If you're
sitting on unrealized capital losses
in investments in taxable accounts, you may want to consider selling shares before the end of the year to realize the loss and apply it against realized capital gains
in other
investments (including mutual funds, which are expected to make sizable distributions this year).
Since I tend to put my high yield
investments in a self - directed IRA and trade growth stocks
in my
taxable account, it's optimal timing to set one up, but a few holders for the long - term and let»em
sit while dividends pile up and you reinvest the proceeds tax - free!