Raymond James Analysts http://www.raymondjames.com/experts/ A show featuring comments by Raymond James analysts A show featuring Raymond James analysts addressing current topics that could affect your investments and financial plans. Look for our Podcast in the iTunes Music Store and on our website www.raymondjames.com en-us Copyright 2009 Raymond James Financial Wed, 28 Oct 2009 12:00:00 ET Tim Mulaly Interviews with Raymond James experts. No Raymond James Financial Price-driven shoppers and high U.S. unemployment numbers are likely to combine to keep holiday retail sales slightly under last year's pace. It presents a creative challenge to retailers, for whom the year-end shopping season is vital. Although the recession technically may be over, people are mindful that they can no longer rely on their home equity and high portfolio values to fund their spending habits. They're looking for bargains, say Raymond James' Chief Economist Scott Brown and several retail industry analysts in this edition of Professionally Speaking, hosted by Larry Pugliese. http://www.raymondjames.com/experts/mp3/PS_Holiday_Oct27.mp3 Wed, 28 Oct 2009 12:00:00 ET Price-driven shoppers and high U.S. unemployment numbers are likely to combine to keep holiday retail sales slightly under last year's pace. It presents a creative challenge to retailers, for whom the year-end shopping season is vital. Although the recession technically may be over, people are mindful that they can no longer rely on their home equity and high portfolio values to fund their spending habits. They're looking for bargains, say Raymond James' Chief Economist Scott Brown and several retail industry analysts in this edition of Professionally Speaking, hosted by Larry Pugliese. 18:08 Raymond James, Scott Brown, Professionally Speaking, Holiday Shopping Outlook, Consumer, Retail Sales Raymond James Financial The first steps to successful tax planning involve getting organized, because investors are unlikely to be able to plan effectively unless they know five basic facts about income and expenses - anticipated levels and types of income; steps available or already taken to reduce adjusted gross income; likely expense deductions that can be maximized; the level of withholding in place; and changes made during the year that could influence filing status (such as getting married). Armed with this knowledge, investors can begin effective tax planning. Tactics may include tax loss harvesting and/or delaying income and bonuses and timely charitable giving - in other words, controlling income and managing the tax bracket. Be aware, however, that if the alternative minimum tax (AMT) system comes into play, planning will be quite different, says Pat Daxon, vice president of Raymond James' Financial Planning Group, in this edition of Professionally Speaking, hosted by Larry Pugliese. http://www.raymondjames.com/experts/mp3/PS_Daxon_Oct6.mp3 Tue, 13 Oct 2009 12:00:00 ET The first steps to successful tax planning involve getting organized, because investors are unlikely to be able to plan effectively unless they know five basic facts about income and expenses - anticipated levels and types of income; steps available or already taken to reduce adjusted gross income; likely expense deductions that can be maximized; the level of withholding in place; and changes made during the year that could influence filing status (such as getting married). Armed with this knowledge, investors can begin effective tax planning. Tactics may include tax loss harvesting and/or delaying income and bonuses and timely charitable giving - in other words, controlling income and managing the tax bracket. Be aware, however, that if the alternative minimum tax (AMT) system comes into play, planning will be quite different, says Pat Daxon, vice president of Raymond James' Financial Planning Group, in this edition of Professionally Speaking, hosted by Larry Pugliese. 15:50 Raymond James, Pat Daxon, Professionally Speaking, Year-End Tax Planning Raymond James Financial A whole new generation of feature-rich "smart phones" from manufacturers including Google, Apple, RIM, Palm and Motorola is enabling consumers to surf the Internet, take and send high-quality photos and videos, play online games and music, buy an array of products and services - and even make phone calls. While smart phones are currently on the market, most consumers still use more traditional cell phones - but that could change by yearend, says equity research analyst Todd Koffman in this edition of Professionally Speaking, hosted by Larry Pugliese. http://www.raymondjames.com/experts/mp3/PS_Koffman_Sept21.mp3 Thu, 24 Sep 2009 12:00:00 ET A whole new generation of feature-rich "smart phones" from manufacturers including Google, Apple, RIM, Palm and Motorola is enabling consumers to surf the Internet, take and send high-quality photos and videos, play online games and music, buy an array of products and services - and even make phone calls. While smart phones are currently on the market, most consumers still use more traditional cell phones - but that could change by yearend, says equity research analyst Todd Koffman in this edition of Professionally Speaking, hosted by Larry Pugliese. 11:40 Raymond James, Todd Koffman, Professionally Speaking, Smart Phones, Google, Apple, RIM, Palm and Motorola Raymond James Financial No matter how much anyone makes, in 2010 investors saving for retirement will have an opportunity to convert traditional IRAs into Roth IRAs, paying no federal taxes on the transaction until 2011 and 2012.* Before 2010, anyone making $100,000 or more annually couldn't make such conversions. The advantages of the Roth IRA are well known. Because they are funded with after-tax dollars, qualified distributions are tax-free, although unless certain criteria are met, Roth owners must be 59 1/2 or older and have held the IRA for five years before tax-free withdrawals are permitted. As no withdrawals are actually required, high-net-worth individuals can pass untouched Roth accounts to future generations. Conversion isn't for everyone, including those who expect to be in a lower tax bracket or who would have to use other retirement funds to pay the tax, says Susan Hartman, CFP(R), a tax and estate planning consultant with the firm's Financial Planning Group, in this edition of Professionally Speaking, hosted by Larry Pugliese. *The option to spread the federal income taxes over two years applies to 2010 only. For conversions occurring after 2010, the federal income taxes due must be paid in full the following tax year going forward. Converting a traditional IRA into a Roth IRA has tax implications. Investors should consult a tax advisor before deciding to do a conversion. http://www.raymondjames.com/experts/mp3/PS_Hartman_Aug26.mp3 Wed, 02 Sep 2009 17:00:00 ET No matter how much anyone makes, in 2010 investors saving for retirement will have an opportunity to convert traditional IRAs into Roth IRAs, paying no federal taxes on the transaction until 2011 and 2012.* Before 2010, anyone making $100,000 or more annually couldn't make such conversions. The advantages of the Roth IRA are well known. Because they are funded with after-tax dollars, qualified distributions are tax-free, although unless certain criteria are met, Roth owners must be 59 1/2 or older and have held the IRA for five years before tax-free withdrawals are permitted. As no withdrawals are actually required, high-net-worth individuals can pass untouched Roth accounts to future generations. Conversion isn't for everyone, including those who expect to be in a lower tax bracket or who would have to use other retirement funds to pay the tax, says Susan Hartman, CFP(R), a tax and estate planning consultant with the firm's Financial Planning Group, in this edition of Professionally Speaking, hosted by Larry Pugliese. *The option to spread the federal income taxes over two years applies to 2010 only. For conversions occurring after 2010, the federal income taxes due must be paid in full the following tax year going forward. Converting a traditional IRA into a Roth IRA has tax implications. Investors should consult a tax advisor before deciding to do a conversion. 7:22 Raymond James, Susan Hartman, Professionally Speaking, Roth IRA, 2010