In a previous post, I discussed the importance of having a life insurance policy analysis done on a regular basis. I was recently reminded of the importance of policy reviews when I received correspondence from a life insurance carrier whose policy expenses exceeded what was necessary to support the death benefit. Though the mistake was […]
An individual retirement account (IRA) is typically established in one of two ways. As a custodial account, where the bank or financial institution is simply acting as a fiduciary and must follow the directions of the account owner (including the instruction to cash out the entire balance). An IRA can also be held in trust (the […]
At some point in your life, you’re bound to get a traffic ticket – most likely a speeding ticket. If you are smart (and lucky) enough to avoid this, take a bow. But for the rest of us, what to do next may be an unknown. So here is a quick article that can hopefully […]
It is hard to believe we are at that time of year again when a new year will be upon us in only a matter of days. The countdown is on – only 30 days until 2015. Here are a few reminders of things to do before we say goodbye to 2014. Take Your Required […]
If you are a U.S. citizen, resident alien, or certain nonresident alien, you are required to report any foreign financial assets that meet the reporting threshold to the IRS. There are different filing requirements and it just depends on the type of assets and the reporting thresholds to determine the filings an individual is required […]
Recently, Joe Larson wrote about what to do when you’ve been terminated by your employer and what your rights are with respect to your personnel file. It raises a reminder that whether you have been laid off, terminated or voluntarily opted to leave your job you shouldn’t forget about your 401(k) when you move on. […]
There are many parts to your financial life which may require you work with multiple professionals from different disciplines. Two of the most important professionals you should have on your team are a Financial Planner and an Estate Planning Attorney. Each of these professionals should have an understanding of what the other is doing. Some […]
Well, it’s that time of the year again. And by that I mean that its tax planning season! I don’t know about you, but I get pretty pumped about it. This year has been fun for our firm. The fun factor increase is mostly a result of our clients seeing stronger results in 2013 than […]
One of the most commonly overlooked items I see in client’s estate plans and during probate administrations is retirement accounts and their beneficiary designations. I think this has to do with the cumbersome nature of updating beneficiary designations. You call the plan administrator or custodian who sends you paperwork with tiny print and all sorts […]
The new insurance marketplaces, including MNsure, are set to open today for enrollment (although the latest news is that the exchange will not go live until later this afternoon). Coverage is set to begin on January 1, 2014. These new insurance marketplaces are the cornerstones of the Affordable Care Act. They are to provide a […]
Only wealthy people benefit from the “loophole” anyways. Retirement plans were never intended to be an estate planning tool. It won’t impact me. I don’t care. These are some of the comments in the press right now regarding proposed legislation to end the ability of heirs to take inherited IRAs out over their life expectancies […]