Here are money tasks to do this week that will help 2015 be more prosperous. Most can be done in about an hour. As reported in a Chicago News Service article titled “Got an hour? Tackle these money tasks,” a recent survey from the National Endowment for Financial Education found…
Articles Posted in Estate Planning Lawyer
Houston Parents: Leave Legacy via Roth IRA
Roth IRAs intrinsically make phenomenal transfer of wealth vehicles. With reduced estate taxes and no income tax for heirs to pay on withdrawals, establishing a Roth IRA or even converting to one from a Traditional IRA seems to be a simple decision. Just know what you are doing ahead of…
High Wage Earners in Houston Should Mind Tax Tips
There is less emphasis on estate taxes because the exemption—$5.43 million per person—is so high now. But income taxes are higher, so know what you are in for. Maybe the estate tax doesn’t apply to you, but what about rising income taxes? How should you plan accordingly? According to a…
Shoot for an “Ace” in Retirement Planning in Houston
You wouldn't play golf without a full set of clubs. Don't go into retirement without a fully equipped retirement toolbox. Retirement brings the freedom to explore a new stage of life. But for many, after years of working for others, it also means assuming responsibility for generating a paycheck for…
Do You Know Your Long-Term Care Options in Houston?
When asked about long-term care insurance, one senior said, "I've thought about it. I don't think it's worthwhile to buy at my age." She's 83. "I've thought about it but I really haven't looked into it," another woman said. Others simply don't want to talk about it. But a don't-ask-don't-tell…
Can You Get Out of Dodge?
One attorney calls it the "Get out of Dodge plan"—the best way to keep your assets intact before applying for Medicaid to cover nursing home costs. New Jersey is one of the most restrictive states when it comes to permitting residents to preserve assets for their benefit while Medicaid pays…
Houston Families Have Tax Advantaged College Savings Options
There are three basic tax advantaged vehicles to help save for college: 529 plans, Coverdall Education Savings Accounts and Roth IRAs. Saving for college? Consider three tax advantaged tools to help fund your child’s or grandchild’s education: 529 plans, Coverdall Education Savings Accounts and Roth IRAs. A recent Forbes article,…
Is It Possible to Take the IRS to Tax Court?
Actually, the answer is yes. The Tax Court is an actual federal court and not, as some people think, affiliated with the IRS. At Tax Court, the IRS is a party to the matter just like the taxpayer. If you’ve got beef with the IRS, maybe you should head to…
529 Plans and Tax Incentives for Houston Families
“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…
Staying in Control of Your Houston Business
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…