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The Potential Benefits of Roth IRAs for Kids

The Potential Benefits of Roth IRAs for Kids

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    Most teenagers probably aren’t thinking about saving for retirement, buying a home, or even paying for college when they start their first jobs. Yet a first job can present an ideal opportunity to explain how a Roth IRA can become a valuable savings tool in the pursuit of future goals.

    Rules of the Roth

    Minors can contribute to a Roth IRA as long as they have earned income and a parent (or other adult) opens a custodial account in the child’s name. Contributions to a Roth IRA are made on an after-tax basis, which means they can be withdrawn at any time, for any reason, free of taxes and penalties. Earnings grow tax-free, although nonqualified withdrawals of earnings are generally taxed as ordinary income and may incur a 10% early-withdrawal penalty.

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A withdrawal is considered qualified if the account is held for at least five years and the distribution is made after age 59½, as a result of the account owner’s disability or death, or to purchase a first home (up to a $10,000 lifetime limit). Penalty-free early withdrawals can also be used to pay for qualified higher-education expenses; however, regular income taxes will apply.

In 2024, the Roth IRA contribution limit for those under age 50 is the lesser of $7,000 or 100% of earned income. In other words, if a teenager earns $1,500 this year, his or her annual contribution limit would be $1,500. Other individuals may also contribute directly to a teen’s Roth IRA, but the total value of all contributions may not exceed the child’s annual earnings or $7,000 (in 2024), whichever is lower. (Note that contributions from others will count against the annual gift tax exclusion amount.)

Lessons for life

When you open a Roth IRA for a minor, you’re giving more than just an investment account; you’re offering an opportunity to learn about important concepts that could provide a lifetime of financial benefits. For example, you can help explain the different types of investments, the power of compounding, and the benefits of tax-deferred investing. If you don’t feel comfortable explaining such topics, ask your financial professional for suggestions.

The young people in your life will thank you — sooner or later.

For questions about laws governing custodial Roth IRAs, consult your tax or legal professional. There is no assurance that working with a financial professional will improve investment results.

Securities offered through Fenimore Securities, Inc. Member FINRA/SIPC, and advisory services offered through Fenimore Asset Management, Inc.

Past performance is not indicative of future results. All investing involves risk including the possible loss of principal. Before investing, carefully read the fund’s investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses. FAM Funds’ prospectus or summary prospectus contains this and other important information about FAM Funds and should be read carefully before you invest or send money. To obtain a prospectus or summary prospectus and performance data that is current to the most recent month-end for each fund as well as other information, please go to fenimoreasset.com or call (800) 932-3271.

Neither this presentation nor any of its contents may be distributed or used for any other purpose without the prior written consent of Fenimore. The description of certain aspects of the market herein is a condensed summary only. This summary does not purport to be complete and no obligation to update or otherwise revise such information is being assumed. These materials are provided for informational purposes only and are not otherwise intended as an offer to sell, or the solicitation of an offer to purchase, any security or other financial instrument. This summary is not advice, a recommendation, or an offer to enter into any transaction with Fenimore or any of their affiliated funds. This presentation may contain statements based on the current beliefs and expectations of Fenimore’s management and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ from those set forth in the forward-looking statements. Any references herein to any of Fenimore’s past or present investments, portfolio characteristics, or performance, have been provided for illustrative purposes only. It should not be assumed that these investments were or will be profitable or that any future investments will be profitable or will equal the performance of these investments. There can be no guarantee that the investment objectives of Fenimore will be achieved. Any investment entails a risk of loss. Unless otherwise noted, information included herein is presented as of the date indicated on the cover page and may change at any time without notice.

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SPOUSAL INDIVIDUAL RETIREMENT ACCOUNT (IRA)

spousal individual retirement account (IRA)

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    What is a spousal individual retirement account (IRA)?

    If you meet certain conditions, you can set up and contribute to an IRA (traditional or Roth) for your spouse, even if he or she receives little or no taxable compensation for the year of the contribution. Such an IRA is commonly referred to as a spousal IRA. A spousal IRA is not, however, a special type of IRA. It is merely a way of describing the fact that you are making a contribution to your spouse’s traditional or Roth IRA. To contribute to a spousal IRA, you must meet four conditions:

    • You must be married at the end of the tax year
    • You must file a joint federal income tax return for the tax year
    • You must have taxable compensation for the year
    • Your spouse’s taxable compensation for the year must be less than your taxable compensation
  • Andrew Boord, Portfolio Manager - Fenimore Small Cap Strategy

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Taxable compensation includes wages and salaries, commissions, self-employment income, and taxable alimony or separate maintenance. It does not include earnings and profits from property (such as rental income, interest income, and dividend income), pension or annuity income, deferred compensation received, or any items that are excluded from income.

Example(s): You have taxable compensation of $80,000 for 2024. Your spouse has no taxable compensation. Assuming you file a joint federal income tax return and are married at the end of the tax year, you may be able to contribute up to $7,000 to an IRA in your spouse’s name ($8,000 if your spouse is age 50 or older). If you do this and are also able to contribute $7,000 to your own IRA ($8,000 if you are age 50 or older), your total IRA contribution for 2024 to the two IRAs can be as much as $14,000 ($16,000 if you are both 50 or older).

Traditional spousal IRAs and Roth spousal IRAs

If you meet the above conditions for spousal IRAs, you can contribute to a traditional IRA in your spouse’s name. All or part of your contribution to your spouse’s traditional IRA may even be tax deductible under certain conditions.

You may also be able to contribute to a Roth IRA in your spouse’s name if you meet the above conditions and your combined modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) is within certain limits (see last paragraph). Roth IRA contributions are never tax deductible, but withdrawals may be tax free under certain conditions.

How much can you contribute to a spousal IRA?

Unless your spouse is age 50 or older, you can contribute no more than $7,000 to a spousal IRA for 2024 (up from $6,500 in 2023). To be more specific, the maximum amount that you can contribute to a spousal IRA for 2024 is the lesser of:

  • $7,000 ($8,000 if your spouse is age 50 or older)
  • The combined taxable compensation of you and your spouse, less any amounts contributed to your own traditional and Roth IRAs

Example(s): You have $7,000 in taxable compensation for 2024. Your spouse has $500 in taxable compensation for 2024. Both of you are younger than age 50. You contribute $5,500 to your own Roth IRA. The maximum amount that you can contribute to your spouse’s IRA (traditional or Roth) is $2,000.

If your and your spouse’s combined MAGI for the year is more than $230,000 in 2024 ($218,000 for 2023), your ability to contribute to a Roth IRA in your spouse’s name is limited, and phased out entirely if your combined MAGI in 2024 is $240,000 or more in 2024 ($228,000 or more for 2023). If either you or your spouse is covered by an employer-sponsored retirement plan and your combined MAGI exceeds certain levels, your ability to make deductible contributions to a traditional IRA in your spouse’s name may also be limited (or phased out entirely).

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ESTATE PLANNING: Plan Today. Enjoy Tomorrow. 

ESTATE PLANNING: Plan Today. Enjoy Tomorrow. 

Estate planning is important to all investors, so we created a video that provides a helpful overview and actionable steps you can take. 
(viewing time = 34:35)   

The subject matter focuses on the why, what, when, and how of estate planning. Topics include: 

  • The main goals.
  • Necessary core documents.
  • A simple checklist.
  • Life events to prioritize.
  • Attorneys to consider.
  • When to review your plan.

You can choose to watch the entire program or any of these shorter videos:

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New Opportunities for Retirement Savings

New Opportunities for Retirement Savings

On December 29, 2022, Congress passed legislation that created significant changes to the retirement landscape. Dubbed the “SECURE Act 2.0,” these changes have broad impacts and provide opportunities for both retirement savers and those in retirement.

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©2023 Broadridge Investor Solutions, Inc.

IMPORTANT FENIMORE ASSET MANAGEMENT DISCLOSURES

The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of Ascensus and do not necessarily reflect the views of Fenimore Asset Management or its officers. Fenimore Asset Management or its officers have no editorial control over the content of the article or subject matter, and is independent of Ascensus.

The information herein is subject to change and is not intended to be complete or to constitute all of the information necessary to evaluate adequately the consequences of investing in any securities or other financial instruments or strategies described herein. These materials also include information obtained from other sources believed to be reliable, but Fenimore does not warrant its completeness or accuracy. In no event shall Fenimore be liable for any use by any party of, for any decision made or action taken by any party in reliance upon, or for any inaccuracies or errors in, or omissions from, the information contained herein and such information may not be relied upon by you in evaluating the merits of participating in any transaction.

In part, the purpose of this presentation may be to provide investors with an update on financial market conditions. The description of certain aspects of the market herein is a condensed summary only. This summary does not purport to be complete and no obligation to update or otherwise revise such information is being assumed. These materials are provided for informational purposes only and are not otherwise intended as an offer to sell, or the solicitation of an offer to purchase, any security or other financial instrument. This summary is not advice, a recommendation or an offer to enter into any transaction with Fenimore or any of their affiliated funds.

We undertake no duty or obligation to publicly update or revise the information contained in this presentation. In addition, information related to past performance, while helpful as an evaluative tool, is not necessarily indicative of future results, the achievement of which cannot be assured. You should not view the past performance of Fenimore funds, or information about the market, as indicative of future results.

All projections, forecasts and estimates of returns and other “forward-looking” information not purely historical in nature are based on assumptions, which are unlikely to be consistent with, and may differ materially from, actual events or conditions. Such forward-looking information only illustrates hypothetical results under certain assumptions and does not reflect actual investment results and is not a guarantee of future results. Actual results will vary with each use and over time, and the variations may be material. Nothing herein should be construed as an investment recommendation or as legal, tax, investment or accounting advice.

Clients or prospective clients should consider the investment objectives, risks, and charges and expenses carefully before investing. You may obtain a copy of the most recent mutual fund prospectus by calling 800-932-3271 and/or visiting www.fenimoreasset.com.

There is no guarantee that any of the estimates, targets or projections illustrated in this summary will be achieved. Any references herein to any of Fenimore’s past or present investments, portfolio characteristics, or performance, have been provided for illustrative purposes only. It should not be assumed that these investments were or will be profitable or that any future investments will be profitable or will equal the performance of these investments. There can be no guarantee that the investment objectives of Fenimore will be achieved. Any investment entails a risk of loss. An investor could lose all or substantially all of his or her investment. Unless otherwise noted, information included herein is presented as of the date indicated on the cover page and may change at any time without notice.

Fenimore Asset Management Inc. is an SEC registered investment adviser; however, such registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training and no inference to the contrary should be made.


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All Aboard!

All Aboard!

Tom Putnam, Fenimore Asset Management’s Founder & Executive Chairman, has a saying, “You have to be aboard the train before it leaves the station.” His analogy pertains to investing,  especially investors who believe that they can time the market.

Market timers hope they can catch the market at its highest or lowest point in an attempt to maximize returns and often let their emotions get in the way of rational decision making. They become fearful and sell when they should buy. The typical result is that they miss market upswings and their gains are much less than what they would have been if they had just stayed the course. Trying to time the market does not work over the long term.

Time in the Market — Not Market Timing

Nobel Prize laureate William Sharpe found that stock market timers must be right most of the time just to equal the returns that buy-and-hold, long-term investors achieve. While long-term investors are steady, market timers sweat over when is the best time to get in or out of the market. There is an overwhelming amount of research that shows that long-term investing — even through a stock market downturn — yields better results over the years than trying to time a decline, remove capital, and return when “things are better.”

What if the market drops?

Some investors are concerned that the train is going to sputter. The fact is, at some juncture, it will — it’s an inevitable part of the journey. When the market drops, Fenimore seeks opportunities to invest in what we believe are quality, well-managed businesses at a discount to our estimate of their economic worth. We try to use downturns to strengthen our mutual funds for the long haul.

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Long-term investing or market timing? It’s your decision. But if you’re looking for us, we’ll be on the train.


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4 Things To Consider Before You Invest

4 Things To Consider Before You Invest

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    We live in an ever-changing, global investment landscape — and yet, the stock market and U.S. economy seem to go through the same cycles over and over. With each era, new investment trends surface. Often complicated and difficult for investors to understand, these “latest and greatest” investment offerings tend to fade away. Plus, no matter which way you turn, you’ll likely find an “expert” enticing you to try to time the market or chase performance. The noise can be overwhelming.

    What Can You Do?

    Tune out the noise and focus on what matters — you and your long-term financial goals. Before you hire an investment manager, make sure you consider and understand their “Four Ps” giving equal weight to each.

    1. People: Call or visit the firm’s office. Get a feel for their culture and be sure to ask how long the portfolio managers have worked there — longevity can be a good sign.
    2. Philosophy: Can the investment managers clearly explain their philosophy within one minute?
    3. Process: Make sure their investment process is detailed, yet straightforward and understandable.
    4. Performance: Unfortunately, many investors look at performance as the most important factor. Past performance is no guarantee of future results so it’s crucial to evaluate all Four Ps equally.
  • 4 things to consider

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Saving for a Child’s College vs. Saving for Retirement

Saving for a Child’s College vs. Saving for Retirement

Kevin Smith, CFP®, Director of Fenimore’s Private Client Services, provides insights on this popular subject. For a more in-depth look at whether you are building enough wealth for your desired retirement lifestyle, watch Kevin’s video, “Investing for What Matters Most.”

Full Video

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Investing for What Matters Most

Investing for What Matters Most

Fenimore’s Director of Private Client Services, Kevin Smith, CFP®, hosts this investor education video and covers topics such as:

  • How Your Savings Compare to Your Age Group
  • How Much Should You Save and Where
  • Paying Down Debt vs. Investing
  • Understanding Different Retirement Accounts
  • The Impact of Inflation on Your Savings
  • An Action Item Checklist
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The Value of a Long-Term View

The Value of a Long-Term View

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    Imagine someone ringing your doorbell every minute from 9:30 a.m. until 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, to tell you a price they would pay for your house even though it was not for sale. Would you sell?

    Would you sell if each time you opened the door they offered you less and less? Obviously not — that would be irrational because you know the true value of your house. The same applies to stocks of quality companies — they have value despite their daily price movements.

  • The Value of a Long-Term View

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Economic Worth of A Business

However, investors often perceive “value” in the stock market as “price” and forget the economic worth of the business attached to the stock. During selloffs, markets can drop because of uncontrollable factors that are not purely economic in nature,  despite sound company-level fundamentals. Many perceive this day-to-day volatility as “risk,” but you certainly wouldn’t consider daily price movements as risk to your home’s long-term value. Perhaps the long-term view that real estate investors often take could be a good lesson for stock investors.

Similar to your home, companies have actual economic value despite their stock price on any given day. They are not just pieces of paper or a blip on the computer screen. We favor quality U.S. businesses and, ultimately, a stock’s performance depends upon the underlying company’s ability to grow economically — not how the market prices its stock on a daily basis.

Time in the Market, Not Market Timing

Investors often let their emotions get in the way of rational decision making. They become fearful and sell when they should buy. The typical result is that they miss the market upswings and their gains are much less than what they would have been if they had just stayed the course. Trying to time the market just does not work consistently enough to build wealth over the long term.

Additionally, there is an overwhelming amount of research that shows that long-term investing — even through a stock market downturn — yields better results over the years than trying to time a decline, remove capital, and return when “things are better.” In fact, studies of 20-year periods demonstrate that missing just 10 of the best days in the stock market over two decades can dramatically affect an investor’s rate of return.

Maintain A Long-Term View

Solid, fundamental business characteristics do not make a stock impervious to daily price movements, and all asset classes fluctuate including bonds and real estate. However, just as your home’s value can grow over time, stocks of quality, financially sound companies also possess long-term growth potential. We believe that stocks are essential in order to outpace inflation and generate real wealth over the long haul.

If you focus on your long-term financial goals and not short-term stock market fluctuations, you can be successful. So as stock market volatility causes people to be fearful, try to focus on quality businesses that can help defend against what we believe is true risk – the permanent loss of capital.

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Stick to the Basics

Stick to the Basics

Sticking to the basics can help you achieve your long-term financial goals.

Save Your Money First

In the ideal world, we tell our investors to have at least six months, and as much as two years, of living expenses set aside before they invest in the stock market. Although many Americans may not be there yet, it is a good goal. Having a sufficient emergency fund ― in good times and bad ― should provide flexibility and allow you to make rational, unforced financial decisions.

Borrow as Little as Possible

Virtually everyone has a loan with the largest typically being their mortgage. It’s wonderful to realize the American dream, but paying off your debts as soon as possible can help improve your financial footing.

Over the years, our investment research team has found that the companies that survive economic downturns are often the ones with little or no debt and plenty of cash. This holds true for individuals and their households as well.

Invest in Your Future

Invest your hard-earned money carefully, focusing on a long-term horizon. Choose investments that you understand and feel comfortable owning. You may want to read our short article, “4 Things To Consider Before You Invest.”

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