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March 2009

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Tax Filing


Help With Your Taxes: Download to Quicken, TurboTax, Money and Excel

Download your account information to Excel - it's easy! After you log in to your account, look for the Accounts & Services tab. Listed under the Accounts & Services tab is the Account Download. Click on the Account Download and a new screen will show with two tab choices: the Quicken or Money tab, and the Excel tab. To download to Excel, simply follow the instructions. Many clients and tax preparers find this feature very time consuming when preparing Schedule Ds.

Investment Quiz


1. What percentage of U.S. mortgages entered foreclosure at the end of last year?
a) 12.52%
b) 9.25%
c) 5.4%
d) 1.08%

2. Real Net Worth per U.S individuals in 1973 was estimated to be 100K. What is the estimated Real Net Worth per U.S individuals today?
a) 126K
b) 140K
c) 152K
d) 162K

Answers: 1. d) 1.08%. 2. d) 162K.

Source: JPMorgan Asset Management.

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MARKET COMMENTARY
Extra Credit: New Stimulus Bill Keeps More Tax Money in Your Pocket
By Gabriel F. Burczyk, President & CEO

Gabriel F. BurczykWhatever your definition of stimulus, the gargantuan $787 billion bill passed by Congress on February 17 provides a wide array of tax credits to a cross section of Americans. No matter what your age, income level or taxpayer status, chances are there's something in it for you.

Before we take a look at some of the best tax credits, note that, with a few exceptions, the new credits won't impact your 2008 tax returns. That said, you can start claiming them as part of your 2009 tax planning process.

MONEY MANAGER COMMENTARY
Positive Signs for Economic Recovery

NuveenNuveen
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009: Benefits to State and Local Governments - This is a good comprehensive analysis of the stimulus bill and the major expenditures for "state and local fiscal relief."
Click here for full Stimulus Bill Analysis, March 2009

Brandes Investment PartnersBrandes Investment Partners
Money Supply and U.S. Stock Market Return - "Last time money supply as a percentage of U.S. equity market cap reached current levels...was 1984, two years into the start of a bull market that lasted nearly twenty years."
Click here for complete Money Supply Analysis, March 2009

Wachovia SecuritiesWachovia Securities
The Money Market: Seeking Preservation of Principle - This is a excellent review of the state of the money market industry and the inner workings on the What, Who and Whys. It explains the U.S. Treasury Temporary Guarantee Program and the mechanics of when a fund breaks the buck.
Click here for full Money Market Commentary, March 19, 2009

MFS Investment ManagementMFS Investment Management
Fed Should Give Stock Markets Some Hope - "Federal Reserve Board announced it would buy...$300 billion of long-term U.S Treasury securities...That decision was history in the making."
Click here for complete Fed Commentary, March 19, 2009
TAX & RETIREMENT
Income Boost for Retirees

First Clearing 1099The suspension of Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) from retirement accounts in 2009 could potentially help your portfolio regain recent losses. If you can afford to skip this year's distribution, bear in mind that a 75-year old with a $500,000 account - who would typically withdraw about $21,834 this year - could potentially earn an extra $47,327 within 15 years by leaving this year's RMD in the account, assuming a 7% (inflation-adjusted) average annual return.

Another retirement income boost comes in the form of a 5.8% cost of living adjustment (COLA) in Social Security benefits this year. Typically the annual increase is 2.8%. For a 70-year old retiree, this could mean an additional $35,623 in income between now and age 95. If you haven't starting taking benefits yet but are considering when to apply, click here for guidance from the Social Security Administration.
FINANCIAL TIDBITS
Review Your 529 Asset Allocation

529 College PlanFor 2009, the Treasury Department and IRS have made an exception to the allocation rule for owners of 529 college savings and prepaid tuition plans. Account owners are allowed to change their investment options up to two times in 2009, rather than just once. This one-year (as of now) exception allows investors to adjust 529 portfolios in response to recent financial market conditions.

Now is a good time to review your current allocation and determine if your portfolio may benefit from a more conservative, or aggressive, allocation given your circumstances. For a consultation regarding your 529 asset allocation, contact a WrapManager Wealth Advocate at (800) 541-7774 or email .
The attached report and information have been prepared or produced by WrapManager, Inc. from sources and data believed to be reliable. Information provided in this report is for educational and illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as individualized investment advice, as an offer to sell, or the solicitation of an offer to buy any security in any states where such an offer or solicitation would be prohibited by regulations. WrapManager, Inc. is not a tax advisory firm. We recommend you contact your tax attorney or CPA prior to utilizing any of the tax-related strategies mentioned or discussed. Returns and experiences will vary for each client. Each client's risk tolerance and investment objectives are unique to them. Past performance may not be indicative of future results. No assumption that future performance of any specific investment or product made reference to directly by WrapManager, Inc., on its Web site and in marketing materials, will be profitable or equal the corresponding indicated performance level(s). If performance numbers are generated gross of fees, a client's return will be reduced by investment advisory fees and any other expenses. Opinions expressed are those of WrapManager, Inc. and are subject to change without notice and are not necessarily those of Prospera Financial Services, Inc., its directors, parent company or its affiliates. Securities offered through Prospera Financial Services and cleared through First Clearing, LLC. Prospera Financial Services - Member FINRA/SIPC.

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