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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 Contributions to a Roth IRA are made on an after-tax basis, which means they can be withdrawn at any time, for any reason, free of taxes and penalties.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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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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All Aboard

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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5 Helpful Tips to Long-Term Investing

5 Helpful Tips to Long-Term Investing

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    A successful investor maximizes gain and minimizes loss. Though there can be no guarantee that any investment strategy will be successful and all investing involves risk, here are basic principles that may help you invest more successfully.

    1. Long-term compounding can help your nest egg grow

    It’s the “rolling snowball” effect. Put simply, compounding pays you earnings on your reinvested earnings. The longer you leave your money at work for you, the more exciting the numbers can get.

    For example, imagine an investment of $10,000 at an annual rate of return of 8 percent. In 20 years, assuming no withdrawals, your $10,000 investment would grow to $46,610. In 25 years, it would grow to $68,485, a 47 percent gain over the 20-year figure. After 30 years, your account would total $100,627.[1]

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This simple example also assumes that no taxes are paid along the way, so all money stays invested. That would be the case in a tax-deferred individual retirement account or qualified retirement plan. The compounded earnings of deferred tax dollars are the main reason experts recommend fully funding all tax-advantaged retirement accounts and plans available to you.

While you should review your portfolio on a regular basis, the point is that money left alone in an investment offers the potential of a significant return over time. With time on your side, you don’t have to go for investment “home runs” in order to be successful.

2. Endure short-term pain for potential long-term gain

Riding out market volatility sounds simple, doesn’t it? But what if you’ve invested $10,000 in the stock market and the price of the stock drops like a stone one day? On paper, you’ve lost a bundle, offsetting the value of compounding you’re trying to achieve. It’s tough to stand pat.

There’s no denying it — the financial marketplace can be volatile. Still, it’s important to remember two things:

  1. The longer you stay with a diversified portfolio of investments, the more likely you are to reduce your risk and improve your opportunities for gain. Though past performance doesn’t guarantee future results, the long-term direction of the stock market has historically been up.
  2. Take your time horizon into account when establishing your investment game plan. For assets you’ll use soon, you may not have the time to wait out the market and should consider investments designed to protect your principal. Conversely, think long-term for goals that are many years away.

3. Consider your time horizon in your investment choices

You’ll need to consider how quickly you might need to convert an investment into cash without loss of principal (your initial investment). Generally speaking, the sooner you’ll need your money, the wiser it is to keep it in investments whose prices remain relatively stable. You want to avoid a situation, for example, where you need to use money quickly that is tied up in an investment whose price is currently down.

Therefore, your investment choices should take into account how soon you’re planning to use your money. If you’ll need the money within the next couple of years, you may want to consider keeping it in a money market fund or other cash alternative whose aim is to protect your initial investment. Your rate of return may be lower than that possible with more volatile investments such as stocks, but you may find comfort knowing that the principal you invested is relatively safe and quickly available, without concern over market conditions on a given day.

Conversely, if you have a longtime horizon — for example, if you’re investing for a retirement that’s many years away — you may be able to invest a greater percentage of your assets in something that might have more dramatic price changes, but that might also have greater potential for long-term growth.


4. Dollar-cost averaging: investing consistently and often

Dollar-cost averaging is a method of accumulating shares of an investment by purchasing a fixed dollar amount at regularly scheduled intervals over an extended time. When the price is high, your fixed-dollar investment buys less; when prices are low, the same dollar investment will buy more shares. A regular, fixed-dollar investment should result in a lower average price per share than you would get buying a fixed number of shares at each investment interval. A workplace savings plan, such as a 401(k) plan that deducts the same amount from each paycheck and invests it through the plan, is one of the most well-known examples of dollar-cost averaging in action.[2]

Remember that, just as with any investment strategy, dollar-cost averaging can’t guarantee you a profit or protect you against a loss if the market is declining. To maximize the potential effects of dollar-cost averaging, you should also assess your ability to keep investing even when the market is down.

An alternative to dollar-cost averaging would be trying to “time the market” in an effort to predict how the price of the shares will fluctuate in the months ahead so you can make your full investment at the absolute lowest point. However, market timing is generally unprofitable guesswork. The discipline of regular investing is a much more manageable strategy, and it has the added benefit of automating the process.

5. Focus on the forest, not on the trees

As the markets go up and down, it’s easy to become too focused on day-to-day returns. While only you can decide how much investment risk you can handle, in our experience we believe it’s good to keep your eyes on your long-term investing goals and your overall portfolio.

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[1] This hypothetical example may not reflect the actual growth of your savings or investments and it does not consider the effects of inflation. Past performance does not indicate future results.

[2] Dollar-cost averaging is a plan of continuous investment in securities regardless of their inconsistent prices. Of course, you must consider your financial ability to continually purchase shares. As with all investment methods, there is no performance guarantee.


IMPORTANT FENIMORE ASSET MANAGEMENT DISCLOSURES

Broadridge Investor Communication Solutions, Inc. does not provide investment, tax, legal, or retirement advice or recommendations. The information presented here is not specific to any individual’s personal circumstances. To the extent that this material concerns tax matters, it is not intended or written to be used, and cannot be used, by a taxpayer for the purpose of avoiding penalties that may be imposed by law. Each taxpayer should seek independent advice from a tax
professional based on his or her individual circumstances. These materials are provided for general information and educational purposes based upon publicly available information from sources believed to be reliable — we cannot assure the accuracy or completeness of these materials. The information in these materials may change at any time and without notice.

The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of Broadridge Investor Communication Solutions, Inc. 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 Broadridge Investor Communication Solutions, Inc.

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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Account Options

Account Options

Retirement Accounts

Whether you are just getting started, changing jobs, doing a 401(k) rollover, or in retirement, our team can guide you. Accounts include:

  • Traditional IRA
  • Roth IRA
  • SEP Account
  • SIMPLE IRA
  • 403(b)(7)


Education Savings Accounts

Are you ready to pay for your child’s college education? If not, we can help.

  • Coverdell Education Savings Account (ESA)

Other Types of Accounts

  • Separately Managed Accounts
  • Uniform Transfers to Minors Act Account (UTMA)
  • Trust Accounts
  • Business Accounts
  • Taxable Accounts
  • Small Business Retirement Accounts

Open an Account

FIXED INCOME & BALANCED PORTFOLIOS

Are you aware that Fenimore provides fixed income offerings?

  • Our fixed income strategy’s primary objective is capital preservation with income generation. We construct bond portfolios to provide stability with current income.
  • We design balanced portfolios for those who seek both long-term capital appreciation and current income by investing in stocks, bonds, and cash.
  • The minimum Fenimore Asset Management relationship for a fixed income account is $500,000.

Schedule A Meeting

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Remove the Emotion from Investing

REMOVE THE EMOTION
FROM INVESTING

The numerous news headlines processed every day can cause an investor to be fearful and make misguided decisions with their assets. The good news is that there is a calm and sensible investment approach called dollar-cost averaging (DCA) that can help mitigate the angst.

  • DCA is a long-term strategy that involves investing a fixed-dollar amount into a mutual fund account (for example) at regular intervals. It takes advantage of the cyclical nature of the stock market and allows you to focus on long-term growth and ignore short-term market conditions.

  • Since you always invest the same amount, you purchase more shares when the price is low and fewer shares when the price is high. DCA’s premise is that your average cost per share may be less than your average price per share, thus reducing your investment risk over time.

  • DCA also allows for small investments that, when done consistently over time, can grow into big savings.

Automatic investing from your bank account is an easy way to make saving a habit while bringing some peace to your life.

Dollar-cost averaging is a plan of continuous investment in securities regardless of their inconsistent prices. Of course, you must consider your financial ability to continually purchase shares. As with all investment methods, there is no performance guarantee.

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TAKE ADVANTAGE OF
FAM FUNDS’ LOW
MONTHLY MINIMUM — $50
Call 800-932-3271 to Learn More


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