Death and taxes are said to be the only certainties in life. This week, because of all the serious illnesses and loss of clients, their loved ones and friends over the past year or so, we highlight a few things on measuring what really counts in the end. How Will You Measure Your Life? The
Investors concerned about recent market swings wonder if there’s any relief in sight. The short answer: not any time soon. The Chief Investment Officer at Schwab, Liz Ann Sonders forecasts the near future for this secular bull market. As tax deadlines approach, the IRS recently announced taxes collected from affluent taxpayers rose more than expected
Serious illness and loss struck throughout our client base in 2014. Indeed, we acquired a lifetime of experience in 2014 dealing with serious illnesses among family members. This week we share some of the wisdom acquired. Mom & Dad, we need to talk. A family discussion on end of life care cannot wait until the
We have been busy the last few weeks helping clients keep more of what they earn and transfer it efficiently to the succeeding generations. This week we discuss some tips to boost wealth. Bracket management. The basic idea is simple—manage income across annual tax brackets to smooth out income, avoiding tax spikes from inopportune realization
About 9,000 taxpayers have more than $5 million each in their individual retirement accounts, according to a recent report by the Governmental Accounting Office. The Governmental Accounting Office report is found here: Click here to read From our experience these IRA owners are similar to the stereotypical “Millionaire Next Door”—self-made, first-generation accomplished individuals who lead
This time of year we take a hard look at portfolios to help mitigate the tax drag on investment performance. “Taxes are a big cost—perhaps the biggest for high-earners—but are also among the least thought about,” according to a Morningstar analyst. Not everything that can be counted counts, Albert Einstein famously said. This is so
The Napa earthquake reminded us this week of our restless earth, about the unpredictability of external shocks to the market, and how we don’t need to be lulled to sleep when volatility is relatively low. Three Investing Lessons from the Napa Earthquake. Stocks and other risky assets have been doing particularly well the last few
Conversations with clients and prospects inspire the selection of articles to include each week. These articles address content of recent conversations. Confronting the tax drag. Taxes can present a formidable risk for investors seeking to protect and grow their wealth. Exacerbating the risk these days, taxes have risen for many investors and may rise further
My college education would have been more difficult if it were not for a gift from my grandfather, a timberman with the Ayer & Lord Tie Company. His ability to earn a remarkable living would not have been possible without his faithful wife, mother of their 11 children. For the gift I will be forever
We’ve had quite a few discussions this week about taxes, particularly clients surprised about the amount of taxes they owe. This week’s blog highlights major themes of the legislative deal Congress passed Jan. 1, 2013, how you can plan to lower your tax bill through tax-efficient investing, and the new estate planning landscape. Higher 2013