Investors: Avoid These 5 Common Tax Mistakes Sounds like a good plan, right? Well, it is, but be aware it can get a bit complicated. Under what is commonly called the “wash sale rule,” if you repurchase the losing stock within 30 days of selling it, you can't deduct your loss. In fact, not only are you precluded from repurchasing the same stock, you are precluded from purchasing stock that is “substantially identical” to it – a vague phrase that is a constant source of confusion to investors and tax professionals alike. Finally, the IRS mandates that you must match long-term and short-term gains and losses against each other first. [More] Offshore Investing There has been less divergence between regions more recently. Even so, we suggest the prudent investor cannot afford to ignore overseas markets. They now represent some 44% of world market capitalization, up from 25% about 30 years ago. International stocks can provide solid diversification for a portfolio heavily invested in U.S. equities. [More] Investing and Financial Planning The other phases extend to middle age and beyond to retirement. Our middle age years often find us at the peak of our earning power, with many of our former goals satisfied. This will mean greater savings are possible, and as time progresses towards retirement, our tolerance for risk will necessarily diminish. Financial planning takes all of this into account and more. Other factors, including planning for health care and other insurance needs, preparation for emergency expenditures, tax and estate planning and the like will all be part of the strategy. [More] "Create a Balance Sheet of Your Life... Continued!" Create a Balance Sheet of Your Life…  Expected Earnings Releases for Week of 09/25/06 Week of 09/25/06 Earnings releases expected for Monday 09/25/06 - Before The Open WAG, [maybe SMSC] - During Trading (none) - After The Close JLG Earnings releases expected for Tuesday 09/26/06 - Before The Open ALO.