Howard McEwen, CFA

Howard McEwen, CFA is available to provide comments and background to interested media about investments and the financial markets.

Many investors are still in the mentality that the market is down, but with the Dow Jones, S&P 500, and NASDAQ returning 22.4%, 25.62%, and 38.68%, respectively, this year, many of those same investors are going to be surprised when their mutual fund distributes capital gains – adding to their tax burden.

“Over the next few weeks, mutual funds will be announcing their distribution rates,” said McEwen.  “Investors need to check these and consult with the tax advisor on ways to minimize the tax impact.”

“These distributions are tax bombs that need to be defused before year end so they don’t blow up the owner’s tax planning and returns.”

Mutual funds are required by law to pass along to their shareowners all realized capital gains and dividends.  Fortunately, much of this year’s gains will be offset by prior year losses, but investors still need to be vigilant.  The capital gains tax rate is 15% for those above the 15% income tax rate bracket.

Howard is a writer contributing to several publications.  He has a boutique investment advisory practice in Cincinnati.  He specializes in working with middle income, middle-class families and individuals.

Howard has obtained the prestigious Chartered Financial Analyst designation which has been called “the fruit of a grueling program testing topics from portfolio analysis and accounting to ethical standards.”  He is the author of The Pure Investor.  He has also contributed to the Enquirer, Community Press, Cincinnati Gentlemen, Dayton B2B, and City Beat.

“Readers need simple, coherent, jargon-free answers to complex questions,” said McEwen.  “They are concerned that something they don’t quite understand happening on Wall street or in Washington, D.C. is going to hurt their retirement.”

“Helping them understand it has been my job as a financial writer and advisor.”