For individuals who are sitting on large gains in investment or business property, a 1031 exchange may be a viable option for deferring those gains. While these transactions tend to be complex, working with an expert who knows the rules surrounding the exchanges and the options available for replacement property can help you decide if this would be an appropriate step to take.
Rule #1: When in doubt, refer to the trust document; an investment policy for a trust cannot be created without it.
One advantage of creating a trust is that the grantor can have it tailored to his or her needs; therefore, although there may be provisions in common, trust documents vary widely.
You’ve put in the hard work of saving for college, and now it’s time to start using those 529 plan assets to help with a family member’s education-related costs. But before you begin withdrawing those funds, it’s important to understand the difference between qualified and nonqualified expenses.
There's a lot to consider as you prepare for retirement, so it's wise to begin planning well ahead of time. Once you begin nearing retirement age, the checklists below can help you stay on track for the retirement you have envisioned.
If you're like many parents, you may be wondering whether saving too much for college will decrease your child's chances of receiving need-based federal financial aid. Here's an overview of how different types of assets fit into the financial aid equation.
When it comes to their retirement accounts, many investors often fail to think about required minimum distributions (RMDs). That oversight can lead to unnecessary tax burdens and other financial issues. In order to handle RMDs effectively, an understanding of the rules—and common errors people make—can be beneficial.
Fluctuations in your 401(k) or workplace retirement savings account can stir up negative emotions, making you want to hit the panic button. But in turbulent times, it's more important than ever to remain calm and stay on course toward your long-term retirement savings goals.
Starting a new job is exciting, but it can also be stressful, especially when it comes to transitioning your benefits package. I've put together a list of tips to help make this transition as seamless as possible and keep your financial plan on track.
If you have worked at the same company for a long time, or received a large inheritance, it's likely that a significant portion of your wealth is tied up in a concentrated stock position. While this can certainly have monetary benefits when the company stock is rising, it also comes with a certain level of risk. A concentrated position means that you are reliant on the success of a single company—while the market as a whole might bounce back from a decline, an individual stock might not. Additionally, selling the entire stock position may result in a large capital gains tax bill.
There are several options for mitigating this risk. If you are charitably inclined, a donor-advised fund may be an attractive solution, because of its ease, convenience, and overall benefits.
If you're like most people, you've saved for retirement in multiple ways, including employer plans and individual retirement accounts (IRAs). As you approach retirement, it may make sense to consolidate all of your savings into one account to achieve a coordinated investment plan.
