May 14, 2024
The Family Conversation on College Planning
An important financial conversation that families should have is about college planning. Here are some tips to help guide those conversations, from establishing goals to choosing a college.
May 07, 2024
Don’t Procrastinate – Establish Your Will
Establishing a will is an important estate planning consideration. Here are some steps to help you establish or complete this valuable document.
May 01, 2024
Planning Strategies for Remaining 529 Balances
Did you know that if you saved more for college than you needed, new changes to 529 plans allow for unused or leftover savings to be rolled into the beneficiary’s Roth IRA?
April 25, 2024
3 Tax-Planning Considerations Ahead of Next Year's TCJA Sunset
The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 is scheduled to sunset at the end of 2025, meaning significant changes could be on the horizon for taxpayers. Learn about some things to consider and strategies to help mitigate the potential tax risks.
April 23, 2024
Finding Some Zen in a Garden of Volatility
Our Investment Strategy Group discusses the latest trends and updates in the fixed income market through the first quarter of 2024 and what it means for investors.
April 11, 2024
Window of Opportunity: Leveraging the Estate and Gift Tax Exemption
Consider the planning strategies outlined in this article to take advantage of the current estate and gift tax exemption before its sunset at the end of 2025.
April 11, 2024
Investment Themes for the Next Decade
In this report, our Investment Strategy Group reviews the major investment trends that will influence the economy and markets in the coming years, including advancements in artificial intelligence, the impact of aging demographics on health care, and shifts toward clean energy.
April 09, 2024
Tips for Leveraging 529 Education Savings Plans
A 529 Education Savings Plan can be a great way to save for your children's or grandchildren’s education. Below are some of the key benefits of a 529 plan:
- Some states allow a tax deduction from (or credit against) state taxes for all or part of your contributions and will not pay any federal tax on earnings as long as the proceeds are used for a qualified education expense.
- The account owner maintains control of the account and determines the amount and timing of distributions.
- There are no income limits, and 529 plans have no time or age limits on contributions or withdrawals.
Read more about the benefits of a 529 plan.
April 02, 2024
Spring Rain Delay
Federal Reserve policymakers held interest rates unchanged at their recent meeting and have ruled out the necessity of further tightening barring any tail risk to inflation. Read more from our Investment Strategy Group and expectations for the market.
March 28, 2024
Look Out For These Top Tax Scams When Filing Your Taxes
Tax-related scams tend to spike during tax season. To help protect yourself, check out this list of “Dirty Dozen” tax scams from the IRA and some helpful tips.
March 21, 2024
Maximize Long-Term Care Benefits Using an Existing Annuity
An often-overlooked provision of the Pension Protection Act allows you to gain valuable tax benefits by replacing an unneeded annuity with one that offers long-term care coverage. Several benefits can include:
- Tax-deferred growth
- New features/better rates
- Legacy planning
Learn more about annuity exchanges and if this solution would fit your situation:
March 20, 2024
Easing but Still Healthy Labor Market Continues Supporting Economy
In its weekly update, our Investment Strategy Group breaks down the latest market and economic news.
March 14, 2024
Window of Opportunity: Leveraging the Estate and Gift Tax Exemption
The estate and gift tax exemption limit is currently at a historic high but due to “sunset” on December 31, 2025. Read more about some strategies and considerations to take advantage of this unique opportunity.
March 12, 2024
Tax Deferral Strategies for Employer Stock in a Qualified Retirement Plan
If you participate in a 401(k), or other qualified retirement plan that lets you invest in your employer’s stock, consider the tax deferral opportunities of net unrealized appreciation (NUA). Learn more:
March 07, 2024
Simple steps to prepare for tax filing
When it’s time to complete your tax forms, review this checklist with steps to help ensure a stress-free tax filing experience and also to help maximize your tax planning.
March 05, 2024
Using Life Insurance as a Retirement Planning Tool
If you’ve maximized your traditional retirement contributions but want to save more for retirement, cash value life insurance can offer both financial security and a tax-deferred way to accumulate additional funds. Read more and learn if this strategy could be right for you.