Leading up to the election, we focused on several areas in your life that the results could have major impact on. Right now – post election – is the time to prioritize your to do list in light of the results. As I sit here writing, the presidency is still uncertain. Yet the House and…
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According to the IRS: Estate Tax is a tax on your right to transfer property at your death. Due to what might be owed at your death, the government realized that estates comprised mostly of small businesses, farms, and ranches could face ruin after the death of the owner. So, in 1997 Section 2032A of the tax code…
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Did you realize that reactive and creative are an anagram? We’ve realized that far too many people fail to ask the “right” questions regarding their unique situations. The result: reactive. We encourage you to spend a little time being creative so you don’t have to be reactive. You can begin by asking these 10 questions:…
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Against the backdrop of the economic turmoil created by the COVID-19 pandemic and the enactment of Republican-only tax reform in 2017, tax policy will be a critical point of differentiation in the 2020 presidential race. Below is a summary of the key tax law changes each candidate is suggesting.1 Item Present Law Biden Trump Business…
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Talking to people, there is already a general consensus of how the 2020 election is going to turn out. Whether from optimism or cynicism, most people currently believe Trump will be re-elected. Most likely this is true as most presidents, no matter which side of the aisle, get re-elected when Americans are reaping the rewards…
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Bruce Schneier wrote an article in March of 2007 titled Why the Human Brain is a Poor Judge of Risk. Looking back, the timing is fine irony. Had more investors read his article, perhaps they would have lowered their overall risk in the markets prior to the Financial Crisis – which began in August of…
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For most, the holidays represent a season of giving. Although giving to family and friends occupies most of our attention, charitable giving also plays a significant role at this time of year. From a tax and financial planning perspective, incorporating charitable giving into one’s year end activities can make a lot of fiscal sense. As…
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What of the purpose of investing your money? No, this is not a trick question. Of course, it is because you want to make money. The funny thing is there are two elements to investing that is often overlooked or forgotten—fees and taxes. We will leave the topic of fees for another time. I want…
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Wow! Where has 2019 gone? There are only two months left—the busiest two months of the year with the holidays in full swing. The funny thing is that most people try to cram everything they intended to do all year into this hectic, compact time-frame. I guess the old adage is true—done beats perfect every…
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Wisdom isn’t something you are born with. Yet wisdom, once gained, can be the most valuable thing you achieve and maintain – second only to your relationships with God and those you love most in life. Wisdom is achieved through years of watching, listening, observing and experiencing. Much of the value we provide doesn’t come…
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