Conceptually Understanding Problem Solving Approaches

A Science Daily article titled You Do The Math: Explaining Basic Concepts Behind Math Problems Improves Children's Learning cites research at Vanderbuilt University indicating that students benefit more from having teachers explain math problems from a conceptual point of view as opposed to explanations based on procedural problem solving. This does not surprise me in the slightest and I believe the study has applicability extending well beyond the teaching of math.

When learners are able to grasp a problem conceptually they can then utilize their own innate reasoning skills to find solutions. There is no point to reinventing the wheel so the teaching of procedural problem solving methods is still relevant. However, the problem solving steps can be learned within a context that allows for a thorough understanding of why it is they work. Retention of procedural instructions is more likely when the purpose of them is understood. This likely has implications for problem solving in general. Business and interpersonal relationship problems can be better resolved if the solution steps are conceptually understood and not simply rote memorized.

Capital Gain Distributions

The IRS website contains this information about capital gain distributions:

These distributions are paid by mutual funds from their net realized long-term capital gains. The Form 1099-DIV (box 2a) you receive or the fund's statement will tell you the amount you are to report as a capital gain distribution. Capital gain distributions are taxed as long-term capital gains regardless of how long you have owned the shares in the mutual fund.

Trickier is knowing the basis on which to figure gains and losses. More:

Keeping Track of Your Basis
You should keep track of your basis in mutual fund shares because you need the basis to figure any gain or loss on the shares when you sell, exchange, or redeem them.

Original basis. As explained in the following paragraphs, original basis depends on how you acquired your shares.

Adjusted basis. As described later under Adjusted Basis, your original basis is adjusted (increased or decreased) by certain events. You must keep accurate records of all events that affect basis so you can figure the proper amount of gain or loss.

Two choices: original basis and adjusted basis.

Shares Acquired by Purchase
The original basis of mutual fund shares you bought is usually their cost or purchase price. The purchase price usually includes any commissions or load charges paid for the purchase.

Example.

You bought 100 shares of Fund A for $10 a share. You paid a $50 commission to the broker for the purchase. Your cost basis for each share is $10.50 ($1,050 ÷ 100).

Purchase price plus commission cost constitute original basis.

When you buy or sell shares in a fund, keep the confirmation statements you receive. The statements show the price you paid for the shares when you bought them and the price you received for the shares when you disposed of them. The information from the confirmation statement when you purchased the shares will help you figure your basis in the fund.

Commissions and load charges. The fees and charges you pay to acquire or redeem shares of a mutual fund are not deductible. You can usually add acquisition fees and charges to your cost of the shares and thereby increase your basis. A fee paid to redeem the shares is usually a reduction in the redemption price (sales price).

Redemption fees are not deductable. Acquisition fee caveats follow:

You cannot add your entire acquisition fee or load charge to the cost of the mutual fund shares acquired if all of the following conditions apply.

You get a reinvestment right because of the purchase of the shares or the payment of the fee or charge.

You dispose of the shares within 90 days of the purchase date.

You acquire new shares in the same mutual fund or another mutual fund, for which the fee or charge is reduced or waived because of the reinvestment right you got when you acquired the original shares.

The amount of the original fee or charge in excess of the reduction in (3) is added to the cost of the original shares. The rest of the original fee or charge is added to the cost basis of the new shares (unless all three conditions above also apply to the purchase of the new shares).

Reinvestment right. This is the right to acquire mutual fund shares in the same or another mutual fund without paying a fee or load charge, or by paying a reduced fee or load charge.

Reinvestment to acquire new shares can become relevant for the purpose of calculating taxes owed as this explains:

Shares Acquired by Reinvestment
The original cost basis of mutual fund shares you acquire by reinvesting your distributions is the amount of the distributions used to purchase each full or fractional share. This rule applies even if the distribution is an exempt-interest dividend that you do not report as income.

When you acquire shares through reinvestment, keep the statements that show each date, amount, and number of full or fractional shares purchased. Keep track of any adjustments to basis of the shares as they occur.