Waiting to Roth: Hidden Loophole for High-income Earners
The article explains a few different types of retirement plans and then looks at a loophole for high-income earners to make contributions to a non-deductible IRA now and then convert it to a Roth IRA in 2010, when income limits for such conversion are lifted.
Your 401k or IRA: A Problem Asset?
The article looks at IRAs and 401ks and how we need to save for retirement. Then it looks at the tax problems these plans create. It examines the stretch out available with the FRPT. It also examines using distributions to fund life insurance.
Dealing with Aging Parents
The article examines how the parents took care of the kids and how the kids then take care of the parents. It looks at the need to plan in advance for wealthy parents (estate tax reduction), not so wealthy parents (Medicaid planning), and any parents (powers of attorney, etc.).
Medicaid Changes Make Pre-Planning Essential
This article discusses how long-term care costs can be a major financial drain. It examines Medicaid as a possible way to pay for long-term care. It looks at how the changes in Medicaid law could make it much more difficult to plan. It stresses the need for pre-planning.
Estate Planning is Life Planning
It seems like there is always some discussion in Congress about changing the estate tax. There even have been proposals to eliminate the tax permanently. If Congress ever eliminates the tax, does this mean that there will no longer be a need for estate planning? No, it does not.
The Problems of Giving Everything Away
This article examines a case of a woman who titles everything in the name of the children. It examines why joint title and giving everything away may not be the best course of action.
How to Handle a Windfall
This article examines the financial and estate planning steps for clients to take when they come into a financial windfall.
What to Do after a Loved One Dies
Clients often have uncertainty regarding the process after death. The article looks at the typical roles, such as trustee and executor, and explains their duties. The article directs the reader to contact an estate planning / administration attorney. The article mentions a couple post-mortem steps such as gathering assets and cautions against retitling assets or making distributions until talking with the attorney.