Changes in the health care marketplace, rising medical costs, and the tax advantages that health care savings accounts (HSAs) offer make them an attractive planning tool for many individuals covered by high-deductible health plans (HDHPs). I have had some questions from clients recently regarding HSAs and what they entail, so I thought it would be helpful to outline some Frequently Asked Questions, below:
Starting fresh is always a great feeling, but the scale of what we set out to accomplish at the beginning of the year sometimes becomes overwhelming as the months go by. The question is, how can you stay motivated to meet your financial goals throughout the year?
On December 20, 2019, the Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement (SECURE) Act was signed into law. The SECURE Act contains 29 provisions, encompassing many aspects of financial planning and retirement saving. Once treasury regulations are released, nuances in interpreting this new law will become clearer. Until then, individuals are left to interpret the law’s effects based on the language of the law itself. This article will address what the SECURE Act entails and who it affects, as well as provide suggestions on how to plan for the changes that have been instituted.
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.
