Should I Open a Traditional IRA?
Opening a Traditional Individual Retirement Account (IRA) can serve as a fundamental leap towards securing your retirement. By potentially reducing your tax liability and providing a platform for savings, it offers a great pathway to retirement planning. This article will dissect the inner workings of Traditional IRAs, guiding you to understand how they function and […]
Should I Buy a Bond Index Fund?
Passive index investing has significantly grown in popularity. The low-interest-rate and flexible monetary environment we’ve seen until recently is a part of this trend, shifting from active towards passive investing. Asset classes like U.S Large Cap have profited from this, but passive bond strategies haven’t enjoyed the same success. The recent market volatility has prompted […]
Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs): The Hidden Hurdle to Your Retirement Goals
In this article, we delve into Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs), an element of tax code that can significantly impact your retirement plan. We will dissect what RMDs are, how they work, why they matter, and strategies to mitigate their potential risks. What are RMDs? Required Minimum Distributions or RMDs apply to your personal retirement accounts. […]
Private Real Estate Investment Trusts (Private REITs) and Your Portfolio
Diversifying your investment portfolio is an essential step in sound financial planning. A common pitfall we see many clients, and even many financial advisors, fall into is using publicly traded Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) as their go-to for diversification from traditional stock portfolios. This article aims to shed light on the role of private […]
Optimizing Benefits of Your Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation (NQDC) 409a Plan
Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation (NQDC) 409a plans are an exceptional employee benefit provided by many public and private companies. Primarily available to higher-income employees, these plans offer potential for substantial savings and immediate tax benefits. However, it’s essential to understand that NQDC 409a plans are not synonymous with a 457 plan. Used appropriately, NQDC 409a plans […]
Maximizing Benefits from Your Employer Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP)
An Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP) can provide a lucrative way to accrue extra savings, acquire stock at a discount, and participate in your company’s growth as a shareholder. This article will explain key dates, procedures, and how to make the most of your ESPP. How to Enroll in an ESPP If your company offers […]
How to Legally Pay Zero Dollars in Capital Gains
The prospect of paying zero percent in capital gains tax when selling an asset like a stock or an ETF might sound like a fantasy, but it’s not! It is entirely possible, and this article will explore how you can legally avoid capital gains tax in a clear and straightforward manner. The Significance of Ownership […]
Establishing Guardianship for Your Children
Estate planning is a critical aspect of life, especially when you have or plan on having children. Guardianship, an often-overlooked component of estate planning, plays a crucial role in protecting your children’s future should an unfortunate event occur. This article will discuss the importance of establishing guardianship in your estate plan and how it can […]
Buy, Borrow, Die – How it Actually Works
Managing wealth can be complex, with numerous strategies at one’s disposal. A popular yet controversial strategy used predominantly by the ultra-affluent is “Buy, Borrow, Die”. Despite its grim name, this method is a strategic play designed to preserve appreciated stock portfolios from taxation. But it is not just for the uber-rich – even someone with […]
Bunching Your Deductions: An Effective Strategy to Boost Your Tax Savings
Whether you’re a seasoned taxpayer or preparing for your first fiscal year, understanding various strategies to optimize your taxes can save you money. One such strategy is “Bunching Your Deductions”. This method could potentially enhance your tax savings in any given year. Today, we’re diving into the specifics of this method and why it might […]