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Starting January 1, 2010, the rules governing conversion of traditional IRA or 401(K) accounts to a Roth IRA will change. Through the end of 2009, only people with a modified adjusted gross income of less than $100,000 are eligible to convert traditional accounts to a Roth IRA. The income restriction will be lifted in [...]
Continue reading...Until the end of 2009, the inheritance tax, also referred to as the estate tax, stands at 45 percent for estates over $3.5 million. The tax will sunset at the end of the year, for one year only. It will then be reinstated in 2011 at the rate of 55% with an exemption of $1 [...]
Continue reading...In early December, the House voted to extend $31 billion in tax breaks that are due to expire at the end of 2009. The package of 45 deductions includes measures such as an income tax deduction for sales and property taxes, and credits for business to fund research and development.
The tax breaks are [...]
The unexpected death of former NFL quarterback Steve McNair has raised a lot of questions about fidelity and domestic violence. Putting McNair’s personal life aside, however, we can use his situation as an example of what can happen when one does not engage in estate planning.
We have commented on Michael Jackson’s death and the professional [...]
A durable power of attorney is one of the most important estate planning instruments available. It is extremely important that a trusted individual be named to make financial decisions on your behalf should you become unable to speak for yourself. Since this is such an important decision, it is also important to understand that if [...]
Continue reading...An estate plan is made up of living documents. Legal documents such as Wills, trusts, and powers of attorney are flexible and, therefore, can and should be reviewed on a regular basis. Most estate planning professionals advise that an estate plan be reviewed, and if necessary, updated every three to five years, or more frequently [...]
Continue reading...Trusts are often thought of in association with large estates, especially those of celebrities whose lives and finances are constantly under public scrutiny. You should know, however, that trusts can be used by anyone interested in estate planningand anyone committed to ensuring the best possible outcome for his or her family and beneficiaries.
A trust is [...]
Estate planning is about more than just drafting documents; there are practical issues involved, as well. If your affairs are disorganized, your executor may have to spend time and energy researching information that you could have easily provided. Some of these include:
• Who should be notified of your death?
• Did you prepare a Will? If [...]
A lot media attention has been paid to the drama and speculation surrounding Michael Jackson’s estate. After the dust began to settle, however,and the facts about Jackson’s estate emerged, it became apparent that he had, in fact, created a solid estate plan. Several lessons can be learned from Jackson’s estate planning.
The first critical thing [...]
Obtaining life insurance is a necessary way to ensure that expenses are covered after the death of a loved one. This is certainly a benefit of any life insurance policy. Another benefit, not often considered, is the benefit to your estate plan.
There are three types of life insurance: whole life, term life and variable life. [...]
