Estate Planning Articles
September 29, 2009
Pius Ephenus Despite general knowledge of the 401K retirement plan, fewer are aware of the Federal 403B retirement plan. The 403B plan offers a number of great potential, and must be invested in if the money can be at all spared. Government employees such as teachers, school personnel, and librarians are frequently eligible for benefits under 403B. Though eligibility varies, the plan is typically aimed at helping folks in the educational field. Some nonprofits are also qualified for profit under the 403B plan. Full Story
September 1, 2009
First American Exchange Company Most investors think about the immediate tax implications of completing a 1031 exchange but may not consider the long-term benefits of the tax deferral. An exchange provides the opportunity to apply pre-tax dollars towards replacement property and put that money to work for the investor. This money can help the investor acquire a more expensive replacement property that may yield a higher annual return on investment and may enjoy greater long term appreciation. Exchanges also provide the opportunity to diversify real estate holdings, consolidate investments and acquire property that is less management intensive. Full Story
August 17, 2009
David Alexander Death duties have been with us for centuries, in the guise of Estate Duty, Capital Transfer Tax and now Inheritance Tax (IHT). Irrespective of the name, the purpose has always been the same; to raise revenue from the estates of citizens. Full Story
August 10, 2009
Rocco Beatrice On May 11, 2009, the Treasury Department released its Green Book for the year. It is titled General Explanations of the Administration's Fiscal Year 2010 Revenue Proposals. Included in this are the proposed tax increases by President Obama, which will be used to pay for healthcare. These tax hikes include an additional $24 billion in gift and estate taxes over the next ten years. Obama's plans are lofty and because of the consequential increases in taxes and tax rates you should plan or at least contemplate on asset protection with an irrevocable trust to avoid the estate taxes which is the tax that can be avoided. Full Story
August 3, 2009
Joshua Keleske Many individuals struggle to select the right personal representative to settle their estates and trustee to manage their trust assets. You need someone who can take the time necessary to manage the process of assembling, appraising and dividing all of your assets that you have left for your beneficiaries. If your estate plan also includes holding your assets in a trust for your family, then you should name one or more successors in case the first trustee cannot act for the entire term of the trust. Full Story
August 3, 2009
John S All Aboard the crazy train, that we call July 09′ People! As most hang for their dear life we look back at what has been a very interesting and important month. As we say 'Adios' to July and head into what seems to be a 'undaunted' August Let us reminisce on the good times (allegedly) that were. Full Story
July 29, 2009
Michael G. Murphy What if you were to really analyze your 401(k) plan? Do you think there could be a better way for you to prepare for retirement? In fact, there is a way you can make up lost savings if you had not made any contributions over the years for whatever reason. And even if you have participated in this type of plan, there is a great opportunity to augment your savings. Full Story
July 29, 2009
Rocco Beatrice A 401(a) plan is also referred to as a Money Purchase Plan. The 401a is defined as a type of retirement savings plan that allows you to save for retirement. 401(a) plans are offered by your employer and contributions can be made by yourself, your employer or by both. The contributions that are made to the account can be mandatory or voluntary. Your employer will determine if the contributions are to be made on a pre-tax or after-tax basis. Full Story