Is Your Estate Plan Still Aligned With Your Goals?
Most people understand the importance of creating an estate plan. However, far fewer revisit that plan as their lives, finances, and family circumstances change. Whether you’ve welcomed new family members, […]
Beneficiary Designations: A Simple Step That Can Protect Your Estate Plan
You may think of a will or living trust as the primary place to dictate who’ll receive your assets after your death. But for many people, a large portion of […]
Stepped-Up Basis Rules Are More Important Than Ever in Estate Planning
Because of recent tax law changes, income taxes — not estate taxes — are now a more significant focus in estate planning. And one key planning area is the step-up […]
When Is the Last Time You Reviewed Your Account Beneficiaries?
In today’s fast‑paced world, it’s easy to lose track of important financial details, including when you last reviewed your account beneficiaries. Life circumstances may change after an account is established, […]
Your 401(k) Is Maxed Out: Now What?
A 401(k) plan is an attractive employee benefit, allowing you to set aside substantial savings for retirement on a tax-deferred basis. And if your employer offers matching contributions, the benefits […]
Budgeting 101: Creating a Budget for a College Student
If you’re attending college (or will be soon), it’s in your best interest to create a budget. Indeed, learning to budget as a college student is an invaluable skill that […]
Smart Financial Planning is a Necessity for Unmarried Couples
As more U.S. adults are delaying marriage (or forgoing it altogether) the share who are living with an unmarried partner has been on the rise. When it comes to financial […]
How to Trim Your 2024 Taxes by Contributing to a Retirement Plan in 2025
Many types of retirement plans allow contributions to be made after year end. And last-minute retirement contributions can be a powerful strategy: You can lower your 2024 taxes while simultaneously […]
Charitably Inclined? Pair a Donor-Advised Fund with Your Estate Plan
Your estate plan is the perfect place to make charitable gifts if you’re a charitably inclined individual. One vehicle to consider using is a donor-advised fund (DAF). What’s the main […]
Tread Carefully with Early Retirement Plan Withdrawals
Tax-deferred retirement plans, such as traditional 401(k)s and IRAs, were designed to make building up a retirement nest egg easier. So they’re structured with both carrots (tax-deferred compounding in the […]