Money Matters_01.26.2024

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JANUARY 26, 2024

Money Matter$

Tax Tips

How long to hold on to old returns

Lunar New Year Financial tips for prosperity in the Year of the Dragon

Saving vs. Spending Common financial mistakes to avoid


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JANUARY 26, 2024

How long to hang on to your tax returns

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s individuals attempt to more effectively organize their homes, they may come

across a familiar pile of documents that they might hesitate to discard. Conventional wisdom has suggested taxpayers hold on to their tax returns for at least seven years. However, the Internal Revenue Service indicates that the seven-year timeline is not necessarily applicable to everyone. The IRS recommends taxpayers speak with their insurance company or creditors to see if they require account holders to hold on their tax records longer than the IRS. If they don’t, individuals can follow these guidelines, courtesy of the IRS. 1. Keep records for 3 years if situations (4), (5), and (6) below do not apply to you. 2. Keep records for 3 years from the date you filed your original return or 2 years from the date you paid the tax, whichever is later, if you file a claim for credit or refund after you file your return. 3. Keep records for 7 years if you file a claim for a loss from worthless securi-

Courtesy of Metro Creative

Taxpayers can consult the IRS, or their accountants or tax preparers for advice on how long to keep their returns.

4.

5. 6.

ties or bad debt deduction. Keep records for 6 years if you do not report income that you should report, and it is more than 25 percent of the gross income shown on your return. Keep records indefinitely if you do not file a return. Keep records indefinitely if you file a fraudulent return.

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Keep employment tax records for at least 4 years after the date that the tax becomes due or is paid, whichever is later. These can serve as guidelines taxpayers can follow if they are attempting to declutter at home but don’t want to discard tax returns they might need someday. Taxpayers also can consult with their

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High school teaching students about financial literacy JEFF WEISINGER

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Freedom High’s financial Algebra is a class in which students can learn what their future finances would look like and how they would apply to real-world applications.

reedom High School Principal Steve Amaro remembers back to the days a few decades ago

when he was in high school. There were math classes, advanced math classes, and some business classes. But there weren’t any financial literacy classes. Fast-forward to the 2023-24 academic year, and the local schools like Freedom, along with Heritage, Liberty, and Antioch all have their own financial literacy courses, something to help guide students and soonto-be grads to financial success. “Students get the opportunity to have practical knowledge and be able to place their learning where they can visualize how they’re going to use it in their life,” Amaro said. Freedom’s financial Algebra is a class in which students can learn what their future finances would look like and how they would apply to real-world applications. Amaro says that Freedom started offering the class “at least five years” ago in its math curriculum. The course isn’t required to graduate. However, it is qualified for college applications.

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The class stays practical, according to Amaro. It goes over how students can prepare their finances accordingly, learning financial terms, interest rates, home buying, and how down payments work, just to name a few. The class can be amended as needed as time goes on and the economy changes. “It’s a matter of making it practical,” Amaro said. “As leaders, we always have to keep a temperature and an understanding of what the students most need when they graduate, because it’s really an educated guess. We want to try to set our students up for success in whatever they do to maximize their potential.” More states are requiring their high school students to take financial literacy courses, a stark difference to past generations

when the classes never existed, statistics show. In 2023, California Assemblymember Kevin McCarty (D-Sacramento) introduced the bill (AB 984) that required public high schools and charter schools to offer personal finance classes required for graduation. The bill went to the ‘inactive’ file because of dwindling support, according to trackbill.com. While Freedom and the other Liberty Union High School District schools have their classes set up, Antioch head football coach Brett Dudley took the initiative to teach his players financial literacy, especially in a day when high school athletes have to possibly manage NIL (Name, Image and Likeness) deals if they go on to play college sports. “This is an area where kids just don’t learn about it in school,” he said to The Press

last summer. “Many of them don’t learn about it from their parents or anybody else, so somebody’s got to teach it to them.” Antioch offers a financial class on campus geared more towards running a business compared to Dudley’s class, which is more practical. Similar to Freedom’s and LUHSD’s financial syllabus, Dudley holds “Money Mondays” during his team’s summer camp – a roughly half-hour class before the team starts their practice day. Going into its fourth year, Dudley’s “Money Mondays” goes over similar financial topics like investing, compound interest, retirement accounts, credit cards and score, and home buying. “It’s about ways that, even before they turn 18, they can start improving their credit score,” Dudley said. “To a lot of people, credit cards are taboo subjects because you can get yourself in a lot of trouble. I explained to the kids that it’s no different than a weapon or anything else that could be dangerous if you use it wrong. If you use it correctly, there are a lot of benefits to it.” “If I had known as a student what I know now and truly subscribed to maximize my potential, why not,” Amaro said when asked if he wishes he had the financial classes back in his high school days. “If I can go ahead and take one thing at the end of the day and say ‘I learned something,’ that’s what I’d want.”

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JANUARY 26, 2024

Financial mistakes anyone can avoid

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Spending beyond your means:

arnings go a long way toward determining an individual’s financial security. However, high wages do not guarantee

The post-pandemic increase in cost-of-living has garnered considerable attention in recent years, when inflation has driven up the cost of just about everything. There’s little consumers can do about the rising cost of living, but making a concerted effort to curtail spending is one way to combat the spike. However, surveys indicate many people earning significant salaries are living paycheck-to-paycheck. For example, a 2021 report from LendingClub Corporation found that nearly 40 percent of individuals with annual incomes greater than $100,000 live paycheck to paycheck, with 12 percent reporting they are struggling to pay their bills. An assortment of variables undoubtedly contribute to that stark reality, and one might be a tendency for consumers to spend beyond their means. Individuals who are struggling to curtail their spending are urged to seek the help of a certified financial planner who can help them devise a budget and alleviate some of the stress and pressure associated with overspending or living paycheck to paycheck.

long-term financial security any more than lower wages ensure a future marked by a lack of financial flexibility. Individuals are a unique variable in any financial equation, and those who can exercise and maintain some fiscal discipline are more likely to secure long-term security than those who cannot. One way anyone can improve their chances at a secure and flexible financial future is to identify and avoid some common mistakes. Avoiding the following mistakes can increase the chances individuals at various income levels enjoy a secure financial future.

Delay saving for retirement:

Conventional wisdom says it’s never too early to begin saving for retirement. Despite that, surveys indicate many adults are behind on saving. A 2022 survey from Bankrate found that 55 percent of respondents indicated they were behind on their retirement savings, while 35 percent reported being “significantly behind.” Though laws governing retirement contributions have made it easier for people to catch up, it’s still better to begin saving once you enter the professional

Poor use of credit:

arena, which for most people is some time in their early to mid-twenties. The longer you delay saving for retirement, the more precarious your financial future becomes.

Credit cards can be a financial safety blanket, but that blanket can soon smother consumers who don’t know how and when to utilize credit. Reserve credit cards for emergency situations and resist the temptation to use them for daily expenses, such as groceries and gas. Credit card interest rates tend to be in the double digits, so unless card holders can pay their balances in see Financial page 5B

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THE DAILY DOLLAR with Perry Chicaine GAIN PEACE OF MIND WITH IMPROVED DAILY MONEY MANAGEMENT Daily money management encompasses your essential financial routines to oversee your income, expenses, and savings regularly. It involves various activities aimed at maintaining financial stability, meeting obligations, and striving towards long-term financial objectives. Budgeting is critical and involves outlining income sources and allocating funds for various expenses like housing, utilities, groceries, and discretionary spending. Budgeting provides a clear view of where money should go, allowing individuals to prioritize essential expenses while setting money aside. Another critical aspect is tracking expenses. Whether through apps or spreadsheets, meticulously recording expenses sheds light on spending habits. This practice helps identify unnecessary expenses, areas to cut costs, and opportunities to reallocate funds to align with financial goals. Effective cash flow management prevents debt accumulation and facilitates the building of emergency funds, offering a financial safety net for unforeseen circumstances. Organizing bill payments is also crucial. Missing payment deadlines can result in late

Financial from page 4B full each month, they’re only worsening the already high cost of living by using credit for daily expenses.

Buying too much house:

Overspending on housing is another financial mistake, and arguably the one that’s the most difficult to avoid. It can be hard to walk away from a dream home, but such a decision could secure your financial future. Unfortunately, data indicates far too many individuals are spending more on housing than conventional financial wisdom recom-

mends. The most recent Consumer Expenditure Survey from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics found that spending on housing accounted for 33 percent of the average household’s monthly expenses and that the average household spent 88 percent of its after-tax income each month. That latter figure is especially troubling, as conventional financial wisdom recommends a saving rate of 20 percent. Overspending on housing lowers a person’s ability to save and invest, so resisting the temptation to buy that expensive dream home could be the difference between a secure or scary financial future. – Courtesy of Metro Creative

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A lot can change in a year. What’s important to you may change as you travel through life – even within a year. Meeting regularly is the best way to check in on your goals and progress to help you stay on track. We’ll discuss life changes, as well as how the market may have impacted your strategies. Schedule your financial review with me today so we can:” Revisit your overall financial strategy to ensure it’s still aligned with your goals

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fees and lower credit scores. Managing due dates and automating payments can help avoid such problems. Moreover, being mindful of daily expenditures significantly contributes to overall financial health. Cutting back on impulse purchases or unnecessary expenses, like daily coffees or dining out, can accumulate substantial savings over time. In conclusion, daily money management is pivotal for financial stability. It empowers individuals to take charge of their finances, make informed decisions, and work towards their financial aspirations. Establishing prudent budgeting, monitoring expenses, organizing payments, and being mindful of daily spending all play crucial roles in laying the groundwork for a secure and prosperous financial future. Golden Financial Care LLC is a local Daily Money Management firm that brings clarity and peace of mind to clients’ financial lives with cash flow management, bill-paying, budgeting, fraud prevention and more. Visit www. goldenfinancialcare.com or call Perry Chicaine at 925-418-1020 for a free consultation.

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What to know about cryptocurrency

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Notices. Everett Financial, Inc. dba Supreme Lending, NMLS ID #2129 (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org), 14801 Quorum Drive, Suite 300, Dallas, TX 75254 (877-350-5225). Solicitations made to and applications accepted from residents in HI -Hawaii Mortgage Loan Originator Company License HI2129. This is not an offer to enter into an agreement. Information, rates, and programs are subject to change without prior notice and may not be available in all states. All products are subject to credit and property approval. Supreme Lending is not affiliated with any government agency. © 2023. Everett Financial, Inc. dba Supreme Lending. All rights reserved. Equal Housing Opportunity Lender.

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Before you use or invest in cryptocurrency, here is a primer from the Federal Trade Commission about what makes it different from cash and other payment methods, and how to spot cryptocurrency scams. What is cryptocurrency? Cryptocurrency is a type of digital currency that generally exists only electronically. You usually use your phone, computer, or a cryptocurrency ATM to buy cryptocurrency. Bitcoin and Ether are well-known cryptocurrencies, but there are many different cryptocurrencies, and new ones keep being created. How do people use cryptocurrency? People use cryptocurrency for many reasons: quick payments, to avoid transaction fees that traditional banks charge, or because it offers anonymity. Others hold cryptocurrency as an investment, hoping the value goes up. How do you get cryptocurrency? Cryptocurrency is bought through an exchange, an app, a website, or a cryptocurrency ATM. Some people earn cryptocurrency through a complex process called “mining,” which requires advanced computer equipment to solve complex math puzzles. Where and how do you store cryptocurrency? Cryptocurrency is stored in a digital

wallet, which can be online, on your computer, or on an external hard drive. A digital wallet has a wallet address, which is usually a long string of numbers and letters. If something happens to your wallet or your cryptocurrency funds — your online exchange platform goes out of business, you send cryptocurrency to the wrong person, you lose your digital wallet password, or your digital wallet is stolen or compromised — you’re likely to find that no one can help you recover your funds. How is cryptocurrency different from U.S. dollars? Cryptocurrency exists only online, so there are important differences between cryptocurrency and traditional currency, like U.S. dollars. Cryptocurrency held in accounts is not insured by the U.S. government like U.S. dollars deposited into an FDIC insured bank account are. If something happens to your account or cryptocurrency funds, the government has no obligation to get your money back. Cryptocurrency values change rapidly, even by the hour, and it can change by big amounts. It depends on many factors, including supply and demand. Cryptocurrencies tend to be more volatile than more traditional investments, such as stocks and bonds. An investment that’s worth thousands of dollars today might be worth only hundreds tomorrow. Editor’s note: Local and national financial advisers were reluctant to comment on cryptocurrency, saying they either weren’t expert on the subject or did not offer it as an investment option.

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tarting on Feb. 10, the Asian zodiac transitions from the year of the skillful and creative rabbit to the powerful, noble and highly successful dragon. In many cultures, the Year

KWONG-HU

of the Dragon

predicts abundance, prosperity and good fortune. Dragons often symbolize money. Bank of America understands these characteristics and helps clients build pathways to financial stability and success. As the Lunar New Year and the Year of the Dragon begin, here are a few tips to improve your financial health. 1. Track your spending/build a budget. Tracking your spending can give you a better sense of where your money is going each month, so you can decide where and if you need to cut back or invest more. Using technology can help. Mobile phone apps, along with mobile and online banking, offer easy ways to track spending, follow a budget and maximize your hard-earned dollars. 2. Pay down debt. After the holidays, most household budgets are ready for some financial fitness. You can be savvy about paying down debt by breaking it down and paying off what you owe a little at a time. Remember,

there are various types of debt and not all debt is created equal. More information about how to pay down credit card debt can be found under “Strategies for paying down debt” at BetterMoneyHabits.com. 3. Save for emergencies. Have enough savings to cover three months of living expenses, and many banks can help with automatic savings transfers. Start small, with just a few dollars a month or per paycheck. Your savings should be accessible, not locked up in accounts that charge you to access your money. It shouldn’t be too accessible; consider a separate, interestbearing Federal Deposit Insurance Corp.-insured savings or money market account. 4. Invest in yourself. Saving for retirement is an investment in your future self. Look at how you’re planning for retirement to see if you’re maximizing your contributions or if you can contribute a little more to your 401(k) or IRA. Remember, retirement plans often offer tax advantages, so do some research and take advantage of the available options. Bank of America and Merrill advisors can help. For more tips, Bank of America has a free financial education website, BetterMoneyHabits.com that can help build financial know-how on topics like budgeting, saving, managing debt, homeownership, retirement and more – so people have the power to learn and achieve their goals. Bank of America also offers free financial education workshops in multiple languages to local groups and organizations. This financial expertise can help families pass along knowledge – and fortune – to their children. Setting and working towards financial goals are important parts of your financial health. With the right planning, you can build lasting positive habits that guide prosperity and wealth in your financial life in 2024 and beyond.

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By Michael J. Amthor, Esq.

IS THERE A TAX FOR GIFTING MONEY OR PROPERTY?

Can you give away money or property without paying a gift tax? The answer is (wait for it). . . maybe. I have many clients who ask about gifting a home or cash to their child now rather than on death. They want to help that child now, especially given the high price of real estate in California. The concepts of gift tax and estate tax come into play here. California does not have a gift tax. The feds do. The tax is levied on the giver and not the recipient. Unless the gift amount (or value of property) is more than $12.92 million for an individual, no taxes will be due. This amount can change and has been increasing for many years. This amount is determined by adding up all gifts during your lifetime and the value of your estate at death. There is also the annual gift tax exemption that allows a married couple to give up to $34,000 ($17,000 each) per year. The exclusion is per recipient. Thus, if you give to a married couple, you can give $68,000 tax free and the amount does not count towards

the lifetime exclusion. Who keeps track of gifts that count against the lifetime exclusion amount? You do. You are required to submit a gift tax return for all gifts that exceed the annual exclusion. This return allows the IRS to keep track. If an individual gives away $10 million during their lifetime, and when that person dies also has an estate worth $5 million, (for a total of $15 million), estate taxes will be due on the amount that exceeds $12.92 million. As you can see, even though you may not owe a gift tax at the time you gift your home, a tax may still be payable depending on the amount given during your lifetime. This stuff can be confusing. Best advice is to speak with an estate plan attorney like me and a tax expert prior to gifting to avoid unwanted surprises for yourself and those you leave behind when you pass away. If you have questions on this or any other estate planning topic, call me at (925) 516-4888. East County Family Law Group, 1181 Central Blvd., Suite A, Brentwood. www.eastcountyfamilylaw.com – Advertisement

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Editor’s note: Iris Kwong-Hu is a senior vice president with Bank of America. For more information, residents can visit the local branches at 241 Oak St or 6261 Lone Tree Way in Brentwood or by calling them at 925-634-3561 or 925-240-6440, respectively

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Year of the Dragon – How to be prosperous

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