Qualified charitable distributions (QCDs) are distributions made directly from an IRA to a qualified charity. Such distributions may be excluded from income and count toward satisfying any required minimum distributions (RMDs) you would otherwise have to receive from your IRA. Individuals age 70½ and older can make QCDs up to $105,000 (in 2024, $100,000 in … Read more
When January 1 rolls around, it doesn’t automatically mean you’re a new person or that the year ahead will be any different than the year before. However, the beginning of a new year is an excellent time to reevaluate your financial planning efforts – or finally get something started that you’ve wanted to do for … Read more
Everyone does retirement their own way, depending on how long you’ve worked, how long you plan to work, and what your goals are for after you’ve waved goodbye to the daily grind. No matter your career or lifestyle, essential steps for retirement planning are consistent across the board and keeping these in mind with help … Read more
What constitutes a gift to charity? A gift to charity is simply a gratuitous transfer of property to a charitable organization. The key is that your gift must be some kind of property–your time or personal services do not count. There are several different types of property that can be donated to charity, and a … Read more
Estate planning can be as complex or simple as a person wants. When you hold significant financial assets, it’s essential to outline your wishes clearly in your will. Establishing a living trust, also known as a revocable trust, and funding it with specific assets makes it easier to hold and protect these assets during your … Read more
When the Federal Reserve raises its benchmark federal funds rate, there are a number of ways it could affect you as a consumer and investor. What is the federal funds rate? The federal funds rate is the interest rate at which banks lend funds to each other overnight to maintain legally required reserves. It applies … Read more
Everyone experiences major life changes. Some are planned, others are a surprise, but no matter what happens and when, these large shifts can absolutely alter your financial present and future. Financial planning with a dedicated financial advisor ensures that you are ready to handle change as it comes your way and still maintain financial security. … Read more
A charitable lead trust can be a great way for an individual to leverage his or her generosity, producing tax savings that can be used to provide greater benefits to both the individual’s favorite charity and his or her own family. The tax savings are generated because of the way donation values are calculated and … Read more
No matter what type of company you own – from a flower store to a coffee house, a graphic design firm to an importer, a retail clothing store to a smoothie shop – part of your business plan should be securing the ongoing support of a financial advisor. Business owners and executives need another voice … Read more
Whether you have a prenuptial agreement in place or not, whether your divorce is amicable or not, you are no longer part of a pair. You’re flying solo, for now, and that means the joint money decisions you used to make must be altered to suit a newly single lifestyle. Working with a financial advisor … Read more
The most effective financial strategy is not the same for every person. Your money goals are unique and your current financial status is too, as well as your fiscal future. Examining the strategies available to you with help from an experienced financial planner allows you to make effective plans for now and later. 5 of … Read more
You’ve worked hard your whole life and you’re ready to start thinking retirement. Now is not the time to rest on your laurels or to assume that Social Security alone will take care of your needs as you age. Smart retirees plan ahead, whether you’re ready to hang it up within months or whether you … Read more
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