Benefits of Intra-family Loans
Intra-family loans present the opportunity to borrow money at substantially lower rates than available by traditional mortgage. The key is to borrow at a rate equal to or higher than the published Applicable Federal Rate (AFR rate) which is the minimum…
How Does a Mega Backdoor Roth 401(k) Work?
What do my dog (Sherlock) and hamster (Snuffles) have to do with Mega Backdoor Roth 401(k) contributions? Other than being super cute, these intelligent creatures are masters at squirreling away their treats for later. Sherlock will dig holes (grrr) to…
Q1 2021 – The Economic Bloom: Recovery Post COVID-19
My daffodils and crocuses bloomed on the same day this spring. This was unexpected. Usually the crocuses are first, and the daffodils follow. This flower rotation is a simple reminder that each spring is a bit different than the last…
Benefits of a Securities-Backed Line of Credit
Many high-net-worth individuals have a significant portion of their wealth stored in financial assets - e.g. stocks and bonds in a portfolio. With the success of the markets over the last decade, many investors have greatly benefited from an increase…
Collections and Estate Planning – Charitable Gifting
Part 4 of 4 Collections as Charitable Gifts: What You Need to Know How do you feel when you think about giving or donating your collection? Does it fill you with excitement to give something that has brought you so…
What Insurance Do I Need In Retirement?
There are plenty of risks that we need to think about and manage as we age. Those risks may include market declines, premature death, fire hazards or liabilities associated with driving. As we age, we also think about new risks…
#1 Fraud in 2020: Imposter Scams
The phone rings, and it’s your grandchild’s phone number. You answer, excited for a call with your loved one, but someone else answers. The caller explains frantically and tearfully that your grandchild has been badly injured and needs money immediately…
Retirement Income: Some rules are meant to be broken!
For many of us who are still in our working years, the word retirement doesn’t resonate. We know it’s a goal that we save for, but the reality is, we don’t think about the nuances until we’re close enough to…
Net Unrealized Appreciation – Do you have an undiscovered pearl in your 401(k)?
Net Unrealized Appreciation (NUA) is the difference in price you paid (cost basis) for your company stock and its fair market value today. For some of you, the NUA of your employer stock may be like a shiny, valuable pearl…
Form 1099-R: Tax Filing for Retirement Accounts
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act of 2020 eliminated the need for retirement account holders to take Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) in 2020. While many individuals simply did not take their RMD, some had already taken some…