Aerospace & Defense Industry in the last five years have continued to work as consultants either as an employee or self-employed. After spending the last 30+ years as an employee, retiring executives who want to keep working may not know about these three tax reducing strategies available to them as self-employed business owners.
Five Year-End Tax Strategies for Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)
Before we can talk about efficient tax strategies for Restricted Stock Units (RSUs), we need to understand exactly how they are taxed. First, they are taxed as ordinary income when they vest and withholding taxes are due at that time. After vesting, if stock is held for more than a year and then sold, the gain is taxed at the long-term capital gain rate of 0%, 15% or 20% depending on your taxable income and filing status. However, if the stock is held less than one year after vesting and then sold, it is taxed at the short-term capital tax rate which will be the same as your ordinary income tax rate.
Three Tax Reducing Strategies for Retiring Aerospace & Defense Industry Executives Who Want to Keep Working - Part 1
Nearly every one of the executives I work with that have retired from the Aerospace & Defense Industry in the last five years have continued to work as consultants either as an employee or self-employed. After spending the last 30+ years as an employee, retiring executives who want to keep working may not know about these three tax reducing strategies available to them as self-employed business owners.
Avoid These Three Costly Mistakes on Your Lockheed Martin Pension
Most Lockheed Martin executives are eligible to receive significant pension benefits beginning at age 55. However, with eight different Pension Payment Methods there are costly mistakes that can be made depending on your specific situation.
- Mistake #1 – Choosing the Life Only option if your spouse is going to outlive you by several years or, if it is the other way around, choosing the 100% Joint and Survivor option.
- Mistake #2 – Choosing Level Income Before Age 62 or Level Income Before Age 65 if you plan to continue working after retiring from Lockheed Martin.
- Mistake #3 – Supplementing your Lockheed Martin Pension income with IRA Distributions before 59 ½ or waiting to age 70 ½.
A Financial Framework for Senior Executives in the Aerospace & Defense Industry
Many senior executives in the Aerospace & Defense Industry have spent their careers growing and managing the businesses for their shareholders and employees. Their busy, demanding jobs can often preclude them from devoting the same time and attention to their own personal financial situations.