[Stu from NYC]

Originally Posted by retiredguy123

I would suggest that you scan the documents and put them on a thumb drive, your hard drive, or on the cloud. Or, you could save the scans to a PDF file and email it to your tax preparer.

Also, buy a copy of TurboTax and enter the information from your tax records into the program. It's very easy to do. If you want a double check, you can send the TurboTax program file or the PDF file from TurboTax to your tax preparer, and have them review the return and file it for you. Most tax preparers use TurboTax, or a similar tax software anyway.

We have been sending our tax docs to our preparer up north by certified mail and so far it has worked. Have to think about your suggestions.

[DAVES]

Originally Posted by Barbinga

In the same way that there are volunteers to help with tax returns, are there organizations or individuals that give advice on general financial planning or legal advice (to look at a simple contract with knowledge of Florida laws)?

WOW just beware. Financial advice for FREE? No one works for free. You can, you should do some reading. It is your money it is your life. Typically an advisor will ask you what is your risk tolerance. What does than mean? Beats me. People, THINK they have a higher risk tolerance when the market is up than when it is down. There is no shortage of people saying they are financial advisors who are really commissioned SALESMEN. For a few hundred dollars you can hire a for fee only advisor. They will review what you have, what you need, want AND MAKE SUGGESTIONS. No one wants to pay taxes. If you are thinking about a will. Probate in Florida is BRUTAL. A proper WILL can avoid that. A job for an attorney.
There is or were several investment clubs.

If you have an account with Fidelity, you can get a portfolio review at no cost. You do not need to have it all at Fidelity.

DO NOT JUMP INTO ANYTHING. Always ask or know how this person is being PAID.

[DAVES]

Originally Posted by Stu from NYC

How do you know the person really knows what he is doing?

Who that is a great question. For years I used my brother in law. He was/is a cpa and he sells investments . My view a conflict of interest. Apparently it is legal. Wow family, no need to check. I discovered that every investment he pushed, bonds etc could be easily purchased, the same bond for less-thus a higher yield to me. I never questioned his fees.
When we moved we went to another accountant. Family would be fair? He was charging me about 40% too much. When my mom passed, I discovered he has sold my mother who was 86 a government bond fund with a load on it and a 12b fee money that increases the sellers commission. I mentioned it to several people and they told me there was no such fund. My brother in law found it and due to TRUST he sold it to my mother. I probably could sue him. Likely too late to do so.

[DAVES]

Originally Posted by villagetinker

OP, I agree with above, you want a LICENSED fiduciary, these people are required to put YOUR interests first. Free advice is worth exactly what you pay for it and many times a lot less. We are still using or advisor (Ameriprise Financial) for back up North, he has done very well for us.

Well for us? The question is how much at at what level of risk. The past 15 years, till this year, the stock market has been up. As it is said a rising tide raises all boats.
Buffet is recognized as one of the greatest stock pickers. He has become a noun or is it an adverb-BUFFET LIKE. Buffet has said I lost 45 million on that investment. Buffet like? If, I lost 45 million on any investment there would be a lot of people wondering how they we soooo stupid as to lend me that much money. Buffet has also stated average people will do best simply buying the s&p 500. Truth I rarely beat the s&p.
I've done well but truth a dumb average would have done better. I do have, according to my brokerage statement less risk than the s&p.

[DAVES]

Originally Posted by macawlaw

The “free” tax assistance, at least through VITA, is run by volunteers who have to take a test and be approved by the IRS. My husband runs the program for a university. He spends hours annually in training and testing, as do the students he employs. My husband is a CPA and has an LL.M. in tax. If there is an error, a return may be corrected and refilled.

To my knowledge, there is no similar program for investments. Once you lose the money, it is gone.

Please see a professional who does not sell a product and you can pay by the hour. A good financial planner will look at your entire financial situation.

If you refuse to pay, please talk to many individuals and closely compare all suggestions before entrusting your money.

If you are talking about funds that you do not need to rely upon and are looking to have some fun with, there are plenty of firms - Edward Jones, Charles Schwab, etc. who can give some helpful advice and can help you decide what type of fund might be good for you.

If you rely on these funds, please seek independent, professional advice.

Melanie

Far as investment advice. I have a long time FRIEND and we discuss many things.
We've discussed investments on a regular basis. I've made it clear I do not give investment advice anything I say is I am doing this and why.

He foolishly started managing his relatives account. When he did well his relative said how smart, his relative is. When things turned down suddenly it was my friends fault.
I recall telling my friend that he was waling into a no win situation. Unfortunately, I was right.

[Stu from NYC]

Originally Posted by DAVES

Who that is a great question. For years I used my brother in law. He was/is a cpa and he sells investments . My view a conflict of interest. Apparently it is legal. Wow family, no need to check. I discovered that every investment he pushed, bonds etc could be easily purchased, the same bond for less-thus a higher yield to me. I never questioned his fees.
When we moved we went to another accountant. Family would be fair? He was charging me about 40% too much. When my mom passed, I discovered he has sold my mother who was 86 a government bond fund with a load on it and a 12b fee money that increases the sellers commission. I mentioned it to several people and they told me there was no such fund. My brother in law found it and due to TRUST he sold it to my mother. I probably could sue him. Likely too late to do so.

Sad that he would do that to his family or for that matter to anyone else

[Stu from NYC]

Originally Posted by DAVES

WOW just beware. Financial advice for FREE? No one works for free. You can, you should do some reading. It is your money it is your life. Typically an advisor will ask you what is your risk tolerance. What does than mean? Beats me. People, THINK they have a higher risk tolerance when the market is up than when it is down. There is no shortage of people saying they are financial advisors who are really commissioned SALESMEN. For a few hundred dollars you can hire a for fee only advisor. They will review what you have, what you need, want AND MAKE SUGGESTIONS. No one wants to pay taxes. If you are thinking about a will. Probate in Florida is BRUTAL. A proper WILL can avoid that. A job for an attorney.
There is or were several investment clubs.

If you have an account with Fidelity, you can get a portfolio review at no cost. You do not need to have it all at Fidelity.

DO NOT JUMP INTO ANYTHING. Always ask or know how this person is being PAID.

Also ask what are their qualifications for even giving advise.

We go to financial seminars from time to time to listen and sometimes learn and went to one last night.

The guy never did tell us his qualifications but kept giving us advise on end of life matters which are better left to a qualified attorney. He wants people to let him handle their financials thru a third party and kept saying how well this financial institution did this year only being down 4% but never mentioned their long term record.

At least we got a very nice free dinner out of it.

[nn0wheremann]

Originally Posted by villagetinker

OP, I agree with above, you want a LICENSED fiduciary, these people are required to put YOUR interests first. Free advice is worth exactly what you pay for it and many times a lot less. We are still using or advisor (Ameriprise Financial) for back up North, he has done very well for us.

In the process of preparing tax returns I have seen quite a large number of EOY statements from a large number of different financial firms. I am amazed at the disparity in fee structures, and how some folks continue to pay such large fees. The fees are usually disclosed close to the back of the package.

[retiredguy123]

Originally Posted by nn0wheremann

In the process of preparing tax returns I have seen quite a large number of EOY statements from a large number of different financial firms. I am amazed at the disparity in fee structures, and how some folks continue to pay such large fees. The fees are usually disclosed close to the back of the package.

I agree. Transfer your money into a Vanguard money market account. Then, call Vanguard and ask them to diversify the money into several stock and bond index mutual funds. You will pay no fees except the very low expense ratio for the funds. That is the only type of investing I have done for more than 40 years. I never saw a reason to pay any fees to an investment advisor.

Almost anyone can do their own taxes using Turbotax. The program will guide you through the tax return process. If you feel uncomfortable after completing the return, let a tax preparer review the completed return and file it for you electronically. If you pay them a fee, they will sign the return as the tax preparer.

[Villages Kahuna]

AARP They use well-trained tax preparers. FREE.

[rjm1cc]

Not that I know of. Call the county and see if they have any services.
The larger stock brokers and mutual funds have free programs that take you though some financial planning. These will ask you questions and this might be of some help for you.

[LaneyBeckler]

Originally Posted by Barbinga

In the same way that there are volunteers to help with tax returns, are there organizations or individuals that give advice on general financial planning or legal advice (to look at a simple contract with knowledge of Florida laws)?

Sound financial advising is not free. Ethical standards involving certifications, licensing, and experience must be met. Here are some criteria for reference: What Designations Should Your Financial Advisor Have?