June 13th, 2019

Gifts- Taxable or Not?

In Clark Kendall’s book, Middle-Class Millionaire: Surprisingly Simple Strategies to Grow and Enjoy Your Wealth, chapter 18 explains “Planned Giving” and walks through best practices of gifting. Below is a story about Rich and Barbara and real-life examples of how to gift efficiently. Rich is a retired film stuntman who, after a long career, is … Continue reading “Gifts- Taxable or Not?”

June 2nd, 2017

Estate Planning Basics

Estate planning can be an uncomfortable topic for many people causing them to put it off for as long as possible. However, when people don’t put their financial affairs in order, it makes their friends and family deal with potentially complicated and stressful situations. Investing some time and money now will help families avoid stress … Continue reading “Estate Planning Basics”

December 20th, 2016

Tell Your Beneficiaries about Your Accounts and Policies

As Year’s End approaches, now is a great time to review your retirement account(s) and insurance beneficiaries to ensure your heirs receive a fair share of your wealth and that your invested assets go where you want them to when you die. If you have a proper will or estate plan in place, you will … Continue reading “Tell Your Beneficiaries about Your Accounts and Policies”

December 14th, 2016

Tax & Estate Planning Update for Married Same-Sex Couples

The 2015 Obergefell v. Hodges Supreme Court decision streamlined tax and estate planning for married gay and lesbian couples. If you are filing a joint tax return for 2016 or thinking about updating your estate plan, we have some important things to remember. You can file jointly for 2016 if you married at any time … Continue reading “Tax & Estate Planning Update for Married Same-Sex Couples”

September 8th, 2016

Advice for Updating Your Estate Plan

An estate plan has three objectives: preservation of wealth; designating an executor, the person or entity who will make medical and financial decisions on your behalf if you are unable; and designating who will receive your assets after death. Over time, your feelings about these objectives may change. You may want to name a new … Continue reading “Advice for Updating Your Estate Plan”