Category Archives: Financial Planning
What Happens If Trust Not Funded
Revocable trusts can be an effective way to avoid probate and provide for asset management, in case you become incapacitated. These revocable trusts — also known as “living” trusts — are very flexible and can achieve many other goals. Point Verda Recorder’s recent article entitled “Don’t forget to fund your revocable trust” explains that… Read More »
Will I Get A Bill as My Inheritance?
When someone dies and leaves debts, you may ask if you have any personal liability to pay them. The answer is typically no, even though those debts don’t automatically disappear. However, there are situations in which you may have to address issues with a loved one’s creditors after they are gone, says KAKE’s recent… Read More »
Households with Higher-Incomes and Biden Tax Reform
As Americans look ahead to a Biden Harris Administration, noting the President-elect’s tax plan is crucial for higher-income households to understand and likely make adjustments to their financial and legacy planning. Generally speaking, the sweeping changes to the tax code will aim to levy higher taxes on corporations and high-income households. It will also… Read More »
Incorporating Gifting with an Estate Plan
Kiplinger’s recent article entitled “Gifting sounds pretty simple, but there are many ways to do it, and several tax ramifications to be aware of as well” explains that no matter if a gift is made this year or in future years, there are some important questions to consider. Increased exemption. The Tax Cuts and… Read More »
Protecting Inheritance from the Taxman
Wealth Advisor’s recent article entitled “4 Ways to Protect Your Inheritance from Taxes” explains that inheritances aren’t considered income for federal tax purposes—whether it’s cash, investments or property. However, any subsequent earnings on the inherited assets are taxable, unless it comes from a tax-free source. You must report the interest income on your taxes…. Read More »
What If a Sole Beneficiary Wants to Share?
That doesn’t sound like a bad idea, right? However, Morningstar’s recent article entitled “3 Strategies to Consider When Sole Beneficiaries Want to Share the Wealth” says that there are a few hurdles to clear, such as the IRA administrator’s policies, income tax consequences, transfer tax consequences and the terms of the decedent’s will. Here’s… Read More »
Do I Have to Accept an Inheritance?
If you do not want to accept an inheritance, you have to disclaim. For most, this is not often done because they are not able to disclaim an item in the hopes that they can chose a comparable item. More importantly, they cannot direct or decide who gets their disclaimed asset. MarketWatch’s recent article… Read More »
Do I Need More Than a Will?
If you die without a will (i.e., intestate), a court will determine who inherits your assets and who would care for any surviving children as a guardian. CNBC’s recent article entitled “A will doesn’t cover all your bases when it comes to end-of-life decisions. Here’s what else you need” explains that some assets pass… Read More »
Is there a Better Plan than a Reverse Mortgage?
If you’re 62 or older, one way to get a bit more cash, is to use the equity in your home in a reverse mortgage. It’s a type of loan that allows you to borrow against the equity in your home and receive a set monthly payment or line of credit (or a combination… Read More »
What Should I Know about Immediate Variable Annuities?
FedWeek’s recent article entitled “Buying an Annuity for an Income Stream” explains that these annuities come in two varieties, immediate fixed annuities and immediate variable annuities. With an immediate fixed annuity, you receive the same amount each month, as long as the annuity lasts. However, a fixed payout may not be attractive, because that… Read More »