Now that we’re in another tax time, lots of Americans begin to question their money choices and how they impact the taxes they owe. Among those questions is which bonds belong in taxable accounts. Read on for some advisor-backed ideas that may help protect your money in future tax years. Keep State Laws in Mind “Advisors who make blanket recommendations of placing municipals in taxable accounts and corporates in accounts with tax deferral ignore the specifics of state-specific tax law,” said Chad Cummi ...

Core Insights - Real estate can provide steady income for retirees, but it also comes with unpredictable costs and potential burdens [1][3] - Financial expert Suze Orman emphasizes that many retirees overestimate the reliability of rental income [3][4] Group 1: Listener's Situation - A retiree named Susan plans to sell a rental property for approximately $300,000 after taxes, seeking to replace $1,100 in monthly rental income [2] - Susan and her husband rely on Social Security, a pension, and rental income from three properties [2] Group 2: Orman's Advice on Real Estate - Orman warns that unexpected expenses, such as repairs, can significantly reduce net rental income, potentially leading to a deficit [4] - She advises retirees not to assume rental income is guaranteed and to consider selling properties if necessary [4] Group 3: Investment Strategies for Income Generation - Orman suggests fixed income options like Treasuries, municipal bonds, and CDs, which could yield around 4% to 5%, sufficient to match Susan's monthly income needs [5] - A growth and income mix, including utility stocks, dividend-paying ETFs, or real estate investment trusts, could provide 3% to 4% yields with potential for long-term appreciation [5] - Immediate annuities could offer $1,400 to $1,600 per month on a $300,000 investment, but Orman cautions about the loss of income for surviving spouses upon the annuitant's death [5]

Core Insights - The article discusses the appeal of municipal bonds as a tax-efficient investment option for investors looking to reduce capital gains payments as the tax year ends [1][2] - Active ETFs, particularly those focused on municipal bonds, are highlighted as a way to maximize returns while benefiting from tax exemptions [3][4] Group 1: Municipal Bonds Appeal - Municipal bonds are positioned as a solid alternative for fixed income assets, especially as certain bond segments lose appeal due to falling rates [2] - The tax-exempt nature of municipal bonds can significantly reduce the total tax bill for investors, which is particularly relevant if the stock market performs well in 2025 [2] Group 2: Active ETFs and Performance - The T. Rowe Price Intermediate Municipal Income ETF (TAXE) is presented as a strong option, charging a fee of 24 basis points while actively investing in municipal bonds exempt from Federal taxes [3][4] - TAXE has achieved a year-to-date return of 5.1% and offers a current yield of 4.44% as of September 30, showcasing its competitive performance [4]

Core Insights - Financial advisors are recommending a balanced approach to investment portfolios for young investors, considering both short-term goals and risk tolerance [1][7] - The traditional "age in bonds" rule is considered outdated, with the "120 rule" being suggested for stock allocation [4][7] - Current market conditions, including high long-term Treasury yields, support the inclusion of fixed income in investment portfolios [8][9] Investment Strategy - A young engineer client is saving for a house down payment in five years, leading to a diversified portfolio of 65% equities and 35% tax-efficient bonds [6][7] - The allocation strategy will shift over time to reduce equity exposure and increase fixed income holdings as the down payment date approaches [7] - The importance of protecting funds from market volatility is emphasized for short-term goals [7] Market Conditions - Long-term Treasury yields are at their highest levels in nearly two decades, creating a favorable environment for fixed income investments [8] - Higher interest rates may shift the investment landscape, potentially impacting sectors like equities and real estate [8][9] - Financial advisors recommend diversifying with high-quality bond ETFs and mutual funds to mitigate risk [9]