Mid-September Update

U.S. Recessions 

Historians and economists claim that there have been 47 recessions in the United States dating back to the Articles of Confederation, which was ratified in 1781. The duration and intensity of each recession has been unique, with various factors affecting economic conditions contingent on current circumstances.

Modern recessions occurring in the 19th century have resulted from financial crises and market driven events, while recessions that occurred in the 1800s were primarily driven by war and the weather due to the dependence on agriculture.

Talk of an upcoming recession in the news has been a focal discussion as low rates and weakening economic indicators create an argument for a recessionary environment. Economists and analysts see recessions as an economic cycle driven by expansions and contractions.

However, no expert can consistently predict the timing or depth of a recession.  Nor can we ever know specifically how a recession will impact your portfolio.  Therefore, at Complete Advisors we focus on creating a long term investment according to that plan rather than trying to work around a recession.

Sources: Federal Reserve; fred.stlouisfed.org/series/JHDUSRGDPBR

 
Mid-September Update

Worksheet for IRA Distributions

Use this worksheet to figure this year’s required withdrawal for your traditional IRA UNLESS your spouse is the sole beneficiary of your IRA and he or she is more than 10 years younger than you.

Deadline for receiving required minimum distribution:

1.     IRA balance on December 31 of the previous year                                  $___________

2.    Distribution period from the table below for your age
       on your birthday this year.                                                                               ___________

3.    Line 1 divided by number entered on line 2. This is your
       required minimum distribution for this year from this IRA                   $___________

4.    Repeat steps 1 through 3 for each of your IRAs

 

Once you determine a separate required minimum distribution from each of your traditional IRAs, you can total these minimum amounts and take them from any one or more of your traditional IRAs.