“We see that as a big driver for everyone – the opportunity to put your money into the market and get that appreciation and have all those earnings tax-free when you use them for qualified expenses at a university or trade school, or wherever your child or grandchild, or whoever it is you're…
Many business owners fear losing control. Before they’re willing to address exit or estate planning options, they must first be assured of complete dominion over their business. So let’s look at how to lock in ownership. Are you worried about losing control of your business? A recent Forbes article, “Control…
The New Year is a great time to regroup on your financial plans, reevaluate and/or create new financial goals. By sticking to your financial resolutions throughout the year, you can keep on track towards achieving your financial objectives in 2015 and beyond. Make the New Year a happy one by…
Couples planning to blend families often have to make financial arrangements that respect previous relationships with ex-spouses and their families. Issues range from childcare and eldercare to potentially complex matters involving businesses, investment assets and real estate. That’s why involving trained experts in stepfamily financial planning is a must. Blending…
Create a file that you name sometime like "ICE," which stands for “in case of emergency.” Some people call this their “grab-and-go” file, since that’s what it’s for. Make sure that anyone who needs to have this information knows how to access it. For example, if you have to leave…
Three estate planning questions to ask your parents right now. Caring for aging parents poses many questions, some of which you want to get out of the way early on. A recent article in The Oprah Magazine,titled“Sanity-Saving Secrets For Caring For Your Aging Parents,” suggests three questions to ask your…
We asked experts to let us in on a few resources most people overlook. Need more cash to help care for mom and dad? A recent Oprah Magazine article, titled “Sanity-Saving Secrets For Caring For Your Aging Parents,” has some ideas where to look for funds to support your…
Here are some "Get's" that will help you prepare for the Medicaid application process. Get going five years before you think you need to. Medicaid has a five-year look back to all your parents' financial dealings. Which means transactions conducted during that time may be counted in determining their program…
If history is a guide, this coming week nearly half of us will make resolutions seeking to improve some facet of our lives, many of which will be focused on personal finance. If one of your goals for the New Year is to get your financial life in order, here…
The Journal has consulted several local professionals with expertise in various financially related realms. We asked each for tips readers can take with them into 2015. As we enter 2015, many Americans will start to shift gears to tax season and filing their 2014 tax returns. Just make sure you are aware…