Charleston Currents

FOCUS: Analyst says to review portfolio on proposed tax law changes

By Kyra Morris, contributing editor | Many may be concerned about the changes in the new taxes under the $1.75 trillion Build Back Better Act, which is President Joe Biden’s signature social safety net and climate change bill. It has received a procedural vote in the House and still needs a final vote before it heads back to the U.S. Senate.

The analysis from the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office indicating the ultimate cost of this bill will be a determining factor. This article reviews the proposals as of Nov 6, and may at least give us some guidance and potential planning ideas.

Little change for many. The first thing that needs to be remembered is that if your taxable income is below $450,000 for married filing jointly (MFJ) or $400,000 for single (S) taxpayers, the proposed new tax laws have very little changes.

by Charleston Currents · 11/15/2021 · 3 comments · Focus, Good news

Photographer Bill Hawker of Sydney, Australia, captured this shot outside the Tower of London around the time of the Brexit vote.

MORRIS: What’s going on post-Brexit and what it means

By Kyra Morris, contributing editor | History was made June 23 of this year when the United Kingdom (UK) voted to leave the European Union (EU). For two days after the so-called “Brexit” vote, the U.S. stock market offered buying opportunities.

The DOW fell over 600 points on the June 25 and another nearly 300 points on the following Monday. Then the rebound began. Within the following month, the S&P and the DOW not only regained their pre-Brexit levels, but went on to achieve record highs. International markets since the vote – everywhere but the UK — also rebounded. This include both developed and emerging markets. This is only one month. Does it give us any idea of what to expect going forward?

by Kyra Morris · 07/25/2016 · Comments are Disabled · Money, Views

MORRIS: Charleston is part of a global community

By Kyra Morris, contributing editor | My husband and I traveled all over Australia last month. At the beginning of June, only a few people we met were familiar with Charleston, our fair city. By the end of our travels because of the tragedy at Mother Emanuel, most of the people we met knew of Charleston.

Their comments were kind expressions of sorrow, but also of how they were impressed by the total community support and display of love and unity that Charleston showed to the families of the victims. This unity was felt by the world.

We did that part right. We let the world know that Charleston is not a place of hate. …

by Kyra Morris · 07/13/2015 · Comments are Disabled · Focus, Money, Views

Fountain at Waterfront Park, Charleston, S.C.

MORRIS: The hidden jewel that’s no longer hidden

By Kyra Morris, contributing editor | The nature of Charleston’s hidden jewel qualities is like a cell tower sending out signals to the world – “Come visit. Come visit. I have preserved history, world-class restaurants, renowned golf courses, beaches, shopping, burgeoning theater and a thriving arts community.” The world is receiving the signals and responding. The tourists are here.

This is not a new phenomenon for Charleston. The first “Tourism Impact and Management Study” I found was done in 1977. It noted:

“The dramatic increase in tourist-related activity in Charleston over the past few years has provoked expressions of alarm by residents concerned with maintaining the amenities and quality for which the City is known. Moreover, there is general recognition that the City is not equipped adequately to serve and manage growing numbers of visitors.”

by Kyra Morris · 06/01/2015 · Comments are Disabled · Money, Views

Morris: Learn about volatility now in the market

JAN. 26, 2015 | The DOW is at 18,000. Wait, the Dow is at 17,200. What now, it’s back close to 18,000. Look again and low 17,000s appear to be the target. We experienced this type of rollercoaster ride just about every week in January. It’s up. It’s down. In short time frames, there were seemingly big swings. What happened?

by Kyra Morris · 01/26/2015 · Comments are Disabled · Money, Views