Knowledge for the Journey
Latest News & Articles
The Biden Tax Plan, 2020 Lessons Learned & What to Expect in 2021
2020 presented many challenges, but also opportunities and lessons learned. As we turn the page and look to 2021, we’ll look at 2020 lessons learned and what to expect in 2021.
When to Expect Your 2020 Tax Forms
As you prepare your taxes, here are answers to frequently asked questions about tax documents from your investment accounts. When should I expect to receive my tax documents? This varies by account type: January 31 for IRAs, 401(k)s and other Retirement Accounts -...
Wins & Milestones – 2020 at Alterra
Through all the challenges, 2020 brought many wins and milestones in the Alterra family. Here’s a look at our year in review!
Charitable Remainder Trusts (CRT)
A Charitable Remainder Trust (CRT) is an irrevocable trust that generates income for you or your beneficiaries with the remainder going to your favorite charity. Is it right for you?
Can you gift too much?
A discussion of giving too much away might initially seem strange. But, if you’re not careful, you might inadvertently end up with a tax bill on funds you give away. This is called the gift tax and the IRS expects you to know it. After all, they’ve generously listed it on their website for you to read! So, how does it work?
Socially Responsible Investing in Your Financial Planning
An introduction to Socially Responsible Investing and how you can choose an approach that aligns your values and resources.
Should I Pay Off My Mortgage Early?
I’m thinking of paying my mortgage off early. Being debt free would feel great, but is this a good strategy? Should I be investing those extra dollars instead?
The Mega Backdoor Roth Solo 401(k) for Solopreneurs
The Mega Backdoor Roth 401(k) has typically been reserved for select Fortune 500 companies. Here’s how you – the Solopreneur – can access this little known strategy!
2021 Retirement Plan Contribution Limits for 401(k)s, IRAs and More
2021 retirement plan contributions have been released and, while the majority of limits are unchanged, there are a few updates to note. Here’s a summary!
My Portfolio & the S&P 500
Why is my portfolio underperforming the S&P 500? Do I need to make a change? These questions are on the minds of many investors when a primary index like S&P 500 rallies ahead of many others. As one of the most widely recognized benchmarks, it’s common to compare your strategy against it – but should you?
The Economy, the Election, and What’s Next – 10.14.2020 Webinar Replay
Thanks to all who attended this week’s webinar. We were glad to host Carolyn Szaflik, Portfolio Specialist at Morningstar Investment Management, for a discussion on the market so far this year, possible impacts of the upcoming election, and the opportunities in today’s market.
6 Things that Affect the Value of Your Business – Guest Blog
If you are like most business owners, the bulk of your wealth is the value of your business, and at some point you want retire and harvest the value you have built. The majority of small to medium sized business owners only sell once, so the odds say this will be your first time selling a business. So what should you pay attention to? Here are six things with the biggest impact on the value and salability of your business.
Taxes & Highly Appreciated Assets – An Introduction
You might be an early employee at Microsoft, a successful real estate investor, or the owner of a small business that has taken off. In each case, you own something worth a lot more than when you first acquired it. Now you’re staring down a large capital gain tax bill if you sell. Are you just stuck or is there anything you can do? We have a few ideas!
Taxes & Highly Appreciated Stock
You might be an early Microsoft employee, tech company executive, or have been gifted shares of stock as a kid. You’d like to diversify, but the resulting tax bill seems almost as big as the portfolio itself! In Taxes & Highly Appreciated Stock, we’ll look at a case study and strategies to consider if you find yourself in this situation.
Taxes & Highly Appreciated Real Estate
You own a few rentals, maybe an apartment building or two, and you’re looking at simplifying your life by selling them and retiring, but the tax bill is daunting. In this Real Estate Edition of our Strategic Guide to Highly Appreciated Assets, we’ll look at a case study and strategies you might consider if you find yourself in this situation.