Blended families require special planning. Communication of those plans is key to keep frictions to a minimum. This story examines the controversy in the family of sports reporter Craig Sager, who died in December 2016. Sager Family Shows Perils of Blended Families … [Read more...] about Sager Family Shows Perils of Blended Families
Age-Related Retirement Milestones
Retirement takes planning. This article includes milestone ages, such as when you must begin taking distributions from retirement plans. The article also includes links to resources which will be helpful in your retirement planning process. Age-Related Retirement Milestones … [Read more...] about Age-Related Retirement Milestones
Retirement is Complicated
Many factors go into retirement decisions. This article examines many of those factors, such as where to retire, access to healthcare, income taxation, estate taxation, property taxation, etc. This article includes many links to helpful lists. Retirement is Complicated … [Read more...] about Retirement is Complicated
Estate Planning: Simple is not Always Better
Clients often want the simplest estate planning solution possible. While keeping it simple is an understandable goal, the simplest solutions are not often the best. This article shows a couple simple solutions for estate planning and why, in most circumstances, a living trust is at the center of a more robust estate plan and more likely to provide the desired protections. Estate Planning: Simple is not Always Better … [Read more...] about Estate Planning: Simple is not Always Better
Planning for Retirement Plans and IRAs: Beneficiary Designation
Perhaps the largest part of most Americans’ wealth is in their qualified plan or IRA. Planning for these assets is one of the most important parts of the estate plan, for many reasons. This article will discuss the importance of beneficiary designations. Planning for Retirement Plans and IRAs: Beneficiary Designation … [Read more...] about Planning for Retirement Plans and IRAs: Beneficiary Designation
Planning for Retirement Plans and IRAs: Asset Protection
Perhaps the largest part of most Americans’ wealth is in their qualified plan or IRA. Planning for these assets is one of the most important parts of the estate plan, for many reasons. This article will discuss the asset protection of such plans and how a trust may be used to provide asset protection. Planning for Retirement Plans and IRAs: Asset Protection … [Read more...] about Planning for Retirement Plans and IRAs: Asset Protection
Would You Prefer a Charitable Deduction This Year?
Perhaps you would prefer to take a charitable deduction this year. Maybe you have higher income this year, or the reduced ability to take a deduction next year. A donor advised fund may make sense for you. A donor advised fund allows a deduction this year, even though distributions will be made to public charities in future years. Read on to learn more about a donor advised fund. Would You Prefer a Charitable Deduction This Year? … [Read more...] about Would You Prefer a Charitable Deduction This Year?
Basics of Estate Planning: Powers of Appointment – Part 1
Trusts can be very flexible. One of the ways to add flexibility is by using powers of appointment. This article will examine what a power of appointment is and how it may be used to add flexibility to a trust. An upcoming article will examine the tax consequences of powers of appointment. Basics of Estate Planning: Powers of Appointment – Part 1 … [Read more...] about Basics of Estate Planning: Powers of Appointment – Part 1
Basics of Estate Planning: Powers of Appointment – Part 2
Trusts can be very flexible instruments. One of the ways to add flexibility is by using powers of appointment. This article will examine the different types of powers of appointment and how that can impact taxation. Basics of Estate Planning: Powers of Appointment – Part 2 … [Read more...] about Basics of Estate Planning: Powers of Appointment – Part 2
New Year’s Greetings
Congress passed a new tax law just before leaving for the holidays. The new law temporarily doubles the estate, gift, and GST exemption. The law increases the standard deduction and limits deductions for state and local taxes. Read the article to find out more about the new law and how it will impact you. New Year’s Greetings … [Read more...] about New Year’s Greetings
