Economic and Investment News Bits
  • The top 0.1% of U.S. taxpayers (based upon adjusted gross income) paid more federal income tax during tax year 2014 than the tax paid by the bottom 75% of taxpayers.  (source: Internal Revenue Service)
  • Gallup released their annual “Community Well-Being Index” that ranks U.S. communities by physical, emotional, financial, community, and social health. Naples, FL came in first for the second straight year, followed closely by other coastal areas. Of the six Ohio communities ranked, our hometown, Columbus, rated the “best”…ranked # 110 of 189.
  • A sampling of credit scores ranges from 300 to 850 with a national average of 673. Minnesota has the highest average at 706 while Georgia has the lowest at 642. As a reminder, you can obtain a free copy of your credit report every 12 months from each credit reporting company (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) at annualcreditreport.com or by calling (877) 322-8228. (source: Statisticalfuture.org)

 

Thoughts for the Month

“Spring is the time of year when it is summer in the sun and winter in the shade.”

Charles Dickens’ “Great Expectations”, English novelist (1812-1870)

“Spring is nature’s way of saying, “Let’s party!”

Robin Williams, American Comedian (1951-2014)

 

 Chart for April

 

 From the Wall St. Journal, this chart illustrates a “Taxpayer Receipt” showing where the U.S. government spends federal taxes (per $100).  Half of all spending goes toward Social Security benefits and health programs including Medicare and Medicaid, while another 20% is for defense and military benefits. Increases in Social Security and health program expenditures are expected to continue due to aging and growth in health care costs.  Retiring baby boomers expect these benefits to continue, so any cuts to these programs would be extremely unpopular.  However, at current projections, the Social Security trust fund will be exhausted in 17 years.

These programs as they currently exist continue to be cause for concern, but this (and future administrations) must address them for their long-term feasibility.

 

Please remember that past performance may not be indicative of future results. Different types of investments involve varying degrees of risk, and there can be no assurance that any specific investment, strategy, or product or any non-investment related content, made reference to directly or indirectly in this newsletter, will be suitable for your individual situation, or prove successful. This material is distributed by PDS Planning, Inc. and is for information purposes only.  Although information has been obtained from and is based upon sources PDS Planning believes to be reliable, we do not guarantee its accuracy.  It is provided with the understanding that no fiduciary relationship exists because of this report.  Opinions expressed in this report are not necessarily the opinions of PDS Planning and are subject to change without notice.  PDS Planning assumes no liability for the interpretation or use of this report. Consultation with a qualified investment advisor is recommended prior to executing any investment strategy. No portion of this publication should be construed as legal or accounting advice.  If you are a client of PDS Planning, please remember to contact PDS Planning, Inc., in writing, if there are any changes in your personal/financial situation or investment objectives.  All rights reserved.