Tax Deferral as an Investment Strategy

By Don Burnham

Deferring taxes is the kind of investment strategy that can be carried out on your income, by which your income tax is paid later in exchange for money invested currently. The advantage of tax deferral is that you get to make more money which you can in turn invest immediately.

For example, say you manage deducting $1000 from your taxable income in the current year and then you invest that amount into an account that gives you interest. As a result of this, you get to pay around $200 less in income tax for the current year. Therefore you are gaining $200 more as compared to if you hadn't invested the $1000. So if you add the deferred $200 to the already invested $1000, your investment adds up to $1200. The other kind of tax deferral that investors often opt for is deferring the amount of tax to be paid for interest earned. The invested amount is taxed, but the interest earned becomes free of tax.

Another type of tax deferral used by investors is the deferment of taxes paid on interest earned. The dollars invested have already been taxed, but any interest earned is tax free.

The accounts for the tax deferred amount that you create will be safe from being taxed till a later stage in your life when you start withdrawing money from that account, at a time when you fall under a lower tax bracket. The Investment Vehicle or plan that you select must be chosen with care and depends on your unique situation.

One available plan is the 401 (k). This vehicle is available only through employers who offer the plan. It allows you to make tax-deductible contributions that grow tax deferred until you withdraw them. Depending on your particular plan, your 401(k) plan may come with a bonus. Some employers match your contributions. You could make 25%-100% on your money instantly if your employer offers matching funds.

A 401 (k) allows you to contribute much more per year than many of the other retirement plans. You can contribute up to $9,500 to your 401 (k) per year and your employer can contribute up to $30,000 per year. You can also have your bonuses issued as 401 (k) contributions to build your retirement wealth even faster. If you ever leave your employer or wish to have more freedom with your 401 (k) investments, you can always rollover the assets in your account into an IRA.

A 401 (K) may work for a beginner at investing, someone who does not know how to invest in stocks or which are the best stocks to invest in.

Another type of plan offered by an employer is the 403 (b). This plan is for public school and non-profit organization employees and it is tax deductible and tax deferred. You can contribute up to $9,500 of your annual gross income each year to this plan.

The other plan is the 403(b) which again has to be offered by your employer. This plan is meant for employees who work in public educational centers or other non profit organizations. Similarly in this plan the money is tax deductible and the investment is tax deferred and you can contribute up to $9,500 yearly. With this plan however you need to be aware of certain risks. You have to invest the money in a tax sheltered annuity which will result in high sale charges and the rates they give will not always be guaranteed.

Anyone with earned income, and the non-working spouse of anyone with earned income, can open up their own IRA and contribute up to $2000 a year. Your accrued earnings are not taxed until you begin withdrawing money from the account. However, withdrawals cannot be made without penalty before age 59 ..Even if your contributions do not qualify for a tax deduction, your earnings are still tax deferred.

There are different kinds of investment that you could make with your IRA, but that depends on the custodian. However it is with the IRA that you will have most options compared to the other employer sponsored schemes.

The Keough plan is available to individuals who work for an unincorporated business or are self-employed. You can contribute up to 25% of your earned income up to a maximum of $30,000. All contributions are tax deductible and your earnings accrue tax deferred. You can contribute much more per year with a Keough than with an IRA. You can elect to contribute a fixed percentage annually, a different percentage annually, or a fixed amount which you decide on. There are three types of Keough plans available and a lawyer can assist you in setting one up.

The SEP or the Simplified Employee Plan is the other type of vehicle which is open to only those companies that have less than twenty five employees. According to this plan you can contribute up to $7,000 yourself and your employer can contribute the rest with the maximum of $30,000. However, at least half of the employees of the company must participate in the plan for it to function.

All of these investment vehicles fall into one of two categories : qualified plans or non-qualified plans.

The 401 (k) and 403 (b) plans are qualified plans. Qualified plans are employer-sponsored plans that provide good benefits but that are restricted to the types of investment options offered by the employer. As we already mentioned, 403 (b) plans often require you to invest your money in tax sheltered annuities. 401 (k) plans generally offer a broader range of conventional investment options, but still seem very limited when compared to non-qualified plans. You usually get to select from a preset choice of investment options such as fixed interest annuities, money market funds, stock in your company, and other traditional investments.

The non - qualified plans allow more freedom regarding when or if you want to make a contribution. All IRA's are a part of this category. Usually investors find it easier to work with non - qualified plans than with qualified ones, they require less reporting and regulating and investors have more control over their investments this way. Often contributions made to these plans can be deducted from tax as a business expense.

Most investments made with the vehicles we have been discussing fall into one of two asset categories: The first is debt and the second is equity. As an investor, you are either an owner or a creditor. Equity owners are entitled to all free cash flows that exceed the debt payment obligations of the underlying economic entity. Creditors receive priority in agreed-upon future interest and principal payments.

When choosing a retirement plan, you want to be certain of the types of investments permitted with your plan. Do not open an account that does not give you the freedom to choose your own investment options, whether they are debt or equity investments. - 23218

About the Author:

Do you want to defer taxes on your income with an investment strategy then, here is the website http://www.weknowthewayback.com of Don Burnham who is an entrepreneur, author, real estate investor, teacher and speaker.

How to Trade Securities Using the Head and Shoulders Top Pattern

By Chris Blanchet

When it comes to technical analysis, the Head and Shoulders Top is a classic pattern. It is arguably one of the most popular and reliable patterns, period. The reason for its popularity has to do with the fact that new and veteran investors alike can easily recognize it. Is it reliable? You bet. This pattern rarely produces false positives.

What a Head And Shoulders Top Looks Like Quite simply, the Head and Should Top pattern resembles a human. The head (the highest peak) has two shoulders on each side (smaller peaks). The patterns is formed when a rally experiences a pull-back, followed by another rally that reaches a higher high than the last, and then a third rally (the right shoulder) that reaches the same left as the first (left shoulder).

Technical analysis will take this one step farther by stipulating volume requirements. Essentially, the first peak (left shoulder) will see the heaviest volume as the stock increases. The head and right shoulder will show diminished volume.

More Technical Considerations Aside from the easily identified pattern that a head and shoulders top creates after the three rallies and the volume requirement listed above, investors should note that the left and right shoulders will peak at roughly the same price levels. As well, the investor can draw neckline between to the two pullbacks and this can slope upwards or downwards. If that neckline is upward-sloping, then the pattern is considered more bullish than a flat or downward sloping neckline. For a solid bearish trade, confirm a downward sloping neckline.

Investors also need to consider the moving average (MA). The Head and Shoulders Top should occur above an appropriate MA, which is often the 50-day moving average but can also be the 200-day MA for longer patterns. As well, the MA should be trending in the same direction as the head and shoulders pattern. In the event that it does not, then it simply suggests that the head and shoulders top is less reliable.

Head and Shoulders-based Trading When making trades based on the head and shoulders pattern, investors should realize that the longer it takes for the pattern to unfold, the longer it will take for the price to drop down to its target. Likewise, in order to confirm this pattern, traders should consider the inbound trend. The inbound trend should last longer than the pattern's overall trend, otherwise it is quite likely that the pattern itself is simply indicating a period of consolidation and is not a true, bearish signal.

Hundreds of head and shoulders patterns will take shape every day. The question is not normally whether the pattern exists but whether it is strong, reliable, and legitimate enough to make a trade decision. Since a fair degree of technical analysis knowledge is required, investors who prefer low-involvement relationships with their investing are often recommended to start with trading software and systems. - 23218

About the Author:

With more than 16 years of experience as a Financial Advisor for one of the world's largest commercial banks, Chris Blanchet is responsible for the Free Technical Analysis Course at Online Trader Today.com. He also maintains a Debt-Free Blog at How To Repay Debt.com.

Property Investment Tips For A Bad Economy

By Alexander Johnson

Property investment is defined as the outlay of money in properties like lands, or buildings in order to get some profit or income out of it. Properties that are usually targets for investment include high-rise residences, and also commercial properties like shops. One must not be afraid of risks when it comes to investing in a property, but always ready to take up positions that sometimes do not even reflect the general market outlook. Smart investors can buy a property during a market crisis and turn it into an overflowing source of income during the boom time.

First rule of investing in any property is to know its location. For beginner investors that are looking to invest, it is best to focus on capital appreciation by buying the right properties located at the right place. The right location means that the property of interest must be closely connected with public facilities like shops, schools, and main roads that meet with highways, as the location is definitely in line with the direction of growth, with prices that have not yet been appreciated. To venture into a familiar local market is also a good step as one is not suddenly thrown into the property game to soon without knowing the basics. Consider the factors such as good feng shui and a safe and friendly neighborhood before investing too.

High-rise apartments that have a strong market for expatriates are obviously a profitable investment, as the rental income can provide a high cash flow. Good bargains on property investment that sells for prices 20% lower that the market price must be checked and looked into during property bust cycle that promotes such bargains.

Loans that are being taken up for property investment must be of the highest quantum and tenure so that one can spread up the use of the capital resources to purchase other properties as well. To make sure that investors are not tangled up in a financial mess, properties to look for must be easily funded and relocated. To be successful at property investment, one should also think of long term plans that involve children education, retirement, and a steady life.

If one is serious at property investment, make sure to take the time and energy to create a personal strategic property investment plan. Create 20-year property investment strategies that consider ones age, present financial status and stage of property cycle, possible economic scenarios, effective investment approaches and also personal goals. Try not to become over-committed financially and take time to stop and think before getting too carried away.

Economic crisis puts a pressure on the success of an investment and patience must be practiced so that one knows that quick returns are not as easy as when the economy is much more stable. Investors must learn to wait until the right time to reap the profits. Eventually, the hands-on experiences and learning from the success and failures of investments pave the road to become an expert at property investment.

Keep in mind that a successful property investment is a long ongoing trip. Through carefully executed efforts and practical strategic investment planning, it is possible for investors to obtain more than financial security. By having an influence on the property market cycle that corresponds to the market stage, investors will have a clear idea of when to buy or sell. - 23218

About the Author:

The work required for property investment and property management is becoming challenging and competitive. Without software, one can be ineffective and make mistakes easily. With software such as rental property management software and property manager software will help a lot in reducing risk and cost.

Profit By Understanding Forex Secrets

By John Eather

The ability to understand and implement Forex secrets is essential to making a profit through Forex trading. The Forex market is a very sophisticated international market which leaves little room for error. It is in a constant state of flux, and unless you have a complete grasp of currency trade, you will be left by the wayside.

The Forex market leads the way in international trading as the largest market of all. The equivalent of three trillion United States dollars make their way through this market every day. Global traders of great expertise implement a variety of techniques to maximize their profit, in addition to calling upon previous experiences. It is very important to both know and understand Forex secrets if you wish to enter this fast paced environment.

Forex secrets are, in truth, anything but secret. The majority of traders know them. The secret lies in knowing how to use them, and getting the timing just right. Forex trading will be profitable for the patient person, who is courageous, and able to wait. Waiting involves being mindful of your investment strategy. Successful traders do not invest everything at once, but rather, keep their options open by setting aside funds for future investments. Then, when the opportunity strikes, they are prepared.

Some of the forex secrets which are very helpful like using future data to gauge the forex trend, using pivot program which shows entry and exit signals, knowledge to read charts of patterns and trends, keeping a watch on the performance and activities of bigger players and using broker tricks and Euro vs USD tricks at an appropriate time.

Historical understanding of currency values is also quite useful, and is a good indicator of future fluctuations. Understanding hedge currency trades, and protecting yourself from falling into the various trading pitfalls is quite important. Patience is required for strategic entering and exiting of the market, and you may also profit through filtering different currency pairs.

All of these Forex secrets mean nothing unless you understand when and how to use them. Trend indicators have been developed to aid you in understanding this complicated market. By far the most popular, the Fibonacci trading method is quite helpful.

Fibonacci was a mathematician in the 1100s who developed mathematical ratios for determining comparative charts. These are called Fibonacci ratios. They are related to cost and time scales, and translated into predictive data. Even still, basic ability to understand charts is very important.

Possessing these Forex secrets will not be enough. You must understand how to use them, and give yourself enough time to learn about the different indicators and various aspects of trading. The Forex market is very sophisticated, and it requires time and experience to produce a positive result. - 23218

About the Author:

Be certain to check out John Eather's free ecourse and reports about Online Forex Trading. Receive the most cutting-edge information concerning forex trading. Go to MoneyMakingFxTrader.com to learn more.

Want To Know What Penny Stocks To Buy? Look Inside....

By Sam Lockwood

Penny stocks have been around since the 19th century, and they've also been a big part of the American investment system ever since they developed. This era is actually the one that gave these stocks their names, as modern penny stocks cost far more than a penny. They average between ten cents and five dollars apiece in modern money. Why don't we take a look at some of the risks you'll encounter when dealing in penny stocks, then ways they can help you turn a profit.

Penny stocks are share offerings made by companies that are either too new or too small to be listed in the major exchanges. These have a potential to grow a lot for a relatively small initial investment, but they can also be part of unpleasant pump and dump schemes. Like anything else in the over the counter (OTC) market, the buyer should beware.

Choosing penny stocks reasonably means that you need to have an independent appraisal of the company's business model. Much like buying shares of any other kind of publicly traded company, it's necessary to understand everything about the company. That means knowing what they do, what they make, what products are offered, how their business model works and who their major competitors are.

One of the most appealing things about penny stocks is that the majority of businesses offering them are quite simply put together. One typical type is that of a mining company, which will only be profitable when the price of the material it mines reaches a certain level. There are also some oil exploration stocks which use this kind of valuation.

Penny stocks are rated as a high risk vehicle by the Securities and Exchange commission. Some of the risks you'll encounter when dealing with these stocks include incomplete and indirect financial reporting, limited liquidity and even complete fraud. People who are playing with a day trading strategy will find that sudden demands for penny stock creates enormous volatility. Penny stocks are hard to short sell for this reason.

The reporting guidelines on penny stocks are a lot less strict than they are for stocks listed on the national exchanges. In fact, some stocks will just delist for a few days. In the investment type known as the Pink Sheets, there's almost no regulatory requirement on penny stocks, no minimum accounting standards or reporting guidelines.

Due to this lack of standardization, this kind of stock is extremely vulnerable to being manipulated and even used for fraud. People posing as independent observers will use their influence to run up penny stock prices, then they'll sell and delist the stock. This is the classic scam referred to as pump and dump.

That doesn't mean you should be scared away from these kinds of stocks completely. There are plenty of reasonable startup companies, and they need somewhere to start. If you're able to pick a winner out of them, you'll get a significant return.

If you're able to spot a company with lots of promise, you could get an enormous payday. Even if you lose four out of five of your picks, the single winner you get will give you enough to forget about the other losses. - 23218

About the Author:

For more penny stocks tips have a look at my day trading website - we set it up for people looking to make money! Click Here for a proven penny stock strategy you can start using today!