Do I Need a Trust?
I’ve heard that I should have a trust, but do I need one? When it...
Do I Need a Trust?
Most Referenced
How Direct Indexing Seeks to Reduce Portfolio Taxes
How Direct Indexing Seeks to Reduce Portfolio Taxes
Building an investment strategy involves balancing a variety of goals....
Should I Leave Washington State to Avoid the Estate Tax?
Should I Leave Washington State to Avoid the Estate Tax?
Washingtonians face an additional burden because Washington adds a 10-20% state estate tax on top of federal estate taxes. Before you put up that for sale sign, here are a few options to consider.
How Your Portfolio is Like a House
How Your Portfolio is Like a House
When the stock market drops or crashes, have you ever had this...
Sequence of Returns: Why it Matters in Retirement
Sequence of Returns: Why it Matters in Retirement
Stock market swings are always unsettling, whether you’re decades or...
Washington State’s 7% Capital Gain Tax Explained and How to Avoid It
Washington State’s 7% Capital Gain Tax Explained and How to Avoid It
Washington State's 7% capital gain tax has been signed into law and survived legal challenge in the WA State supreme court. Here's what you need to know and what you can do to prepare!
Using Donor Advised Funds (DAF) to Reduce Tax and Increase Giving
Using Donor Advised Funds (DAF) to Reduce Tax and Increase Giving
Donor Advised Funds can increase gifts to your favorite charity and reduce taxes all without it costing anything more!
A $400,000 Tax Deduction? Meet the Cash Balance Plan!
A $400,000 Tax Deduction? Meet the Cash Balance Plan!
A cash balance retirement plan offers many small businesses substantial tax deductions...is it right for you?
What is an Ethical Will? (And How to Write One)
What is an Ethical Will? (And How to Write One)
An ethical will is a kind of “love letter” to your family, a personal message where you share your thoughts, values, memories, life lessons, advice, and hopes for the future. Where do you start?
4 Steps for a Successful Estate Planning Talk with Your Family
4 Steps for a Successful Estate Planning Talk with Your Family
“I don't want to ruin my family with my wealth by leaving them a mess or causing conflict.” Does this sound familiar? These four steps can help!
Is Your Estate Plan by Default or Design?
Is Your Estate Plan by Default or Design?
When it comes to leaving your hard-earned wealth to the next...
4 Steps for a Successful Estate Planning Talk with Your Parents
4 Steps for a Successful Estate Planning Talk with Your Parents
“I’ll have to manage my parents’ finances at some point, but they don’t like to talk about this and I don't know where things are or what they want!” Does this sound familiar? These four steps can help!
3 Tips to Maximize Your HSA
3 Tips to Maximize Your HSA
Health Savings Accounts, or HSAs, can be a great way to pay for healthcare expenses and save taxes. And, with these 3 tips, you can significantly increase your HSA's impact.
Out of Your Estate, Not Out of Reach
Out of Your Estate, Not Out of Reach
Can we reduce our estate tax bill without losing access to our assets? When properly coordinated, strategies like these can help move assets out of your estate without putting them entirely out of reach!
Can you gift too much?
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?