As a result of the current estate tax exemption amount ($12.92 million in 2023), fewer people are concerned with federal estate tax. Before 2011, a much smaller dollar amount resulted in many people scrambling to avoid estate tax. Now, because many estates won’t be subject to estate tax, more planning
Stock market and interest rate uncertainty may cause some investors to turn to bonds. Perhaps the most “user friendly” bond is a U.S. government savings bond. Buying one means you’re essentially lending the federal government money under certain terms, in exchange for a future return. U.S. savings bonds don’t offer
Two tax benefits are available to offset the expenses of adopting a child. In 2023, adoptive parents may be able to claim a credit against their federal tax for up to $15,950 of “qualified adoption expenses” for each child. That’s a dollar-for-dollar reduction of tax. Also, in 2023, adoptive
Whether you’ve filed your 2022 tax return or soon will, one thing you don’t want to experience is a surprise. Many older people are caught off guard when they find that their Social Security benefits may be taxable. How much might you have to pay? That depends on your
Back in 2020 when the COVID-19 pandemic first hit, may people’s emergency funds were suddenly put to the test – assuming there was a fund at all. Now, three years later, and presumably with the benefit of some hindsight, you might want to reconsider your rainy-day savings. You’ve probably heard
A new law was recently signed that will help Americans save more for retirement, although many of the provisions don’t kick in for a few years. The Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement 2.0 Act (SECURE 2.0) was signed into law on December 29, 2022. SECURE 2.0 is meant
Many people start the year intending to get out of debt, yet end the year owing just as much, if not more. One approach that might yield success is called “throwing snowballs.” Under this method, you organize your debts from the lowest balance to the highest balance and begin paying
With so many people working remotely these days, it’s become common to think about moving to another state – perhaps for better weather or to be closer to family. Many retirees also look at an across-the-border move to better control living expenses. If you’ve found yourself harboring such notions, be
The term “sandwich generation” was originally coined to describe baby boomers caught between caring for their aging parents and their children. These days the term applies to whichever generation is grappling with the problem. If you’re in the middle of the sandwich, it may be time for some honest discussions
With the holidays and year-end approaching, you might be considering making gifts of stock or cash to family members and loved ones. By using your annual exclusion, those gifts-within generous limits-can reduce the size of your taxable estate. For 2022, the annual gift exclusion is $16,000. This covers gifts
