Bonds pay interest, not dividends, that is taxed at ordinary income tax rates. Stocks pay dividends and if 'qualified' are taxed the same as long-term capital gains rates.
If you took social security 18 years ago you would have had the option for either you or your spouse to start collecting a spousal benefit and still preserve the right to collect at 70 including the 8%/yr increases. This would have lowered your break even point much below 85. The option I refer to is no longer available.
Can we assume legislation would be retroactive to January 1st 2025? Some provisions may only be enacted for part of 2025 or not take effect until tax year 2026. Congress is unpredictable when it comes to tax law.
The non working spouse is exactly the one that needs to have life insurance income, unless you'd rather they have to immediately become a working widow/widower?
Comments
Bonds pay interest, not dividends, that is taxed at ordinary income tax rates. Stocks pay dividends and if 'qualified' are taxed the same as long-term capital gains rates.
Post: Dividends Part II – At least
Link to comment from August 24, 2025
Long term capital gains rates
Post: Dividends Part II – At least
Link to comment from August 24, 2025
Identical to capital gains rates.
Post: Dividends Part II – At least
Link to comment from August 24, 2025
Poster also should explore the difference between callable and non-callable CDs.
Post: Online Banks
Link to comment from August 24, 2025
If you took social security 18 years ago you would have had the option for either you or your spouse to start collecting a spousal benefit and still preserve the right to collect at 70 including the 8%/yr increases. This would have lowered your break even point much below 85. The option I refer to is no longer available.
Post: Rehashing the age 70 thing. Tell Dear Dickie what is it that he doesn’t get about SS at age 70?
Link to comment from August 20, 2025
Given her age of 65 her RMDs will probably be required at 75 instead of 73.
Post: Roth Conversion Timing and Amounts to Maximize Benefits
Link to comment from July 20, 2025
Can we assume legislation would be retroactive to January 1st 2025? Some provisions may only be enacted for part of 2025 or not take effect until tax year 2026. Congress is unpredictable when it comes to tax law.
Post: AARP tax calculator changed to 2025
Link to comment from May 29, 2025
The non working spouse is exactly the one that needs to have life insurance income, unless you'd rather they have to immediately become a working widow/widower?
Post: Have you planned survivor income for your spouse or someone dependent on you?
Link to comment from May 6, 2025
Assume you meant box 7? Not much to get excited about box 12 or 14.
Post: New in 2025 – Code Y on 1099-R box 7 for QCD’s
Link to comment from April 26, 2025
You may get what you PAY for.
Post: Fishing for Feedback
Link to comment from April 21, 2025