There are lots of important numbers that relate to your financial affairs, and they come from many sources. In some cases, those numbers are annual limits that change each year. Other times, the figures do not often change, but are used frequently or you want to be able to easily access them when needed.
By Marc C. Shaffer
With a new year peeking around the corner, now is a good time to review the financial strategies that are working well for you, your goals for the future, and take inventory of where you stand financially.
Did you recently add a second comma to your bank balance? Has a recent financial event raised your net worth to the next level? It’s an exciting time, whether it’s the result of your long-term goals such as diligent saving and investing, the sale of a business, a windfall transfer of wealth, or a key promotion.
You’re probably already considering how to protect and manage your wealth.
The federal estate tax threshold rose to $24.12 million in 2022 for married couples and $12.06 million for individuals, as part of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA). Like several TCJA provisions, the higher estate tax limit is due to sunset in 2025. Barring congressional action, the exemption amount will return to about $6.2 million, adjusted for inflation, in 2026. Similarly, the current 40% maximum gift and estate tax rate will increase to 45%.
For high-net worth individuals, this could influence wealth transfer strategies. Although this sunset is coming, the good news is that it’s still a few years away.
By Marc C. Shaffer
Life does not go as planned. It’s a wonder I survive as a financial planner who lives by a calendar and a process, because this statement rings true for everyone, even me. I have seen it in both my personal life and in the lives of the people we help every day. It’s probably the biggest reason I get asked, “So, what happens if…?”
You could have a plan for retirement that includes contributing to your employer-sponsored 401(k) account, only to decide to start your own business. You and your spouse may plan to have one child, only to find out twins are on the way, or you may plan to have several children, only to find out the costly process of IVF is your only option for natural childbearing. You could plan to use a vehicle you purchased for several years before passing it down to your teen only for it to be totaled the very next day. You could create a financial plan that sounds good on paper but does not fit with your lifestyle or financial behaviors.
Client Service Associate We are seeking a motivated Client Service Associate (CSA) to support our growing wealth management firm and to work in a client-focused, team-centered environment assisting the firm’s advisors, clients, and operations/service team. The right...
Most children stop being “and-a-half” somewhere around age 12. Kids add “and-a-half“ to make sure everyone knows they’re closer to the next age than the last.
When you are older, “and-a-half” birthdays start making a comeback. In fact, starting at age 50, several birthdays and “half-birthdays” are critical to understand because they have implications regarding your retirement income.
Social Security survivor benefits present an important source of income for many. But, there are several important and unique issues that must be considered for anyone that has recently lost their spouse or ex-spouse, before filing a claim to collect Social Security benefits.
To help make the analysis easier, check out our flowchart, “Am I Eligible for Social Security Benefits as a Surviving Spouse?” It addresses many common Social Security issues that arise for those who have recently lost their spouse or ex-spouse, including:
Under Social Security, spousal benefits present an important source of income for many individuals. But, there are several important factors and issues that must be considered. Determinations regarding available benefits and timing can be difficult.
To help make the analysis easier, check out our “Am I Eligible for Social Security Benefits as a Spouse?” flowchart. It helps answer the question by looking at these common issues:
Claiming Social Security benefits can be one of the more complicated topics to understand. There are a multitude of rules that can have a significant and lasting impact on your future income stream and overall financial picture.
To help make this analysis easier, check out our flowchart, “Will My Social Security Benefits Be Reduced?” It is based on the Social Security Administration’s retirement benefits information, and addresses common issues including:
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