AEGIS Financial

The momentum of a fresh start makes the new year an ideal time to get things in order in your life and your finances. Schedule some time to check in on your accounts, organize tax documents, automate bill paying and go paperless to simplify things and set yourself up for success.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR

• Tuesday, January 15 : Fourth quarter estimated payments are due, if required.
• Thursday, January 31 : Raymond James mails year-end retirement tax forms for 1099-R and 5498, if applicable.
• Friday, February 15 : Raymond James begins mailing 1099 tax statements.
• Thursday, February 28 : Raymond James mails amended 1099s and those delayed due to specific holdings and/or income reallocation. March 15 is the final day to mail any original 1099s and continued amended 1099s as needed.

PLANNING TO-DO’S

• Consolidate and cut clutter: Sign up for Client Access to view your account online and go paperless. Then, organize your personal and financial documents by uploading them to Vault, our secure online file-sharing platform.
• Revisit retirement: Confirm that employer retirement plan contributions take advantage of any available employer match. Maximize IRA contributions early in the year so they have more time to potentially generate tax-deferred gains; you have until mid-April to do so for the previous year. If you are 50 or older, ask your advisor about catch-up contributions.
• Optimize health spending: If you participate in a flexible spending account (FSA) or health savings account (HSA), review your contribution levels to take full advantage – without exceeding applicable limits. If you have an FSA, use available funds before your plan’s use-it-or-lose-it deadline if there is one.
• Do a budget gut-check: Have new expenses that must be factored into your financial plan? Conduct a cash flow and liquidity analysis to make sure you’re in good shape. Then prioritize how you’ll apply available savings, whether it’s to pay down high-interest debt, build or maintain an emergency fund, or increase retirement savings.
• Prepare for fuss-free filing: Keep your tax documents organized as they arrive so you’re prepared to file. Talk to your advisor about coordinating with your tax professional to ensure everything is in order.

There is no assurance any investment strategy will be successful. Investing involves risk including the possible loss of capital. Withdrawals from tax-deferred accounts may be subject to income taxes, and prior to age 59½ a 10% federal penalty tax may apply. Investment products are: not deposits, not FDIC/NCUA insured, not insured by any government agency, not bank guaranteed, subject to risk and may lose value. © 2018 Raymond James & Associates, Inc., member New York Stock Exchange/SIPC. © 2018 Raymond James Financial Services, Inc., member FINRA/SIPC. Raymond James financial advisors do not render legal or tax advice. Please consult a qualified professional regarding legal or tax advice.