Munis still looking good, despite new risks

Historically, municipal bonds have been the Mr. Rogers of investment options: a gentle, risk-free, tax-exempt way to protect wealth.

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 12:50:15 | Read Full Article

Year-end planning: Questions for you and your financial advisor

As another year comes to a close, you will have the chance to make many decisions that affect your financial well-being in the year ahead.

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 12:48:56 | Read Full Article

The "Jewish clause

Americans are free to dispose of their property at death in any manner that they see fit, as a general rule (with the exception that a surviving spouse may not be disinherited). There is no requirement, for example, that children or grandchildren be treated fairly, or even rationally.

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 12:48:56 | Read Full Article

GRATs

The Grantor Retained Annuity Trust (GRAT) has been getting quite a bit of attention from estate planners recently. The reason is that low market interest rates create a window of opportunity for passing assets to heirs without incurring much, if any, estate or gift tax.

Wed, 07 Oct 2009 13:01:34 | Read Full Article

Ask a trust officer: Federal estate taxes

What's up with the federal estate tax? I heard that it's suspended next year, for one year only? Should I review my will?

Wed, 07 Oct 2009 13:00:15 | Read Full Article

Should your IRA take a tax haircut?

In the debate over which is better-the immediate tax deduction for contributing to a traditional IRA or the potential for tax-free income from a Roth IRA-the answer tends to turn on one's assumptions about tax rates. Conventionally, one expects to be in a lower tax bracket during retirement, perhaps dramatically so. That favors the traditional IRA. These days, however, those at higher income levels have been told repeatedly that their tax rates will be going up in the future, perhaps sharply. If so, the advantage shifts to the Roth IRA.

Wed, 07 Oct 2009 13:00:15 | Read Full Article

IRAs and bankruptcy

In personal bankruptcy proceedings, the general rule is that IRAs and other qualified retirement assets are protected; they not subject to the claims of the individual's creditors. However, a recent Florida court case showed that every rule has its exceptions.

Thu, 10 Sep 2009 13:36:09 | Read Full Article

Ask a trust officer: Blended families

I'm planning to remarry, and I know that means I should take a look at my will. Right now I've left my property to my kids from my first marriage. I'd like to include my new spouse in my plan, yet I don't want to cut out the children completely. Is there an easy solution?

Thu, 10 Sep 2009 13:34:46 | Read Full Article

Estate tax reform options

The federal estate tax needs to be changed, that much everyone agrees upon. Today the federal estate tax exemption is $3.5 million, which means that with some careful planning married couples can shelter $7 million from taxation over two deaths.

Thu, 10 Sep 2009 13:34:46 | Read Full Article

Rollover caveats

IRAs have become a mainstay in many retirement portfolios, very often as receptacles for lump sum distributions from employer plans.

Fri, 14 Aug 2009 14:15:50 | Read Full Article