Posted on December 10, 2021
Breath is Life. Life is Breath.
At some point, we have all been admonished to ‘take a breath’. As we rush from one commitment to the next, often our breath is the first to go–at least the deep, cleansing, stress-releasing breath our bodies really need that is.
There are many benefits to breathing properly. So take a breath. Your future will be better for it!
Posted on November 9, 2021
The World in 2030: 10 Predictions for Long-Term Investors
Do you ever wonder how rapid advancements in science and technology could change our lives, economy and the way we invest in the relatively near future?
Some of the sharpest minds in the world of investing attempt to shed light on new developments that could change the course of history. The advancements highlighted may have profound impacts, heightening expectations in some sectors, while prompting concern in others. As always, the one and only constant is change.
Posted on November 9, 2021
Sharing the Wealth: How Lifetime Gift Tax Exemption Works
As Congress continues to debate a reduction in the estate and gift tax exemption–slated to rise to $12.06 million in 2022–now may be a perfect time to consider some lifetime gifts.
Many people plan for bequests at the end of their lives. Gifts made during your lifetime may be more meaningful, while lowering the value of your estate should Congress implement a reduction. The gift and estate tax exemption is an important planning consideration.
Click here for a quick, easy-to-read summary of how it works.
Posted on November 9, 2021
Living with Abundance
We all want to be successful. As a result, many of us have cultivated a highly competitive nature. Can being too competitive ever be detrimental?
Our guest contributor says the answer is “yes.” He contends that being highly competitive may not always lead to the most successful outcomes, while often undermining our own happiness and sense of well-being.
We hope you enjoy this unique and thought-provoking perspective.
Posted on February 1, 2021
2021 Quick Tax Facts
“The hardest thing in the world to understand is the income tax.” – Albert Einstein
Every year, the IRS reviews marginal tax rates, retirement plan contribution limits, the taxability of Social Security and the estate and gift tax exclusion, to account for changes in the cost of living. Because some inflation—even at the very modest levels we have seen over the last several years—is expected, adjustments are needed.
Without these adjustments, Congress’ intent in setting a particular tax policy would not be accurately reflected—the effects of the policy would be over- or under-stated. Unfortunately, the annually-changing parameters add to the increasing complexity of the tax code.
How might the recent adjustments impact you? Please see the attached 2021 Quick Tax Reference to learn more.
If you have questions, please reach out to us at your convenience. As always, we are here to help.
Posted on December 3, 2020
What can our Wealth Management Portal do for you?
“For every minute spent organizing, an hour is earned.” -Benjamin Franklin
First, the portal allows you to aggregate all of your assets and have account values updated in real time. You will be able to access a complete picture of your finances. You may print an updated balance sheet anytime you like.
Posted on November 16, 2020
‘Tis the Season…
“We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.” -Winston Churchill
As we approach this time of Thanksgiving, many of us have a desire to open our hearts and our checkbooks. We want to help those we love and the charities that inspire us to build a build a better world. It is an understatement to say that the needs are great and evident to all.
While our desires are gratuitous, it is important to remember that generosity can benefit both the recipient and the giver. Here are a few ideas that may make a kind gesture even better:
Consider giving appreciated assets as opposed to cash —Although your basis will carry over to the recipient, he or she may be in a lower tax bracket and the gain may either be taxed at a lower rate or not at all. If you gift an appreciated asset to a charity, the donee receives the full market value of the asset tax free. This approach often allows the charity to receive a much larger gift, than you would have otherwise given. Read More
Posted on August 18, 2020
Let’s Look Forward
“A good financial plan is a road map that shows us exactly how the choices we make today will affect our future.”
-Alexa Von Tobel-
The decisions we make today can profoundly affect our future. Unfortunately, for prior generations, the impact was never fully known until it was frequently too late to change course. Today, through the continuous advent of technology and advances in financial modeling, we can help clients understand how the decisions they make now may impact their wealth 20, 30 or more years in the future.
Posted on July 11, 2020
How the Economic Machine Works
“I’m just saying that if you understand how the economic machine works, it just works like a machine. These are cause-effect relationships.” -Ray Dalio-
Created by Ray Dalio, this simple, but not simplistic, video is easy to understand. More importantly, it answers a question many of us have wrestled with for years, “How does the economy really work?” This 30-minute, animated illustration offers incredible insight into what is behind the proverbial curtain – a machine that always produces results, sometimes favorable, sometimes not so favorable. Read More
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Posted on December 2, 2021
US Debt-Ceiling Debate Heats Up Again
by C. Todd Fry, CIMA(R), CFS
Raising the National Debt ceiling may seem routine, however, increasing political bias in both parties has made the process anything but simple. Arguments over which party has contributed more to the deficit, through tax cuts or entitlement packages, are passionately articulated, while anxiety grows around the world.
But does raising the debt ceiling really matter? In a word, “yes”. Default would be unthinkable and for that reason history has shown that legislators on both sides of the aisle eventually come together, but not without a fight that can and often does disrupt financial markets. So, should we be concerned? Perhaps, but the question is to what degree. Continue reading for a thoughtful analysis of the impact and implications.
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