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  • Deciding When to Transfer Wealth: Factors to Consider

    Should you transfer wealth during your lifetime or transfer it to heirs after your death? Answering this question can be complicated because many factors are involved. For example, you might want to take advantage of the inflation-adjusted $12.06-million gift and estate tax exemption now, since the exemption amount is scheduled to be cut approximately in half after 2025 (unless Congress acts). On ...

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    Options for Overfunded or Unused 529 College Savings Accounts

    Section 529 plans can be a tax-smart way to save for college and other qualified education expenses. Contributions to these plans aren't deductible for federal tax purposes, but earnings and gains accumulate federal-income-tax-free. Then you can take federal-income-tax-free withdrawals to cover qualified education expenses. What happens if a 529 account turns out to be overfunded — or if you're ...

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    Top 10 Investment Lessons of 2023

    By: Larry Swedroe Last year was full of unexpected events – from a regional banking crisis, to rising geopolitical risks, to skyrocketing mortgage rates – that ultimately led to a solid year for markets and a recession that never came. The events that unfolded in 2023 once again showed that there are no crystal balls that allow investors to see the future clearly. Thus, when building a ...

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    4 Common Estate Planning Pitfalls

    Estate planning involves a lot of moving parts. So you'd be forgiven for overlooking or forgetting about certain issues when making decisions about transferring wealth in the most tax-effective manner after you die. An experienced estate planner can help ensure you dot all the "i's" and cross all the "t's." But if you've done some of your own estate planning or worked with different advisors over ...

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    An Inside Look at Qualifying for Financial Aid

    Parents with college-bound children often don’t understand the complexities of the financial aid process. They can’t plan for the tuition costs effectively without the right information on what to do to get more financial aid for their children. This one-hour webinar led by Colton J. Hastings, CFP® will familiarize you with the primary rules governing the financial aid process, how to form ...

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    5 Ways Financial Advisors Can Help Start-Ups Succeed

    Every business starts with a "seed" idea that germinates into a fledging business under the right conditions. The decisions that owners make when launching a start-up will impact its financial well-being for years to come. Here are five ways financial advisors can provide critical guidance at this phase of development: 1. Business Planning You'll need money to start a business. However, gaining ...

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    The IRS Has Announced Increased Retirement Plan Benefits for 2024

    With the 2024 tax year right around the corner, there's good news coming from the IRS. According to a recent announcement from the tax agency (Notice 2023-75), there will be increases to retirement plan contributions next year due to inflation adjustments.  Here's a rundown of some of the changes: Contributions to 401(k) and 403(b) Plans. Taxpayers will be able to contribute up to $23,000 in ...

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    Take Note of the Distinctive Features of a Roth IRA

    For certain individuals, Roth IRAs can offer income and estate tax benefits that are preferable to those offered by traditional IRAs. However, it's important to take note of just what the distinctive features of a Roth IRA are before making the choice. Traditional vs. Roth The biggest difference between traditional and Roth IRAs is how taxes affect contributions and distributions. Contributions ...

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    Year-End Tax Planning Tips for Individuals

    As the holidays approach, it's time to consider tax planning moves that will help lower this year's tax bill, as well as set you up for tax savings in future years. The good news is that it appears there won't be any significant unfavorable federal tax changes that will take effect next year. Assuming that's an accurate prediction, here are seven year-end tax planning ideas for you to consider. 1....

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    Webinar: 2023 Year End Planning & Tax Update

    On October 30, 2023, we hosted an informational webinar on the latest tax issues, year-end planning opportunities, an overview of recent legislation, and details on how the SECURE Act 2.0 will change retirement. Click below to watch the full recording.

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