Tag Archives | advanced planning

Taking Care of Those That Took Care of Us

People are living longer than ever before and longer than anyone could have predicted just a few decades ago.  When the Social Security System was created, the designers expected the retirees to live just a few years on the benefits before dying.  Today, retirees are living 15, 20, and even 30 years into retirement.  According [...]

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Avoiding Tax on Your Social Security Benefits

Understanding how Social Security benefits are taxed has always been a question on many retirees’ minds. As you might have guessed with the complicated tax code, the tax on your Social Security benefits can vary greatly. Did you know that up to 85% of you benefit could be taxed depending on how much income you [...]

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2012 American Taxpayer Relief Act

Executive Summary On New Year’s Day 2013, Congress passed a far-reaching new law intended to avert the so-called fiscal cliff. The American Taxpayer Relief Act, signed into law by President Obama on January 2, 2013, impacts every taxpayer. Not only does the new law make permanent reduced income tax rates for most taxpayers, it extends [...]

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Key Estate Planning Documents

Estate planning is a vital component of every financial plan, regardless of the size of the estate. Unfortunately, it’s also an area that is commonly overlooked. This often results in wasted dollars and emotional hardship that could otherwise be minimized with proper advance planning and action. Key Estate Planning Documents You Need There are four [...]

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$5.12 Million Gift Giving Window of Opportunity: 4 Months and Counting!

The Tax Relief Unemployment Insurance Reauthorization and Job Creation Act of 2011 increased the lifetime gift tax exemption to $5 million in the year 2011, and, with an inflationary adjustment, to $5.12 million in 2012. The 2010 Tax Act will sunset after Dec. 31, 2012, and under current law, the gift tax exemption is scheduled [...]

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The Value of Independence

Independence can mean different things to different people but when it comes to trust services, the definition becomes even more unclear.  Most people depend upon their centers of influence when it comes to managing a trust.  Estate planners, attorneys, and accountants help identify the right trust company for their clients.  Many times these professionals do [...]

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Medicare Basics: It’s Easier Than It Appears

When first going onto Medicare, all the plans and options can be overwhelming. However with the right introduction and guidance, it’s actually much easier than it appears! Medicare, along with a Medicare Supplement Plan, provides the best dollar for dollar health insurance for the best healthcare in the world. Here are the basics: “Original Medicare” [...]

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