The recent passage of President Obama's Health Care Reform Bill* in late March will have many economic impacts on businesses, families and individuals.  Many effects are directly related to the provision of health care for everyone.   However, there is one piece of this legislation that we at National Private Client Group want to discuss with you today because it affects your investments.

     After December 31, 2012, individuals making over $200,000 and couples filing jointly making over $250,000 will be paying an additional 3.8% on investment income.  That's right, if you fall into these income brackets, after 2012, you will be paying an additional 3.8 percent in taxes on your investment income. 

      So, if right now you're making an average return on investments of 8 percent, after 2012, you'll only be making 4.2 percent.  If you're averaging less than an 8 percent return, you could be in trouble.  You have just two years and a few months to move your investments out of the hands of a shaky market and government investments, like CDs, 401Ks, IRA (Roth and others) that are paying less and less and often costing you more and more.

      Let's face it, inflation is not going to help you 'earn less' - it will just make what you are earning worth less - you'll still be paying taxes on the same money and getting less value all the way around.  Whether it's taxes, fees or other ways that you don't really notice - your money is quietly slipping away - to the government, to the banks, to the investment firm and others.

      While health care reform is a noble cause, there are actions you can take right now to protect, stabilize and multiply what you are earning.  This could be the perfect time for you to explore Self-Empowered Banking and see how it can work to your benefit and give you more control over the money you are earning. 

      With Self-Empowered Banking, you have the opportunity to build real wealth instead of helping someone else get rich.  To learn more or see if Self-Empowered Banking is right for you, drop us an email at National Private Client Group or call us at 312.957.9400 x 403.