Understand the Tax Implications
of Financial Decisions - Income taxes can be confusing and
frightening. All too often, misunderstandings cause people to make financial
choices that are not in their best long-term interest. Learn a few basics
that will put taxes into the proper perspective.
Developing an Effective Income Tax
Strategy - While it may be too late to reduce last year's tax
bill, it is the right time to start planning to reduce your future income
taxes. This article offers some ideas that may make every April 15th less
taxing.
Year Round Tax Savings
Strategies - Income taxes are not something that should only be
considered once a year. This article provides several ideas that can be put
to work to make your tax bill smaller.
The Power of Tax Deferred
Compounding - No one likes to pay income taxes. Delaying the
actual payment of taxes can be satisfying from an emotional and financial
point of view. Learn some of the types of investments and types of accounts
that can help you delay the final tax bill.
Taxable, Tax Advantaged, Tax
Deferred and Tax Free - Certain investments and certain types of
accounts can help you reduce, or at least delay, paying income taxes on
investment earnings, Learn some of the why's, how's and when's of this
important issue.
Charitable Giving
Strategies - Americans continue to open their wallets to support
their favorite causes. Understanding your options may help you save some
additional taxes while you help your favorite charity.
Consider Charitable
Contributions of Appreciated Stock - With the recent strong
performance of the stock market, many people should consider how giving stock
to their favorite charity can further their favorite causes and create an
income tax break.
The Basics of Estate
Planning - Estate planning is not just the wealthy or the
elderly. A few steps can help ensure that your family will be cared for as
you intend if tragedy strikes.
Estate Planning is More
Than Minimizing Taxes - People often think that estate planning
is just for the wealthy and usually undertaken just to avoid or reduce estate
taxes. However, there is much more. The proper planning can reduce the stress
often associated with choices over medical decisions and financial management
for the dying or disabled.
Estate Taxes Under the New Tax
Law - The new tax law reduces, eliminates and reinstates estate
taxes. Many expect even more changes to the estate tax laws over the next few
years. Review some of the recent changes and prepare to discuss your estate
plan with your professional advisor.
Making Annual $11,000
Gifts - Many individuals are able to help their families and
reduce potential estate taxes by using this popular gifting technique. It can
work for anyone and be a critical part of family financial planning.
Revocable Living
Trusts - These popular forms of asset ownership are often
"touted" as ways to avoid the expense of probating an estate. Learn
what they are, how they work, how you may establish one and what to watch out
for.
Consider a Life Insurance
Trust - Life insurance trusts can be used to keep insurance
proceeds out of your taxable estate and save large amounts of estate taxes.
As you review your estate plan, speak with your attorney about this powerful
and useful technique of owning life insurance policies.
Beware of the Alternative Minimum
Tax - The AMT is becoming a problem for millions of taxpayers
and many are not aware of its presence. It may be difficult to totally avoid
the AMT, but an understanding of what it is and how it works may provide some
ideas on how to reduce it.
