Portsmouth Herald Money Talk Columns
Read David's informative Money Talk column, appearing bi-weekly in the Sunday business section of the Portsmouth Herald.
November 2, 2023: Couples should consider widow's penalty in retirement income plan, by David T. Mayes, EA, CFP(R)
October 19, 2023: Rising rates weigh on returns but recession risk low, by David T. Mayes, EA, CFP(R)
October 5, 2023: Start year-end tax planning now, by David T. Mayes, EA, CFP(R)
September 7,2023: Effectively transitioning to Medicare takes advanced planning, by David T. Mayes, EA, CFP(R)
August 24, 2023: RMDs can be reduced but may be a good withdrawal strategy, by David T. Mayes, EA, CFP(R)
July 27, 2023: IRS updates RMD guidance for inherited IRAs, by David T. Mayes, EA, CFP(R)
July 13, 2023: Bull market is back for stocks, but it is unbalanced, by David T. Mayes, EA, CFP(R)
June 29, 2023: Using policy loans to access life insurance cash value, by David T. Mayes, EA, CFP(R)
June 15, 2023: Protecting yourself from scams gets harder with AI, by David T. Mayes, EA, CFP(R)
June 1, 2023: What to do with leftover 529 plan funds, by David T. Mayes, EA, CFP(R)
May 18, 2023: Top reasons to update your estate plan, by David T. Mayes, EA, CFP(R)
April 20, 2023: Review your tax return for planning opportunities, by David T. Mayes, EA, CFP(R)
April 13,2023: Maximizing retirement savings in the gig economy, by David T. Mayes, EA, CFP(R)
March 24, 2023: Financial spring cleaning-options for combining accounts, by David T. Mayes, EA, CFP(R)
February 9, 2023: Despite worries, investors can be optimistic about 2023 returns, by David T. Mayes, EA, CFP(R)
January 12, 2023: 529 plans get more flexibility under SECURE 2.0, by David T. Mayes, EA, CFP(R)
January 5, 2023: SECURE 2.0 brings more RMD changes and planning opportunities, by David T. Mayes, EA, CFP(R)
December 20, 2022: Consider these tax saving moves before year-end, by David T. Mayes, EA, CFP(R)
December 1, 2022: Inflation and bear market may have retirees rethinking Social Security strategy, by David T. Mayes, EA, CFP(R)
November 17, 2022: IRS guidance provides relief from RMD penalties for some, by David T. Mayes, EA, CFP(R)
October 27, 2022: Inflation related COLAs hit retirement contribution and other tax limits, by David T. Mayes, EA, CFP(R)
September 29,2022: Need retirement funds early? Remember 72(t), by David T. Mayes, EA, CFP(R)
August 25, 2022: Must-do items to tackle as you head into retirement, by David T. Mayes, EA, CFP(R)
August 11, 2022: When are Roth conversions a bad idea? by David T. Mayes, EA, CFP(R)
July 28, 2022: 529 Plan tips for back to school, by David T. Mayes, EA, CFP(R)
July 14, 2022: Congress has more changes in store for retirement accounts, by David T. Mayes, EA, CFP(R)
June 30, 2022: Latest report highlights need for action on Social Security, by David T. Mayes, EA, CFP(R)
June 2, 2022: Strategies to shore up retirement even in declining market, by David T. Mayes, EA, CFP(R)
May 12, 2022: Investors face challenging stock and bond markets, by David T. Mayes EA, CFP(R)
April 28, 2022: IRS proposed new rules for inherited IRA RMDs, by David T. Mayes, EA, CFP(R)
April 14, 2022: Spouses inheriting Roth should consider options, by David T. Mayes, EA, CFP(R)
March 20, 2022: Simple steps to protect your financial accounts from scammers, by David T. Mayes, EA, CFP(R)
March 6, 2022: Early retirees can tap retirement accounts without penalty, by David T. Mayes, EA, CFP(R)
February 17, 2022: Spouses have options for inherited Roth IRA's, by David T. Mayes, EA, CFP(R)
January 23, 2022: Position your 2022 portfolio for markets and inflation, by David T. Mayes, EA, CFP(R)
January 6, 2022: Boost your 2022 tax savings with new IRS limits, by David T. Mayes, EA, CFP(R)
November 14, 2021: Revisit estate planning to avoid key errors, by David T. Mayes, EA, CFP(R)
September 30, 2021: Pending bills may bring more changes for retirement accounts, by David T. Mayes, EA, CFP(R)
September 2, 2021: Keep key milestones in mind for retirement planning, by David T. Mayes, EA, CFP(R)
August 23,2021: Be sure to understand these annuity features before purchasing, by David T. Mayes, EA, CFP(R)
August 8, 2021: Decision steps to make best use of a windfall, by David T. Mayes, EA, CFP(R)
July 25, 2021: Don't forget about taxes on cryptocurrencies, by David T. Mayes, EA, CFP(R)
June 27,2021: Tax strategies for rental property sales, by David T. Mayes, EA, CFP(R)
June 10, 2021: Remember your strategy when market hits new highs, by David T. Mayes, EA, CFP(R)
May 29, 2021: IRS issues confusing guidance on RMDs for IRA beneficiaries, by David T. Mayes, EA, CFP(R)
May 13, 2021: 529 Day a reminder about college savings for parents, by David T. Mayes, EA, CFP(R)
April 18, 2021: FAFSA changes coming, by David T. Mayes, EA, CFP(R)
March 21, 2021: How to delay RMDs by using the still working exception, by David T. Mayes, EA, CFP(R)
March 4, 2021: RMDs go back into tax planning for 2021, by David T. Mayes, EA, CFP(R)
February 5, 2021: Be on guard against scammers as tax season kicks off, by David T. Mayes, EA, CFP(R)
January 22, 2021: Investing lessons from the pandemic, by David T. Mayes, EA, CFP(R)
January 8, 2021: Key Roth IRA conversion decision points, by David T. Mayes, EA, CFP(R)
December 11, 2020: IRS releases new RMD tables, by David T. Mayes, EA, CFP(R)
November 27, 2020: Should an irrevocable trust be part of your estate plan? by David T. Mayes, EA, CFP(R)
November 13, 2020: Factors to consider when making pension decisions at retirement, by David T. Mayes, EA, CFP(R)
October 30, 2020: How to use tax options to help build nest egg, by David T. Mayes, EA, CFP(R)
October 2, 2020: Remember SECURE Act in your year-end planning, by David T. Mayes, EA, CFP(R)
September 18, 2020: Tech Talk: Investors feel election year jitters, by David T. Mayes, EA, CFP(R)
September 4, 2020: SSA needs better procedures to avoid underpaying benefits, by David T. Mayes, EA, CFP(R)
August 23, 2020: Laid off at 62-should you start Social Security? by David T. Mayes, EA, CFP(R)
August 7,2020: Avoid tax traps on 529 plan withdrawals for college, by David T. Mayes, EA, CFP(R)
July 24, 2020: Understand how taxes impact heirs when planning your estate, by David T. Mayes, EA, CFP(R)
July 10, 2020: IRS clarifies rules for coronavirus-related IRA withdrawals, by David T. Mayes, EA, CFP(R)
June 26,2020: IRS issues new guidance for 2020 RMD waiver, by David T. Mayes, EA, CFP(R)
June 12, 2020: Pandemic creates ripe opportunity for scammers, by David T. Mayes, EA, CFP(R)
May 29, 2020: Don't overlook financial planning tasks on your new baby checklist, by David T. Mayes, EA, CFP(R)
May 1, 2020: CARES Act includes provision to help senior retirees, by David T. Mayes, EA, CFP(R)
April 17, 2020: COVID-19 brings estate planning into focus, by David T. Mayes, EA, CFP(R)
April 3, 2020: CARES Act brings temporary changes for retirement accounts, by David T. Mayes, EA, CFP(R)
March 20, 2020: How to nurse your portfolio back to health, by David T. Mayes, EA, CFP(R)
March 6, 2020: Don't forget your 2020 tax plan when filing for 2019, by David T. Mayes, EA, CFP(R)
February 23, 2020: Where is the plan for Social Security? by David T. Mayes, EA, CFP(R)
February 9, 2020: Tax season brings new forms and law changes, by David T. Mayes, EA, CFP(R)
January 26, 2020: Make rebalancing plan with stocks hitting new highs, by David T. Mayes, EA, CFP(R)
December 27, 2019: SECURE Act brings changes for IRA & 529 accounts, by David T. Mayes, EA, CFP(R)
December 15, 2019: IRMAA can trigger health cost spikes for retirees, by David T. Mayes, EA, CFP(R)
December 1, 2019: Beneficiaries of retirement accounts should know rules on withdrawals, by David T. Mayes, EA, CFP(R)
November 17, 2019: IRS proposed changes to RMD tables will offer little tax savings, by David T. Mayes, EA, CFP(R)
November 3, 2019: Ways to give to charity and still reduce your taxes, by David T. Mayes, EA, CFP(R)
October 20, 2019: Couples should know of ways to maximize Social Security, by David T. Mayes, EA, CFP(R)
October 6, 2019: When is 4% less than 4%? -after taxes, by David T. Mayes, EA, CFP(R)
September 22, 2019: Know your bond funds before recession, by David T. Mayes, EA, CFP(R)
September 8, 2019: Check your target-date fund if close to retirement, by David T. Mayes, EA, CFP(R)
August 28, 2019: Poor decisions on social security are costly for retirees, by David T. Mayes, EA, CFP(R)
August 11, 2019: Avoid these errors when tapping 529 plans for college bills, by David T. Mayes, EA, CFP(R)
July 12, 2019: Consider Roth conversions while rates are low but watch for hidden costs, by David T. Mayes, EA, CFP(R)
June 28, 2019: Retirees should take a long view on taxes, by David T. Mayes, EA, CFP(R)
June 16, 2019: SECURE Act will require review of retirement plans, by David T. Mayes, EA, CFP(R)
June 2, 2019: Annual 529 day puts college planning in focus, by David T. Mayes, EA, CFP(R)
May 5, 2019: Surrendering annuity has financial implications, by David T. Mayes, EA, CFP(R)
April 21, 2019: Key retirement numbers for 2019, by David T. Mayes, EA, CFP(R)
April 7, 2019: Be mindful of 401(k) contribution limits when changing jobs, by David T. Mayes, EA, CFP(R)
February 10, 2019: National Consumer Protection Week reminds to be alert for scams, by David T. Mayes, EA, CFP(R)
February 24, 2019: Section 199A deduction offers tax savings for some business owners, by David T. Mayes, EA, CFP(R)
February 10, 2019: Higher estate tax limit could leave heirs with larger tax bill, by David T. Mayes, EA, CFP(R)
January 27, 2019: Tax season set to kick off with reduced IRS penalties, by David T. Mayes, EA, CFP(R)
January 6, 2019: How to respond to uncertain market in 2019, by David T. Mayes, EA, CFP(R)
December 23, 2018: Considerations for spouses with inherited retirement accounts, by David T. Mayes, EA, CFP(R)
December 9, 2018: Coordinating HSA contributions with Medicare, by David T. Mayes, EA, CFP(R)
November 25, 2018: New Form 1040 shorter, but not necessarily simpler, by David T. Mayes, EA, CFP(R)
November 11, 2018: Planning for mutual fund capital gains, by David T. Mayes, EA, CFP(R)
October 28, 2018: Good options for old insurance policies, by David T. Mayes, EA, CFP(R)
September 30, 2018: Goal setting for financial success, by David T. Mayes, EA, CFP(R)
September 16, 2018: Right way for kids to split parent's IRA, by David T. Mayes, EA, CFP(R)
August 19, 2018: Roth conversions require more thought after TCJA, by David T. Mayes, EA, CFP(R)
August 5, 2018: Who pays the tax on an inheritance?, by David T. Mayes, EA, CFP(R)
July 22, 2018: Make sure tuition payments from 529 plans will be tax-free, by David T. Mayes, EA, CFP(R)
July 8, 2018: Making sense of capital gains tax, by David T. Mayes, EA, CFP(R)
June 24, 2018: Tax cut spotlights mega backdoor ROTH IRA, by David T. Mayes, EA, CFP(R)
June 3, 2018: Senior Safe Act to fight elder financial abuse, by David T. Mayes, EA, CFP(R)
May 20, 2018: Financial foundation for new college grads, by David T. Mayes, EA, CFP(R)
May 6, 2018: Small businesses need to revisit tax plans and structure, by David T. Mayes, EA, CFP(R)
April 8, 2018: What is impact of stock market volatility, by David T. Mayes, EA, CFP(R)
March 11, 2018: Change to mortgage interest deduction will catch some off guard, by David T. Mayes, EA, CFP(R)
February 25, 2018: IRS warns of new tax scams as filing season begins, by David T. Mayes, EA, CFP(R)
February 11, 2018: Think long-term in trying to minimize tax on retirement, by David T. Mayes, EA, CFP(R)
January 28, 2018: As markets continue upward, take stock of risks, by David T. Mayes, EA, CFP(R)
January 14, 2018: Charitable giving strategies after tax reform, by David T. Mayes, EA, CFP(R)
December 17, 2017: ETF tax advantages at risk in proposed tax reform, by David T. Mayes, EA, CFP(R)
December 3, 2017: What to know when donating stock to charity, by David T. Mayes, EA, CFP(R)
November 19, 2017: What happens to your debt in estate planning? by David T. Mayes, EA, CFP(R)
November 5, 2017: HSA's can boost retirement readiness, by David T. Mayes, EA, CFP(R)
October 22, 2017: Keep gift tax rules in mind when feeling generous, by David T. Mayes, EA, CFP(R)
October 8, 2017: Market’s long bull-run rewards the patient, by David T. Mayes, EA, CFP(R)
September 24, 2017: Equifax breach highlights need to protect personal info, by David T. Mayes, EA, CFP(R)
September 10, 2017: Tax benefits of life insurance can be lost, by David T. Mayes, EA, CFP(R)
August 27, 2017: Annual review of beneficiary designations a priority, by David T. Mayes, EA, CFP(R)
July 30, 2017: NUA may reduce tax on 401(k) plan company stock, by David T. Mayes, EA, CFP(R)
July 16, 2017: IRA Distribution Rules can be tricky, by David T. Mayes, EA, CFP(R)
July 2, 2017: Roth IRAs & 401(k)s, similar but not equal, by David T. Mayes, EA, CFP(R)
June 18, 2017: College savings top of mind as school year ends, by David T. Mayes, EA, CFP(R)
June 4, 2017: Combating elder financial abuse, by David T. Mayes, EA, CFP(R)
May 7, 2017: Protect yourself from online investment scams, by David T. Mayes, EA, CFP(R)
April 23, 2017: What if Form 8606? IRA owners should know, by David T. Mayes, EA, CFP(R)
April 9, 2017: 529 Plan rule changes benefit college savers, by David T. Mayes, EA, CFP(R)
March 26, 2017: Social Security claiming decisions for divorcees, by David T. Mayes, EA, CFP(R)
March 12, 2017: Delaying retirement raises interesting questions, by David T. Mayes, EA, CFP(R)
February 26, 2017: Market Perspective: Stocks, bonds or cash?, by David T. Mayes, EA, CFP(R)
February 12, 2017: Tax reporting for home sales, by David T. Mayes, EA, CFP(R)
January 29, 2017: Be alert to scammers as tax season begins, by David T. Mayes, EA, CFP(R)
January 15, 2017: IRS eases relief rules for botched IRA rollovers, by David T. Mayes, EA, CFP(R)
December 25, 2016: Positioning portfolios for an uncertain 2017, by David T. Mayes, EA, CFP(R)
December 11, 2016: Year-end and 2017 planning by the numbers, by David T. Mayes, EA, CFP(R)
November 27, 2016: Investors should keep rising interest rates in perspective, by David T. Mayes, EA, CFP(R)
November 13, 2016: Protect financial information from hackers, by David T. Mayes, EA, CFP(R)
October 30, 2016: US tax code has grown from 400 to 74,000 pages, by David T. Mayes, EA, CFP(R)
October 16, 2016: Retirement planning not just about saving, by David T. Mayes, EA, CFP(R)
October 2, 2016: Preferred stocks offer high income and risks, by David T. Mayes, EA, CFP(R)
September 4, 2016: Social Security creates odd incentives for widows, by David T. Mayes, EA, CFP(R)
August 21, 2016: College Planning changes with earlier FAFSA filing, by David T. Mayes, EA, CFP(R)
August 7, 2016: Handling required minimum distributions with multiple accounts, by David T. Mayes, EA, CFP(R)
July 10, 2016: Power of attorney documents a must have, by David T. Mayes, EA, CFP(R)
June 19, 2016: Avoid tax traps, pitfalls of intra-family loans, by David T. Mayes, EA, CFP(R)
June 5, 2016: IRS warns tax scams targeting younger people, by David T. Mayes, EA, CFP(R)
May 22, 2016: Live longer by retiring later?, by David T. Mayes, EA, CFP(R)
May 8, 2016: Can money buy happiness?, by David T. Mayes, EA, CFP(R)
April 10, 2016: Last call for Social Security strategies, by David T. Mayes, EA, CFP(R)
March 13, 2016: Three common tax season misconceptions, by David T. Mayes, EA, CFP(R)
February 28, 2016: Tax time is prime time for identity thieve,s by David T. Mayes, EA, CFP(R)
February 14, 2016: Pitfalls to avoid when helping a child buy a home, by David T. Mayes, EA, CFP(R)
January 31, 2016: Don't let market declines trick you, by David T. Mayes, EA, CFP(R)
January 17, 2016: When to amend your revocable trust, by David T. Mayes, EA, CFP(R)
January 3, 2016: Gift tax rules can complicate college savings, by David T. Mayes, EA, CFP(R)
December 20, 2015: Donating retirement assets to charity, by David T. Mayes, EA, CFP(R)
December 6, 2015: Carefully choose IRA beneficiaries, by David T. Mayes, EA, CFP(R)
November 22, 2015: Be mindful of IRS wash sale rules, by David T. Mayes, EA, CFP(R)
November 8, 2015: Budget deal axes popular Social Security strategies, by David T. Mayes, EA, CFP(R)
October 25, 2015: Evaluating pension buyout offers, by David T. Mayes, EA, CFP(R)
September 27, 2015: Re-visit Roth conversions as deadline approaches, by David T. Mayes, EA, CFP(R)
September 13, 2015: Resist temptation to time the markets, by David T. Mayes, EA, CFP(R)
August 30, 2015: Millennials jeopardize retirement by avoiding stocks, by David T. Mayes, EA, CFP(R)
August 16, 2015: Happy 80th birthday Social Security, by David T. Mayes, EA, CFP(R)
August 2, 2015: Factors that drive asset returns, by David T. Mayes, EA, CFP(R)
July 19, 2015: IRAs are not always tax-deferred, by David T. Mayes, EA, CFP(R)
July 5, 2015: Economic recovery remains solid, by David T. Mayes, EA, CFP(R)
June 21, 2015 Dollar cost averaging can help smooth market entry, by David T. Mayes, EA, CFP(R)
May 24, 2015: Using annuities for lifetime income in retirement, by David T. Mayes, EA, CFP(R)
May 10, 2015: Should alternative investments be in your portfolio?, by David T. Mayes, EA, CFP(R)
April 26, 2015: Custodian errors can defeat backdoor Roth strategy, by David T. Mayes, EA, CFP(R)
April 12, 2015: 2014 tax season brought unpleasant surprises, by David T. Mayes, EA, CFP(R)
March 29, 2015: Tax-advantaged college funding, by David T. Mayes, EA, CFP(R)
March 15, 2015: Making the most of college financial aid, by David T. Mayes, EA, CFP(R)
March 1, 2015: Stay focused when markets misbehave, by David T. Mayes, EA, CFP(R)
February 8, 2015: How to fix IRA contribution mistakes, by David T. Mayes, EA, CFP(R)
January 25, 2015: Inheritance missteps can be costly, by David T. Mayes, EA, CFP(R)
January 10, 2015: Health Law Brings New Forms, Taxes and Credits, by David T. Mayes, EA, CFP(R)
December 27, 2014: Start Your 2015 Financial Planning Checklist, by David T. Mayes, EA, CFP(R)
December 13, 2014: How Work Impacts Social Security Benefits, by David T. Mayes, EA, CFP(R)
November 29, 2014: Year-End Tax Saving Moves, by David T. Mayes, EA, CFP(R)
November 8, 2014: Social Security Benefits for Children, by David T. Mayes, EA, CFP(R)
October 25, 2014: Using 72(t) to Avoid Tax Penalties, by David T. Mayes, EA, CFP(R)
October 11, 2014: Tapping Traditional IRA Early Without Penalties, by David T. Mayes, EA, CFP(R)
September 27, 2014: IRS Clarifies Rules for After-Tax 401(k) Rollovers, by David T. Mayes, EA, CFP(R)
September 14, 2014: Social Security Benefits Reduces for Many Public Employees, by David T. Mayes, EA, CFP(R)
August 31, 2014: When Rates Rise: Bonds or Bond Funds? by David T. Mayes, EA, CFP(R)
August 17, 2014: Is Your 401(k) Enough to Retire on? by David T. Mayes, EA, CFP(R)
August 3, 2014: What You Should Know About Cash Balance Plans, by David T. Mayes, EA, CFP(R)
July 20, 2014: Halftime Report: Markets Continue to Reward Investors, by David T. Mayes, EA, CFP(R)
July 6, 2014: Top Questions Asked Just Before Retirement, by David T. Mayes, EA, CFP(R)
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