Cliff O'Conner

Qualified Personal Residence Trust (QPRT): Pros and Cons

A Qualified Personal Residence Trusts (QPRT) is an estate planning tool that can provide property owners with substantial estate and gift tax savings. However, they can be complicated to set up, and have numerous rules that must be followed. In this article, you’ll be exposed to what QPRTs are, how they work, and whether or […]

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Estate Planning for Blended Families: What is a QTIP Trust?

A Qualified Terminable Interest Property (QTIP) trust is an estate planning tool that enables a grantor (i.e. the trust’s creator) of a blended family to take care of their surviving spouse while retaining full control over the distribution of their assets, even after their surviving spouse passes away. In this article, you’ll be given a […]

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Picture of senior couple and child representing Grandparents creating a trust for their grandchildren

Trusts for Grandchildren: Generation-Skipping Trusts Pros and Cons

The generation skipping-trust (GST) is a powerful estate planning tool that can help protect your wealth for generations to come. That’s because this type of irrevocable trust allows you to pass on assets to your grandchildren and other members of future generations without incurring gift or estate taxes. In this article, you’ll be exposed to […]

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business agent explaining contract to couple, representing Charitable Remainder Trust

Charitable Remainder Trust (CRT) Pros and Cons

When it comes to charitable giving, you’ll want to make the biggest impact possible. But figuring out the best way to do so isn’t always easy. That’s because there’s a variety of charitable giving vehicles that are tailored to different individual needs and goals.  One of those vehicles is a charitable remainder trust (CRT). They […]

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Paper page with Estate Planning printed at the top with eye glasses and a pen.

Financial Estate Planning: Your Guide to Trusts, Gifting Strategies, Charitable Donations, and Taxes

Through the process of estate planning, you’re able to establish, shape, and protect your legacy.  But the strategies that will be most helpful to you will depend on your individual circumstances.  In this article, you’ll be exposed to a variety of estate planning tools that can help maximize the wealth you’re transferring to those next-in-line. […]

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Law theme, fountain pen, paper, and stamp on a desk, representing a Grantor Retained Annuity Trust for Estate Planning

Is a Grantor Retained Annuity Trust (GRAT) Right for You?

Estate planning is critical to protecting your life’s legacy. Without it, those next in line face unnecessary challenges in receiving what’s rightfully theirs. But the type of planning you, and your beneficiaries need will depend on the complexities of your estate. For those looking to leave larger amounts behind, or who have assets that could […]

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United State IRS form 5500-EZ in close up

Filing Form 5500-EZ for Your Self-Employed 401(k) Plan

Filing Form 5500-EZ for your Self-Employed 401(k) Plan There’s good news if you’re a solo entrepreneur or self-employed individual and want to enjoy the benefits of a 401(k) retirement plan: Congress has created a special type of 401(k) plan just for you. Known as a Self-Employed 401(k) or a solo 401(k), this plan is similar […]

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Business people looking at charts, representing Investing in private debt.

Investing in Private Debt

For some investors, traditional asset categories of stocks, bonds and cash equivalents aren’t enough to ensure a well-diversified portfolio. These individuals may want to consider turning to alternative assets in the private market space. These are investments that don’t fall into one of the three traditional asset categories. Some of the most common alternative assets […]

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Empty Strip Mall representing a Private Real Estate Investing opportunity

How to Invest in Private Real Estate

For some investors, the traditional asset categories of stocks, bonds and cash equivalents aren’t enough to ensure a well-diversified portfolio. In such cases, these individuals may want to consider turning to alternative assets in the private market space. Common alternative assets include private equity, private debt, private real estate and hedge funds. Because high-net worth […]

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Black folder with Hedge Fund written across the top

Hedge Funds 101: Investing in a Hedge Fund

For some investors, in order to ensure a well-diversified portfolio, the traditional asset categories of stocks, bonds and cash equivalents aren’t enough. In these instances, investors may want to consider turning to alternative assets in the private market space. These are investments that don’t fall into one of the three traditional asset categories. Some of […]

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