Pathways in Yosemite

Pathways Advisory Group, Inc.
Jeff Karst, CFP®

Most days Pathways’ employees spend all day in the office working hard for our clients.  Every once in a while we need to take a break.  We schedule activities every six months that don’t involve financial planning.  Recently, we took the entire day and went to Yosemite.  We had an excellent tour guide along the way.  If you would like a tour from him – his name is David Williamson.

We often forget what a remarkable place we have in our backyard.  Most of us hadn’t been in years (if ever).  For those of you who are age 62 or better, you can get a lifetime pass for only $10.  If you haven’t been in a while (or never have), it’s just a short drive up Highway 41.

This was a great time of year.  The weather was a bit chilly (considering we were having 90 degree days in the Valley).  The Falls were flowing great even though we haven’t had much rain this year.

 “Yosemite Valley, to me, is always a sunrise, a glitter of green and golden wonder in a vast edifice of stone and space.” ― Ansel Adams

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The Power of Patience

Pathways Advisory Group, Inc.

 











The “science” of portfolio management has evolved.  Dimensional’s academic research has contributed in many ways.  But, some fundamental investment principles never change.  The following video does a great job explaining the benefits of flexibility & patience when it comes to stock trades.  It’s a great example of one of the most tried-and-true investment truths of all – patient investors are rewarded!

 
Source: Dimensional.com 

Dimensional Fund Advisors LP ("Dimensional") is an investment advisor registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

All expressions of opinion are subject to change without notice in reaction to shifting market conditions. This content is provided for informational purposes, and it is not to be construed as an offer, solicitation, recommendation or endorsement of any particular security, products, or services.

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Tax Form 5498

Have you received a tax form in the mail recently? If not, then disregard this post. If, however, you did receive a 2014 IRS Tax Form 5498 recently, do not panic. Form 5498 is generated by investment custodians every May for Traditional IRAs, Roth IRAs or Educational Savings Accounts with activity during the previous tax year and usually does not lead to an amended tax filing. Tax Form 5498 is informational. The IRS reconciles this activity with your Tax Return. If you received this form, ask yourself: Did I contribute to a Roth or Traditional IRA last year? Did I roll money into an IRA last year? Did I contribute or initiate activity out of an Educational Savings Account last year? Did I convert IRA money to a Roth IRA last year? If any of this activity applies to you, you received Form 5498. Contribution information is typically requested on an accountant's questionnaire. IRA rollovers and conversions generate a 1099-R. Either way, your accountant should already be aware of the activity. Then what should I do with my copy? In most cases, simply add it to your freshly started tax folder for 2015. As your accountant reviews next year's tax file, he or she can confirm that the activity was addressed.

The above explanation is summarized and generic. Please consult your tax professional with any specific questions.