Koehler Financial Services, Inc.

Financial Glossary
 

 

We are pleased to provide you with information about many of today's financial products, which include the different types of IRA's, pensions, 401k plans, mutual funds, annuities and their features and benefits.  This glossary is a brief overview.  You may obtain additional information by calling us at 269-429-0650.  Please scroll down to view the glossary.

 

 


ANNUITIES


VARIABLE ANNUITY
Tax-deferred growth potential with a wide range of investment choices

Variable annuities can be attractive to help you build for retirement. They provide you the potential for tax-deferred growth and an opportunity to participate in the market through a selection of professionally managed portfolios.A Asset protection options can protect your annuity investment for loved ones. And once you retire, your annuity can help create a reliable stream of retirement income—even one you can't outlive.

FIXED ANNUITY
Steady growth and guaranteed rates of return

Fixed deferred annuities can be well suited for investors who are looking for the safety of a more conservative retirement investment. A fixed annuity offers the stability of a fixed, guaranteed rate of return. Plus, the interest you earn is tax-deferred until you begin making withdrawals. Fixed annuities also offer the advantage of competitive interest rates versus many other fixed-rate products.

Koehler Financial Services, Inc. offers a line-up of fixed annuities that provide the stability of competitive rates for a variety of time horizons to suit your needs. You can fund a fixed annuity with cash, assets from a direct IRA transfer or a tax-free Section 1035 exchange from another annuity or life insurance policy.

  1. Early withdrawals are subject to market value adjustments, which may either be positive or negative

  2. Contract guarantees are subject to the claims-paying ability of the issuing insurance company.

  3. All withdrawals of tax-deferred earnings are subject to current income tax, and, if made prior to age 59½, may also be subject to a 10% federal income tax penalty.

  4. Koehler Financial Services, Inc., a licensed insurance agency, offers insurance products that are issued by non-affiliated insurance companies.

INDEX ANNUITY
Participation in market performance with guaranteed minimum growth

Looking for a retirement savings vehicle offering you higher earnings if the market goes up, yet guaranteed growth even if it doesn't? Index annuities let you participate in the potential growth of an equity index while protecting your savings with minimum guaranteed earnings. This makes them ideal for people who want to participate in the market performance upside without exposing their retirement savings to downside risk.

How do index annuities work?
You purchase an index annuity contract with a single premium payment. Earnings are linked to a formula based on changes in select equity indexes. If the index goes up, you share in the gains, up to the annual interest rate cap. If the market goes down, you're protected—your principal and credited interest can never decrease due to market declines. Index annuities are appealing because like traditional fixed annuities, your principal and credited interest can never decrease due to market declines, with all interest tax-deferred until you make withdrawals. However, index annuities also offer the opportunity for higher returns than many bank or traditional fixed rate vehicles by linking the interest rate to certain equity indexes, however dividends are not used in calculating index values, a valuable component when considering this type of annuity. Then, when it's time to receive a payout, you can choose from a variety of options to set up a reliable stream of retirement income.  Yields will be lower than the indexes they track due to margin reductions and market cap limitations.

For clients looking to benefit from the performance of leading market indexes while guaranteeing principal protection plus minimum growth.

  1. Koehler Financial Services, Inc., a licensed insurance agency, offers annuity products that are issued by non-affiliated insurance companies.

  2. Guarantees are subject to the claims-paying ability of the insurance company and surrender charges may apply if money is withdrawn before the end of the contract. Market performance participation is typically subject to a cap and/or margin.

  3. All withdrawals of tax-deferred earnings are subject to current income tax, and, if made prior to age 59½, may also be subject to a 10% federal income tax penalty.

IMMEDIATE ANNUITY
Convert your assets into an income stream 

An Immediate Annuity can help reduce concerns about outliving your savings. With a one-time purchase payment, you can convert current assets into an income stream guaranteed for as long as you choose, including for your lifetime.

Reasons to consider this annuity: 

·                     choice of income payout options to suit your cash flow needs.

·                     security that your payments won't fluctuate with market volatility.

·                     freedom from having to manage your savings to generate income.

Koehler Financial Services, Inc., a licensed insurance agency offers insurance products that are issued by non-affiliated insurance companies. Guarantees are subject to the claims-paying ability of the issuing insurance company.


MUTUAL FUND FAMILIES
Koehler Financial Services, Inc. a Registered Investment Advisor Offers and can assist you in building a portfolio of mutual funds to fit your needs.  Please read the prospectus carefully before investing.


Investment value will fluctuate, and shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than original cost.

PLEASE READ THE IMPORTANT DISCLOSURES BELOW 

  1. Investments in managed accounts should be considered in view of a larger, more diversified investment portfolio. Please read Koehler Financial’s ADV Part II for important information and disclosures relating to Koehler Financial Services, Inc.'s Managed Account.

  2. Koehler Financial Services, Inc. is a Registered Investment Advisor.


401K ROLLOVER

Transfer assets easily and maintain tax-deferred growth

If you’ve changed jobs or are retiring, rolling over your retirement assets to an account managed by Koehler Financial Services, Inc. is a great solution. Done correctly, it’s a non-taxable event and gives you access to a wide range of investments.

Take the hassle out of your 401(k) IRA rollover
Learn more about how to roll over your old 401(k) or get the process started in just one phone call: 800-347-0650

Let a Koehler Financial Services, Inc. rollover specialist handle all the details, including:

·                     Contacting your former plan administrator.

·                     Opening your new rollover IRA over the phone.

·                     Completing the paperwork and guiding you every step of the way.

Is a Koehler Financial Services, Inc. Rollover IRAA right for you?

·          A Koehler Financial Services Inc.'s Managed Rollover IRAA is advantageous for anyone who has changed jobs or is retiring and has assets in employer-sponsored retirement plans.

·     Gain more flexibility and control over your retirement assets than with other alternatives, such as leaving assets in your former employer’s plan, moving them to a new employer’s plan, or taking a cash distribution.

Visit Koehler Financial Services, Inc., or call us to find out more at 800-347-0650.

Koehler Financial Services Inc. is a Registered Investment Advisor. Realize the benefits of a Koehler Financial Services Inc. Managed Rollover IRAA

Keep your retirement assets invested in a tax-deferred account.


Avoid current taxes or penalties that may apply to a withdrawal.

Gain access to expert one-on-one retirement planning and investment guidance.


Details: Rollover IRA

 

 

Minimum to Open

$2,000

Rollover Deadline

There is generally no deadline for a direct rollover. This is the most efficient way to maintain the tax-deferred status of your 401(k) or other retirement plan distribution. Open your Koehler Financial Services, Inc. Rollover IRA1 and tell your benefits administrator you want to directly roll your distribution over to a rollover IRA account managed by Koehler Financial Services, Inc. a Registered Investment Advisor. 

However, if your employer issues you a check for the distribution, you must deposit it into an IRA or other qualified plan within 60 days of its issuing date in order to avoid taxation and penalties.

Tax advantages

Contributions

Tax-deductible (subject to certain limitations)

Earnings

Tax-deferred (not taxed until you begin withdrawing after retirement)

Withdrawals

Taxable (except withdrawals of non-deductible contributions)

Contributions

Who's Eligible

Anyone who is leaving a job or has just retired and wants to preserve the tax-deferred status of funds distributed from an employer-sponsored retirement plan may establish a rollover IRA.

Opening Contribution

Usually funded with eligible rollover distributions from an employer-sponsored retirement plan.

You may combine your rollover with a traditional IRA or create a separate rollover IRA account for the rollover. The benefit of a separate IRA is that it allows you to move your rollover IRA into another employer-sponsored plan should you decide to do so at a later time. Beginning in 2002, you do not have to keep your rollover in an IRA separate from your other traditional IRAs to be able to later move your assets into an employer-sponsored plan, but any after-tax (nondeductible) contributions made to your IRA cannot be rolled over to a qualified plan. However, you may wish to keep these assets separate anyway. Each plan determines whether or not it will accept rollover assets that have been co-mingled, and this expansion of the rollover rule is set to expire after 2010. Please consult a tax advisor if you need more information.

Additional Contribution Amounts

You may make additional cash contributions to your rollover IRA or roll over funds from an existing IRA, 401(k) or 403(b) plan (and beginning in 2002, 457(b) governmental plans). However, once you commingle other funds with your rollover IRA, you may no longer be able to roll the account into another employer-sponsored plan.

Withdrawals

Penalty Free

Withdrawals after age 59½ .

Penalty

If you do not start Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) withdrawals by 70½ you will face a penalty. Special distribution rules may apply.

Withdrawals before age 59½ are subject to a 10% penalty. (Exceptions are listed below).

Investment vehicles may also impose front and/or backend sales and/or withdrawal fees.  Please consult the prospectus or an investment advisor for details.

Exceptions to Penalty

·                         Higher education expenses for you, spouse, children, or grandchildren. Expenses include tuition, fees, books, supplies and room and board (must be enrolled at least part time). 

·                         First-time home purchase expenses (up to $10,000) to buy, build or rebuild a first home for you, your parents, children or grand children. 

·                         Death or disability. 

·                         Certain medical expenses including qualifying health insurance costs for certain unemployed individuals and unreimbursed expenses exceeding 7.5% of Adjusted Gross Income (AGI). 

·                         Withdrawals made in equal installments over the account holder's life expectancy.

 

Compare traditional and Roth individual retirement accounts
The IRA plan comparison chart below gives summary information only. Please review the details for each type of account for more information. You may want to consult your tax professional.

Account

Traditional IRA

Roth IRA

Minimum to open

$2,000

$2,000

Tax advantages

Contributions

Tax-deductible (subject to certain limitations)

Not tax-deductible

Earnings

Tax-deferred (taxed when you begin withdrawing)

Tax-free (subject to certain limitations)

Withdrawals

Taxable

Tax-free (subject to certain limitations)

Contributions

Yearly amount

Up to $4,000 for tax year 2005 ($4,500 for those age 50 and older) and up to $4,000 for tax year 2006 ($5,000 for those age 50 and older).

Up to $4,000 for tax year 2005 ($4,500 for those age 50 and older) and up to $4,000 for tax year 2006 ($5,000 for those age 50 and older). You can also convert your existing IRA into a Roth.

Age

Under 70½

Any

Income

Must have earned income. Deductibility of contributions varies with Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI).

Must have earned income. Not available to persons with MAGI over: $110,000 (single) $160,000 (married filing jointly) $10,000 (married filing separately).

Withdrawals

Penalty-free

After age 59½

After your account has been open 5 years

AND

After age 59½ (some withdrawals may be subject to tax)

Penalty

Before age 59½ . If you do not start withdrawing by age 70½.

Before 5-year holding period or before age 59½ unless exceptions to penalty apply.

Exceptions to penalty

Some exceptions for home purchase, education, or other.

Some exceptions for home purchase, education, or other.

 

Inherited IRA

Retirement resources

Transfer your IRAs to Koehler Financial Services, Inc. a Registered Investment Advisor
Retirement planning
Estate planning services


An inherited IRA allows a spouse or non-spouse IRA beneficiary of a traditional, rollover, SEP, SIMPLE or Roth IRA to keep his or her inherited IRA assets tax-deferred—until the IRS requires the funds in the inherited IRA to be distributed.

When the account holder dies, a spouse beneficiary may either transfer the assets into an inherited IRA, complete a spousal transfer and treat the assets as his/her own or take a distribution from the IRA. A non-spouse beneficiary may transfer the assets into an inherited IRA in his/her own name, and generally continue taking distributions on the same schedule that applied to the original account holder.

Tax rules for inherited IRAs are complex. We recommend that you consult your tax advisor before reaching a final decision.
 

Inherited IRA

Minimum to Open

$2,000

Who's Eligible

Anyone who has inherited a traditional, rollover, SEP, SIMPLE or Roth IRA, regardless of age

Tax Advantages

Opening Deposit

Not taxed

Earnings

Tax-free (Roth IRA earnings accumulate tax-free provided certain conditions are met)

Tax-deferred (traditional IRAs grow tax-deferred until distributed as required by the IRS)

Withdrawals

Tax-free (withdrawal of earnings from a Roth IRA if account has been open 5 years)

Tax-deferred (withdrawal of earnings from all other IRAs)

Contributions

Contribution Amounts

·                         Contributions to Inherited IRAs are not permitted

·                         Contributions to spousal transfers are allowed subject to eligibility

Withdrawals

Withdrawal Choices

Withdrawal choices vary based on the original account holder's age at death, who the beneficiary is (e.g., spouse, non-spouse, trust or estate) and the type of IRA inherited.

The choices you make can have serious tax consequences and can impact your retirement.

We recommend you speak with your tax advisor prior to making any decisions.

 

Roth IRA Information

A Roth IRA managed by Koehler Financial Services, Inc. a Registered Investment Advisor A may offer greater tax savings and withdrawal flexibility than a traditional IRA. Roth IRA accounts have no mandatory annual distribution requirements, and you can contribute beyond age 70½. Eligibility depends on income.

Open a Roth IRA at Koehler Financial Services, Inc. and you'll also get:

Your choice of investments, including stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and more

Income on your cash balances

Customized investment advice

 

Roth IRA

Minimum to Open

$2,000

Contribution Deadline

April 16, 2007 for 2006 tax year

Tax advantages

Contribution

Not tax-deductible

You may contribute simultaneously to a traditional IRA and a Roth IRA (subject to eligibility) as long as the total contributed to all (traditional or Roth) IRAs totals no more than $4,000 for each tax year 2005 ($4,500 age 50 and older) and $4,000 for tax year 2006 ($5,000 age 50 and older).
2. Five-year holding periods: There is a single five-year holding period when determining whether earnings can be withdrawn tax-free as part of a qualified distribution from a Roth contributory account. This period begins January 1 of the year of the first contribution to any Roth contributory account.

Earnings

Tax free (earnings grow free of federal income tax)

Withdrawals

Tax free (withdrawal of original contribution)
Potentially tax-free (withdrawal of earnings if part of a qualified withdrawal)

Contributions

Eligibility

No age restrictions; eligibility phase-out begins at modified adjusted gross income of $150,000 for married taxpayers filing jointly and $95,000 for single taxpayers.

Annual Contribution Amounts

To determine your allowable contribution amount, please contact Koehler Financial Services, Inc.’s tax planning department, or click here for our current years tax reference sheet.

Withdrawals

Penalty Free

Withdrawal of contributions at any age, or earnings after age 59½ and after account has been open for five years.

Penalty

Withdrawal of earnings before age 59½ or before your account has been open for at least five years.

Exceptions
to penalty

Before five-year holding period ends, subject to tax, or after five-year holding period ends, not subject to tax, penalties are waived if you are over 59½ and funds are withdrawn for:

·                         Higher education expenses for you or family members. Expenses include tuition, fees, books, supplies and room and board (must be enrolled at least part time). 

·                         First-time home purchase expenses ($10,000 lifetime limit) to buy, build, or rebuild a first home for you, your parents, children, or grandchildren. You must not have owned a home within the past two years.

·                         Death or disability.

·                         Certain medical expenses including qualifying health insurance costs for certain unemployed individuals and unreimbursed expenses exceeding 7.5% of AGI.

·                         Withdrawals made in equal installments over the account holder's life expectancy.

 

TRADITIONAL IRA
Save for retirement and gain tax advantages


Anyone under age 70½ with earned income can contribute to a traditional IRA. Contributions may be tax deductible, and taxes on earnings are deferred until you withdraw funds from the account, so your investments have the opportunity to compound faster.

Open a traditional IRA account managed by Koehler Financial Services, Inc. a Registered Investment Advisor
A and you'll also get:

A wide choice of investments.

Income availability.

Customized investment advice.

 

Traditional IRA

Minimum to open

$2,000

Contribution deadline

April 16, 2007 for 2006 tax year

Tax advantages

Contribution

Tax deductible - subject to certain limitations

Earnings

Tax deferred - taxed when you begin withdrawing

Withdrawals

Taxable (except withdrawals of non-deductible contributions)

Contributions

Eligibility

Anyone with earned income may contribute up until age 70½.

Annual contribution amounts

To determine your allowable contribution amount, please see our tax planning experts.

 

You may contribute simultaneously to a traditional IRA and a Roth IRA (subject to eligibility) as long as the total contributed to all (traditional or Roth) IRAs totals no more than $4,000 for each tax year 2005 ($4,500 age 50 and older) and $4,000 for tax year 2006 ($5,000 age 50 and older).

Withdrawals

Penalty free

Withdrawals after age 59½

Penalty

·                         If you do not start required minimum distribution (RMD) withdrawals by age 70½, you will face a penalty. Special distribution rules may apply.

·                          Withdrawals before age 59½ are subject to a 10% penalty. (Exceptions are listed below.)

Exceptions
to penalty

·                         Higher education expenses for you or family members; expenses include tuition, fees, books, supplies, and room and board (must be enrolled at least part time).

·                         First-time home purchase expenses ($10,000 lifetime limit) to buy, build, or rebuild a first home for you, your parents, children, or grandchildren; you must not have owned a home within the past two years.

·                         Death or disability

·                         Certain medical expenses including qualifying health insurance costs for certain unemployed individuals and unreimbursed expenses exceeding 7.5% of AGI

·                         Withdrawals made in equal installments over the account holder's life expectancy

 

Koehler Financial Services, Inc. a Registered Investment Advisor offers a wide range of programs and service plans to meet your needs.

 

SMALL BUSINESS RETIREMENT PLANS
A simple yet powerful way to save for your future

Whether you're a consultant working for yourself or a business with employees, we have a wide range of retirement plans to meet your needs.

Consider a plan for self-employed individuals without employees

Enjoy higher contribution limits than individual retirement accounts.

Get tax deductions now on your contributions, and let your assets grow tax-deferred until withdrawn.

Consider an Individual 401(k), SEP-IRA, or Personal Defined Benefit.

Or view plans for business owners with employees

Choose a plan to reward employees the way you prefer—immediately or over time.


Get the savings you need, and the flexibility you and your employees want.

Consider a SEP-IRA, SIMPLE IRA, Personal Defined Benefit, Profit-sharing, or 401(k) Plan. 

Consider a Company Retirement Account (CRA).

Distributions from retirement accounts before the age of 59½ may result in a 10% early withdrawal penalty. Where specific advice is necessary or appropriate, Koehler Financial Services, Inc. a Registered Investment Advisor recommends consultation with a qualified tax advisor or CPA.

 

Consider an Individual 401(k)

An Individual 401(k) is a retirement plan designed for self-employed individuals and owner-only businesses who want to make substantial contributions towards their retirement.

It has many of the same benefits as a traditional 401(k), but due to the small plan size, there is less administration required. And, as the owner of your Individual 401(k), you direct how the contributions are invested.

 

 

 

Who’s It for?

An Individual 401(k) may be best for employers who:

·                         Are self-employed or owner-only businesses with no employees other than a spouse

·                         Need to make contributions that are larger than what can typically be made to a SEP-IRA or Profit-sharing plan. 

·                         Want flexibility in the amount contributed annually

·                         Want an easy-to-administer, low-cost plan

Establishing a Plan

Plan Establishment

Plan must be established by December 31, or fiscal year-end, whichever comes first.

Contribution Deadline

Profit-sharing contributions are due by the business tax-filing date plus extensions.  Salary deferrals generally must be made by end of business tax year.

Tax Advantages

Contributions

Tax-deductible

Earnings

Tax-deferred (taxed when you withdraw them)

Withdrawals

Taxable

Eligibility

An Individual 401(k) is available to sole proprietors or business owners (including S and C corporations and partnerships) with no employees other than a spouse.

Business owners must have a minimum 5% business share to be eligible for an Individual 401(k). If you don’t meet this criteria, Koehler Financial can suggest other products that can meet your needs.

Contributions

Funding Requirements

Plan is funded with a combination of salary deferrals and annual profit-sharing contributions.

Plan does not need to be funded annually.

Annual Contribution Amounts

·                         Allows profit-sharing contributions up to 20% of your self-employment income, up to a maximum of $42,000 for 2005 ( $44,000 for 2006).

·                         Plus, a pre-tax salary deferral of up to $14,000 for 2005 ($15,000 for 2006).Individuals age 50 or over may make an additional catch-up contribution of $4,000 for tax year 2005 ($5,000 for 2006).

·                         Maximum combined contribution, including salary deferral cannot exceed $42,000 for 2005 ($46,000 if age 50 or over), or $44,000 for 2006 ($49,000 if age 50 or over).

Vesting

Immediate

Withdrawals

Distributions

Participant must have a triggering event (generally termination of employment or retirement) to take a distribution. In-service withdrawals may be available after age 59½ or in case of hardship.

Participants owning 5% or more of the business must begin taking required minimum distributions (RMDs) annually, beginning with the year in which the age of 70½ is attained.

Most distributions are subject to a mandatory 20% federal tax withholding. Exceptions to this tax-withholding requirement are required minimum distributions, hardship withdrawals and direct rollovers.

You may not take loans from your account managed by Koehler Financial Services, Inc. Individual 401(k).

Penalty

If you do not start RMDs when required or take less than the required amount, you will face a 50% penalty.

Withdrawals before age 59½ are subject to a 10% penalty. (Exceptions are listed below.)

Exceptions to 10% Penalty

Rollover of distribution to another plan or IRA

Termination of employment at or after age 55

Withdrawals made in equal installments over your life or life expectancy

Death or disability

Non-reimbursed medical expenses exceeding 7.5% of adjusted gross income