Question

Customer Z is a single 26-year-old man who earns $125,000 annually. He informs you that he is getting married and that his new wife's income of $75,000 per year will put them into the highest federal tax bracket. The couple will have investable income of $25,000 per year. The couple wishes to buy a house in 5 years that will be substantially more expensive than the condominium in which they currently reside. To meet the customer's needs for the large cash down payment in 5 years and to reduce taxable income, the BEST recommendation is to:_____________.
A. open a margin account and invest in income bonds
B. open an Individual Retirement Account and invest in tax-deferred variable annuities
C. open a cash account and invest in mutual funds holding high yielding common and preferred stocks
D. open a trust account and invest in Treasury STRIPs

Answer 1

Answer: C. open a cash account and invest in mutual funds holding high yielding common and preferred stocks

Explanation:

Investing in Mutual funds which hold high yielding common and preferred shares is the best option here. The dividends received will be high enough but will not be taxed too much as dividend tax is limited to 15% thereby saving the investment on taxes.

Also seeing as they will require the investment in other to buy a house in 5 years, they will need something that can be easily liquidated. Mutual funds are easy to liquidate from and so their investment here can be easily withdrawn when the time comes to allow them meet the house down payment.