Employers do what they can to foster a sense of ownership in their employees. After all, if you stand to benefit from a company’s success, you’re more likely to do a great job for them, or so the logic goes. So, when you are hired for a job or promoted within your existing company, you…
Preparing your estate can be complicated, and if you’re a part of a blended family, estate decisions can be even more complex and nuanced. Blended families take on many forms but typically consist of couples with children from previous relationships. Here are a few case studies to help illustrate some of the challenges. Case…
There’s a moment early in retirement that surprises a lot of people. They wake up, and there’s nowhere to be. No commute. No quick check of the inbox before coffee. Just a quiet morning that’s all yours to enjoy however you wish. At first, that quiet can feel wonderful. After years of deadlines and responsibility,…
“I’m proud to pay taxes in the United States; the only thing is, I could be just as proud for half the money.” Entertainer Arthur Godfrey The irrevocable life insurance trust (ILIT) can be an important estate strategy tool that may accomplish a number of estate objectives; however, it may not be appropriate for every…
Many of us hope to leave something behind for our loved ones when we pass away. But the probate process is complex. To understand how to better manage potential probate fees, let’s explore what probate is and how the process works. What Is Probate? Probate is the legal process that wraps up a person’s…
As children and grandchildren enter adulthood, many families begin thinking about how to introduce meaningful financial conversations. Young adults today – often referred to as Gen Z – are starting their careers while learning about money through social media, podcasts, and online influencers. According to Credit Karma, roughly 43% of Gen Z report experiencing “money…
Every year, about 140 million households file their federal tax returns. For many, the process involves digging through shoe boxes or manila folders full of receipts; gathering mortgage, retirement, and investment account statements; and relying on computer software to take advantage of every tax break the code permits.1 It seems a shame not to make the…
One of the common threads of a mobile workforce is that many individuals who leave their jobs are faced with a decision about what to do with their 401(k) account.¹ Individuals have four choices with the 401(k) account they accrued at a previous employer.2 Choice 1: Leave It with Your Previous Employer You may…
Once an estate strategy is in place, it should only require periodic reviews to check that it still reflects your wishes. However, life events such as marriage, divorce, births, deaths, relocations, health changes, business sales, and changes in tax law may prompt you to reconsider part of your overall strategy. The world of estate strategies…
By April 11, 2025, over 117 million taxpayers had dutifully filed their federal income tax returns. And they all made decisions about deductions and credits – whether or not they realized it.1 When you take the time to learn more about how it works, you may be able to put the tax code to work…