As we begin a new year, it’s a good time to think about updating your plan. This includes your entire plan, including your primary vehicle, such as a trust or will. by Steve Hartnett This is the second in a two-part series of articles on updating your plan. This first article examined the importance of updating the Powers of Attorney, both Financial and Medical. This second part of the series looks at the importance of updating your primary estate planning document, such as your trust or … [Read more...] about Updating Your Plan Part 2: Your Trust or Will
Updating Your Plan Part 1: Powers of Attorney
As we begin a new year, it’s a good time to think about updating your plan. This includes your entire plan, including Powers of Attorney. Powers of Attorney are part of even the simplest estate plan. A Power of Attorney allows your Agent to act for you. There are Powers of Attorney for financial matters and also those for health care. It’s important to consider whether you need to update either of these powers. by Steve Hartnett This is the first in a two-part series of articles on … [Read more...] about Updating Your Plan Part 1: Powers of Attorney
Joint Tenancy Problems in Estate Planning
by Steve Hartnett Sometimes people use Joint Tenancy as a simple way to do Estate Planning. This can have drawbacks, sometimes serious and unexpected. First, why is Joint Tenancy a simple way to do Estate Planning? At the death of a joint tenant, the property automatically transfers by operation of law to the remaining joint tenant(s). This can be attractive because it bypasses the probate process and all it entails. Probate is the process that moves property titled in the name of … [Read more...] about Joint Tenancy Problems in Estate Planning
Biden Administration Could Reduce Estate Tax Exclusion
Runoff Elections in Georgia resulted in a Senate controlled by Democrats. Could this impact your Estate Planning? It’s possible. by Steve Hartnett The estate tax exclusion is the amount you can give without facing an estate tax. Under current law, you may give this amount during life or at your death and after that amount is used, you face a federal tax of 40% on assets beyond that amount. The amount has fluctuated a great deal over the years. It was $675,000 as recently as 2001. … [Read more...] about Biden Administration Could Reduce Estate Tax Exclusion
It’s Better to Give, Especially This Year
Normally, you must itemize your deductions in order to benefit from them. In 2020, the standard deduction amount is $12,400 for individuals and $24,800 for married couples filing jointly. But this year, you can get a charitable deduction even if you don’t itemize. by Steve Hartnett Ordinarily, charitable deductions are only available as an itemized deduction. When you file your federal taxes, you have an option to take itemized deductions or the standard deduction. The standard … [Read more...] about It’s Better to Give, Especially This Year
Tax Planning for 2021
Planning is important for your income taxation during life as well as for any estate tax at death. Even though 2021 is just starting, it’s not too early to think about planning for whatever it may bring your way. by Steve Hartnett As 2020 draws to a close and a new year dawns, we need to think of…tax planning! Some years Congress tweaks the laws more than other years. While 2020 held plenty of surprises with coronavirus and an election, it was a relatively quiet year for legislative … [Read more...] about Tax Planning for 2021
Getting Together with Family for the Holidays
The holidays are a special time with family and friends. You can take the opportunity to check on elderly loved ones. It’s also a great time to discuss planning. Read on to learn more. by Steve Hartnett The holidays are a special time for friends and family. We gather around the tree recalling past joyful times and we remember loved ones who are no longer with us. While we are gathered is a great time to pull loved ones aside and speak with them about your estate planning. If you’ve … [Read more...] about Getting Together with Family for the Holidays
Planning Is Important
Planning is important. End-of-year tax planning is one part of that planning. This year you should also consider whether you’ve had any payroll tax withholdings deferred. If your employer deferred those withholdings, you’ll have more money withheld next year than usual. That means you’ll have less money for other things, like IRA contributions. by Steve Hartnett As Autumn arrives, it’s not too early to consider end-of-year planning. Fundamental to end-of-year planning is deciding … [Read more...] about Planning Is Important
Generational Wealth is Key to Leveling the Playing Field
Generational wealth is wealth earned by one generation and passed on to the next. Generational wealth is key to allowing the next generation to be free from the burden of having to live hand-to-mouth and allows them to pursue an education and build a career or business to build a better life for themselves. by Steve Hartnett Even a little bit of a headstart can be extremely helpful in life. Those who start with little economic wealth, including many minorities and recent immigrants, face … [Read more...] about Generational Wealth is Key to Leveling the Playing Field
Fair Isn’t Always Equal and Vice Versa
When you’re deciding how your assets should be divided at death, sometimes dividing them equally is the appropriate choice. But, sometimes it’s not. Fair isn’t always equal or vice versa. Read on to learn more, including how to avoid a challenge if you choose an unequal division among your children. by Steve Hartnett When deciding how to split your assets among your children at death, there are many different factors to consider. Equality is certainly one of those factors. But it’s … [Read more...] about Fair Isn’t Always Equal and Vice Versa
