For 2020, the rules governing required minimum distributions (“RMDs”) from retirement plans and early withdrawals of retirement plan funds have changed. Please take time to read this summary of important changes especially if they apply to you or someone in your family. On January 1, 2020, the following changes became effective under the SECURE Act.…
Amidst the volatility and uncertainty caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, our firm remains steadfast in our commitment to safeguard you and your families, strengthen your businesses, and preserve and enhance your estates. The passage of the $2.2 trillion stimulus bill, The CARES Act, affects individuals, small business owners, holders of retirement plans, taxpayers who make…
The U.S. Congress signed a $1.4 trillion year-end spending bill on December 20, 2019. Neatly tucked away inside this new spending law is the Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement (SECURE) Act, which became effective January 1, 2020. The SECURE Act may require a re-evaluation of your current retirement and estate plans. Therefore, it…
For our first client communication in 2020, we want to share important information on how to protect one of your most valuable assets, your personal information. Your personal, private information (“PI”) is any personal information other than your name, street address and phone number. PI includes your birthday, social security number, credit card numbers, and…
As we approach the Holiday Season, we want to share some year-end charitable and family gifting reminders. The following list contains general information for your review and consideration. The first and best rule in year-end planning is to make your donations and gifts well ahead of the December 31 deadline. CHARITABLE GIFTING The Basics.…
Real Assets Adviser, a publication of Institutional Real Estate, Inc., is edited exclusively to meet the real asset-related information needs of members of the U.S. private wealth advisory community. The monthly magazine invited Stephen Blum to write an article on constructing a real assets portfolio. The following is Steve’s article which was published in the…
If you turn 50 by the end of this calendar year or are already over 50, you may have the option to make additional “Catch-up” contributions to your retirement account. Catch-up contributions allow you to increase the value of your retirement account and may be made as long as certain conditions are met. We encourage our…
There are opinions on both sides as to whether buying life insurance for children or grandchildren is a good idea or an appropriate financial investment. Here are four reasons to consider in making your decision. 1. Building cash value. By purchasing a whole life insurance policy, the policy accumulates cash value over time. …
A 2006 study at Indiana State University (McCormick and Godsted: “Learning your Monetary ABCs”) concludes that teaching financial skills to young children is just as important as the teaching of reading and math. Why begin financial education at such a young age? It’s logical. Exposure to financial subjects at an early age instills fluency as…
On January 1, 2018, the exclusion from Federal transfer at death taxes a/k/a “Death Taxes” increased from $5.3 million to $11.18 million per person. Due to this increase, only approximate 1800 deceased persons will be required to pay estate taxes in 2018. As a result, we are often asked the question “if we no longer…