From purely a value standpoint, a used car is the way to go. “You’re going to take a deprecation hit on a new car,” says Langley Steinert, founder of GarGurus.com. “If money is your primary focus, then it doesn’t make a lot of sense to buy new.” A new car generally takes a 20% hit in depreciation the minute it leaves the lot. This means that even a one-year-old used car will be 20-30% cheaper. With a used car, you’ll also pay lower insurance costs. Certified pre-owned cars can be a good middle ground between buying brand new and any old used vehicle. If you want to buy CPO, be sure to check that it is factory or manufacturer certified, and not dealer certified. Some dealers offer their own types of CPO programs, which tend to offer lower warranty coverage with greater restrictions, warns Brauer.

Advantages of buying a used vehicle

Cheaper – You’re looking at 15-20% cheaper on average when it comes to depreciation when compared to a new vehicle. With a used vehicle, you’ll pay lower insurance rates. The resale value of a certified pre-owned car will generally be about 20% lower than its used value. A certified pre-owned vehicle will come with factory warranty protection, which means that if you have any issues with your vehicle, you’ll be covered by the manufacturer.

Disadvantages of buying a used vehicle

Used cars come with a few disadvantages that new ones don’t, but they’re often overcome by convenience and the proven reliability of the pre-owned car. The price advantage isn’t always as great as it seems. Because of depreciation, today’s used cars are typically just as expensive as they were 10 or 15 years ago, as our friends at Kiplinger.com report. Buying a used car is also difficult. There’s always a selection of cars to choose from. You have to try them out in the dealership before you buy, and you often have to meet the dealer to talk about it.

How to Find the best-used vehicle deals

If you’re looking for a bargain, you’ll need to pay attention to value and current availability. Read reviews, ask around and compare pricing. Use online tools to see if there are any discounts available. “If you don’t have an online presence, then you need to get one,” says Steinert. “All car shoppers need an online presence.” Some dealerships may offer pre-owned vehicles that have been professionally checked out, which could save you up to 15%. Use a certified vehicle inspector. Many reputable vehicles come with a factory or dealer inspection certificate, which can provide vital information on mechanical and structural defects that may otherwise be covered up by wear and tear.

This post contains affiliate links. Please please read my Disclaimer for more information

What to consider when buying a used vehicle

You need to look for a good deal, but you should also factor in the following: Bounce-back depreciation. Before buying a vehicle, factor in the cost of depreciation over the first three to five years. A good rule of thumb is that a 4-year-old used vehicle should retain 80-90% of its value. If you lease or finance a car, you may have to pay extra to buy the vehicle out at the end of the contract. If you don’t, you could end up overpaying for the car.

Advantages of buying a new vehicle

More recent cars have more features, so you’ll find they’re often faster. “If I don’t need all the bells and whistles that come with a new vehicle, I can get a better deal,” says Steinert. And there’s a good chance the vehicle will have come from a dealership that’s been open for a few years, which will allow you to negotiate the price of the car. Some newer cars offer better fuel economy, which means you’ll pay less at the pump. A newer car will also have more appealing technology that will fit your lifestyle better. So there may be more safety features, for example, or you’ll find some of the techs in a new car can be easier to use than the tech in an older one. A newer car will often also have better technology for parking and driving at night.

Disadvantages of buying a new vehicle

New cars also carry higher price tags and lots of extra requirements like expensive warranties. You can get “certified” to drive a new car, but with the lack of third-party verification, your salesman could be liable for what’s stated in the warranty. New vehicles can also be more of a burden for some drivers who may only need to move around during the summer. For those drivers, it might make more sense to lease a used vehicle.

How to Find the best new vehicle deals

To get the best new vehicle deals, you’ll have to be ready to shop early, often, and patiently. Just a few days can make a difference. “The best time to buy a new car is right after Labor Day or just before Memorial Day,” says Steinert. “A lot of dealers are trying to unload their inventory in preparation for the end of the summer and the fall.”

What to consider when buying a new vehicle

Buying a new vehicle can be intimidating. After all, many people equate cars with need. But if you buy the right one, you can afford one to enjoy for years to come. Here are a few tips to help get you started: Be flexible about payment length: There are many people who need to hold out until they save up enough to buy a new car. “You do have to put money away before you buy,” says Steinert. “But the car is the second-largest expense in most people’s lives, so you have to save up the money.

Should I buy a used or a new vehicle?

The best thing about a used vehicle is the warranty. These vehicles generally come with extended warranties and hefty discounts on gas and maintenance. You also get to see the problem areas before buying. Once you do, you can negotiate with the seller to exchange for a newer model. However, there are downsides too. A new vehicle may have been crashed tested, then updated with better crash avoidance technology. You’re buying brand new and sometimes third-party tests come to different conclusions. That’s another reason to avoid used cars. As for safety, the new standards ensure improved pedestrian safety and crash protection. With used vehicles, this isn’t guaranteed. “If safety matters a lot to you, look for new,” says Steinert.

Conclusion

Buying used can save you hundreds of dollars. The only question that remains is: “What’s your budget?” We hope this has helped you choose a new or used vehicle based on your financial goals and needs.

“If you have any feedback about should I buy a used or a new vehicle that you have tried out or any questions about the ones that I have recommended, please leave your comments below!”

NB: The purpose of this website is to provide a general understanding of personal finance, basic financial concepts, and information. It’s not intended to advise on tax, insurance, investment, or any product and service. Since each of us has our own unique situation, you should have all the appropriate information to understand and make the right decision to fit with your needs and your financial goals. I hope that you will succeed in building your financial future.

By buying a foreclosed home, you can score a great deal during a time when deals are hard to find. “The advantage of purchasing a foreclosure property is, in short, price,” says John Soffee, a Realtor with Freedom Realty Services in Midlothian, Virginia. However, the process is more nuanced than buying a traditional listing, and it’s important to remember that foreclosures are currently at record lows. Many lenders have stopped foreclosing during the coronavirus pandemic, and generous forbearance programs allow troubled borrowers to skip payments for up to a year. It’s possible, though, that foreclosure levels will tick up in 2021. If you’re wondering how to buy a foreclosed home, consider this your primer.

What is a foreclosure?

A foreclosure is when a lender files a lawsuit against the borrower to repossess the property, and the borrower then has 90 days to appeal. The foreclosure sale is when the bank auctions the home to a third party, usually a real estate investment trust or institutional investor. In many states, there’s a maximum waiting period for the sale of a foreclosed home. The typical waiting period is 90 days. In South Dakota, Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania, there’s also a six-month “cool off” period after which you cannot purchase a foreclosure home. In Virginia, the law allows for “qualifying relatives” — spouses, children, grandparents, and siblings — to purchase foreclosed properties as long as they do not live in them, Soffee says.

Pros of buying a foreclosure

The two main advantages to purchasing a foreclosure: Price — You can save big on the purchase price of a home. For example, a two-bedroom, two-bath home that’s currently valued at $140,000 might sell for only $90,000 after bankruptcy sales and other escrow-backed deals are paid off. The foreclosure can easily bring that price down to as little as $85,000. “People can find foreclosed properties under $50,000,” Soffee says. Inspection — “Many buyers shy away from foreclosure homes because they’re at risk of a major sewer line collapse or structural problems,” Soffee says. “Those are things they just won’t stand for. However, if you know your inspector well, you can make sure the home passes an inspection.” — Anna Jean Kaiser is a publicist.

Cons of buying a foreclosure

“Properties that come with bankruptcy (court) judgments may have conditions attached, such as requiring closing within 45 days,” says Gary Bose, who co-authored “Buying Foreclosed Homes: The Ultimate Guide to Home-Buying and Remodeling,” with his son, Gary Bose Jr. “These conditions can impose a substantial cost, since you have to submit your proof of funds to the Bankruptcy Court, typically within a day of purchasing the home. Some creditors might call you to check on your cash flow in that time,” says Gary Bose. “Another option is to create an escrow account to handle these small payments.” Foreclosure, even a short-term situation, isn’t cheap. “The owner has to put down 20% on the cost of the home,” says Soffee. “For most buyers, that’s more than the original asking price.

This post contains affiliate links. Please please read my Disclaimer for more information

How to Find Foreclosed Homes

Foreclosures come up at the end of the market, not at the beginning, according to Ms. Nyberg. It’s much easier to find foreclosed homes at the end of the market because lenders usually avoid marketing to desperate sellers and are instead focused on a buyer pool that’s already lined up. Foreclosures are also more difficult to find when they’re bought by investors or speculative buyers. These are the people who buy and hold properties, generating cash by renting them out, which means they can often pay much higher rents than they’re actually paying.

Find an experienced real estate agent

So, how do you find a foreclosure home? “It takes time and determination,” says Soffee. Typically, you need an experienced real estate agent who specializes in the foreclosure market and is familiar with every “mechanism” of a lender’s foreclosure process. With the help of the agent, you should visit the listing multiple times, day and night, so you can familiarize yourself with the property, the surroundings, and the neighborhood, including everything from curb appeal to crime rates. Before you start the inspection process, it’s important to ask questions and make sure you know how much a property is worth so you don’t find yourself overpaying. Also, if you can’t verify its condition on your own, get a professional inspection.

Get a preapproval letter

To get a preapproval letter from a lender, check out the Foreclosure Registry at Bankrate.com. The site has links to mortgage lenders and foreclosure paperwork that can be used to get a loan from a bank before the loan gets under contract. Once the borrower has an appraisal and lender preapproval, they can put a sign in the yard and begin an open house, then begin marketing the house. The buyer will pay a low-interest mortgage, and the bank will take back the home from the borrower after nine months or the homeowner’s death. The first mortgage loan is called the “Title Agent,” and the seller has the mortgage. After nine months, the buyer pays back the Title Agent, and the bank takes back the home.

Look at comps before making an offer

Comparing the value of a foreclosed home to similar homes in the neighborhood will help you gauge whether it’s a good deal. If you see a house that has been recently foreclosed, ask a Realtor to check the past sales history of comparable properties, says Soffee. He notes that this comparison doesn’t ensure that a foreclosed home is a good deal, but can give you an idea of whether you could get a good price on the property. On the flip side, don’t dismiss a foreclosure simply because it’s been in foreclosure. “One of the things we often see is that people are under the false assumption that foreclosures are foreclosed,” says Soffee. “Even if it has been foreclosed, it is not considered to be vacant, so you could potentially see another buyer come in and put it on the market.

Bid higher if other foreclosures are selling quickly

If your mortgage is falling due on another house, you might want to bid higher if another foreclosure has yet to sell. “The process is so slow right now, and it would help me when a foreclosure comes on,” says Janice Smith, a Realtor in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. Keep in mind, however, that if you bid too high and the home goes to another bidder, your offer may be canceled. “If the owner can get a better price before you, they will often cancel your offer and just go to the other bidder,” Soffee says. Make sure the home is a good investment. Any homeowner who lived in a house can tell you that you can’t let the value of your house erode. “You have to stay in the home,” Smith says.

Be prepared to buy a foreclosed home in ‘as-is’ condition

“Buyers should look for solid construction,” says Kris Winegarner, a Realtor with the Carson Group. That means it’s going to take an inspection, of course, and not every lender will accept buyers that have been slapped with a deficiency notice, which is a temporary mistake that can occur if the borrower is short on the down payment or income to afford the mortgage. Additionally, it’s very likely that you’re going to have to take out a mortgage loan, which means you’ll need to have the proper down payment, credit score, and income for the mortgage. “Buyers should do their due diligence to be prepared to assume this potential risk,” says Winegarner. “But with the right lender and mortgage rate, it can be a very lucrative venture.

Conclusion

The housing market is slowly recovering, but that recovery is very much a patchwork of ups and downs. Some neighborhoods are booming and some aren’t, and it pays to be prepared. The following information can help you find, buy and manage a foreclosure property with peace of mind.

“If you have any feedback about how to buy a foreclosure that you have tried out or any questions about the ones that I have recommended, please leave your comments below!”

NB: The purpose of this website is to provide a general understanding of personal finance, basic financial concepts, and information. It’s not intended to advise on tax, insurance, investment, or any product and service. Since each of us has our own unique situation, you should have all the appropriate information to understand and make the right decision to fit with your needs and your financial goals. I hope that you will succeed in building your financial future.

In this buyer’s market, some homebuyers ask themselves: Will purchasing a short sale or foreclosure end in disaster — or yield a jackpot? And which type is best to go all-in with: a short sale or foreclosure? “There’s really no cut-and-dry answer,” says Gwen Daubenmeyer, a certified distressed property expert with Re/Max in the Hills in the Detroit area. “It really depends on the buyer and what the buyer’s priorities are.” Before starting their search, homebuyers who want to play their cards right should know the benefits and drawbacks of buying either type of “distressed” property: foreclosures and short sales.

What is a short sale?

Short sales — which are typically recorded with the county recorder’s office — refer to the sale of a home for less than the value owed on the mortgage. The best-known example was during the Great Recession when thousands of homes sold for less than their mortgages after being “shorted” by homeowners who were underwater (that is, owing more than what the home is worth). The short sale has become a more popular option as home values have rebounded in recent years. “The mortgage crisis was so bad that there was really no other alternative [but to sell for less],” Daubenmeyer says.

Benefits of buying a short sale

Short sales are not foreclosures. For that reason, they don’t carry a big stigma. These transactions often take place quickly — typically between 30 days and 90 days, Daubenmeyer says — and they can save sellers a huge chunk of cash. “There’s nothing new about a short sale,” Daubenmeyer says. “It has been going on for years and years and years.” Generally, they require less time and paperwork than a traditional foreclosure — and they won’t increase a homebuyer’s likelihood of eventually being kicked out of the property. “A short sale can resolve all of the issues that typically would go on in a foreclosure,” Daubenmeyer says. What’s more, they may also be less expensive to buy.

Drawbacks of buying short sales

It can take longer: “If you’re trying to buy a short sale, it’s typically a much longer time period to work through,” says Daubenmeyer. Because the lender has the right to decide when the sale can close, buyers are forced to sit on the seller’s property as the sale proceeds. If they want to continue looking, they may have to sit out until the sale closes, potentially wasting precious time. (The timeline varies on the type of short sale or foreclosure, too: If the home is a foreclosure, buyers can expect the sale to close in 30 to 60 days; for a short sale, sellers expect it to close in 90 to 120 days.) Pay a higher price: While a short sale may offer the most bang for your buck, it may also involve paying a higher price than a foreclosure.

This post contains affiliate links. Please please read my Disclaimer for more information

What is foreclosure?

A foreclosure is a way for a lender to “own back” a property, usually foreclosed on from a foreclosure proceeding in the county where the property is located. “Lenders take over the rights to the property, and they can take control over it any time they feel like it,” Daubenmeyer says. A foreclosure often ends in the foreclosure sale — whereby the lender simply sells the home at auction to another buyer — or it may conclude in a repossession case, where the lender, which in many instances was then the original mortgagee, takes ownership of the property by executing a judgment. A lender may file a foreclosure lawsuit to foreclose on a home and seek control over it, but the process doesn’t always result in a sale.

Benefits of buying foreclosure

If you’re looking for a quick turnaround, mortgage lenders will look favorably on your purchase. Since these homes were in foreclosure, it’s likely that there are no negative encumbrances — like liens or standing water, which are usually a deal-killer. Many mortgage lenders will actually waive fees related to delinquent property taxes, to boot. (Under current law, borrowers in default are liable for their delinquent taxes until they pay them off.)

Drawbacks of buying foreclosures

Drawbacks of buying foreclosures include the tax hit on the closing, but there’s also a lot to consider. While a short sale can take months to get approved by the bank or lender and a foreclosure a few weeks, foreclosure purchases require a key component to be done before you close: buy a new title to the property. Once the new deed is secured, you can close on the short sale/foreclosure. While a short sale can take months to get approved by the bank or lender and a foreclosure a few weeks, foreclosure purchases require a key component to be done before you close: buy a new title to the property. Once the new deed is secured, you can close on the short sale/foreclosure. The tax hit: Remember, if you have capital gains on your investment, that money is taxable.

Purchasing delays

It takes time for a short sale to be processed by the bank that holds the mortgage, making it an “orphan” transaction. However, it will always be quicker to buy than to rent, which typically takes six to nine months on average. And, for the buyer, the wait will be well worth it: The seller can get their cash fast and the buyer won’t have to close escrow and bring in their downpayment. Buyers often prefer the speed of buying because they’re usually holding out for a better deal, says Daubenmeyer. “But I’ve been in a short sale when I was the one who had to sell [the home],” she adds. “They might not have gotten exactly what they wanted, but it wasn’t a huge hit to their credit, and there was less of a market disadvantage.

Additional Risks

Concerns about any real estate deal should be weighed, and, of course, every buyer’s situation is unique, notes Daubenmeyer. But it’s also important for buyers to consider that foreclosure buyers are usually required to jump through a lot more hoops to close the deal. Re/Max explains that for foreclosure properties, buyers must submit forms proving their creditworthiness, and once the seller “closes,” the seller is supposed to move out, and the buyer has to sign paperwork verifying that the keys have been turned over to the bank. While short sales often give sellers cash on the barrelhead, there is one major difference between a foreclosure and a short sale.

Potential Additional Fees

By law, when a property becomes a short sale or foreclosure, additional fees and costs are levied against the buyer. (The buyer must pay the mortgage lender, Realtor, attorney, etc., on top of what the home is actually worth.) These costs can include Mortgage Fraud, Agreement Fee (MFA), Mortgage recording fees, Bank charge-offs, Title Insurance, Mortgage Insurance, and Restrictions on the Sale of Property. Several of the above fees and charges can cause a short sale or foreclosure to be much pricier than it should be. And while not all short sales are as pricey as others, some Realtors have reported that in most cases, a short sale (no title insurance) will run between $30,000 and $100,000 more than a foreclosure (full title insurance) or short sale.

Conclusion

Which type of home you decide to buy may be dependent on which type of buyer you are. For many, buying a foreclosure, short sale or another type of “distressed” property might be the best decision available. But for others, looking at the wrong home is the key to disaster. The right type of property can be the difference between escaping foreclosure and losing your home.

“If you have any feedback about should I buy a short sale or foreclosure that you have tried out or any questions about the ones that I have recommended, please leave your comments below!”

NB: The purpose of this website is to provide a general understanding of personal finance, basic financial concepts, and information. It’s not intended to advise on tax, insurance, investment, or any product and service. Since each of us has our own unique situation, you should have all the appropriate information to understand and make the right decision to fit with your needs and your financial goals. I hope that you will succeed in building your financial future.

If you want to exchange your current life insurance, endowment, or annuity policy for a new policy, a 1035 Exchange just might be a great tax-deferred option for you to consider.

What is a Section 1035 Exchange?

1035 Exchange is the sale of a “qualified life annuity contract” (QLAC) in exchange for a qualified longevity annuity contract (QLAAC) or a qualified endowment contract (QEAC) in a Qualified Retirement Annuity Contract (QRAC) (both of which allow one or more death benefits to be passed on after the client dies). The current owner can usually access the money in the policy any time after the purchase is completed. If the owner needs to access the funds early, they can (subject to annual tax withholding). The account owner can’t use their gains to pay for living expenses while they are still alive. You can find more information in IRS Publication 590 (Circular 190) QLAC and QEACs allow you to defer up to $3,000 of gains each year on the sale of the policy.

How does a 1035 Exchange work?

Using a 1035 Exchange, you can complete the paperwork in conjunction with your insurance company, with a 1035 exchange form that can be completed in many different ways. In order to qualify for a 1035 Exchange, your current policy must have been purchased before 1993. Other conditions, such as being 25 years old or older, or having certain health conditions, may also prevent you from participating. In addition, any pre-existing conditions must be included in the 1035 Exchange.

When is a 1035 Exchange appropriate?

There are two situations when you might consider a 1035 Exchange: If you recently acquired a new life insurance policy, you can’t currently use it and don’t want to make a lapse of policy penalty when you change insurance coverage. If you are in the process of changing to another policy for the same reasons. There is no loss in cost to the government if you choose a 1035 Exchange, even if you’re in a higher tax bracket than the policy you are trading in. “Even in the current high-tax environment, a 1035 Exchange can provide tax benefits,” said Tim Dougherty, Senior Financial Planning Specialist at Raymond James & Associates in Denver. “The longer you hold on to the old policy, the more tax benefits you receive.”

This post contains affiliate links. Please please read my Disclaimer for more information

When is surrendering a policy better than doing a 1035 Exchange?

If you wait to surrender your existing life insurance policy to do a 1035 exchange, you’ll have to pay the gift tax (if you’re older than 59½) or you’ll have to file a 1041 Withholding Return. A 1031 exchange can also get you better tax-deferred treatment than a 1035 exchange. But waiting will also cost you more. The good news about surrendering to do a 1035 exchange is that you’ll usually avoid a penalty tax on the cash surrender value of the policy.

What are “like-kind” exchanges that qualify for 1035 Exchanges?

A like-kind exchange, or 1031 exchange, is one of the many ways to exchange real estate for something else, including stocks, bonds, commodities, foreign real estate, certain business interests, or cash. Keep in mind: The U.S. Treasury and Internal Revenue Service will not issue 1031 exchange applications on your behalf. If you are considering a 1031 exchange, you should work with a tax professional, independent broker-dealer, or other investment professional to make sure you do your homework.

Can multiple contracts be used for a 1035 Exchange?

You can generally only have one policy in a 1035 Exchange at any given time. It must be a life insurance policy, annuity or annuity contract, or endowment policy. It cannot be a long-term health plan or a deferred annuity. It cannot be a universal life or universal variable universal life policy. When can I use a 1035 Exchange? Once you sell your current life insurance policy, you may use your 1035 exchange to exchange your policy for a new policy. Generally, you must use your 1035 exchange before the life insurance policy expires.

Can the owner be changed during a tax-free 1035 Exchange?

Yes, the owner can be changed during a tax-free 1035 Exchange. This is called a non-forfeiture transfer.  Yes, you can change your beneficiaries. (However, you may need to keep them current.) Yes, the owner can be changed during a tax-free 1035 exchange. When you obtain a life insurance policy with a named beneficiary, it’s irrevocable. That means your original named beneficiary cannot be changed for 1035 exchanges. Allowing you to exchange or change the owner in a tax-free 1035 exchange means that you can avoid making one of the following: Identifying a named beneficiary, Paying any premium on a newly issued policy, and Applying for the new policy.

Can the insured be changed during a tax-free 1035 Exchange?

Yes. The insured is always eligible to choose a new policy that would be immediately cash available for that beneficiary to take over. Yes. A 1035 Exchange does not change a person’s life insurance contract for any reason other than as permitted by law. The most common reasons that a life insurance policy would be swapped for a new one is when the insured dies or if the insured’s beneficiary changes. Any exchange is complete upon surrender.

Will the new life insurance policy become a modified endowment contract?

The fact that a policy exchange becomes a Modified Endowment Contract, however, can cause some confusion. Basically, the new policy is no longer a contract to ensure you have a certain amount of cash in your account on your death or disability and instead becomes a life insurance policy. This is just another type of life insurance policy that you buy and take out on yourself or on your beneficiary(s).

Conclusion

There are more than enough tax benefits from saving for retirement to negate the tax-free gain that a 1035 exchange can create. And that is an important distinction to make! It’s important that you always consider the tax consequences of any financial transaction and act accordingly. Not only are the current tax rules in your favor, but you can maximize your retirement savings by contributing to your 401(k) or IRA. It’s also important to note that you can also make a traditional IRA contribution in conjunction with your 401(k). That way, you can immediately deduct the pre-tax contribution that you make to your 401(k) from your current taxable income and only the post-tax contribution that you make to your 401(k) will be deductible from your taxable income.

“If you have any feedback about what is a 1035 exchange that you have tried out or any questions about the ones that I have recommended, please leave your comments below!”

NB: The purpose of this website is to provide a general understanding of personal finance, basic financial concepts, and information. It’s not intended to advise on tax, insurance, investment, or any product and service. Since each of us has our own unique situation, you should have all the appropriate information to understand and make the right decision to fit with your needs and your financial goals. I hope that you will succeed in building your financial future.

A qualified charitable distribution (QCD) allows individuals who are 70½ years old or older to donate up to $100,000 total to one or more charities directly from a taxable IRA instead of taking their required minimum distributions. As a result, donors may avoid being pushed into higher income tax brackets and prevent phaseouts of other tax deductions, though there are some other limitations.

How do qualified charitable distributions work?

The recipient of the QCD generally must be a 501(c)(3) or another recognized charity recognized by the IRS. The contribution must be in the form of U.S. cash or property, which means cash (or the equivalent in check or coin) or a current bank account, with a physical location of the charity. Non-cash contributions may include stock or other securities, or units in a qualified business enterprise (QBE). For 2016, the maximum cash deduction is $100,000, or 50% of the donation amount if the contribution is $100,000 or more. For tax years 2017 and 2018, the maximum is $100,000, or 50% of the donation amount if the contribution is $100,000 or more. For 2019, the maximum is $100,000, or 50% of the donation amount if the contribution is $100,000 or more.

Benefits of qualified charitable distributions

QCDs may be more valuable than ever because the income limits for the most current and future deductible contributions to traditional IRAs have increased. The IRS made these changes for all taxpayers except those with adjusted gross income (AGI) below certain limits. Donors will avoid having their basic exemption for the following tax year reduced from $0 to $10,000 for the first two qualified charitable distributions and $20,000 for additional distributions. The donor can contribute up to $13,000 to the same qualified charitable organization and avoid having the donor’s base income count towards their state and local income tax burden. The donor can avoid the greater than $1,050 state income tax for every $1,000 donated, and the $1,050 federal income tax.

Who can make a qualified charitable distribution?

QCDs may be made by a donor who is 70½ years old or older as well as anyone that is blind, disabled, or age 65 or older, although a retiree may be exempt from the requirement to take the distributions by taking the distribution on a spouse’s record. A qualified charitable distribution must be made from all of an individual’s lifetime RMDs, with the exception of RMDs taken before age 70½. In addition, a qualified charitable distribution is not considered a distribution from the estate, so there is no probate process or other tax consequences for making a qualified charitable distribution. Qualified charitable distributions must be made on an individual’s tax return, even if the individual is deceased, and are treated as ordinary income.

This post contains affiliate links. Please please read my Disclaimer for more information

Type of charity that can receive a QCD

The following are the types of charities that can receive a QCD. Generally speaking, a QCD will be made directly from a qualified charitable distribution to a charity of your choice. However, certain situations may lead to a partial or complete charitable distribution to a specific charity, rather than to any or all of the charities of your choice. Make charitable gifts within 60 days of the end of the calendar year. You do not need to wait until your retirement to make charitable gifts. If you want to make your QCDs after your retirement, you need to follow this three-step process. If you make a QCD, you can receive a tax deduction for the value of the transfer from the assets that are included in the QCD.

When might a qualified distribution not be effective?

When donations are paid out of pre-tax accounts, they count against the donor’s taxable income. That means that if the taxable income is too high, the donations may be more than the individual is required to pay in taxes. And there are some more unusual rules. For instance, you may not be able to make a QCD if your total IRA balance is less than $611,000, or if you are 55 years old or older, you may be required to pay capital gains taxes on a QCD.

Tax reporting

QCDs are reported on Schedule A of your 1040 and are subject to standard income tax withholding. QCDs are a bonus to charities and a bonus to taxpayers, but they can make or break the charities. Ask the charities to plan for this tax benefit by organizing tax-deductible contributions into their accounts, even though you cannot itemize donations. You will need to stay on top of your donations, though, as you might miss out on larger donations that can boost their fund-raising efforts.

What are the limitations of using QCDs?

They may be used to donate to any 501(c)(3) charity (or a local community organization), but they must go through a qualified charitable distribution representative to make sure all applicable tax rules and regulations are followed. Contributions must be made directly to a qualified charitable distribution representative, and QCDs cannot be used for church, nonprofit religious organizations, political parties, or other organizations that are not recognized charities. A charitable contributor is required to include a copy of the tax identification number for the charity in the QCD form.

How can I find out if I am eligible for a QCD?

The IRS allows individuals to apply for a QCD in one of four ways: filling out Form 8604, a form required to start or continue a QCD; writing a check to an authorized charity; scheduling a qualified donor meeting with an IRS representative, or initiating a transfer with a qualified charitable organization. These sources provide a helpful way to research your eligibility for a QCD.

What should I consider before making a QCD?

If you are 70½ years old or older and make a QCD, you must use the money to help individuals or families who are low income or otherwise in need. Generally, the first $100,000 you donate each year is tax-free, but there are some special restrictions that could apply to you. Here’s what to consider before making a QCD: If you donate QCD funds to a charity that doesn’t exist yet, the IRS can audit you, which might not be worth the potential tax benefits. In addition, charities that aren’t incorporated as charities may not be eligible for the QCD. If your QCD fund goes to a new charity every year, the value will eventually be below the $100,000 amount, and you will have to start the process all over again.

Conclusion

Tax reform is a significant benefit for taxpayers in many ways. Through new limits on itemized deductions and the elimination of most of the itemized deductions available to higher-income taxpayers, tax reform benefits taxpayers in several ways. The first step to taking advantage of these changes is to ensure you understand and have documented your tax situation.

“If you have any feedback about what are qualified charitable distributions that you have tried out or any questions about the ones that I have recommended, please leave your comments below!”

NB: The purpose of this website is to provide a general understanding of personal finance, basic financial concepts, and information. It’s not intended to advise on tax, insurance, investment, or any product and service. Since each of us has our own unique situation, you should have all the appropriate information to understand and make the right decision to fit with your needs and your financial goals. I hope that you will succeed in building your financial future.

Choosing whether to lease a new vehicle instead of buying it largely comes down to priorities. For some drivers, leasing or buying is purely a matter of dollars and cents. For others, it’s more about forming an emotional connection to the car. Before choosing which road to go down, it’s important to understand the key distinctions.

What is a lease?

A car lease is a contract between the driver and a car dealer that agrees to cover the cost of a new car for a specified time (known as “lease term”). The contract guarantees that the buyer will return the car at the end of the lease, and makes sure that payments won’t go up during the duration of the lease. By contrast, a loan is more like a traditional, permanent loan from a bank. It provides the car buyer with a lump sum payment – known as the down payment – which is the amount the owner of the car will pay toward the purchase price of the car. If the car buyer decides that they do want to own the car at the end of the lease, they must pay the full price of the car upfront (called “forever payments”).

Advantages of Leasing a car

Leasing offers a lot of benefits for drivers who lease new cars: It’s a simple way to own a car. It’s easy to check-in and out of a lease. Because you don’t have the added cost of owning a car, there are fewer variables to manage. There are some tax benefits. There are many different ways to get car tax paid. Leasing is another option for those who don’t want to do the math to figure out how much tax they’ll owe. Leasing a car has many advantages as well. You can easily drop the payments on your lease, and you don’t have to worry about returning the car if you change your mind. Leasing is cheaper than buying a new car. Another advantage is the fact that you can own the car as long as you’re willing to pay for a maintenance contract.

Disadvantages of Leasing a car

It’s worth remembering that leasing can come with some major drawbacks. If you don’t pay down the balance of your loan, you’ll owe a monthly fee, even if the car is paid off at the end of the contract. For some drivers, leasing is a quick way to rack up high monthly payments, which eats into the budget. Leasing also means the car might not be the right size for your needs.

This post contains affiliate links. Please please read my Disclaimer for more information

Advantages of Buying a car

Buying a car has many advantages. There are no monthly payments to think about. You can buy as much or as little of the car as you want. You can always sell it if you decide it’s not working for you. Not everyone wants to deal with the hassle and headaches that come with ownership, though.

Disadvantages of Buying a car

Buying a car is not an inexpensive proposition. In fact, according to Edmunds, the average sticker price for new cars sold in the U.S. in 2017 was $35,558. However, there are some crucial costs to consider before making your decision. “Even with the best interest rate, financing isn’t always the best way to get the lowest price,” said Michael Hitchings, president of Car-Buying.com. “When looking for a car, you have to consider what you’re getting and what you’re giving up. Buying a car can cost $1,000 more or more than if you lease.” Also, dealers and private sellers offer a wide range of financing options. In fact, one survey by the financing comparison website CompareCards found that 63 percent of car shoppers who purchased a vehicle in 2016 did so with a loan or lease.

Maximizing Tax Deductions

A lease makes sense if you expect to keep the car for a long time. In addition, a car lease can take the pain out of paying car tax and registration fees. With that in mind, a car lease usually has a lower monthly payment than a traditional purchase and is often cheaper to finance as well.

Longer-Term Considerations

Leasing isn’t for everyone, but if you’re unsure about how much you’ll be using a car every year or two, and you don’t want to be locked into a long-term car payment, leasing might be your best option. It’s no secret that these days, leases on used cars are incredibly expensive, so you’ll want to have ample time to negotiate a lease deal that fits your budget. The biggest downside to leasing a car is the payment. For short-term, casual leasing, the up-front cost is more or less unavoidable. For example, you might not be able to trade in your car once you’ve been leasing it for six months or more. When the lease ends, you’ll have a huge payment to contend with – and there’s no option to extend the lease.

How to Find the Best Car Purchase Deals

Buying a new car is typically the most economical way to go. Compared with the lifetime cost of leasing a car, buying a new car is typically more affordable. The price of buying a new car is determined by how long you will own the vehicle, as well as how much you’ll pay in lease and maintenance fees.

Invest in the brands you love

When it comes to selecting a new car, consumers could have a narrow set of options when deciding on which brand to go for. When considering a sedan over a crossover, for example, consumers can typically go for a sedan because of its handling capabilities, comfort, safety features, reliability, and available options. This makes it a more straightforward choice than choosing between, say, the Audi A4 and A5. But this is only true when choosing an upgrade over an equivalent luxury car. It’s not easy to pick between two brands when it comes to choosing their next car, but for some drivers, their values and passions are tied to particular brands. Those with a passion for certain car brands, in particular, may be more likely to go with them over competitors.

Conclusion

Cars are extremely expensive and people are extremely fickle when it comes to their needs and requirements. It’s rare that you find a car that can satisfy all of your needs. Instead of making a hasty decision, think through your wants and needs. It’s best to spend a few hours researching each car on the market to ensure that it meets all of your demands and needs.

“If you have any feedback about should I buy or lease a car that you have tried out or any questions about the ones that I have recommended, please leave your comments below!”

NB: The purpose of this website is to provide a general understanding of personal finance, basic financial concepts, and information. It’s not intended to advise on tax, insurance, investment, or any product and service. Since each of us has our own unique situation, you should have all the appropriate information to understand and make the right decision to fit with your needs and your financial goals. I hope that you will succeed in building your financial future.

Credit rating agency Standard and Poor’s launched the S&P 500 in 1957 to track the performance of the 500 largest public companies in the United States. Today, the S&P 500 serves to gauge the health of the nation’s economy and, on a smaller scale, it impacts the returns on individual fixed index annuities and index-linked investments.

What is the S&P 500 index?

Today, the S&P 500 index is considered to be the standard benchmark index for the U.S. stock market. The S&P 500 index is composed of 500 stocks, which are listed on the New York Stock Exchange and the Nasdaq Stock Market. As the name indicates, the S&P 500 represents the 500 largest publicly-traded companies in the United States. The index is weighted by market capitalization and consists of these 500 stocks. These companies are diversified, which is why they all have different market caps and stock prices.

How does S&P 500 index work?

Each company must be included in the S&P 500 Index, but they are selected based on several criteria that go beyond financials. The metrics that S&P uses for their stock selections include P/E ratio (price-to-earnings ratio), Cash flow (return on cash flow), P/B ratio (price-to-book value ratio), Revenue growth, and Fundamental analysis. These factors will help the index determine whether or not a company is a good investment. Companies’ profitability and quality of their products determine whether a company is included in the index or excluded. Companies excluded from the S&P 500 Index often have poor overall credit ratings, high levels of debt, or a poor track record of performance.

Benefits of S&P 500 index

First, let’s talk about the most obvious benefit of tracking the S&P 500. It acts as a benchmark for an entire economy. And, in many ways, the fate of the economy may turn on how the S&P 500 performs. If the S&P 500 rises, then investors may be inclined to follow. If the S&P 500 falls, then people will likely move to short-term investments to protect their money from a drop in the stock market. In other words, the S&P 500 index acts as an easy way for people to gauge how well the country’s economy is doing. Additionally, the S&P 500 contains hundreds of large publicly traded companies that are part of the nation’s economic core. Consequently, being part of the index can act as a sign of stability or growth for a particular company.

This post contains affiliate links. Please please read my Disclaimer for more information

Which companies are in the S&P 500 index?

The S&P 500 index includes 505 equities from 500 different firms. Because a few S&P 500 component businesses issue multiple classes of stock, there is a variation in the numbers below. For example, Alphabet Class C (NASDAQ:GOOG) and Alphabet Class A (NASDAQ:GOOGL) shares are both included in the S&P 500 index. Obviously, listing all of the S&P 500 companies would be impractical. However, because the S&P 500 is weighted by market capitalization, its performance is mostly determined by the performance of the largest firms’ stocks.

Why use the S&P 500?

The S&P 500 contains the top 500 public companies in the United States and serves as a proxy for overall U.S. equity market performance. With the highest concentration of publicly traded stocks in the United States, the index serves as a good comparison to global equity markets. Standard and Poor’s and other credit rating agencies have been tracking the S&P 500 since 1957. In addition to tracking financial data, the S&P 500 helps provide a view of the overall state of the economy. Since its inception, the S&P 500 has delivered annualized returns of approximately 9.4 percent, significantly higher than a broad basket of funds. Why index-linked investments? Unlike mutual funds, indexed annuities and index-linked investments are cheaper and more liquid.

How can you invest in the S&P 500 index?

You can buy shares of a mutual fund or an exchange-traded fund (ETF) that tracks the S&P 500 index to invest in it. In proportional weights, these investment vehicles own all of the stocks in the S&P 500 index. Two appealing possibilities are the Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (NYSEMKT:VOO), which trades like a stock, and the Vanguard 500 Index Fund Admiral Shares (NASDAQMUTFUND:VFIAX) mutual fund. Both offer extremely low fees and deliver nearly equal long-term returns to the S&P 500 index. You can also invest in S&P 500 futures, which are traded on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange. These are essentially bought and sell options that allow you to hedge or speculate on the index’s future performance.

Is investing in the S&P 500 right for you?

S&P 500 Index is the benchmark that most index-tracking exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and fixed income mutual funds use to track the performance of the 500 largest companies in the United States. Here is an example: if you wanted to invest in an S&P 500 Index fund (or an ETF with that goal) and try to maintain a level of the S&P 500 Index, then you would have to own the 500 largest companies. That might be a reasonable way to invest if you’re just looking for a way to supplement your retirement savings and invest in a way that leverages the power of the stock market. But investing in the S&P 500 in that manner can have serious consequences for your retirement nest egg.

How To Use the S&P 500 to Make Money

The S&P 500 Index represents the 500 largest companies in the United States. These companies are typically large firms in the oil, chemicals, aerospace, building materials, consumer products, food and beverage, financial services, telecommunications, technology, utilities, healthcare, and natural resources sectors. As such, the 500 companies are generally large and stable firms. The S&P 500 Index does not include small companies and does not include real estate investment trusts (REITs), foreign companies, or real estate investment trusts which are popular among many investors. Like any index, the S&P 500 Index is subject to management trading by professional investment managers.

S&P 500 vs. Other Stock Market Indexes

Most investors are familiar with the Dow Jones Industrial Average, which tracks the performance of 30 of the largest publicly-traded companies in the United States. But, there are also indices that track the performance of the stock market for individual companies, in addition to broader market performance. The MSCI EAFE Index tracks stocks from European, African, and Asian markets. The Standard and Poor’s/TSX Composite tracks the performance of the largest Canadian companies. When a company is deemed an S&P 500 Index member, it becomes eligible for inclusion in the S&P 500 Index, and S&P determines the appropriate level of its inclusion.

Conclusion

Even if you don’t own the S&P 500 index, it’s time to start thinking about adding real estate to your portfolio. Having equity in real estate means you have more control over your income and can adjust it to your needs. Just be careful not to let the land value erode below the price you paid.

“If you have any feedback about what is S&P 500 index that you have tried out or any questions about the ones that I have recommended, please leave your comments below!”

NB: The purpose of this website is to provide a general understanding of personal finance, basic financial concepts, and information. It’s not intended to advise on tax, insurance, investment, or any product and service. Since each of us has our own unique situation, you should have all the appropriate information to understand and make the right decision to fit with your needs and your financial goals. I hope that you will succeed in building your financial future.

If you’re a real estate investor, the 1031 exchange—which gets its name from Section 1031 of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code—is your best friend! Why? Because for about 100 years, the 1031 exchange has allowed real estate investors the chance to reinvest the profits from the sale of a property without having to pay capital gains tax. As long as you replace one investment property with another and follow all the rules set by Uncle Sam (we’ll get to all of those in a minute), you can keep kicking that tax bill down the road.

What is a 1031 Exchange?

In essence, the 1031 exchange gives investors the opportunity to move property they had purchased within a certain time frame and realize substantial capital gains tax benefits. With a personal 1031 exchange, you create a “Trust” or “Subscription”. In order for the Trust to exist, you must contribute your property to the Trust. When you make an exchange, the property must remain in the Trust. When you sell your property, the proceeds must be disbursed to the Trust. Once your property is used to fund the Trust, any income that is generated by the property is reinvested into the Trust in the form of a distribution (or dividend).

How does 1031 Exchange work?

To understand the 1031 exchange, we need to take a quick break and dig into some confusing tax law jargon. We promise the confusion ends here. It’s actually very simple. A tax break is called a “sell-through” because the original investment property has been sold. The profit from that sale can then be reinvested into another real estate investment. But the selling property can’t be sold at the same time that it’s bought. For example, say you are looking to sell your first investment property, a duplex in California, for $300,000. If you purchase a new investment property, say a 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom apartment in Maryland, for $200,000, and then sell that one in California for $300,000, you would only be taxed on $300,000.

Benefits of a 1031 Exchange?

Keep reading and we’ll go over some of the major benefits of a 1031 exchange! Keep in mind, while the benefits below are geared towards real estate investors, you should follow these rules if you’re trying to sell any other type of investment property. If you sell your property in a 1031 exchange, the proceeds you receive will be taxed as ordinary income by Uncle Sam. While this is all good news, it can also be confusing. Luckily, we’re here to help! The way the IRS determines your gains on a property sold in a 1031 exchange is pretty simple. The IRS will look at what you sold your property for, along with any other income you may receive on that property—whether it’s your salary or rental income.

This post contains affiliate links. Please please read my Disclaimer for more information

Choosing a Replacement Property for a 1031 Exchange

The first rule of a 1031 exchange is that you have to start with the property you plan to invest in and sell. You’re not just exchanging the property for cash; you’re also making a down payment on a new investment. This new property must be located in the same state as the one you sold, and you’ll also need to close on that property before the end of the year. At this point, you’ll need to figure out exactly which investment property you plan to replace. Start with your finances, and find a piece of real estate property that you’re willing to buy from a seller in a transaction known as a “1031 exchange”. The catch is that you’ll need to have a property to sell. If you don’t have one, then you’ll need to rent one out until you do.

What Is Depreciation and Why Is It Important to a 1031 Exchange?

If you take a look at the IRS guidelines for Section 1031, you’ll find that the two main factors that go into deciding whether you can use the 1031 Exchange to your advantage are depreciation and an increase in value. When you own a rental property, you’re losing a chunk of your earnings each year to property taxes. And let’s face it, when you’re in the market for a new home, you’re not going to want to shell out hundreds of thousands of dollars more on property taxes. Since depreciation on your home is going to take a long time (that’s the point!) and housing prices are always going to rise, if you own a rental property, then you’ll have to lose a lot of money before you can begin to come out ahead.

1031 and Estate Planning

Before we get into the details of 1031, it’s important to address two important issues: 1) What does 1031 mean for real estate investors? 2) What is a 1031 exchange supposed to do? 1031 means that the 10% of capital gains tax that an investor pays on the sale of one property can be reinvested in another property. This is a tax deferral. Let’s say that an investor sells their house and redeems their appreciated stock in an S corporation for $150,000. With $150,000 in capital gains, the investor still has to pay $4,400 in capital gains tax. But if instead, the investor had reinvested $150,000 in the market, without paying capital gains tax, then the investor would receive a $6,600 gain in market value. That’s a $4,400 difference. One is taxed; the other is not.

1031 Exchange Expertise

Not all investors know about the 1031 exchange, or they don’t know how to use it to their advantage. Fortunately, our friends at Rand Realty, Realty One Group, and Freeman Real Estate have mastered the art of the 1031 exchange—so you don’t have to! Realty One Group’s Mike Brenner learned about the 1031 exchange in the 1980s while selling multifamily properties in Brooklyn and Manhattan. Today, he’s a consultant to the real estate industry, with knowledge of the 1031 exchange that stretches back more than 25 years. Brenner says the easiest way to create an income stream and turn a profit on a property you sold is to buy another property with the funds you’d usually use to purchase that initial property.

How much do you need to spend and borrow for a new 1031 exchange property?

If you are a big-time investor—and you should be, because you are going to enjoy the most tax advantages—the cost and time of your 1031 exchange will depend on the amount of money you have invested in real estate and the size of the proceeds from the sale of your current property. It is not unusual to spend $50,000 to $100,000 on a new property, but if you are doing a 1031 exchange, the cost will probably be less because you are getting some money back. When you come up with your list of what to buy, you have two options: One is to buy what you like and “unwrap” it and decide where to move it next, or you can buy some sort of a “placeholder”—one that you really like but aren’t sure how you’re going to use it in the next year.

Calculating the cost basis of the property you sell

The tax code is clear when it comes to how you determine your cost basis. You’ll need to use the year you bought the property, the acquisition date, and the period you owned it (within a year and a day). If you’re thinking about selling your property for more than you paid for it, it’s important to do some research. While there are exceptions, a sale for more than your purchase price is considered a short-term gain (i.e., less than one year). A sale for more than two years of ownership is considered a long-term gain (i.e., more than two years). It’s also important to remember that as long as you don’t live in the property, or rent it out, there’s no gain to be had when you sell the property.

Conclusion

Overall, the amount of money available in the real estate market at any given time and the number of properties available to purchase are a relatively small part of the reason the mortgage market has been so much stronger during the past few months. If the same logic applies to the housing market as it does to the mortgage market, then the surging prices won’t mean much because there won’t be nearly as many properties to purchase. In order to fix this, the economy needs to continue to improve. That will force people to spend money on more goods and services, which will push prices back up. In the meantime, however, the signs of life in the real estate market are undeniable.

“If you have any feedback about what is a 1031 exchange that you have tried out or any questions about the ones that I have recommended, please leave your comments below!”

NB: The purpose of this website is to provide a general understanding of personal finance, basic financial concepts, and information. It’s not intended to advise on tax, insurance, investment, or any product and service. Since each of us has our own unique situation, you should have all the appropriate information to understand and make the right decision to fit with your needs and your financial goals. I hope that you will succeed in building your financial future.

Worried about all the ways the Fed interest rate could impact your finances? That’s totally natural, considering the Fed and its interest rate hikes have dominated headlines for months. Many people get spooked when interest rates come up. Rising rates can raise a lot of questions: Will rising interest rates impact your finances by making mortgages too expensive? Could you miss out on your chance to borrow while it’s still cheap to do so? These questions are valid when talking about rate hikes, but making decisions based on news headlines alone can be problematic.

What are interest rates?

Understanding what interest rates are, why they’re rising, and what that means for your finances can go a long way in helping you understand your financial future. Let’s say you’re shopping for a car. You probably know that interest rates can affect your monthly payments. One car loan’s interest rate might go up, while a different loan might offer lower rates than you’re used to. This is because each loan has different interest rates. This is called an interest rate “spread” — it’s the difference in the average interest rates for different loans. The higher the rate, the less you pay on your loan. After calculating the difference in your car loan interest rates, you’ll find out that you can expect a lower monthly payment if you take out a different loan.

Benefits of interest rates

Any time your investments or money grows, it’s generally a good thing. It just means the underlying investments, like your money in a 401(k), aren’t getting weaker. Similarly, the Fed rate hike will help keep the economy from getting too strong. Inflation will also be lower with a higher rate, meaning people can spend more money on the items they want without having their money go too fast. The point is that higher interest rates are, for the most part, good. Higher interest rates are good. On the other hand, interest rates are not always good. High rates can be bad for investors because of their potential effect on a retirement account. If you’re trying to put money away for the future, you want to make sure it stays as safe as possible.

How would interest rates increase

Rate hikes come in stages. Interest rates increase from 1% to 2% each year, but sometimes there are one-time increases. To illustrate how increases in rates work, let’s look at a real-life example. A 2% federal income tax rate — higher than the current top rate of 37% — is the rate most commonly used when discussing rising interest rates. If the top tax rate increases to 35%, your savings will effectively increase from 2% to 3%. This example isn’t meant to paint a rosy picture. There are several ways the federal government could increase tax rates (you can read more about this here) and the potential consequences could be disastrous for some people. Still, it provides a quick way to illustrate the basic concepts involved in increasing interest rates.

Effects of rising interest rates on finances

In many ways, it’s best to avoid making hasty financial decisions solely on the basis of the Fed interest rate hikes. Consider these key pieces of the puzzle: The Fed’s intent when raising interest rates is to slow down growth in the economy and bring interest rates up to more normal levels. The Fed believes that slowing down growth and slowing down interest rates are positive outcomes. When they’re behind the scenes planning interest rate hikes, they’re thinking of how rising rates will impact the economy in general. After all, rising rates only affect things that are tied to the economy, such as mortgages.

This post contains affiliate links. Please please read my Disclaimer for more information

Impact on mortgage payments

First, when it comes to purchasing a home, your mortgage interest rate affects the size of your monthly payment and how long you’ll need to pay it off. You may assume that it’s not high enough to change your monthly payment, but that’s incorrect, as shown in the analysis from Bankrate.com. According to that report, an owner of a $200,000 home pays on average $844 per month in mortgage interest. The percentage change in that mortgage rate over 12 months, would lower your monthly payment by $23 per month. That could be enough for you to pay off your mortgage earlier, although there’s no one-size-fits-all rule for the size of your monthly mortgage payment. Interest rate changes may make it more expensive to make a mortgage payment for the rest of your life.

Impact on Car loans

When interest rates rise, the average car loan rate in the United States tends to rise with it. But there are a few different ways rising interest rates could impact you if you’re buying a new car. First, let’s look at the latest Federal Reserve interest rate hike. In December, the Federal Reserve raised the Fed Funds rate from a range of 1.25% to 1.5% to a range of 1.75% to 2% after keeping rates at 1.5% for over seven years. This was the third interest rate hike in 2018, and the second of the year. Under this rate hike, some borrowers, such as people who currently have loans at 2.5%, will likely see their rate increase.

Impact on credit card rate

Credit card interest rates move in tandem with interest rates. When interest rates rise, the credit card interest rate (and associated fees and interest) also rise. Unlike mortgages and other loans, interest rates on credit cards typically are not fixed, so even a single percentage point change in interest rates will have a noticeable impact on the balance you owe. Changes in credit card interest rates depend largely on two factors: the Federal Reserve’s moves and the credit card issuer’s strategy. In general, issuers are more likely to increase rates when the Fed is raising rates and lower rates when the Fed is lowering rates. When interest rates are rising, issuers are most likely to lower rates on credit card balances.

Impact on Private student loans

If you borrowed money to go to school, you may have private student loans. Private student loans aren’t backed by the Federal Government, but instead by the investor. To gauge if your private student loan is affected by rising interest rates, ask: Are your payments going up? Will I get a new student loan, or another loan, with more favorable terms? If you have outstanding federal student loans, you may be looking forward to an exciting new federal student loan program. According to the Department of Education, there will be a new federal student loan for students that will allow them to borrow money to pay for their education without making payments for a set period of time.

Impact on Returns on savings

Not all people pay close attention to the Fed, but those who do have reason to be concerned. Here are the reasons why: While rising interest rates could theoretically be good for investors, it is still negative for savers. The chart below illustrates how fixed-income investors stand to lose money on fixed-income investments that are already priced relatively low by the market. Because the market rate is already higher than the interest rate on a savings account, a 1% higher market rate will make all savers poorer. On the other hand, many investors are at risk of losing their money in the stock market when rates rise, since the stock market is priced higher than it has been in a long time.

Conclusion

It’s a lot to think about when you look at all the variables at play. However, it’s critical to know how rising rates impact you. It’s often best to sit down and think about your needs, finances, and financial goals before diving into any decision. The more prepared you are, the more confidence you’ll have when making the best choice for you.

“If you have any feedback about how do rising interest rates affect your finances that you have tried out or any questions about the ones that I have recommended, please leave your comments below!”

NB: The purpose of this website is to provide a general understanding of personal finance, basic financial concepts, and information. It’s not intended to advise on tax, insurance, investment, or any product and service. Since each of us has our own unique situation, you should have all the appropriate information to understand and make the right decision to fit with your needs and your financial goals. I hope that you will succeed in building your financial future.

If you’re short on cash for a down payment, and you happen to have a retirement plan at work, you might be wondering if you can use a 401(k) to buy a house. The short answer is yes, you are allowed to use funds from your 401(k) plan to buy a home. It is not the best move, however, because there is an opportunity cost in doing so; the funds you take from your retirement account cannot be made up easily. Here’s a look at the details of tapping your 401(k) for the joys of homeownership, along with some better alternatives.

What is a 401k?

The 401(k) plan is a retirement plan for your company. Most large employers offer at least one type of 401(k), either a traditional or a Roth 401(k), but your company can and most likely will have multiple options. Let’s say your company offers a traditional 401(k) plan. Traditional 401(k) plans have a high contribution limit. If you were an employee of a company that offers a 401(k) plan, you could put up to $18,000 in a traditional 401(k) account during the 2018 tax year. The downside is that there is a lot of paperwork and management overhead in a traditional 401(k) plan. A traditional 401(k) plan gives your employer a larger portion of your money, all the way up to 50% in most cases.

How does 401k work?

One of the first questions most people have about tapping into their 401(k) plan is how does it work? This is really a very simple process. It is similar to the “regular” way of setting up an Individual Retirement Account (IRA), where you set up an investment account that earns a little bit of interest every year. The difference with the 401k, however, is that your 401(k) account cannot normally be touched until retirement. So, the good news is that you can leave your 401(k) money invested in a brokerage account, and pull some money out whenever you feel like it. The bad news is that you are then no longer in a position where you can use those funds for a major purchase like a home. That is until you take money out early and then put it back in.

Can you use your 401k to buy a house?

The short answer is yes, you are allowed to tap your 401(k) plan to buy a house, but you should only do so as long as you have the funds to do so. If you don’t have enough to buy a home, it’s not really an option. That said, your 401(k) plan is a good asset class for purchasing a home. The general rule is that you can only tap the 401(k) funds to buy real estate if you have access to the down payment amount in cash, or if you have enough money to get a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage. If your plan allows, you can tap the 401(k) account to buy a home, with the caveat that if you don’t have enough saved, you’ll be rolling the dice. While your 401(k) doesn’t have a custodian (your employer must manage it), it still offers a lot of investment choices.

This post contains affiliate links. Please please read my Disclaimer for more information

401(k) Loans

A 401(k) loan, also called a loan from a retirement account, is a temporary loan that is usually paid back after you are finished working for the company. It can be used for a variety of different purposes. You can borrow money for a car, purchase a second home, go on vacation, or if you don’t mind taking a risk, you can get a mortgage on your new home with the help of a 401(k) loan. However, there are two potential downsides to borrowing from your 401(k): You can only use the money you take out of your 401(k) for one purpose at a time. This means that if you need to use your 401(k) to get an early mortgage payment on your house, you won’t be able to take advantage of other options like refinancing or selling your home.

401(k) Withdrawals

Money withdrawn from your 401(k) retirement account can be used only to buy a home, not to pay taxes on that money, or to pay for other things, such as closing costs. You have to pay the IRS a 10% penalty on withdrawals made before age 59½, so it’s better to hold on to the funds until you are ready to actually purchase a home. You cannot take out money for living expenses, but you can pay for medical expenses or college expenses without an additional penalty. These provisions do not apply to Roth 401(k)s, so don’t expect to have to pay taxes on the money you take out for these purposes.

Drawbacks to Using Your 401(k) to Buy a House

The biggest cost is the higher taxes you have to pay on the income from the home loan. The good news is that you can eliminate the need to worry about the tax bite by making sure you’ve started building an emergency fund before doing anything else. It is also important that you diversify the types of investments you have in your retirement account. The bigger drawback to using a 401(k) is that you’ll need to contribute up to $10,000 to a retirement account in order to buy a house. This is because the maximum you can contribute to a 401(k) every year is $18,000, and a 401(k) account is not free. It takes money to build one, so you will have to pay at least $1,000 (your $10,000 in contribution) in fees to keep the account active.

Alternatives to Tapping Your 401(k)

The key point about using a 401(k) to buy a house is that you’ll have to pay income taxes on the amount. So if you make $100,000, you will be paying approximately $16,000 in income taxes. This is money that could have gone toward your retirement.

Find The Mortgage Option That’s Right For You

Before going down the road of using your retirement plan to buy a house, it’s important to first take a look at whether your 401(k) could be tapped for other purposes such as a second car, a college education, or even some non-necessities like vacations and hobbies. For example, if your employer offers a matching program, it’s usually easiest to invest in an IRA, which you can only do if you’re younger than age 50. If the option to tap a 401(k) is the only realistic way for you to purchase a home, there are other ways to save for a down payment without missing out on other financial goals.

What is the cost of using 401(k) for a house?

How much you need to contribute toward a home purchase varies by household. For many first-time buyers, a simple rule of thumb is to save 15% of the home price. The other 10% should go toward closing costs. According to bankrate.com, the average home sale price in July was $266,000 in the U.S. Fees to buy a home Over the course of a 30-year mortgage, if you were to pay 0% interest and the 10% of a $267,000 home cost would cover the balance, you would end up paying $110,000. Assuming a 6% interest rate, that equals $7,167. Applying the cost of the down payment to 0% for a 30-year loan equals $4,962, which means you would need an extra $12,216 to put toward your down payment. As the cost of a home goes up, it becomes more difficult to save enough for a down payment.

Conclusion

It’s important that you understand all of the potential ramifications and tradeoffs that come along with taking money from your 401(k) to buy a home. Using a 401(k) for the purpose of buying a home is a move that should be scrutinized closely to determine if it is the right move for you. A final word of caution: The IRS warns that not only are these funds not guaranteed to come back, but the IRS might also consider this activity as an attempt to avoid or evade paying income taxes. Take this into account and weigh the possible outcomes carefully before taking any action.

“If you have any feedback about can you use your 401k to buy a house that you have tried out or any questions about the ones that I have recommended, please leave your comments below!”

NB: The purpose of this website is to provide a general understanding of personal finance, basic financial concepts, and information. It’s not intended to advise on tax, insurance, investment, or any product and service. Since each of us has our own unique situation, you should have all the appropriate information to understand and make the right decision to fit with your needs and your financial goals. I hope that you will succeed in building your financial future.