For instance, in the mid-2000s, stocks had largely recovered from the tech bust, and old-economy stocks were thriving. In particular, homebuilders Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc. (NYSE:HOV) and Beazer Homes USA, Inc. (NYSE:BZH) had taken advantage of the soaring housing market to reach all-time highs. Related financial companies also did well, with title insurer Old Republic International Corporation (NYSE:ORI) and mortgage insurer MBIA Inc. (NYSE:MBI) having gained from housing activity.
Investors who rode those stocks higher faced a choice in 2006 and 2007: Scale back to lock in gains or double-down to seek a more luxurious lifestyle. Those who were aggressive ended up right in the middle of the market meltdown. The lesson: If the reasons for your initial goals are still valid, don't put your life savings at risk unless you have legitimate new goals to pursue.
Tip 2: Consider whether you're the giving type.
Rich people struggle with whether to leave wealth to their heirs. Although self-made millionaires like the idea of their children and grandchildren not having to start at the bottom, they also don't want to quash the natural ambition their descendants have.
One good compromise is to give in tax-smart ways. For instance, gifts for education don't incur gift tax as long as they're made directly to the college or other institution. Also, by giving appreciated stock to loved ones in low tax brackets, you may be able to save on capital gains taxes.
Tip 3: Kill two birds with one stone.
If you like to give money to charity but also want to provide income for yourself or your loved ones, then a charitable trust may be the right answer for you. With a charitable remainder trust, you can donate appreciated stocks and other investments to the trust, with provisions to pay chosen beneficiaries a certain amount or percentage of the trust assets each year. Whatever's left when those beneficiaries pass away then goes to the charity of your choice. Even better, some charitable trusts let you get a tax deduction right now for the value of the charitable gift -- even though the charity won't get the money for years to come.
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